Title | : | The THC: Under a Gibbous Moon |
Author | : | |
Rating | : | |
ISBN | : | 1946129828 |
ISBN-10 | : | 9781946129826 |
Language | : | English |
Format Type | : | Paperback |
Number of Pages | : | 204 |
Publication | : | Published October 23, 2016 |
Sanjaneka stared and stared, unable to utter the simple words aloud.
Why is Sanjaneka unable to love herself? What past is she running away from?
How does an Uber ride help Samar to save his marriage?
Why does the dull moonlight of a gibbous moon trouble Varun so much?
Three lives. One Utopian centre.
The Total Holistic Centre (The THC) welcomes the broken and those looking for closure through its doors and works its magic to return them to the world fulfilled. This is the story of these three troubled souls who seek solace at the centre, indulge in its unusual treatment and find the cures to their ailments in surprising places.
A book on loss, longing and changing circumstances, The THC dives into uncomfortable topics that are usually swept under the rug: fragile relationships, deteriorating marriages, addictions, impotence, and the delicate bond between fathers and sons.
Welcome to the THC
The THC: Under a Gibbous Moon Reviews
-
Three complete stranger Sanjaneka, Samar and Varun who were in their late forties or early fifties met in Holistic Center. Apart from their physical problem they were in Center for psychological problems. Sanjaneka was scared of sex, while Samar had impotency (due to age); and Varun was depressed due to social rejection. Books covered good insights on how a holistic center should be. Center was able to help patients about their physical problems but psychological issues they have to work on it on their own with help.
Each character had complex sexual relations reason behind their psychological disorder. These relations were covered through out story. While sharing or retelling or writing down those incidents gradually help them to break from their problems. An average read for adults.
Detailed Review Posted On -
http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/01... -
A book on loss,longings and changing circumstances- authors words
This book has been with me like 2 and half years now and went through many hands before coming to me!! Its really helpful to read people heal but the point of their trauma is their mundane life itself and their incompetence to maintain relationships-books gets boring midway through but so does life and thats what is addressed in detail - "mundane like of normal people" not many authors try that and for that i respect it deeply but there was room for improvement plus the erotic sequences were too nice(not good just too nice)-only the first one was explicit and exceptional.
There was an editorial mistake on page 145 para second word four-referring Sanjaneka as Sanjana and another grammatical error i dont recall as of now!!!its good for casual reading. -
The THC stands for ‘Total Holistic Centre’ a wellness health farm to help its patients to move on in their life, helps them in accepting their past and cure by naturopathy and consultation with the team of doctors.
The main characters of the story Samar, Sanjaneka and Varun came to THC to cure their ailment and become friends on a lunch table. The book unfolds their life story and reason of their ailment – physical and mental. They are running from their past, fighting with the present and wants peace in future. Surprisingly, Sanjaneka and Varun are connected to each other by their relation to the other person and the climax of the story is even more surprising.
The story runs in past as their ailment is the result of the choices they had made in their life. The story has erotic content. The book covers in length, how a holistic centre works and the treatment they provide to their patients, which at some places seems stretched. The plot is intriguing and new, the narration is crystalline. The book talks about love, sex, betrayal, and expectations. From the cover, it seems a YA romance novel but the characters are near or completed half of the century of their life. The story is of life of three main characters and choices which land them into a wellness centre, to find the cure and looking for a closure and completion. -
In a line it can be said a one time read. The lifes of Samar, Varun and Sanjaneka have been distinctly portrayed and the connection between each character is sensitively woven. Attempt to show the healing of THC can be seen. However compared to the first book of the Author BNO, Unnecessary hype to adultery is slightly reduced in this book. Simple narration. Unnecessary explanations and situations is evident with respect to adultery for example, The casual catch up of friends discussing about their personal life highlighting the physical intimate phases to talk on their impotence was not required. And Sanjaneka's incident on a certain afternoon dint require such a detailed explanation.
-
The story of the book The THC Under a Gibbous Moon is about three different individuals, complete stranger Sanjaneka, Samar and Varun who were in their late forties or early fifties met in Holistic Center. Apart from their physical problem they were in Center for psychological problems. Sanjaneka was scared of sex, while Samar had impotency (due to age); and Varun was depressed due to social rejection. Books covered good insights on how a holistic center should be. Center was able to help patients about their physical problems but psychological issues they have to work on it on their own with help.
Not getting into much detail about the lives of these three individuals and how they end up at the Total Healing Center, I am writing about the overall book which has a message to convey, "It's okay to be emotional, it's okay to fail, it's okay to disappoint. Just move on". It is very modern in its approach and as a reader, you will connect to the story. It is also about the other side of human behavior and desires which are usually hidden under the pretext of culture and "Log Kya Kahenge" syndrome that our society is affected with.
The narration of the book, The THC Under a Gibbous Moon is very bold and talks about individuals that we come across in our day to day life, but we either we fail to see through them or they master the art of hiding their true self. The characters, the situations that they are in, their sexuality and their existence, the problems they face and their exploration of solutions make the book a gripping read.
Each character had complex sexual relations reason behind their psychological disorder. These relations were covered through out story. While sharing or retelling or writing down those incidents gradually help them to break from their problems. An average read for adults.
The book is all about the healing process, that one needs during the demanding times, during the phase of accepting the past and overcoming it only to move ahead with grace. I would recommend this book, The THC Under a Gibbous Moon, to anyone who is interested in reading a bold and gutsy adult fiction. -
** Note: This review may contain sections inappropriate for young readers
I won this book in a giveaway so I had no idea what this book was about. But the main reason why I decided to enter the giveaway in the first place was its title. Don’t you think the title is different and suspenseful?
Well, the THC stands for The Holistic Center. It’s a fictional center setup in the story where the broken hearts are cured, those looking for closure get insights and return to the world with repaired soul. Basically, they do the treatments for both physical and mental problems of the patient by some unique methods of their own. I don’t know about you, but it sounds a little too fictional to me, isn’t it?
Plot
There are three main characters in this book around whom the story revolves – Samar, Sanjaneka, and Varun. All of them are in their mid-forties (though the cover shows that they all are young). Each person has their own problems. Samar is a chain smoker and going through impotence. Sanjaneka has Osteoporosis (pain in joints) and Genophobia (fear of sex). Varun was suffering through Insomnia and depression. All three of them decides to come to THC for their treatment and meet there at a coffee table. The story then develops upon the past of each of them, as each one of them tells their story in a different manner. Will they be able to cover their fears? Will they overcome their weaknesses and return to the world happily? What are the dark secrets that all of them are hiding?
All the three main characters were built correctly and they portrayed our society (mainly the Indian society). They played their respective parts perfectly. As each of them were telling their own stories, you can easily get into their minds and can guess their emotions and can feel them. There were true to their stories. Each character was a person from our day-to-day life and no fictional ones.
After a long time I have read anything diferent by an Indian author. In general, I don’t find Indian books talking easily and so clearly about the topics like impotence, sexual relations, homosexuality etc. Even if there are any such scenes required in the story, they are often cut to the chase. But here, Manoj V Jain has not used such scenes easily but also have talked about them (offcourse not to the points of Eroticas), but in the right amount.
The writing is simple and to the point, making it a quick read. The main thing that I liked about this book was the three different stories of three different persons, yet they were interconnected somehow. All those stories make you think twice about your decisions that you take randomly. Author has tried to give some lessons through the story of each one of them.
Samar: Samar was a chain smoker. Because of this habit he was suffering through mental depression and impotence. Now here, what one can take out of Samar’s story is that smoking and particularly the chain smoking can really be your life destroyer, if it is not cured permanently. Samar came to THC for his cure and after just a day of quitting smoking, he felt relaxed and refreshed. He also had the male ego because of which he had troubled relationship with her wife.
Sanjaneka: I really liked her name first of all. She was suffering for Osteoporosis and Genophobia. One bad incident led her to a path which she never imagined and turned her world upside down. One night, drinking too much, she did what she regreted her whole life. What I can conclude from this is whatever things you do in your life or make decisions, come back to you. It’s upto you to make it a mistake or blessing. Any event can turn the events of your life. Sometimes its not your fault, but you are bound to the outcomes.
Varun: I really liked the story of Varun . For the first time, I read about a homosexual affair by an Indian author. Varun was in a realtionship with his father’s friends’ son (or he thought he was). He was too young at that time to understand this flick. He had troubled relationship with his father, and now he had the same kind of relationship with his son. He always demanded the attentions from others. First, he wanted the attention of Jaiveer and now of his own son. His story don’t just tell you about the complicated relationships but also take you to the insight of the relation between parents and children in today’s world. Any troubled relationship can have a great impact on anyone’s life and thus the person can be affected by depression. This is exactly what happened to Varun.
I was disappointed by the ending. I didn’t expected the last encounter between Sanjaneka and Samar. It was difficult for me to understand how it was closure for them and how it helped them in their cure.
I enjoyed this book overall, though I has some issues. I liked the writing style of author and the way he presented the content. It was a one time read for me, with enjoyable plot but a little lack of after story.
Blog |
Facebook |
Twitter |
Instagram |
Pinterest |
Amazon -
it's an amazing story,u must read it.
-
My Rating 3.5
The plot is interesting and engaging but the subplots were not as enchanting as the main plot. The main characters are processed and crafted beautifully. Author possess a lucid narrative which is the highlight of the book. The development and interweaving of the subplots to fulfill the main plots is commendable. The should not be judged by it's cover. The cover gives an impression of a YA Fantasy while the protagonists are far aged and matured than YA. Apart from the imaginary center, rest of the story is more or less reality, hence categorizing the book under contemporary fiction.
The climax came out as a surprising turn off, apparently. The way the story-line proceeded, I expected a better closure for the whole scenario but the way the story ended was amateurish and cliched. Major disadvantage is the price of the book. I couldn't find any reason to rate it for more than 300 or 350.
read the Full review here
http://rakhijayashankar.blogspot.com/... -
I have received this book as a giveaway winner.
A well-written storyline, lives of characters fit together like pieces of the puzzle.It is a story of relationships and human emotions, about love and loss and regrets. Easy to get through.Worth a read. -
Wow! This is the only word I have for how beautifully and poetically the author has conveyed a simple message that we all often forget -- to live in present. What a marvelous story! Amazingly conveyed psyche of characters. To-be-honest Manoj V. Jain is my one of my favorite Author because ever since I read his books: Dystopia, Balraj, Ramona and A Man From Mandu. I became his fan as to how brilliantly he wrote the story and how effortlessly he draws the readers into the book. I saw this book at a local bookstore as a second-hand copy, and seeing his name on it. I had to buy it! I LOVE how he dwells deep into the psyche of each character. And writes the story from multiple first person POV. I seriously loved the story and how he connected the characters with each other.
Coming to the reason why I am rating it '2 stars'... Well! The theme of this book is just 'SEX!' that too is depicted controversially. From gay love to extra marital affairs and sex phobia. Though I liked how he wrote it I hated the fact that it was so recurring. It got vulgar at times, and my God the details were too much. There was so much of erotica which I didn't expect.
Going by the blurb, it may seem like a very very interesting read. It is! But be familiar with "too much sex" that it has. I expected it to be a mild psychological fiction like his other authored books(because the blurb has words like Utopia) , which it isn't! I am not even a full grown adult yet and reading specific scenes (that were in huge numbers) was slightly annoying. I think maybe it will be liked by other readers.
No doubt that author is one of my favorite author for all his previous books. But I honestly didn't like the very theme of it. I repeat the story was good. -
*This review was initially published at
The Readdicts Book Blog. For more reviews, go
here.
Although this is the eighth book by author Manoj V Jain that I have read, The THC: Under a Gibbous Moon is the second book he had written. Had I read this book immediately after his first one, I probably would have appreciated it more, but this reverse order helped me realise how far he has come as an author. His work just keeps getting better and better.
The THC is the story of three people who meet at The Holistic Centre while undergoing different treatments and forming a bond that is pure and simply peaceful. The THC itself seemed like something straight out of one’s dream where the air is fresh, the food is simple, nature is all around... truly an ideal destination to heal from all that our protagonists have been through in life which, like any book by the author, was put down in a manner that was relatable, raw and real.
The journey of self discovery and human relations along the way are two themes that Manoj V Jain does really well. Add to that, language that’s easy to follow and understand, characters whose stories are engrossing and endings that leave you feeling content, and you have a great read that is bound to keep you entertained, contemplate and just have a great reading experience overall, which is exactly what The THC did.
The story of Samar, Sanjenaka and Varun, this one stood out for me most because of its portrayal of the father son relationship and a marvellously done homosexual relationship. -
I had received this book as a giveaway prize. And tbh, I was sceptical to start this after reading the blurb. What looked like a YA turned out to be more of an erotica, with purposeless sexual references convoluting the plot.
Three strangers, with three different problems, meet at this place called the THC (short for Total Holistic Centre). THC is a wellness health farm that helps people to get rid of their psychological issues and move on with their lives in a healthy way.
The three protagonists Samar, Sanjaneka and Varun had underlying sexual complexities, leading to difficulties in the present time and hence, THC happened. The narrative is simple and fast paced. The prose is not bombarded with fancy words, is simple to understand. The plot is engaging and the subplots have been woven interestingly. However, I still found the subplots to be prescient. Though, I liked how the author took simple things like the forever bracelet or the JAZZ cologne to link the characters.
Since it was dealing with issues like genophobia and LGBT, I was expecting it to be more detailed and highlighted, but they were canvassed with their ongoing treatments. The book also covered the Holistic Centre's modus operandi, which I found unnecessary or too much of information, at times. The characters seemed real, so brownie points for that.
The Foreword mentions, "Like a gibbous moon, all the characters in this book (and the readers too!) need completion and closure, and need to shine with their complete light."
But, hell no! The closure of the book (at least) was gawky and clichéd.
Quick one time read. -
The story of the book The THC Under a Gibbous Moon is about three different individuals, Sanjaneka, Samar and Varun, who visit The THC, Total Healing Center for reasons very peculiar to them and it becomes a part of their journey wherein they want to get rid of the disharmony in their life and come to terms with it.
The book conveys the message, "It's okay to be emotional, it's okay to fail, it's okay to disappoint. Just move on". It is very modern in its approach and as a reader, you will connect to the story. It is also about the other side of human behaviour and desires which are usually hidden under the pretext of culture and "Log Kya Kahenge" syndrome that our society is affected with.
The book is all about the healing process, that one needs during the demanding times, during the phase of accepting the past and overcoming it only to move ahead with grace. The book talks in detail about sex, gay relationship, expectations and betrayal in great detail.
I am overwhelmed by the functioning of the Total Holistic center which caters to the needs of the people affected by chronic diseases. The tight time schedule, good diet, timely advices by the doctors psychological support given to the inmates and professional touch of the employees with result orientation all are fantastic and informative. Such clinics should be opened in a large scale in our country instead of poly clinics and specialty hospitals.
Full review here:
https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot... -
True Wonderer
2.5 out of 5 stars
I have always had a skeptical view when it comes to love. It always seemed somewhat fantastical, and alas that view hasn't changed much despite my close brushes with it.That is what seemed to be the theme of this novel, 'love in the elite world'. And when the author says 'Uncomfortable topics that are swept under the rug' he isn't kidding, the novel gives you things to mull over like,impotence (uh huh, you read that right), addiction ('Cigarettes' and that too not focused upon much , i thought there will be junkies shooting up crack all over the place for a moment after that description,but we seemed to have been pardoned that unpleasantness.), but most importantly relationships and the toll they can take on someone. And oh, lot of sex, i mean Mr Jain could have given Chetan Bhagat a run for his money in some of them i bet.
I was in a dilemma as to what to make of the book, it is essentially a collection of stories narrated by the three main characters in the twilight of their lives, Samar (The man with performance issues), Sanjanaketan (The woman cursed by fate) and Varun (The dude with old man issues and unresolved dude-dude issues) all trying to regain their peace and conquer their demons through a 'Getaway therapy' kind on institute The Total Holistic Center (because the rich can always throw money to cure their heart burns) . Now to be honest, i felt a certain obligation to like this book because i got it for nothing,with an autograph no less.
But in good faith i just couldn't love it all too much,that's not to say it's not good, for a second book by any author Mr Jain has done a splendid job, but maybe not my cup of tea.To read about someone else's life story ,their problems, circumstances gives the reader a reference point, with which consciously or subconsciously he/she will relate and try to draw parallels.Such markers are aplenty in the novel.It makes you sympathize with the characters and hope that they might get closure. Mr Jain has used this aspect well, although the novel do lack a lot of finesse. It shows troubles which might get enacted in a serious version of 'Sarabhai vs sarabhai' or maybe an Indian 'Sex and the city',couples bored and cheating on each other, bachelorette party with stripers, Gay guy looking for his 'Beard' and so on which really doesn't appeal to me all that much. 'Varun' was the only character i might have befriended if he was real among all three to be honest,The father son dynamic narrated in the book is the only thing that i could genuinely appreciate (that too from the son's perspective). There was just too much that this book could have done without and less of what could have gone right for it. To show the whole curve of loving someone ,than losing that love than learning from that through much sadness and finally finding a way to put the hurt in its place and looking forward to life takes a special kind of tale, and even though i highly appreciate the attempt it could have been better.
I rate it 2.5 out of 5 stars as per the goodreads rating system. -
What began as a page turner slowed down as it moved on. The story begins with Samar's entry into the THC. On his first day at lunch, he meets Sanjneka & Varun who becomes his friends during his inmate time. The THC is a holistic place and they do not allow much of the outer world "things" in the center while the patient is there for treatment. People from all over the world come to the imaginary place set 2 kilometers away from Mumbai to heal themselves, some people need to stay for a longer time and some only have a week or two.
Slowly the stories begin to unfold. Chapter one, two and three tells separate stories of Samar, Sanjneka and Varun respectively in the manner loss, longing & changing circumstances. So you know who is facing which issues.
Samar & Sanjneka's stories include a lot of graphical sex scenes some of which were unnecessary. Samar's friends talking and telling each other all about their private sexual lives was also unnecessary. Cutting all the unnecessary sex scenes from the story it will come around to 150 pages. . We do not get to know much about the THC either. One of the treatments given to Samar seemed weird but funny, having tubes inserted through your back for the cleansing of an intestine because you smoke? (I don't know if it's medically true or not but it is just weird.)
Much promoted LGBT side of the book/the issues are not as detailed. We do not get to know much about the THC either. One of the treatments given to Samar seemed weird but funny, having tubes inserted through your back for the cleansing of an intestine because you smoke? (I don't know if it's medically true or not but it is just weird.)
WHAT I LOVED?
The way the author played with his words and made the story readable for the better part.
WHAT I DISLIKED?
The way author used so many sexual scenes/references to elaborate the story which was unnecessary. Believe me, I have read my share of Mills & Boons and other adult novels but the scenes in this novel? Seriously felt like putting down the book.
Book summary says, "How does an Uber ride help Samar save his marriage? the answer, "Having sex at random" was baffling.
The story could have been much better if the author focused on writing a full story for just one or two of the characters, like Sanjneka, Varun and Jaiveer. Which is not my job to decide? So overall the author did a good job as expected from an IIM, Ahmedabad alumni.
In conclusion, the novel could have been a page-turner... -
The book is all about the dynamic states of today's relationship. How love changes with time, consistency in the loyalty of relationships, guilt, loss of loved ones, the unheard feelings of a man/father/son and the adulteration in today's relationships.
The story revolves around the three main characters Samar, Sanjaneka and Varun. Three different people, three different stories and all are at one place the THC. The book is a journey on the lives of three people; how they explore and face their problems and what brings them all to the THC. Co-incidences do happen and one can find it in their stories too. But the soothing feel that you get when you pour out your past, your problems and the result is the strength you get to face it is well explained.
The cover design is impressive. The writing style is simple with few errors here and there. The story is definitely disturbing for some point of time and made me think can even this ever happen? The statements of feelings can make you think, melt your heart and can give you all kinds of emotions be it the red anger or the soft heart. The flow of the story is organized well and makes you cling to it.
Recommended for the ones who like reading about broken relationships, loss of loved ones, dealing with relationship struggles and who love exploring and reading about it. -
This is the second book I have read by the author. The first book I have read was BNO: Sex, Life and Hookah.
Manoj has time and again proved that life isn't only about simple/worldly pleasures but it consists of various other components. This book is a revelation of the same.
The story revolves around Samar Bhatnagar, Sanjaneka and Varun Agarkar who comes to THC with various ailments - both physically and mentally. Each had their own woes and were not able to face it with the same intent, after they get treated in THC.
The book talks in detail about sex, desire to have one, gay relationship, expectations and betrayal in great detail. The surprise element of the story is connection between Sanjaneka and Varun through another person. Who that person is and what connects them is something you need to find out by buying this book.
The story is aligned real perfect with various incidents and it needs patience to read in full as it is not a thriller. The book still appealed to me for the simple fact that it talked in great detail about the human psychology which is the need of the hour. -
A second book by Manoj V Jain. The Total Holistic centre (The THC) is a book on loss, longing and changing circumstances.
This book revolves around the lives of 3 patients who come to The THC for their ailments and how they find solace with each other.
The THC talks about various massages and kriyas that help human body to self heal. It is enlightening to know how yoga can be an answer to any ailment.
Samar, Sanjaneka and Varun the 3 protagonists find an instant connection and support each other during the course of the treatments.
Samar's story is not as interesting as the stories of Varun and Sanjaneka. The story of Varun, Sanjaneka and Jaiver could have easily passed as a standalone story without bringing in The THC.
The THC's role explained very minimal though the therapies and kriyas are spoken about, some more revelation on the holistic centres believes and practices would have made the book more interesting.
The book also looks like a collection of short stories if we ignore the THC.
The end was not compelling like how it began. A good book that missed being a page turner. -
I won a review copy from The Tales Pensieve as part of Reviewers Programme.
The THC: Under a Gibbous Moon,the name and the book cover indicates it to be a romantic thriller or an usual love triangle,but it turns out to be none and that's what is the best part.The protagonists Varuna,Samar and sanjaneka are no usual teenagers or young adults but actually in their mid ages.Taking characters in this age set and pulling out a story on them is in itself applaudable.
The book is set in a holistic center,where all 3 protagonists arrive with an unique set of mental and physical problems.
The rest of the story deals with their bonding,the way they find connected to each other & whether they are healed or not.
Manoj Jain is very lucid with his narrative and all characters are well defined.The plot is quite tight but subplots seem little vague.The main drawback seemed the lack of connect between the reader and the protagonists.Author's attempt of connecting readers to the protagonists on emotional level could not be realised.
Overall a good read.Recommended for those who are willing to experiment reading a completely different and bold genre. -
I know people are going hysterical about this book but I am at loss.
My actual rating would have been even less than 2 stars if not for author's writing skills and his way with words.
This book sure about this Total holistic club and how it cures the lives of people who are no more willing to live, centering the lives of Samar, Varun, Sanjaneka.
First of all their stories were really depressing in a way I can't express, only Varun's seemed genuine.
All Samar's and Sanjaneka's one about sex, how he was impotent and how she had sexual hazards-or so I call. Believe me when I say I've read a fair share of Adult novels and know when it becomes simply callous. I did thought at first that their story are reality, a dark one but when they started to narrate their sexual encounters and how stupid were them that I just needed to put it down- if it was not for a review copy I got from the tales penesive.
Though the concept was good the plot or the sub plots destroyed it for me. -
Please visit
http://www.guptakaushal.in/2016/12/bo... to read the complete Book Review.
This is Manoj Jain's second book and is in the same genre, Adult Fiction, as his first book. This book is about three different individuals, Sanjaneka, Samar and Varun, who visit The THC, Total Healing Center for reasons very peculiar to them to get rid of the disharmony in their life.
It is very modern in its approach and as a reader, you will connect to the story. The narration of the book is very bold and talks about individuals that we come across in our day to day life, but we either we fail to see through them or they master the art of hiding their true self.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading a bold and gutsy adult fiction. -
I got THC from Goodreads giveaway. It was pleasant to read something different from an Indian writer. Exploring an unchartered territory is the main reason I finished this book.
Character are not very relatable, though this might interest some readers. Vocab was good but I feel it wasn't with the flow as if the book was first written in simple words and then replaced by words from a thesaurus.
Some of the philosophies were a treat. Intimate parts could be improved. I like Varun's story most. His childish craving for Jeh was justified given that his past was a disaster.
Overall I can see a lot of potential in THC. You can make a series out of it. THC 1..2..3.
Best wishes for upcoming books. -
I received this book as a giveaway winner.
It took me a very short time to complete the book, over a day's time. The book is not very long, also not very complicated. It does generate enough interest to let you stick with it.
However I am not impressed enough to whole heartedly recommend it - it is good for a quick read. It does have pockets of significant content - I liked the points about son and fatherly love, I liked the details about the healing practices, I liked the connect between the characters. -
Actual Rating : 0 / 5 Stars!