Reviews

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and want to explore the second-highest mountain in India, come with me on an adventurous trek to Nanda Devi.

“Faith Begins where reason ends”.

Let your faith be bigger than fears. And this book perfectly captures that. Faith is about taking that one step towards your dream, towards what excites you and here Sandeep takes us on one such journey of Faith. Sandeep takes us along on a trek to the beautiful Nanda Devi Mountain in the Himalayas. He introduces us to the ‘Goddess of Bliss’ and makes the readers fall in love with its glory. 

From sharing intriguing facts about the first three women who were successful in reaching the top of Nanda Devi in 1981 to Shipton’s exploratory instincts, Willi and Devi – the father-daughter duo who loved mountains,  the book is full of inspiring journeys of all those who have taken this trek and have been there in the lap of the Goddess. The author’s spirit of completing the trek against all odds inspires readers to never give up on their dreams.

Also Read: Life Switch by Madhuri Banerjee – Book Review

“Nanda Devi” by Sandeep Madadi is a captivating book that takes readers on a journey through the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Sandeep’s fascination with Nanda Devi and his love for the mountains is evident throughout the book. He shares his experience of exploring the forbidden inner sanctuary with his friends, providing a glimpse into the rich culture, mythology, and wildlife of the area. He shares his struggles: from navigating bad weather to spending nights in the forest while highlighting stories from other trekkers.

“Death is not too high a price to pay for a life fully lived.” 

With a candid and absorbing writing style, Sandeep shares the rich details of the culture and the history of the region, and local beliefs. He also mentions about the confluences of rivers, villages, and camps, interspersed with personal details about the difficulties he faced during his trek, including bad weather, nights in the forest, and other challenging situations.

The book is well-written, with a crisp and descriptive narrative. With each chapter, the story gets exciting, the readers remain curious about their adventurous trek and what lies ahead. The plot shifts from the present to the past which at times breaks the flow of the story, but does not spoil the reading experience.

One of my favourite chapters from the book is Devi Darshan and The Curse of the Goddess. It gave me goosebumps. I loved Raj and Sai, Sandeep’s friends, who were with him every step of the way. The moments they share together, their different personalities, their shared joy, their humility and gratitude when meeting the Goddess, made me fall in love with the trio. The spirit of the novel lies in the unforgettable life lessons they learned during their journey.

In conclusion, “Nanda Devi” is a light, delightful read, a journey that is truly worth living and experiencing. The book is not just about trekking but also about discovering our inner selves.  If you are a nature lover and an adventure lover then this book is definitely for you.

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