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Latest Reviews

Review: Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Review and Author Interview: The Wall by Gautam Bhatia
Review: Hidden in Plain Sight by Jeffrey Archer

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Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour

Rating: 🔖🔖🔖.5

Getting straight to the point, the cover is honestly what compelled me to pick up this book initially. It's definitely a little funky in an urban way. So when I read the blurb which said 'for fans of The Wolf of Wall Street', 'satirical', 'cult-like and wildly successful startup', I knew I had to give the book a go.

Black Buck set in the backdrop of modern day NYC, focusing on a young man called Darren Vendor and his journey from being an unambitious 22 year old to a ruthless super successful salesman in a matter of months when given the right opportunity.

"But freedom, true freedom, the kind where you do what you want without fear, comes at a cost."

Darren starts calling himself Buck, engulfed by the craziness of the startup culture around him and alienated by the ones closest to him, will he be able to find his way back home?

Read the entire review on my blog. Link in bio!

Even if you're on a lookout for non-fictional works, this novel’s fictional narrative is still giving nuggets of real-world advice on sales - kind of like a Sales 101 - and occasionally strays into the self-help territory. The book also addresses some serious topics in the USA - its corporatised culture, racism, and how the term 'diversity' is being exploited in most workplaces to suit different agendas.

It is definitely a conversation starter and one which I would recommend that you read on a lighter note. You will need to constantly remind yourself that it is satirical as there are many jaw clenching moments for those more sensitive, such as those which include blatant racism and constant micro-aggression. There are even a few questionable scenes in the book such as Buck's methods to teach sales which didn’t work for me personally.

I'd like to thank @netgalley and @hmhbooks for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

#theurbanreader #blackbuck #mateoaskaripour #netgalley #january #januarytbr #bookreview #diversityfeatures #letsreadownvoices #OwnVoices #ownvoiceauthor #bipocbookstagram #bipocauthor #bipocinstagram #salestips #sales101 #bookblogger #flatlayindia #flatlaysquad #mybookfeatures #bookishfeatures #booksofinstagram

Hi everyone! It’s a special special day for me,

Hi everyone! It’s a special special day for me, as I celebrate my second bookstaversery, I’d like to begin by thanking you all for being a part of my journey. For those of you who recently joined my journey, I am Surbhi and I’m from India! Two years ago, I decided to start The Urban Reader as a new project simply to capture and share my reading experiences with those willing to know. In an urban fashion it all began in a coffee house (ironically, I didn’t even like coffee back then) with 20 seconds of insane courage! Two years, 171 posts, multiple reviews, four readalongs and so many beautiful connections later, here I am.

I’ve always been a reader, as a kid my parents would take me to the local library every weekend which eventually became my favourite place to be no matter where I was in the world. When I created this account, I had no idea what Bookstagram was. But eventually, through IG suggestions (which weren’t all that bad back then) I came across many more folks like y’all who were sharing their reading experiences too! The very first book I picked up because “BG made me do it” was The Bear and the Nightingale for which @kavyabookish and @pjwalebaabu were hosting a readalong!

My favorite genre is undoubtedly fantasy and LoTR is my all-time favorite series to go back to! The book I’ve read the most and worn out is The Hobbit. I absolutely love everything Tolkiens and oh how I wish to someday stay at Hobbiton! A fictional character I’d love to befriend is Juniper Jones from The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones because of her energy and enthusiasm for life!

My favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. Pancakes, momos, shwarma and butter chicken with naan count as comfort food to me, I never buy chocolates for myself and I cannot wait to try Korean food soon! Also, when I am not on bookstagram or when I’m not reading a book, you’ll find me creating art, swimming, talking to my favorite set of people, staring at a food menu, exploring the city and trying to perfect the recipe to making the softest gooiest chocolate chip cookies (and not burning them).

Contd. in comments... 🤭

💟BOOKSTAVERSARY GIVEAWAY💟 First of all, hap

💟BOOKSTAVERSARY GIVEAWAY💟

First of all, happy festivities guys! Whichever one you celebrate today - Magh, Pongal, Makar Sankranti, just a regular Thursday - I do hope you have a great one! 🌻

Tomorrow, I'll be celebrating two years of Bookstagram and a whole year of blogging! So here's a special giveaway from my end to say thankyou to you all for sticking by for the last two years in the lil way I know best. ❤️

One winner has the opportunity to win both the paperback copies of The Mountain Sings by @nguyenphanquemai_ AND The House in the Cerulean Sea by @tjklunebooks 🤩

💝 Here are the rules:
1) Gimme a follow if you haven't already, cause more of these are done throughout the year.
2) Like and share on your stories. Remember to tag me so that I know and can drop your name in the hat.
3) Tag three people in a single comment. (Do this only once)

✨ Extra info:
1) Open to Indian residents only cause International shipping isn't viable for me at the moment, sorry guys.
2) This is not affiliated with Instagram or anyone else.
3) Giveaway ends on 20th Jan.

Goodluck folks! 💕

#theurbanreader #indiangiveaway #giveawayindia #bookstagram #bookstaversary #bookbloggerindia #thebigbookbox #tbbbox #delhibookstagram #bipocbookstagram #themountainsings #thehouseintheceruleansea

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing:

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

Let these books remind you of hope during adversities. Let them remind you why war is never okay. Let them remind you to be more open in your discussions especially when times are turbulent. Let them remind you to cherish your loved ones often. Let them remind you to use your voice. Let them remind you that you're not being petty when you stand up for the right thing, no matter how small it may be.

War isn't about who's right, it's about who all are left.

#qotd - What's your favourite war based historical fiction book?

#theurbanreader #worldwar2 #bipocbookstagram #mansearchformeaning #beekeeperofaleppo #theyellowbirdsings #historicalfiction #bookblogger #bookstagramindia #flatlayindia #flatlaysquad #bookishfeatures #hope #war #survival #thebigbookbox #delhibookstagram #bookrecommendations #winterreading #january #bookishcandles #warisnottheanswer

I didn't have the best start to 2021, to be honest

I didn't have the best start to 2021, to be honest I wasn't hoping for one either. I did wanna post my January TBR sooner but life happens and things hold you back, sometimes you hold yourself back too. But here it is, bringing you my January TBR:

📚 Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley - which I finished reading already.
📚 Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour - which I'm currently reading.
📚 The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang - which I'll be reading for #TheUrbanWarAlong
📚 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - because I promised myself on my birthday to start reading classics.

Now, coming to the difficult bit. I've been struggling with anxiety and everything that comes with it - since November - and it's been hard. It's harder to acknowledge it here. I've taken my breaks, I've not forced myself into posting content or even reading books, I've written affirmations - which I'm now seeing so many others doing too and that makes me so happy - but for me Bookstagram isn't the problem. I love coming here and doing my thing, interacting over books and everything in general, so I'm hoping this is the one thing which will help me pull through too.

I'm mostly an optimistic person so I know this isn't a losing battle, mostly cause I've been a fighter all my life. I'll cry a lot. But hey, I've been swimming since I was 4 so I know I won't stop kicking and man that makes me feel strong.

What I need you to know is that my engagement isn't going to be a 100%. So much of my energy is going to be for me because I'm priority right now. But with whatever energy I can, I'll be doing my best to interact often.

And like that saying goes, life doesn't get easier, you just get better. So no new year, new me. Just another day and a better me. ❤️

PS, I'm blessed to be surrounded by some really encouraging and kind hearted people so to them, thank you for always checking up on me. It means a lot. More than I could express. ✨

Firekeeper's Daughter by @angelineboulley Rating

Firekeeper's Daughter by @angelineboulley

Rating: 🔖🔖🔖🔖🔖

Dear Firekeeper's Daughter,

As you keep the secret, live the lie and eventually earn your truth, I hope that every single step of the way from here on, you feel accepted and unconditionally loved.

I hope that for you someday will be soon and that you'll have those happy mornings and days with someone as soon as you're ready.

Love,
The Urban Reader

Review:

Firekeeper’s Daughter is a coming-of-age story about a geeky bad*** girl – Daunis. It’s one of the most amazing YA debut novels I’ve read in a while! Though a book I’d definitely place under the category of a genre-bender, read the entire review on my blog to find out how! Link in bio!

The narrative is – quoting @erins_library – “unapologetically Anishinaabe” which makes it so much more impactful! The depiction of the Anishinaabe people, their culture and traditions was a pleasure to read and learn about through the entire course of this novel. Angeline Boulley has allowed her reader’s to take a plunge into the Anishinaabe community without abandoning the plot or the characters and moreover without making it overwhelming to read about.

Swipe for a fascinating thing I’d like to draw your attention to - the cover of the book, which like the entire novel is brilliantly thought through and you might miss it if you don’t pay close attention: you’ll start by noticing the overall butterfly like formation which signifies good luck, further down towards the middle you’ll notice a wolf which represents protection or you may also see it as a fox which represents misfortune and lastly towards the tip of the wings you’ll see an eagle which holds great significance when it comes to honouring and healing other people, it is also the messenger of the Anishinaabe people.

I’d like to thank @oneworldpublications and @rocktheboatnews for sending the ARC of this phenomenal book which comes out in March this year and chii miigwech to the author for writing this story. N’Angeline, ndeh gidowaa.

CW: meth addiction, grief, rape

#letsreadownvoices #bipocbookstagram #mybookfeatures

The Wall by Gautam Bhatia

Rating: 🔖🔖🔖🔖.5

This time around I decided to give you five reasons as to why you should read this book:
• The book is well-paced and the story structure is as such that while dropping enough hints of what may be yet to come, also keeps you wondering and hence you continue to keep reading on.
• If you love beautiful personifications used for nature, you’ll definitely love this book.
• Are you a sucker for MCs who will give everything they have to stand by what they believe in? Yes? Get ready to meet Mithila and her friends!
• If you’re looking for a SFF that isn’t centred on a patriarchal Caucasian culture with a straight lead, then this one fits the bill
• Lastly, The Wall is capable of stirring up a storm of emotions, especially towards the end and while it’s a duology and while you may have a lot of questions, the author does a brilliant job of not leaving you at a cliff hanger which will make you not feel angry.

But if you want to read the entire review and a bonus author interview, head over to the blog! Gautam had some really amazing book recommendations and insights to share!

If you've made it this far, there's a very special giveaway for all of you. Here's your chance to win a signed copy of The Wall! All you have to do is:
1. Make sure to follow @gautam_bhatia_books and me.
2. Comment your favourite SFF and tag three friends (max 3 times)
3. Share on your stories and make sure you tag us.

- The giveaway is open till 05-Jan-21 and for all those residing in India and the UK.
- This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.

#thewall #gautambhatia #theurbanreader #harpercollinsindia #readwithhci #sff #hindumythology #sumer #revolution #december #builders #indiansff #indianauthors #flatlaysquad #flatlays #winterreading #ukgiveaway #indiangiveaway #bipocbookstagram #diversityfeatures #diversereads #readdiversebooks #bookishfeatures #bookreview #bookgiveaway

Helloooo folks! Hope you've been safe and not sick

Helloooo folks! Hope you've been safe and not sick over the long weekend. 💛

So this is my pretty spine book stack. And I'm sharing it with y'all because I want to. 😍😋 The books in the stack being:

✨ Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
✨ Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
✨ Circe by @madeline.e.miller
✨ Fairytales from the Brother's Grimm
✨ Ten Thousand Doors of January by @alix.e.harrow

Here's a reading update cause it's been a while on that:
☕ I finished reading The Wall and you have a review followed by an author interview with @gautam_bhatia_books who kindly agreed to one coming up soon! I highly recommend the book, you'll find out why in the review. Also, a special year end surprise too.
☕ I started reading The Blue Horse by @sengupta_nandini and am reading one story a day. So a review for this will be up soon too.
☕ I couldn't stop myself and I started reading Firekeeper's Daughter by @angelineboulley and when I was 50 pages in, I was already hooked to the book. It is SO good. So here's another pointer on why to read the book apart from the many reasons you have already.

#qotd Which author would you love to definitely read in 2021?
For me, the author's are @kuangrf and @tjenkinsreid ❤️

PS, remember the time when folks were doing that book balancing/lifting challenge? Yea. It's hard. Clicking this picture was hard. 😅🙈

#theurbanreader #firekeepersdaughter #angelineboulley #oneworldpublications #rocktheboatnews #advancedreaderscopy #gifted #indigenouspeople #yabookstagram #yathriller #yabooks #indigenous #weneeddiversebooks #diversebooks #diversityfeatures #ownvoices #representationmatters #bipocauthor #indigenousliterature #2021releases #comingsoon #letsradownvoices #thewall #gautambhatia #indiansff #beautifulspines #beautifulbookstack #bookbalance #bipocbookstagram

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The Urban Reader @theurban_reader·

I don't know what a good hair day is anymore. It's now called oh-i-finally-decided-to-comb-my-hair day.

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The Urban Reader @theurban_reader·

This is one of my most anticipated reads for 2021 and I just received a digital galley for it! Can't wait to read it!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Thankyou @aliettedb @TorDotComPub

#FireheartTiger

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The Urban Reader @theurban_reader·

In high school, if one of your girlfriends got chocolates from her boyfriend, it'd HAD to be shared with the entire group.

I miss that as an adult.

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The Urban Reader @theurban_reader·

Thanks for this @thebooksatchel 🌼

Resh Susan@thebooksatchel

So pleased to collab for this GIVEAWAY (India only). Two copies of the fantastic book Ghosts, Monsters and Demons of India up for grabs.
- Follow me and @blaftness
- Like, and RT this tweet
- comment with any folklore/supernatural being that intrigues you

Ends 16th Jan 2021. 🌟 2

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The Urban Reader @theurban_reader·

Why aren't people talking about this?!?!?

The Captain@sgrstk

It's painfully obvious how many celebrities and "influencers" are only comfortable saying or posting whatever appears to be trending — instead of having their own opinions or feelings. And, why would you ever look up to someone who is only comfortable being just like everyone?

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