A Handful of Purple Sky - My Second Chance at Life

A Handful of Purple Sky: My Second at LifeMridula BajpaiAmaryllis Publishing,An Imprint of Manju PublishersPublished on July 2021A Handful of Purple Sky is the autobiography of cancer survivor Mridula Bajpai, the Income Tax Commissioner (Claims) of Bhopal. The book has accounts of her journey while suffering and surviving breast cancer. The book title is interesting in the sense that it is not depressing and rekindles hope in the hearts of those who have had the misfortune of having to come face to face with cancer.Mridula Bajpai’s struggle is real, and her fight for survival after knowing that the cancer is at an advanced stage is an eye-opener. The book also talks about how Bajpai’s approach towards life changed when she heard the diagnosis. She began to value her life more, realized how important family is, and how much the love and understanding of near and dear ones, and those in the professional space worked towards keeping her in a positive frame of mind through the good days and the bad. The book talks about her emotional upheavals and how she mentally prepared herself for the rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The book comprises of some practical advice that is given in a lucid manner, and also teaches you now to remain calm. A lot of lifestyle changes are to be brought about when suffering from cancer and Bajpai’s first-person account is laudable.Cancer is a life-threatening disease if the right treatment is not given at the right time, and it important that the doctors and care-givers understand what is wrong, give the correct diagnosis and start the patient on the correct line of treatment. Bajpai was lucky to have received the best of treatments and doctors who understood the sensitivity of the situation.When Bajpai got to know that she had cancer, the first thought that came to her mind was what would happen to her only daughter, Mrinalini, who she lovingly calls Chini. She desperately wanted to live/survive to see her grow into a beautiful woman, caring, sensitive and, above all, with a sense of responsibility. Hers has always been a close-knit and loving family, and her mother, who lives with Bajpai, has been a strong source of inspiration. Bajpai is an optimist who believes that the glass of life is always full.The big positive about the book is its title: A Handful of Purple Sky. Totally not working at creating a feeling of depression, but giving a positive vibe, the reader is transported to this open space where the lovely purple flowers of the jacaranda trees appear to shower purple rain. They give an impression of a tree singing, of joyousness. The flowers never fail to uplift the spirit and comfort the mind. By reading the section on Bajpai’s growing-up years, one is able to understand that the jacaranda tree has been an inseparable part of her childhood, especially her existence. She spent many beautiful days under the purple blooms. Her relationship with her father was an extraordinary one. She always learnt to stay strong and fight all adversities.Bajpai’s professionalism says a lot about her grit and determination to not let anything, even health, to come in the way of doing her duty. She suffered for three years, and not a single day went by when she thought she should shirk her work. In fact, keeping herself busy was what saw her through her pains and sorrows.A Handful of Purple Sky is the story of one woman that gives hope to countless other cancer patients and shows them how staying mentally strong helps. There is no option of breaking down, giving up.

The author has beautifully summed up her struggle and her fight with the frightening diseasei.e. cancer . It's a portrayl how a woman has to largely make her own efforts to survive and secure her today and her tomorrow.The picturesque description of the fears regarding cancer and the feelings she underwent during the dreadful journey, particularly, when the side effects of the surgery and the medication started taking toll on her body and her looks, can move any sensitive heart.Apart from the way the true story has been told, the spontaneous flow of the words and emotions knitted to them and intermittent drift of the author to her childhood dreams and memories, what I liked the most is the powerfull message that has been given at the end of the book.Quote - One should never stop being a good person because of bad people. Always forgive all who have done wrong to you. Remember when you forgive you heal. When you let go of things that have made you unhappy, you recover. I forgive all who may have hurt me and I let go of all negative thoughts. It's important to be kind to others.Unquote - I recommend everyone who is sensitive and everyone who believes that the life is not a fairytale, must read the book.My heartfelt best wishes to the author. God bless!!

An emotional tale of recouping from the strike of a deadly disease...Mental strength ,will.power , Support and love from loved ones assist in achieving impossible...Author wins by adopting an attitude of One day at a time...Best parts of the book are thoughts of author and her daughter about each other...what a precious bond..Also how fairy tales of childhood are too innocent to imagine how harsh the real life is....However its the attitude of the person who forces even the difficult life to convert into a fairy tale...Inspiring and heart touching..

Must read for everyone. Very powerful and nicely written.Thanks to Saujanya sir and Akansha mam for sending me this book. Thanks a lot. 👍"One should never stop being a good person because of bad people. Always forgive all who have done wrong to you. Remember when you forgive you heal. When you let go of things that have made you unhappy, you recover. I forgive all who may have hurt me and I let go of all negative thoughts. It's important to be kind to others."

Mridula Bajpai has written an inspiring and riveting account of her fight against Cancer. A Handful of Purple Sky takes the reader through the trials of Mridula's arduous treatment and her triumph over the dreaded disease.It is motivational to read about her journey from the abyss of initial self-pity to the glory of her conquest over self doubt. A big salute to her grit.

A real life inspiring story of grit and courage against the deadly foe which attacks from within. Written in a lucid free flowing language.Full marks to the author for being daringly truthful about the feelings and insecurities faced. Would recommend it for everyone to learn how face tough times in life with chin up and come out with flying colors.

The book is a must read for all-young or old. The book is about life, its ups and downs, hope and helplessness. Perhaps the best of all the books written by Ms Bajpayee. Beautifully written, simple but strong. Pick your copy soon.

I am highly impressed by the author and her expression of emotions. It's an amalgamation of beautiful words and thoughts....it is a must read book.