Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
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, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Neena was the sole caregiver of Amma and though one would think that Amma was dependent on her, Neena felt otherwise.
Neena inhaled the aroma that emanated from the pan and took a deep breath. The aroma of cumin interspersed with butter transported her back to the modest kitchen in her native village. She could picture her father standing in the kitchen wearing his white crisp kurta as he made delectable concoctions for his only daughter.
Neena grew up in a home where both her parents worked together in tandem to keep the house up and running. She had a blissful childhood in her modest two-room house. The house was small but every nook and cranny gave her memories of a lifetime. Neena’s young heart imagined that her life would follow the same cheerful course. But how wrong she was!
When she was sixteen, the catastrophic clutches of destiny snatched away her parents. They passed away in a road accident and Neena was devastated. Relatives thronged her now gloomy house and soon it was decided that she should be married off.
Being a writer, Nivedita Louis recognises the struggles of a first-time woman writer and helps many articulate their voice with development, content edits as a publisher.
“I usually write during night”, says author Nivedita Louis during our conversation. Chuckling she continues,” It’s easier then to focus solely on writing. Nivedita Louis is a writer, with varied interests and one of the founders of Her Stories, a feminist publishing house, based in Chennai.
In a candid conversation she shared her journey from small-town Tamil Nadu to becoming a history buff, an award-winning author and now a publisher.
Nivedita was born and raised in a small town in Tamil Nadu. It was for schooling that she first arrived in Chennai. Then known as Madras, she recalls being awed by the city. Her love-story with the city, its people and thus began which continues till date. She credits her perseverance and passion to make a difference to her days as a vocational student among the elite sections of Madras.
Please enter your email address