Book Review: Saturday Stories
Genre: Short Stories
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Total Pages: 167
Author: Rashmi Bansal
About the Author:
Rashmi Bansal a writer, entrepreneur and a youth expert is an author to 7 bestselling books on entrepreneurship which have sold more than 1 million copies with 12 language translations, including Korean and Vietnamese.
Her popular books include ‘Stay Hungry Stay Foolish’, ‘Connect the Dots’ and ‘Take Me Home’.
Her latest book ‘God’s Own Kitchen’ is an inspiring story of Akshaya Patra – a social enterprise run by monks and CEOs.
Rashmi co-founded JAM (Just Another Magazine) which went on to become India’s most popular youth magazine. Her popular blog Youth Curry-Insight on Indian Youth, features her writings on youth, careers and entrepreneurship.
Rashmi is a columnist on Rediff.com and is a regular contributor to Business World magazine. She has also been consulting Editor with business news channel Bloomberg UTV where she hosted India’s first call-in show on careers ‘Stay Hungry’.
She is also the founder of bloodygoodbook.com, a platform to discover and e-publish budding authors.
Rashmi mentors numerous students and young entrepreneurs and has spoken at various corporates and institutes of national and international repute namely, IIM Ahmedabad, ISB Hyderabad and Kellogg School of Management. She graduated in Economics from Sophia College, Mumbai and did her MBA from IIM Ahmedabad in 1993.
Book Cover:
Very Simple and relaxing cover with a sun soaked, lush green park. And under the tree is a park bench. It looks like it is kept for the reader to sit, relax and enjoy the book.
How is the Book:
The books as quite a few special things first is almost every story ends with a twist-in-tale. At the end of each story you will find a QR code, and when you scan the QR code you get to hear the journey and impact of the story on the author’s life and a few tips from the authors creative journey.
Most of the stories are based in Covid era, and show cases how it has affected different lives differently.
Pus in the last part of the book, you get to read stories from budding writers, people who are taking a writing course with Rashmi. I liked the practical exposure given to the budding writers.
Writing Style:
Honestly, I am yet to read Rashmi’s non-fictional books. As one of the bestselling Indian authors I am sure she has a knack of keeping the reader gripped and involved. Writing style is smooth, and relatable.
Some grey areas are:
Covid has shown all of us mostly bad days, and keep visiting that dark times again and again is not a great deal. Plus so much has been written about it that its very cliché now. The back drop for the stories could have been different for a different and more positive impact, however may be the author on purpose kept that theme which is completely justified.
Final Verdict:
This book is a leisure read, either on a quite Saturday afternoon or while traveling this can be a great companion.
Rashmi Bansal, a renowned author and entrepreneur known for her bestselling books on entrepreneurship, has published “Saturday Stories,” a collection of short stories comprising 167 pages, through HarperCollins India.The book features stories often concluding with a twist, and each story ends with a QR code providing insights into the author’s journey and tips. The tales primarily revolve around the COVID-19 era, showcasing its varied impacts on different lives. Towards the end, the book includes stories from aspiring writers participating in Rashmi’s writing course, offering practical exposure. The writing style is smooth and relatable, although the recurring focus on the pandemic’s negative aspects might feel clichéd. Overall, it’s recommended as a leisurely read for a quiet Saturday afternoon or during travel.
Grab your copy on amazon: Saturday Stories By Rashmi Bansal
Recently I read Unbroken by Indrani Mukherjea, if you want to understand the Murder story through her lens check my review first.
Thanks to #bookchatter bookreview program by the blogchatter, for bringing this book my way.
This post is part of Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
Your review makes me conclude that “Saturday Stories ” may not be my cup of tea because I have had enough of covid, and I do not wish to relive it anymore.
Nice review. The cover is indeed relaxing.
Sounds good but honestly, I avoid reading stories that are (significantly) set in Covid period.
The book sounds really unique in the manner it has involved the QR code and the author’s thoughts on each stories. I also like how she has used this as a platform to give wings to aspiring authors.
Will check out the book thanks to your review now 🙂
I have been a big fan of Rashmi Bansal from my college days because of her writing topics that included real-life stories of successful people. I love to read true stories and biographies, thus her books always grab my attention. This book cover is very eye-soothing.
Informative post. I learned a lot about Rashmi Bansal through your post. I’m aware of her book, ‘Stay Hungry; Stay Foolish,’ but your post drew my attention to her numerous other activities, too.
I would give Covid-19 stories a miss, as they are too sad. However, I do find the QR code part interesting. I would certainly like to try that for one story. Maybe, if I could borrow a book, then I will try this. I will also check out her website for authors.
What a unique idea with the QR Code! I’m just imaging the thought and vulnerability that goes into putting yourself out there in such a real way to even put your voice out there for people to listen to. Especially about COVID, which was such a hit to everyone in its own way. I also want to mention how much I love your review structure! Lovely review!
I would like to try reading this especially because it is a leisure read. I need to read something before I sleep but my current read is a little too non-interesting!
Well Covid Indeed created a negative impact in each one of our life but it also gave opportunity to many like me to think beyond regular protocol work nature. During this period my first solo book got released followed by 3 anthology compilation under @indiacafe24 …. so I have some good memories also during Covid time/ Keeping all these plus and minus of Covid duration and based on your review I wish to give this book a read.
The QR code part looks like an innovative way to get the readers to invest in the storytelling.
Thanks for this review.
Lovely review but I think I will give this book a miss. Though I was glad to read about Rashmi Bansal and her body of work. So will check out her previous books. And thanks for the recommendation!
Interesting. And I agree with you that much has been written about the Covid period. Was this book published back then? In that case, it is justified, I suppose.
Such a nicely structured review. I’ve heard a lot about Rashmi Bansal, but I am yet to read any of her works (and this doesn’t sound up my alley, honestly!). But such a nicely written review 🙂
I read earlier books from the author but stories with Covid backdrop will be too personal and traumatic to read. Not sure if I am ready to read it yet, may be after few years. Nice review
Wasn’t aware of this writer, so thanks for sharing. It’s great that she has also given space to her students in her book – what a lovely way to encourage them!
Wow, I learned a lot about the author from your review. Understandable that we have developed COVID-19 fatigue, I will dive into the author’s other books, so thanks for bringing it up here.
I haven’t read the author till now. But your interview makes me want to pick her book right away.
Nice review. Got this book from Harper Collins. Will check it out.
It’s a little early for me to read Covid stories. I do like the idea of that QR code to guide you to more information. That’s something new.
Yes the concept is unique
I haven’t had the chance to read Rashmi Bansal’s books. Thank you for introducing her to us in great detail. Incorporating the QR code into each story sounds interesting but I agree with going overboard of Covid-era stories. Time we moved beyond them.
Thank you for participating in the blog hop, Ujjwal.