Book : Jasmine Builds on Shifting Sands: A Self Help Fiction
Author: Sanjay Desai
Publication: Conscious Leap publication
Pages: 134
Buy: Amazon.in
Blurb: A modern day girl Jasmine who is ready to take the Fashion industry by storm but ego and pride may take her down. While on her journey she has support from her mentor Shaheen and a photographer Bala who help her to stay grounded and give her the push that she needs to climb up the ladder of success.
Review: The book is an amalgamation of self-help with fiction to help the readers get the message more clearly.
In the first half of the book, the protagonist Jasmine is a young and motivated girl who has been a college topper and accidently stumbled into the Fashion industry. The sudden success gets over her and her attitude changes towards the people and her team. This impacts her work and people start disliking her.
But from the second half of the book, enters Bala, a photographer who takes Jasmine through spiritual talks and discussions to help her come out of her bubble and be grounded as she aims for success. The discussion in the second half of the story gets dominated by learning and teachings but towards the end, the story again comes back to life as we read about Jasmine and how she tried to implement what she has learnt from Bala.
The author has a very clear writing style without wasting time and words talking about things irrelevant to the story by over describing the setting and surroundings. Infact the learnings and teachings have been put in simple words to make it more easy to understand.
The characterization is also very realistic. A young girl who tastes success at an early age gets wrongly influenced by it and how a mentor helps her come out it is very relatable, as it could have happened to any one of us. Bala, who helps Jasmine with his philosophical ideas is also a character we all can relate to, like anyone who would guide or advise a friend/family during their tough times.
My Views: I am not a person who enjoys reading self-help books and with this book I tried to break the wall and step into reading this genre. And to my delight, I was not disappointed and really enjoyed reading this book as the learnings and teachings were made a part of a fictional story making it interesting. Though I would have enjoyed some more drama in the story to spice it up a bit. The book is an easy read and can be completed in one sitting with its lucid language and easy flow of the story.
The author has shared QR codes in the book after each chapter and after scanning them, you will be taken to sections on ConciousLeap where one can take the desired course. This way the author has allowed the readers to d access more insight into the teachings shared in the book.
A wonderful and an easy read and set in the modern times, I would recommend this book to people who are looking for self-development.
My rating: 4/5
34 replies on “Jasmine Builds on Shifting Sands: A self Help Fiction – Book Review”
Nice review. This is the genre thag i also have not tried. Thanks for sharing the review. I liked the straight forward way you put across the review without beating around the bush.
Sounds good!
Easy read, you say.
This book is really a gem and it is perfect for people who are starting to read self help book.
Yes. It was my 1st book in self help genre too and I really enjoyed it.
I like to read self help books but never get a chance to read it in a fiction book form. this one sounds really interesting to me. thanks for sharing your honest review dear. will check out this for sure.
I am not into fiction book reading.. but this review makes me feel I should read for leisure purpouse and to break my monotony.. thank you dear
Never have read a self help book this looks good to go with definitely will be checking out looks good thank you for sharing the honest review..
Self-help fiction sounds intersting. The title of the book is intriguing and borrows heavily from the storyline. Bala is a character I would love to read about! Sorry, Jasmine. 🙂
Somehow I’m also not a person who loves self help books, but the storyline and the adaptation looks interesting to me here. I’ll check it out.
There are two things that have attracted me to pick up this book after reading your review. One is the fact that it’s not a typical self-help book with boring learnings, I really like that the author has used a fictional story to impart the lessons. And the other is the QR codes that are linked to the courses for the benefit of the readers. I may pick up this one.
Sounds like a great book. I like the books that that have not just pure motivational content but a story weaved around while giving the message.
Self-help fiction sounds interesting. I really like the cover of the book. Seems like a good read . Will check out.
Self help book with a plain words is easy to understand than any fancy vocabulary. And I too like the idea of having the QR code so that readers can dig deep into particular learning if they wish too.
I am also reading this book, thoughts on it coming soon .
Amalgamation of self help and fiction is the latest rage these days. It is fhs easiest way of motivation as the readers would be intrigued to know how the plot develops.
Frankly, even I too find self-help books less interesting but this book has blended fiction along with spiritual teachings. As well as desired courses are also mentioned in each chapter to motivate and practise what’s been preached. Will add this one to my TBR list.Thanks, for the honest review.
I also find it difficult to read self help books or any kind of non fiction. I am a pure fiction buff. But this style of mixing self help with a story line sounds exactly like my thing. Thanks for the review. Will check it out.
Self help book with a splash of fiction makes it an interesting read. In today’s times such books are being liked by many readers. Will try amd get my hands on this one.
Thanks for sharing honest review about this book.This book has been on my reading list for a while! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy and begin reading it soon.
This seems like an awesome book for someone who needs to take that first plunge into self care. It’s difficult with the amount of responsibilities upon us as adults. But we should make time.
I actually liked reading this book. I gifted it to some of my friends too.
Great review btw!
The book sounds interesting. My interest was piqued by the fact that the book blends fiction with self-help aspects, making it unique in that context.
j love to read self help books but I have never ever read In a story or fiction form.. this one seems enticing thought .. cant wait to try
The book seems really good. My bestie loves reading self help books.. I will share this with her.
I liked the storyline. This is something relatable as many times ego overpower.
Also, self-help books is a good read for everyone. Will read this.
Surely do… I’m sure you will enjoy the book
I like the fact that it is an easy read so everyone can easily understand. It is good for beginners. I would gift it further.
Yes a simple read that gets the message clearly to the reader without beating around the Bush.
Personally, I know of a lot of friends in my circle who keep asking for book recommendations on self help. This one fits the bill perfectly and I wouldn’t mind suggesting it to them 🙂
Oh surely do so. They would really enjoy reading this book.
Helping yourself for a better tomorrow is the best thing one can ever do for himself/herself. This blog post sheds some light on the same and I am glad.
Indeed. Nothing above selfcare and sale love.
Reading your review had made me order this book! Yes, it is on its way to me! Love your review style! Self help is the most important
Oh that’s awesome. Do let me know your views on it.