Title: Criss Cross: A Medley of Thoughts
Author: Mukta Arya
Publisher: PartridgeSingapore
ISBN: 978-1-5437-5717-0
Genre: Memoir/Self-Help
Pages: 74
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent

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Criss Cross is a contemplative collection of thoughts from author Mukta Arya. Arya’s memoir is an introspective memoir which will be memorable to readers. Criss Cross is a collection of thoughts she writes about her life in Singapore. She also writes about the simple joys in life and being satisfied with her life in the chapter, “Content.” She writes, “I have made my choice—to be content with what I have right now and count my blessings.”

Arya writes about overcoming the pressure to be in the “rat race” and succeed at all costs in “Ambition,” citing the need for employees to be happy in their work. “If we go by all the research on employee productivity, the connection between happiness in both personal and professional life and higher productivity is undeniable.” Arya also writes about how she balances her life as an HR professional in the corporate world with being kind in the “ Messages from the Heart.” She also writes about creativity and how it can help make a person’s job more rewarding.

The author writes about personal events in her life and how past relationships affect her life now in chapters like “How Do You Feel?.” “So many thoughts meander around, and finally the promise of a sweet beginning wins the battle. It is only a promise, but what stops us from dreaming of a dream that remained a dream for a long time.”
Arya’s writing is effortless and confessional. Her writing is very relatable and easy for readers to identify with as well. When she writes about such simple pleasures as gardening, or just relaxing after work, readers will be able to connect with that simplicity. Arya’s story is a mixture of philosophical and practical. Along with meditative statements on life, she has practical advice on how to do better in a career, especially human resources.

Criss Cross would be best for readers who want to read about how to be more tranquil, less stressed and appreciate life more. The book would also be best for readers who want to read spiritual books by authors such as Marianne Williamson. Additionally, this book would be good for HR professionals who want to learn how to combine human resources professionalism with compassionate collaboration with co-workers. Criss Cross is a book that is a rare mixture of practical and aspirational. Arya’s written a short text that’s powerful and thoughtful with a strong message.