Free book? You get ‘free books’ to read and review?

Is beta reading and book reviewing as scrumptious as getting a free book? Eyes gleaming, a new package reaches your doorstep, the cracking of the envelope, too excited to grab a pair of scissors you may just tear at the package the moment you get it! But what else goes beyond that?

A misplaced comma irks you, poor structuring annoys you, improper tenses cause itching (they do), and you are actually like that gardener,  plucking out the weeds, trimming extra leaves to reach the story and make sense of the beauty that awaits you. Finding it, carving it, like a sculptor, sometimes holding a carving knife (your mind) to flesh out the story, the sense of holding the book may tire you.

Well, as a beta reader and reviewer, I can’t help but become an editor and a proofreader too, even though nobody demands that of me. But, even if a story (Aumnism) is great, the characters relatable, and the whiff of history refreshing, you might not help but wonder how much better a story, a book could be when infused with editing and proofreading. Can’t tell you how many times I scream ‘WHAT’ at poorly edited drafts and stories.

Long story short, an overdue review, and here I’m after months of getting this book sent by  Swapnil Arora Sir.  I read Aumnisim in just 2 days.

The innocence, the history, the descriptions, the essence of meditation and energies, and the practices get to you. The falling and getting back, the aspects of our story, how we grow up, and what societal pressure leads to – he has been thoughtful to add it.  You might find those extra commas, the hanging words, and sloppy sentences fallen like bricks but eventually, you make your way.

Being a reviewer is perhaps finding the balance between the best and the not-so-good parts. I could sense the attempt at creating something, presenting something, and a yearning to make sense while reading this book. And, I liked how the victimization cycle chosen by the main character ended with him by accepting he was acting like a victim. And, I must add how truthfully the second portion of the book is written. We all journey alone, while people accompany us. They might journey along but our journey is our call to take.

A good attempt by Swapnil Arora Sir but I preferred the second part more, and wished for the first part to be more concise and less preachy!

The magic of editing and proofreading will do the needful for this promising book by Swapnil Arora!