Keen to learn more about inclusive workplaces? Want to be inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community? Download our special report with Randstad India on making Inclusion without Exception happen
Mahevash Shaikh tackles popular proverbs that we live by in her book Busting Cliches, and brings a depth to them we sometimes might not know of.
When I had resigned from my corporate job to pursue my creative interests, there was a polarizing reaction from family, friends and acquaintances. While some were extremely supportive and confident about me, a few others thought it was a foolish decision and asked me to think through it again objectively and practically. I remember an acquaintance telling me – “Anupama, look before you leap. It may not be worthwhile to take this risk.”.
At that point, I was clear that I am not going to go around justifying myself to anyone, so I imperturbably responded – “I have already looked before taking the leap. I am aware of the risks and am ready for it.”
Busting Cliches by Mahevash Shaikh does exactly this – makes us see these popular sayings/proverbs in a new light and helps us to understand their true essence.
At the outset, I want to clarify that I am not a fan of self-help books. I have tried reading a few in the past but could never warm up to them. But, this book is different because it is not a one-sided philosophical lecture but an experience which involves the reader all the way through. Mahevash Shaikh presents this book to us in an easy to understand, structured and lucid format. She strikes the right balance and makes it both, an enlightening and enjoyable read. What works the most about the book is her realistic approach in busting the clichés which may act as hurdles in our life’s journey and have the potential to limit our growth due to misinterpretation. Because, after all, our beliefs and attitude influence our decisions and the path we choose to march on.
The book picks 20 well-known proverbs and systematically analyses it for the readers.
The author approaches this by beginning with the intended meaning and misunderstood version of the cliché. She follows this up with a popular music reference and a visual depiction with an example which I thought was pretty unique and effective. Then comes the takeaway which is not the typical empty or hackneyed “gyaan” but rather, it comes from a place of experience, sensibility and a keen understanding of life and its ways.
The tone is gentle and thought-provoking because of which the author almost seems like that wise and reliable friend who we would never hesitate to run to for advice. What I absolutely loved in this book is the inclusion of the sections “They said it” and “They experienced it” in which she has shared the quotes and stories of eminent personalities. This is not just inspiring but also lends that extra layer of authenticity and credibility to the book.
There is also a “Think” section for each cliché which encourages us to ponder and introspect, and pen down our thoughts related to it and our life experiences. Similarly, the penultimate blank pages are for us to open up and write about the clichés which get to us and what we plan to do about handling them. The book ends with a brilliant list of recommended movies/books/websites to guide us, motivate us and aid us in transforming our deep-rooted thinking and perspectives.
Because of its compact size and design, Busting Cliches is more like a diary/handbook which one can easily carry anywhere. You can read how much ever you want to at one go, and can always re-visit the book at convenience as the impact would remain the same. It should ideally be read multiple times at different stages in life. Every time you read it, you will absorb the contents differently which will usher in new ideas and thought processes to your mind. You don’t need to be going through a tough time to read the book. It is also imprudent to expect the book to suddenly or drastically change you from within after reading it. Invest in it to grow, evolve and learn progressively, and you will not be disappointed!
If you’d like to pick up Busting Cliches by Mahevash Shaikh, use our affiliate links: at Amazon India, and at Amazon US.
Women’s Web gets a small share of every purchase you make through these links, and every little helps us continue bringing you the reads you love!
Book cover via Amazon and header image is a still from the movie Bride and Prejudice
Multiple award winning blogger, influencer, author, multi-faceted entrepreneur, creative writing mentor, choreographer, social activist and a wanderer at heart read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, indivisual posts do not necessarily represent the platofrom's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Neelu might have outwardly forgiven Ramesh, but in her mind, which once was filled with unconditional love for Ramesh, there was now a seed of resentment.
Ramesh’s footsteps paused at the entrance of the hotel’s ballroom. Inside, his school’s reunion party was going in full swing. The air was heavy, as expensive perfumes and the aroma of food from the buffet table, mingled. There were low murmurs, tinkling laughs and clinks of cutlery.
Ramesh had not wanted to come, knowing that she would be there. She, Neelu, who once had been the love of his life. Taking a deep breath, Ramesh entered the room. His eyes found Neelu almost immediately. She still looked the same. Maybe there was now grey in her hair and a few wrinkles on her face. But her vivacity, her mannerisms were still the same. Things, that had first attracted him.
Stop glorifying biological parenthood - other methods of growing a family are just as valid, and completely a couple's choice, especially of the woman whose body goes through pregnancy and birth.
Stop glorifying biological parenthood – other methods of growing a family are just as valid, and completely a couple’s choice, especially of the woman whose body goes through pregnancy and birth.
Trigger Warning: Contains derogatory remarks about having a baby through surrogacy or any means other than giving birth through biological means, and may be triggering, especially to adoptive parents.
Recently Priyanka Chopra Jonas announced parenthood by surrogacy. This has once again sparked the debate about ethical surrogacy, which is a discussion for another day.
Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear explores the magic of creativity in everyday life without being preachy or boring!
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear explores the magic of creativity in everyday life without being preachy or boring!
My excitement is at an absolute peak. I have discovered a book which from the get-go I knew I wanted everyone to know about. The kind of book that speaks to you in a way, without sounding preachy or condescending. A book which helps one to understand their creative process in the most insightful way. A book which explores the layers of the creative persona of writers, and provides a level of inspiration which seemed impossible to attain through the pages of a book.
Some might call it a self-help book but I consider it to one of the best reads on creative living for a generation of people coming into awareness of their passion and the journey of the same. Elizabeth Gilbert of the famous ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ penned her experiences and learnings and titled it – Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.
The Staunch Book Prize aims to award thrillers where no violence against women is committed. A nuanced take on whether this is needed.
The Staunch Book Prize aims to award thrillers where no violence against women is committed. However, if women’s suffering is a reality, then shouldn’t literature portray those but with greater empathy?
I am a voracious reader, and while I read books in many different genres, the genre I enjoy the most, and which I keep wanting to read is crime fiction, or thrillers. Which is why, when I heard about the Staunch Prize, I had to introspect on the question of crimes against women, and how they are portrayed in fiction.
The Staunch Book Prize has been launched recently, and it will be awarded to “the author of a novel in the thriller genre, in which no woman is beaten, stalked, sexually exploited, raped or murdered.” The originator of the Prize, writer Bridget Lawless, has said that the idea for the prize came to her in a moment of “inspired frustration,” after seeing numerous movies featuring rape as a plot device at last year’s Baftas.