Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
New exciting books - Message sent to twistntales@yahoogroups on 25/01/10
Hi all,
It’s been a while since we last wrote to you, pardon us for this one time when we have missed out on the December’09 issue of our newsletter! Here’s wishing all of you and your families a great start to 2010.
Lot of things have happened in twistntales, Kshitija has got married, Shahaji has joined us, Vaish is now our star performer, and most of all, we are getting better and more confident of ourselves. For those of you who have not yet become our “fans” on Facebook, please do so, for quicker updates.
December was a difficult month for us, the note below posted on Fb, will explain why. However, now we are all fully energized, and back to doing what we love most – bringing good books into your inbox!
Yourneighbourhoodbookstoretrulyso
Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 10:44am Edit Note Delete
twistntales is a neighbourhood bookstore. Our byline says so. We believe that the neighbourhood that has so lovingly nurtured us and we - both have a stake in our success. We feed on each other's joys and successes.
But it truly is exemplified in times of trouble. This month has been a tough one for us. With Kshitja away on a month's leave, and me (janaki) slightly indisposed (unable to come to work), we were down to a single staff member trying bravely to keep the Store running, for just evenings. Within days, word gets around, and an assortment of ex-staff, some friends - all from the neighbourhood have got together, and the Store is fully operational since Tuesday.
Thanks Vaish, Aarti, Prithi, Jahnavi, Shama, Tripuri, Rupali..... every bit counts.
Thanks again !
Now, on to new books:
Wow:
“Bollywood in Posters” by S M M Ausaja @ Rs 2,500/- (Pgs 273)
So when was the last time you laid your eyes on one of those beautiful, eccentric hand painted Bollywood posters? The beautiful art and craftsmanship hand-painted posters that arrived in India with cinema itself and has been articulating the journey of Indian cinema so far is gradually fading. But thanks to enthusiasts like S M M Ausaja who is obsessed with Indian movies and owns over 5000 mostly hand painted lithographic prints from 1931 to the present that some exceptional works of art could be compiled in Bollywood in Posters. Nostalgia redeemed from a glorious past and milestone films, this book is a sheer visual delight!
Twitterature- The world’s greatest books retold through Twitter” by Alexander Aciman & Emmet Rensin @ Rs 199/- (Pgs 145)
You can positively hear Shakespeare rolling over in his grave as you read this book! Here you will find sixty of the greatest works of western literature- from Beowulf to Bronte, from Kafka to Kerouac, and from Dostoevsky to Dickens- each distilled through the voice of Twitter to its purest, pithiest essence. Many modern people find literature- timeless as these great texts may be- overwhelming, inaccessible and dull. The authors seek to remedy this through their ‘humble efforts’ in this book. Twitterature is a compilation of downright hilarious and positively ridiculous Tweets that will help you master the literature of the civilized world, while relieving you of the burdensome task of reading it. It includes a full glossary of online acronyms and Twitterary terms to aid the amateur!
“The Original of Laura” by Vladimir Nabokov @ Rs 699/- (Pgs 279)
This is a novel in fragments. The book includes 138 colour reproductions of the index card on which Nabokov originally wrote the novel. Dr. Philip Wild is used to suffering humiliation at the hands of his young, slender and rudely promiscuous wife Flora. In a novel documenting her infidelities, written by one of her lovers and given to the doctor she appears as My Laura. Dishonored, the doctor still finds pleasure in self-annihilation beginning with the removal of his toes. Sensing that he won’t be able to complete The Original of Laura, Nabokov instructed his wife and son to burn the manuscript after his death. This masterwork that was nearly destroyed has been lying in the safe of a bank for thirty years.
“The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams @ Rs 1,299/- (Pgs 382)
Animation is one of the hottest and most creative areas of film-making today. Richard Williams has been one of the true innovators and has an experience of over fifty years in the area. Williams, using hundreds of drawing, distills the secrets of the masters into a working system in order to create a book upon which The Animator’s Survival Kit is based. This book gives you the underlying principles that every animator- from beginner to expert, classic animator to computer animation whiz- needs. This expanded edition comes with a DVD and includes more on animal action, invention and realism with sophisticated animation examples.
Management/ Finance/ Investing
“Retire Rich, Invest Rs. 40/- a day” by P.V. Subramanyam @ Rs. 399/-
Retirement is a goal and has to be approached in a financial planning mode. Retirement Goal Setting becomes important. How much money is adequate for a person to retire? Can you really retire by investing an amount as little as Rs. 40 a day? The answer is yes it is the power of compounding. If you do have or time on your side, it is possible to create a retirement corpus on an amount as small as Rs. 40 a day. And the fantastic thing is that this small amount can be got by making simple changes in your life style.
twistntales
It’s been a while since we last wrote to you, pardon us for this one time when we have missed out on the December’09 issue of our newsletter! Here’s wishing all of you and your families a great start to 2010.
Lot of things have happened in twistntales, Kshitija has got married, Shahaji has joined us, Vaish is now our star performer, and most of all, we are getting better and more confident of ourselves. For those of you who have not yet become our “fans” on Facebook, please do so, for quicker updates.
December was a difficult month for us, the note below posted on Fb, will explain why. However, now we are all fully energized, and back to doing what we love most – bringing good books into your inbox!
Yourneighbourhoodbookstoretrulyso
Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 10:44am Edit Note Delete
twistntales is a neighbourhood bookstore. Our byline says so. We believe that the neighbourhood that has so lovingly nurtured us and we - both have a stake in our success. We feed on each other's joys and successes.
But it truly is exemplified in times of trouble. This month has been a tough one for us. With Kshitja away on a month's leave, and me (janaki) slightly indisposed (unable to come to work), we were down to a single staff member trying bravely to keep the Store running, for just evenings. Within days, word gets around, and an assortment of ex-staff, some friends - all from the neighbourhood have got together, and the Store is fully operational since Tuesday.
Thanks Vaish, Aarti, Prithi, Jahnavi, Shama, Tripuri, Rupali..... every bit counts.
Thanks again !
Now, on to new books:
Wow:
“Bollywood in Posters” by S M M Ausaja @ Rs 2,500/- (Pgs 273)
So when was the last time you laid your eyes on one of those beautiful, eccentric hand painted Bollywood posters? The beautiful art and craftsmanship hand-painted posters that arrived in India with cinema itself and has been articulating the journey of Indian cinema so far is gradually fading. But thanks to enthusiasts like S M M Ausaja who is obsessed with Indian movies and owns over 5000 mostly hand painted lithographic prints from 1931 to the present that some exceptional works of art could be compiled in Bollywood in Posters. Nostalgia redeemed from a glorious past and milestone films, this book is a sheer visual delight!
Twitterature- The world’s greatest books retold through Twitter” by Alexander Aciman & Emmet Rensin @ Rs 199/- (Pgs 145)
You can positively hear Shakespeare rolling over in his grave as you read this book! Here you will find sixty of the greatest works of western literature- from Beowulf to Bronte, from Kafka to Kerouac, and from Dostoevsky to Dickens- each distilled through the voice of Twitter to its purest, pithiest essence. Many modern people find literature- timeless as these great texts may be- overwhelming, inaccessible and dull. The authors seek to remedy this through their ‘humble efforts’ in this book. Twitterature is a compilation of downright hilarious and positively ridiculous Tweets that will help you master the literature of the civilized world, while relieving you of the burdensome task of reading it. It includes a full glossary of online acronyms and Twitterary terms to aid the amateur!
“The Original of Laura” by Vladimir Nabokov @ Rs 699/- (Pgs 279)
This is a novel in fragments. The book includes 138 colour reproductions of the index card on which Nabokov originally wrote the novel. Dr. Philip Wild is used to suffering humiliation at the hands of his young, slender and rudely promiscuous wife Flora. In a novel documenting her infidelities, written by one of her lovers and given to the doctor she appears as My Laura. Dishonored, the doctor still finds pleasure in self-annihilation beginning with the removal of his toes. Sensing that he won’t be able to complete The Original of Laura, Nabokov instructed his wife and son to burn the manuscript after his death. This masterwork that was nearly destroyed has been lying in the safe of a bank for thirty years.
“The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams @ Rs 1,299/- (Pgs 382)
Animation is one of the hottest and most creative areas of film-making today. Richard Williams has been one of the true innovators and has an experience of over fifty years in the area. Williams, using hundreds of drawing, distills the secrets of the masters into a working system in order to create a book upon which The Animator’s Survival Kit is based. This book gives you the underlying principles that every animator- from beginner to expert, classic animator to computer animation whiz- needs. This expanded edition comes with a DVD and includes more on animal action, invention and realism with sophisticated animation examples.
Management/ Finance/ Investing
“Retire Rich, Invest Rs. 40/- a day” by P.V. Subramanyam @ Rs. 399/-
Retirement is a goal and has to be approached in a financial planning mode. Retirement Goal Setting becomes important. How much money is adequate for a person to retire? Can you really retire by investing an amount as little as Rs. 40 a day? The answer is yes it is the power of compounding. If you do have or time on your side, it is possible to create a retirement corpus on an amount as small as Rs. 40 a day. And the fantastic thing is that this small amount can be got by making simple changes in your life style.
“The Economics of Innocent Fraud” by John Kenneth Galbraith @ Rs 250/- (Pgs 74)
This beautifully written essay is charming and was first published in 2004. Galbraith, a lifelong critic of unbridled corporate power, distils years of experience to deliver a scathing attack on the modern financial system. The ultimate economic authority was vested now in the consumer as against the earlier institutions. Belief in a market economy in which the consumer is sovereign is one of our most pervasive forms of fraud. Read this, to get a hang of where we are coming from and where we are headed.
“Changing Tracks- Reinventing the spirit of Indian Railways” by V. Nilakant & S. Ramnarayan @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 220)
Nilakant and Ramnarayan are the Gurus of Change Management in India. Having authored a brilliant textbook on the subject, Nilakant (IIM, C) and Ramnarayan (ISB, Hyd) have studied the Indian Railways (pre, during and post Lallu days) and identified critical elements that made the change possible. The story of how to make a 150 year old run faster, carry more load and make more money is brilliantly told. The last decade of the Indian Railways has seen it emerge from near bankruptcy to a cash surplus of Rs. 25,000 crores. This was a story waiting to be told, and who better than the Gurus to do it for us. Must read.
“Velocity- Combining Lean, Six Sigma and the Theory of Constraints to achieve breakthrough performance” by Dee Jacob, Suzan Bergland & Jeff Cox @ Rs. 870/- (Pgs 310)
This book reveals how to achieve outstanding bottom-line results by integrating the world’s three most continuous improvement disciplines- Lean, Six Sigma and Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints. Used to dramatically improve some of the most complex, logistically vast supply chains in the world, Velocity will guide you to achieve operational speed with strategic direction to outmaneuver competitors, gain loyalty with customers, and rapidly build sustainable earnings growth in as little as one or two business quarters. Colourful characters, believable situations and vivid writing make this business novel a vital resource for everyone seeking to deliver business improvement in these challenging economic times and far into the future.
Indian Writing.
“Lanterns on their Horns” by Radhika Jha @ Rs 399/- (Pgs 471)
In this second novel, Radhika Jha speaks about transformations in the heart and body of India. This highly affecting and finely crafted story revolves around four very different characters that become embroiled in an epic confrontation in which their ideals and their very lives are at stake. With a wide cast of characters like Ramu, the village simpleton who is married to Laxmi, the college educated daughter, Manoj the failed PhD in history and the headman of the village Gopal with whom change is unacceptable, Lanterns on their Horns combines with playful irony and humor to lay bare an India that struggles with the overarching issue of modernization.
“Arrack in the Afternoon” by Mathew Vincent Menacherry @ Rs. 350/- (pgs 315)
In this debut novel, Menacherry tells us the story of Verghese Konnikara- A depressed, alcoholic, suicidal failure who through a strange twist of circumstances is transformed into a new age godman, sought after by the most powerful people in the country. Over the years, his unlikely journey wends its way through the underbelly of the metropolis and into homes and mansions of the rich and famous. Written in darkly humorous prose, “Arrack in the Afternoon” brings to light a new and chaotic India, where people are engaged in a riveting tussle between right and wrong while trying desperately to get ahead.
“A Pack of Lies” by Urmila Deshpande @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 291)
A coming of age story, this debut novel tells gorgeous and brutal truths. It is a story about boundaries crossed, trust violated, a poor little rich girl effectively abandoned and suddenly hungry. Written fabulously, A Pack of Lies is at heart a novel about loneliness, a primer on lust, and most of all, an extraordinary window on the secrets of a young woman for whom resistance to gendered rules becomes a source of jeopardy, and yet, eventually, of salvation.
“If I Could Tell You” by Soumya Bhattacharya @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs. 200)
An unnamed narrator’s letters to his daughter explaining how his life has gone wrong, have as their unwavering focus the narrator’s daughter and the relationship between them. The letters speak of mislaid dreams and betrayed trust, about how luck and chance can irrevocably alter our lives, how love can lead to catastrophe, and ultimately about the new India and how its economy can make and then break a man who wanted to be no more than a writer. A moving life story written with poise and intensity, If I Could Tell You is a lyrical and moving novel and Soumya Bhattacharya’s diction is truly one of a kind.
“Dead on Time” by Meghnad Desai @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 238)
This is an unexpected first novel by the well-known economist and political commentator Meghnad Desai. The plot is an exceptional combination of realpolitik, action and humor. It revolves around a crisis in the Middle East, and a sport between two old Scottish rivals for which at least two men have waited for long years in order to realize their plan that might end in blood flow or even transform the political face of England forever. Realistic, pacey and extremely engaging; Dead on Time gives you a behind-the-scenes take on politics, politicians, journalists, media planners and all those who shape up the world today.
“The Diary of an Unreasonable Man” by Madhav Mathur @ Rs.199/- (Pgs 188)
What does one man, a complete nobody who sick and tired of being a corporate drone and aspiring to change the world do? He takes over a TV station with his friends, exposes an environmental scam, strikes out at patrons of brothels, sabotages a fashion show and paint-bombs a train. Pranav Kumar, after capturing the eyeball of the nation and shaking up the system with ridiculously unorthodox activities soon realizes that doing good comes at a price. He is being hunted down by the Mumbai police and contract killers alike! Bold, fresh, darkly comic and completely unhinged, The Diary of an Unreasonable Man is an outstanding debut.
“Stupid Cupid” by Mamang Dai @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 155)
After having created the dreamy world of Pensam with her truly magical prose in her book The Legends of Pensam, acclaimed author and poet Mamang Dai has written a graceful, quirky and moving story about relationships in Stupid Cupid. The story is about Adna who is drawn to Delhi from the hills of the North East by the love of a married man. She sets up a “love agency” in a small bungalow on a quiet lane, to provide a decent place for men and women who want to be alone together and find themselves through a moment of love without too much sweat. Stupid Cupid is a beautiful novel that talks about relationships complete with all their complications and joy.
“Fear Factor: Terror Incognito” Edited by Meenakshi Bharat & Sharon Rundle @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 274)
Though terrorism has long been around in India and Australia through simmering local insurgencies, in the last two years it started to spread out through the length and breadth of these vast countries. “Fear Factor: Terror Incognito” is a compilation of stories that are self-turning critiques of fears associated with immigration, foreigners, betrayal, loyalty, nostalgia and pragmatism. These exceptional stories put together in this venture are collaboration between two regions with only a little in common. These stories reveal the universality of the phenomenon of modern terror, as well as the universality of the artist’s protest and strike out as an assertion of a shared humanity.
“The Other Woman” edited by Monica Das @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 270)
Deceptive, tenacious and sinful; this book is a rather unusual compilation of stories about the ‘other women’ who seduce husbands, break happy and unhappy marriages by playing dark temptresses. These stories hint at the fact that we have to realize that unalloyed bliss is no longer the norm today. The powerful yet powerless ‘other woman’, who stands as much on the inside as on the outside of a relationship she infringes upon, is not always in the wrong though she can often end up becoming a victim. “The Other Woman” speaks of the beauty of relationships, be it in or outside of a marriage.
Personalities
“Open- An autobiography” by Andre Agassi @ Rs 599/- (Pgs 388)
This is the beautiful and haunting autobiography of the most beloved athletes in history and one of the most gifted men ever to step onto a tennis court. But who knew that Andre Agassi was coaxed to swing the racket practically all his life even as he drove himself to become a prodigy? He makes us feel panic as an undersized seven-year-old practicing all day under the gaze of his violent father, at thirteen he is banished to a Florida tennis camp that feels like prison camp. Lonely, scared and a drop-out, he rebels in ways that make him a 1980s icon and becomes an overnight fan favorite and media target when he surprises himself and wins the 1992 Wimbledon. Agassi brings a near photographic memory to every pivotal match and public relationship alongside vivid portraits of rivals from several generations. With its breakneck tempo and raw outspokenness, Open will captivate both ardent tennis fans and novices alike.
“Imran Khan- The Biography” by Christopher Sanford @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 401)
“It is not a question of aspirations. I know, God willing, I am going to succeed. And that’s not very far away.” -Imran Khan
He has always been a controversial figure and a man who gives rise to hot debate on account of his strong convictions and hard-line views. Imran Khan’s story is full of colour and contradiction. He is the practicing Muslim who was equally at home in London nightspots like Annabel’s and Tramp and campaigning among the slums of Lahore. Acclaimed biographer Christopher Sanford has approached a varied cast of Imran associates past and present to write this official biography, and has been provided with exclusive interviews and unique insights into the world of the ultimate crossover celebrity- Imran Khan.
“Jim Corbett of Kumaon” by D. C. Kala @ Rs. 200/- (Pgs 162)
This is the revised edition of the first extended biography of this great man and is an important sourcebook that evokes Corbett’s life and world with unrivalled authenticity. Jim Corbett was born in Nainital and spent most of his life in the hills of Kumaon. “Jim Corbett of Kumaon” chronicles the life and times of Jim Corbett- a tiger among men, naturalist, ascetic, lover of the underdog, and above all, hunter of man-eating tigers and leopards for thirty two active years in three hill districts. Corbett remains an ageless legend and hero and this revised edition of his biography will kindle the hearts of the new generation to acts of courage and high adventure.
“Mother India: A Political Biography of Indira Gandhi” by Pranay Gupte @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs597)
This is the fascinating story of India’s most complex political figure: Indira Gandhi, the enigmatic and solitary daughter of the country’s first prime minister, who rose to become prime minister herself. Mother India is a comprehensive biography, reissued in a revised edition on Indira Gandhi’s twenty-fifth death anniversary that not only explores her career and contradictions as a consummate politician, but also her relationships as daughter, wife and mother. Packed with lively anecdotes and insights, this book is both a compelling chronicle of the life and times of ‘Mrs. G’, as also an analysis of the politics of twentieth-century India.
“Shah Rukh Can: The Life and Times of Shah Rukh Khan” by Mushtaq Shiekh @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 355)
“Shah Rukh could have actually been two things- the biggest star in the country or a spiritual leader. There’s no third thing he can be......" Karan Johar
This book is the best window into Shah Rukh Khan’s inner world and soul. It catches the radiance of a man and star like Shah Rukh in his personal and professional space with versatile ease, making it a compulsive read. In his life so far, this man has astonished, exhilarated and surprised fans and friends and won over critics. His choice of films, his business venture with IPL and all his accomplishments so far will make you conclude one thing- Shah Rukh Can. Do. Anything he wishes. And a bit more. So you want to know who the real King Khan is? Then join Mushtaq Shiekh, as he chronicles the life and times of Shah Rukh Khan.
“Gabriel Garcia Marquez” by Gerald Martin @ Rs. 999/- (Pgs 664)
“Every self-respecting writer should have an English biographer.”
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Gerald Martin in this official biography of one of the most popular writers of the twentieth century helps readers ground Marquez’s exceptional works of fiction in history. Martin interviews more than three hundred people- the likes of Fidel Castro and Felipe Gonzalez to tell the story of the author’s fascinating rise to wealth and fame and his life at the times of power, politics, solitude and love. The stories and novels are superbly blended into Martin’s narrative and the book is an outstanding achievement unlikely to ever be bettered.
Inspiration
“Stones into Schools” by Greg Mortenson @ Rs 399/- (Pgs 420)
This book is the continuing story of the determined humanitarian Greg Mortenson- the author of the phenomenal Three Cups of Tea. Starting where he left off in 2003, Mortenson recounts his ongoing efforts to promote peace through education by establishing schools for girls in Afghanistan. But apart from this, the author also goes into deep details about his work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan during the earthquake in 2005, dodging shoot-outs with Afghan warlords and how he has built relationships with Islamic clerics, militia commanders and tribal leaders. Greg Mortenson has done all that he has done with great humility, charm, grace and patience. His work is truly laudable and extraordinary, not to mention inspirational.
“The Noticer” by Andy Andrews @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 167)
“Sometimes all a person needs is a little perspective.”
Common wisdom is beautifully rendered to the reader through the story of Jones who has a beautiful and unique gift for seeing what others miss. He is this rare being that doesn’t believe in dead ends and uses nothing more than small shifts in perspective to give the seeds of greatness tucked into our struggles a chance. The Noticer comes with an extremely useful guide at the end of the heartwarming narrative that gives the reader an opportunity to reflect upon Jones’ story along with questions for personal reflection. So go ahead and “Think, learn, pray, plan, dream. For soon…you will become.”
“What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures” by Malcom Gladwell @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs 410)
What hairdye can tell you about the history of the twentieth century? Why may a problem like homelessness be easier to solve than to manage? Are smart people actually rather overrated? Malcom Gladwell is the master of playful yet profound insight. In “What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures” he takes everyday subjects and teaches us to look at them in surprising new ways. He introduces us to obsessives, pioneers and explores confounding mysteries of our characters and intelligence. Whether it is criminal profiling or dog training, Gladwell gives us a completely new perspective and a glimpse into someone else’s head. Join this brilliant story-teller as he scatters some magic dust on everyday subjects and shows you the intriguing story within everyone and everything.
“Have a Little Faith- A True Story” by Mitch Albom @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs. 254)
This book is Mitch Albom’s return to non-fiction twelve years after Tuesdays With Morrie. A beautifully written story of a remarkable journey between two worlds- two men, two faiths, two communities; this book is about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again and about the divine spark in us all. As the world struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch Albom and two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times.
Current Affairs/ Socio-Eco-Pol
“Confronting Terrorism” ed. by Maroof Raza @ Rs 450/- (Pgs 201)
War today is no longer confined to battlefields. It is right here and right now. The attacks on Mumbai on 26th November 2008 brought home to Indians the full horror of terrorism and the change in the contemporary face of war. Confronting Terrorism is a collection of nine essays by eminent experts- strategic analysts and military historians- examining among other issues, the capacity of India’s police and paramilitary forces to deal with meticulously planned terror attacks, a more proactive approach of the army and the complex dynamics of nuclear terror. This collection illuminates one of the most burning issues facing Indians today.
“My Friend the Fanatic- Travels with a radical Islamist” by Sadanand Dhume @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 271)
This book is a portrait of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, painted through the travels of a pair of unlikely protagonists—Dhume, a foreign correspondent and a Princeton-educated Indian atheist with an interest in economic development and his companion Herry Nurdi, a young Islamist who hero-worships Osama bin Laden. Does Herry represent the future for Indonesia? The book fulfills a deep hunger for knowledge about a land in the time of profound change. At once funny, sad and unpretentiously intellectual, My Friend the Fanatic tells us much about the fascinating land that is Indonesia and about Islamism, one of the most important political phenomena of our age.
“In the Name of Allah- Understanding Islam and Indian History” by Raziuddin Aquil @ Rs 499/- (Pgs 289)
The author conducts a dispassionate investigation of the period between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries, from the heyday of Muslim political domination of large areas of the Subcontinent to the decline of the Mughals, accompanied by the transformations colonialism brought in its wake. Using texts from the medieval and early modern periods, Aquil uncovers connections between ideologies. Situating his arguments in the context of contemporary politics involving Hindus and Muslims Aquil has written a penetrating and readable book that tackles the legacy of Muslim rule in India and in the process presents Islam as a complex and continually changing tradition.
“Memories of Life in Lhasa under Chinese Rule” by Tubten Khetsun translated by Matthew Akester @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 318)
What went on in Tibet during the twenty years of the Maoist rule is still only vaguely known to the outside world. Tubten Khetsun was arrested during the Tibetan people’s uprising of March 1959 and spent four years in prison and labor camps after which he spent close to two decades in Lhasa as a requisitioned laborer and ‘class enemy’. “Memories of Life in Lhasa under Chinese Rule” is his autobiography in which he gives an eloquent account of what life was like during those troubled years. Khetsun’s story will captivate any reader seeking a refreshingly human account of what occurred during the Maoists’ shockingly brutal regime.
“Roadrunner- An Indian quest in America” by Dilip D’souza @ Rs 399/- (Pgs 331)
What do we learn when one great democracy looks at another? Through stories large and small, Roadrunner shows us America through the eyes of an Indian who is critical but not intolerant, understanding but not starry-eyed. Dilip D’Souza travels American roads, discovering old cultures and new concerns in one of the most revered and reviled nations in the world today. What exactly does United States look like through the eyes of an Indian? How do Americans see their country in terms of the world? For answers to these questions, join D’Souza in his quest as he roams the US and makes extremely observant comparisons between two of the greatest democracies of the world.
“India Yatra” ed. by Neelesh Misra & Zara Murao @ Rs 299/- (Pgs 156)
Anyone who claims to ‘know’ India and its complex layers is either foolish or lying. In the run-up to the world’s greatest electoral show (15th Lok Sabha Elections of 2009), The Hindustan Times decided to take its leaders up close to grassroots India and share the lives and perspectives of ordinary Indians- the people who really matter in an election. This project was called India Yatra and is possibly the biggest national reporting project of it kind, with the participation of fifty-six reporters and photographers of the same number. The project spanned more than 23,000 kilometers and 117 constituencies and showed how diverse India really is and how startling its variety. These essays in the Hindustan Times Yatra series tease out fascinating snapshots of a country in flux.
“I Accuse … The Anti-Sikh Violence of 1984” by Jarnail Singh @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 163)
Jarnail Singh’s book is a searing account of the brutal massacre of over three thousand Sikhs in Delhi and other parts of north India following the assassination of Mrs. Gandhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards in 1984. It is also a scathing indictment of the people who planned and perpetrated the massacre and those in power who displayed criminal indifference to the widespread killing and destruction of property. Jarnail Singh who readily acknowledges his shoe-throw incident at P.Chidambaram at a press conference as an inappropriate means of protest, asks uncomfortable questions like why the state apparatus allowed this manslaughter to take place and why despite the many commissions the perpetrators still haven’t been brought to book…
Yin in U
“In Search Of Sita: Revisiting Mythology” Edited by Malashri Lal & Namita Gokhale @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 270)
Sita is one of the defining figures of Indian womanhood, yet there is no single version of her story. Sita in our prevalent idiom is weak, self sacrificing, oppressed, a natural victim are some of the ideals associated with the popular perceptions of Sita. But the Janaki who symbolized courage and strength and the stories of her birth, her days in exile, the test by fire, the birth of her sons and finally her return to earth are all often forgotten. In Search Of Sita presents essays, conversations and commentaries that explore different aspects of her life. They offer fresh interpretations of her enigmatic figure and her indelible impact on our everyday lives.
Travel
“Trekking Guide to the Western Himalayas” by Depi Chaudhry @ Rs 695/- (Pgs 215)
Depi Chaudhry’s love for the mountains and trekking started early in life and realizing the need for better trekking resources for independent adventurers, he has written a book that might just be the new route planning bible. The book includes several off-beat treks, lucid stage-by-stage descriptions, high quality maps and 3-D satellite images. The guide is handy and portable and covers 43 treks in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Music/Theater
“50 Maestros Recordings” by Amaan & Ayaan Ali Khan @ Rs 350/- (Pgs 192)
Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan are young sarod players who have grown up surrounded by music and musicians. 50 Maestros Recordings is their tribute to fifty masters of Indian classical music of the past hundred years. They take us through their encounters with maestros ranging from Bismillah Khan to M S Subbulakshmi, Begum Akhtar to Bhimsen Joshi and explore both northern and southern Indian music. This book includes a unique listing of each artiste’s most influential recordings, personal anecdotes, rare photographs from the authors’ private collection, an exclusive CD of selected recordings and is an invaluable guide to the best of Indian classical music.
Young Adults
“The Bird with Golden Wings: Stories of Wit and Magic” by Sudha Murty @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 112)
Why did the once sweet sea water turn salty? What would you do if a bird with golden wings alighted on your terrace and offered you fabulous riches? Sudha Murthy’s new, enchanting collection of stories bubbles over with fun. The text is brought to life with fabulous colour illustrations. These tales of magical creatures, princesses and kings, ordinary witty men and women are all that will bring hours of joy to readers young and old.
“Milton’s Secret- An adventure of discovery through Then, When, and the Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle @ Rs. 250/-
Eckhart Tolle and co-author Robert S Friedman bring the concept of the bestselling The Power of Now to a story for children. Milton is a happy kid till a school bully starts to push him around. He worries about the bully all the time. But he discovers that the only way to be happy is to live in the Now. Thought-provoking, beautifully illustrated, and a wonderful teaching tool for parents, this book, will help children cope with difficult situations everywhere.
More new books!
1. The Puffin Treasure Chest Of Children’s Classics: Fairy Tales, Poems, Stories And Adventures” @ Rs. 599/-
2. “The Comeback- A story of bankruptcy and survival” by Suhas Mantri @ Rs. 225/-
3. “The Book of Tomorrow” by Cecelia Ahern @ Rs. 250/-
4. “Closure- Some poems and a conversation” by Kamala Das & Suresh Kohli @ Rs. 299/-
5. “In the Wonderland of Investment” by A.N.Shanbhag & Sandeep Shanbhag @ Rs. 300/-
6. “In the Wonderland of Investment for NRIs” by A.N.Shanbhag & Sandeep Shanbhag @ Rs. 300/-
7. “First Proof 5- The Penguin book of new writing from India” @ Rs 250/-
8. “Virus of the Mind” by Richard Brodie @ Rs 299/-
9. “Kabul Disco” by Nicolas Wild @ Rs 325/-
10. “Rajmohan’s Wife” by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay @ Rs 199/-
11. “The Return of Khokababu- The best of Tagore” translated by Sipra Bhattacharya @ Rs 350/-
12. “Finding a Purpose in Life” by R M Lala @ Rs 150/-
13. “Outlook Traveller- 100 Best Resorts and Retreats in India” @ Rs 295/-
14. “The Language of the Genes” by Steve Jones @ Rs 480/-
15. “Bombay Then, Mumbai Now” @ Rs 2,975/-
16. “Breath Of The Absolute: Dialogues With Mooji” by Mooji @ Rs. 350/-
17. “The End Of Duality” by Ramesh S. Balsekar @ Rs. 195/-
18. “Good Reading Guide” Edited by Nick Rennison @ Rs 350/-
19. “The Mother Of Mohammed: A Woman’s Extraordinary Journed Into Jihad” by Sally Neighbour @ Rs. 295/-
20.“Panna” by Kamala Das @ Rs. 125/-
21.“The House On Mall Road” by Mohyna Srinivasan @ Rs. 325/-
22.“Killing The Water” by Mahmud Rahman @ Rs. 250/-
23.“The Value Of Nothing: How To Reshape Market Society And Redefine Democracy” by Raj Patel @ Rs. 499/-
24.“Rukmini Devi: A Life By Leela Samson”by Leela Samson @ Rs. 550/-
25.“Sacred Animals Of India” by Nanditha Krishna @ Rs. 299/-
26.“ Simply Fly” by Captain Gopinath @ Rs. 499/-
27.“Tales From The Bench And The Bar” by Vicaji J. Taraporevala @ Rs. 350/-
28.“Spirit Of India: An Exotic Land Of History, Culture And Colour” by Gill Davies @ Rs. 995/-
New from Tulika:
Looking at Art Series @ Rs. 200 /- each:
This is a set of four books by Amrita Raghbeer that leads children into the world and sensibilities of some of India’s best known artists. It is an engaging introduction to art and the artist through story, memoir and biography, as well as a valuable resource for the understanding of art.
a) “A Trail of Paint” (Jamini Roy)
b) “Barefoot Hussain” (M.F. Hussain)
c) “The Veena Player” (Ravi Varma)
d) “My name is Amrita… born to be an artist” (Amrita Sher-Gil)
Karadi Tales - New Titles @ Rs. 145/- each.
“A Hundred Cartloads” by Devika Rangachari, voice of Soha Ali Khan
“Super Hathaman” by Kaushik Viswanath, voice of Jaaved Jaaferi
“Cricketmatics” by Anshumani Ruddra, voice of Rahul Dravid
Just check them all out …. See you at the Store !
From the team at
This beautifully written essay is charming and was first published in 2004. Galbraith, a lifelong critic of unbridled corporate power, distils years of experience to deliver a scathing attack on the modern financial system. The ultimate economic authority was vested now in the consumer as against the earlier institutions. Belief in a market economy in which the consumer is sovereign is one of our most pervasive forms of fraud. Read this, to get a hang of where we are coming from and where we are headed.
“Changing Tracks- Reinventing the spirit of Indian Railways” by V. Nilakant & S. Ramnarayan @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 220)
Nilakant and Ramnarayan are the Gurus of Change Management in India. Having authored a brilliant textbook on the subject, Nilakant (IIM, C) and Ramnarayan (ISB, Hyd) have studied the Indian Railways (pre, during and post Lallu days) and identified critical elements that made the change possible. The story of how to make a 150 year old run faster, carry more load and make more money is brilliantly told. The last decade of the Indian Railways has seen it emerge from near bankruptcy to a cash surplus of Rs. 25,000 crores. This was a story waiting to be told, and who better than the Gurus to do it for us. Must read.
“Velocity- Combining Lean, Six Sigma and the Theory of Constraints to achieve breakthrough performance” by Dee Jacob, Suzan Bergland & Jeff Cox @ Rs. 870/- (Pgs 310)
This book reveals how to achieve outstanding bottom-line results by integrating the world’s three most continuous improvement disciplines- Lean, Six Sigma and Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints. Used to dramatically improve some of the most complex, logistically vast supply chains in the world, Velocity will guide you to achieve operational speed with strategic direction to outmaneuver competitors, gain loyalty with customers, and rapidly build sustainable earnings growth in as little as one or two business quarters. Colourful characters, believable situations and vivid writing make this business novel a vital resource for everyone seeking to deliver business improvement in these challenging economic times and far into the future.
Indian Writing.
“Lanterns on their Horns” by Radhika Jha @ Rs 399/- (Pgs 471)
In this second novel, Radhika Jha speaks about transformations in the heart and body of India. This highly affecting and finely crafted story revolves around four very different characters that become embroiled in an epic confrontation in which their ideals and their very lives are at stake. With a wide cast of characters like Ramu, the village simpleton who is married to Laxmi, the college educated daughter, Manoj the failed PhD in history and the headman of the village Gopal with whom change is unacceptable, Lanterns on their Horns combines with playful irony and humor to lay bare an India that struggles with the overarching issue of modernization.
“Arrack in the Afternoon” by Mathew Vincent Menacherry @ Rs. 350/- (pgs 315)
In this debut novel, Menacherry tells us the story of Verghese Konnikara- A depressed, alcoholic, suicidal failure who through a strange twist of circumstances is transformed into a new age godman, sought after by the most powerful people in the country. Over the years, his unlikely journey wends its way through the underbelly of the metropolis and into homes and mansions of the rich and famous. Written in darkly humorous prose, “Arrack in the Afternoon” brings to light a new and chaotic India, where people are engaged in a riveting tussle between right and wrong while trying desperately to get ahead.
“A Pack of Lies” by Urmila Deshpande @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 291)
A coming of age story, this debut novel tells gorgeous and brutal truths. It is a story about boundaries crossed, trust violated, a poor little rich girl effectively abandoned and suddenly hungry. Written fabulously, A Pack of Lies is at heart a novel about loneliness, a primer on lust, and most of all, an extraordinary window on the secrets of a young woman for whom resistance to gendered rules becomes a source of jeopardy, and yet, eventually, of salvation.
“If I Could Tell You” by Soumya Bhattacharya @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs. 200)
An unnamed narrator’s letters to his daughter explaining how his life has gone wrong, have as their unwavering focus the narrator’s daughter and the relationship between them. The letters speak of mislaid dreams and betrayed trust, about how luck and chance can irrevocably alter our lives, how love can lead to catastrophe, and ultimately about the new India and how its economy can make and then break a man who wanted to be no more than a writer. A moving life story written with poise and intensity, If I Could Tell You is a lyrical and moving novel and Soumya Bhattacharya’s diction is truly one of a kind.
“Dead on Time” by Meghnad Desai @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 238)
This is an unexpected first novel by the well-known economist and political commentator Meghnad Desai. The plot is an exceptional combination of realpolitik, action and humor. It revolves around a crisis in the Middle East, and a sport between two old Scottish rivals for which at least two men have waited for long years in order to realize their plan that might end in blood flow or even transform the political face of England forever. Realistic, pacey and extremely engaging; Dead on Time gives you a behind-the-scenes take on politics, politicians, journalists, media planners and all those who shape up the world today.
“The Diary of an Unreasonable Man” by Madhav Mathur @ Rs.199/- (Pgs 188)
What does one man, a complete nobody who sick and tired of being a corporate drone and aspiring to change the world do? He takes over a TV station with his friends, exposes an environmental scam, strikes out at patrons of brothels, sabotages a fashion show and paint-bombs a train. Pranav Kumar, after capturing the eyeball of the nation and shaking up the system with ridiculously unorthodox activities soon realizes that doing good comes at a price. He is being hunted down by the Mumbai police and contract killers alike! Bold, fresh, darkly comic and completely unhinged, The Diary of an Unreasonable Man is an outstanding debut.
“Stupid Cupid” by Mamang Dai @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 155)
After having created the dreamy world of Pensam with her truly magical prose in her book The Legends of Pensam, acclaimed author and poet Mamang Dai has written a graceful, quirky and moving story about relationships in Stupid Cupid. The story is about Adna who is drawn to Delhi from the hills of the North East by the love of a married man. She sets up a “love agency” in a small bungalow on a quiet lane, to provide a decent place for men and women who want to be alone together and find themselves through a moment of love without too much sweat. Stupid Cupid is a beautiful novel that talks about relationships complete with all their complications and joy.
“Fear Factor: Terror Incognito” Edited by Meenakshi Bharat & Sharon Rundle @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 274)
Though terrorism has long been around in India and Australia through simmering local insurgencies, in the last two years it started to spread out through the length and breadth of these vast countries. “Fear Factor: Terror Incognito” is a compilation of stories that are self-turning critiques of fears associated with immigration, foreigners, betrayal, loyalty, nostalgia and pragmatism. These exceptional stories put together in this venture are collaboration between two regions with only a little in common. These stories reveal the universality of the phenomenon of modern terror, as well as the universality of the artist’s protest and strike out as an assertion of a shared humanity.
“The Other Woman” edited by Monica Das @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 270)
Deceptive, tenacious and sinful; this book is a rather unusual compilation of stories about the ‘other women’ who seduce husbands, break happy and unhappy marriages by playing dark temptresses. These stories hint at the fact that we have to realize that unalloyed bliss is no longer the norm today. The powerful yet powerless ‘other woman’, who stands as much on the inside as on the outside of a relationship she infringes upon, is not always in the wrong though she can often end up becoming a victim. “The Other Woman” speaks of the beauty of relationships, be it in or outside of a marriage.
Personalities
“Open- An autobiography” by Andre Agassi @ Rs 599/- (Pgs 388)
This is the beautiful and haunting autobiography of the most beloved athletes in history and one of the most gifted men ever to step onto a tennis court. But who knew that Andre Agassi was coaxed to swing the racket practically all his life even as he drove himself to become a prodigy? He makes us feel panic as an undersized seven-year-old practicing all day under the gaze of his violent father, at thirteen he is banished to a Florida tennis camp that feels like prison camp. Lonely, scared and a drop-out, he rebels in ways that make him a 1980s icon and becomes an overnight fan favorite and media target when he surprises himself and wins the 1992 Wimbledon. Agassi brings a near photographic memory to every pivotal match and public relationship alongside vivid portraits of rivals from several generations. With its breakneck tempo and raw outspokenness, Open will captivate both ardent tennis fans and novices alike.
“Imran Khan- The Biography” by Christopher Sanford @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 401)
“It is not a question of aspirations. I know, God willing, I am going to succeed. And that’s not very far away.” -Imran Khan
He has always been a controversial figure and a man who gives rise to hot debate on account of his strong convictions and hard-line views. Imran Khan’s story is full of colour and contradiction. He is the practicing Muslim who was equally at home in London nightspots like Annabel’s and Tramp and campaigning among the slums of Lahore. Acclaimed biographer Christopher Sanford has approached a varied cast of Imran associates past and present to write this official biography, and has been provided with exclusive interviews and unique insights into the world of the ultimate crossover celebrity- Imran Khan.
“Jim Corbett of Kumaon” by D. C. Kala @ Rs. 200/- (Pgs 162)
This is the revised edition of the first extended biography of this great man and is an important sourcebook that evokes Corbett’s life and world with unrivalled authenticity. Jim Corbett was born in Nainital and spent most of his life in the hills of Kumaon. “Jim Corbett of Kumaon” chronicles the life and times of Jim Corbett- a tiger among men, naturalist, ascetic, lover of the underdog, and above all, hunter of man-eating tigers and leopards for thirty two active years in three hill districts. Corbett remains an ageless legend and hero and this revised edition of his biography will kindle the hearts of the new generation to acts of courage and high adventure.
“Mother India: A Political Biography of Indira Gandhi” by Pranay Gupte @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs597)
This is the fascinating story of India’s most complex political figure: Indira Gandhi, the enigmatic and solitary daughter of the country’s first prime minister, who rose to become prime minister herself. Mother India is a comprehensive biography, reissued in a revised edition on Indira Gandhi’s twenty-fifth death anniversary that not only explores her career and contradictions as a consummate politician, but also her relationships as daughter, wife and mother. Packed with lively anecdotes and insights, this book is both a compelling chronicle of the life and times of ‘Mrs. G’, as also an analysis of the politics of twentieth-century India.
“Shah Rukh Can: The Life and Times of Shah Rukh Khan” by Mushtaq Shiekh @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 355)
“Shah Rukh could have actually been two things- the biggest star in the country or a spiritual leader. There’s no third thing he can be......" Karan Johar
This book is the best window into Shah Rukh Khan’s inner world and soul. It catches the radiance of a man and star like Shah Rukh in his personal and professional space with versatile ease, making it a compulsive read. In his life so far, this man has astonished, exhilarated and surprised fans and friends and won over critics. His choice of films, his business venture with IPL and all his accomplishments so far will make you conclude one thing- Shah Rukh Can. Do. Anything he wishes. And a bit more. So you want to know who the real King Khan is? Then join Mushtaq Shiekh, as he chronicles the life and times of Shah Rukh Khan.
“Gabriel Garcia Marquez” by Gerald Martin @ Rs. 999/- (Pgs 664)
“Every self-respecting writer should have an English biographer.”
- Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Gerald Martin in this official biography of one of the most popular writers of the twentieth century helps readers ground Marquez’s exceptional works of fiction in history. Martin interviews more than three hundred people- the likes of Fidel Castro and Felipe Gonzalez to tell the story of the author’s fascinating rise to wealth and fame and his life at the times of power, politics, solitude and love. The stories and novels are superbly blended into Martin’s narrative and the book is an outstanding achievement unlikely to ever be bettered.
Inspiration
“Stones into Schools” by Greg Mortenson @ Rs 399/- (Pgs 420)
This book is the continuing story of the determined humanitarian Greg Mortenson- the author of the phenomenal Three Cups of Tea. Starting where he left off in 2003, Mortenson recounts his ongoing efforts to promote peace through education by establishing schools for girls in Afghanistan. But apart from this, the author also goes into deep details about his work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan during the earthquake in 2005, dodging shoot-outs with Afghan warlords and how he has built relationships with Islamic clerics, militia commanders and tribal leaders. Greg Mortenson has done all that he has done with great humility, charm, grace and patience. His work is truly laudable and extraordinary, not to mention inspirational.
“The Noticer” by Andy Andrews @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 167)
“Sometimes all a person needs is a little perspective.”
Common wisdom is beautifully rendered to the reader through the story of Jones who has a beautiful and unique gift for seeing what others miss. He is this rare being that doesn’t believe in dead ends and uses nothing more than small shifts in perspective to give the seeds of greatness tucked into our struggles a chance. The Noticer comes with an extremely useful guide at the end of the heartwarming narrative that gives the reader an opportunity to reflect upon Jones’ story along with questions for personal reflection. So go ahead and “Think, learn, pray, plan, dream. For soon…you will become.”
“What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures” by Malcom Gladwell @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs 410)
What hairdye can tell you about the history of the twentieth century? Why may a problem like homelessness be easier to solve than to manage? Are smart people actually rather overrated? Malcom Gladwell is the master of playful yet profound insight. In “What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures” he takes everyday subjects and teaches us to look at them in surprising new ways. He introduces us to obsessives, pioneers and explores confounding mysteries of our characters and intelligence. Whether it is criminal profiling or dog training, Gladwell gives us a completely new perspective and a glimpse into someone else’s head. Join this brilliant story-teller as he scatters some magic dust on everyday subjects and shows you the intriguing story within everyone and everything.
“Have a Little Faith- A True Story” by Mitch Albom @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs. 254)
This book is Mitch Albom’s return to non-fiction twelve years after Tuesdays With Morrie. A beautifully written story of a remarkable journey between two worlds- two men, two faiths, two communities; this book is about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again and about the divine spark in us all. As the world struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch Albom and two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times.
Current Affairs/ Socio-Eco-Pol
“Confronting Terrorism” ed. by Maroof Raza @ Rs 450/- (Pgs 201)
War today is no longer confined to battlefields. It is right here and right now. The attacks on Mumbai on 26th November 2008 brought home to Indians the full horror of terrorism and the change in the contemporary face of war. Confronting Terrorism is a collection of nine essays by eminent experts- strategic analysts and military historians- examining among other issues, the capacity of India’s police and paramilitary forces to deal with meticulously planned terror attacks, a more proactive approach of the army and the complex dynamics of nuclear terror. This collection illuminates one of the most burning issues facing Indians today.
“My Friend the Fanatic- Travels with a radical Islamist” by Sadanand Dhume @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 271)
This book is a portrait of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, painted through the travels of a pair of unlikely protagonists—Dhume, a foreign correspondent and a Princeton-educated Indian atheist with an interest in economic development and his companion Herry Nurdi, a young Islamist who hero-worships Osama bin Laden. Does Herry represent the future for Indonesia? The book fulfills a deep hunger for knowledge about a land in the time of profound change. At once funny, sad and unpretentiously intellectual, My Friend the Fanatic tells us much about the fascinating land that is Indonesia and about Islamism, one of the most important political phenomena of our age.
“In the Name of Allah- Understanding Islam and Indian History” by Raziuddin Aquil @ Rs 499/- (Pgs 289)
The author conducts a dispassionate investigation of the period between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries, from the heyday of Muslim political domination of large areas of the Subcontinent to the decline of the Mughals, accompanied by the transformations colonialism brought in its wake. Using texts from the medieval and early modern periods, Aquil uncovers connections between ideologies. Situating his arguments in the context of contemporary politics involving Hindus and Muslims Aquil has written a penetrating and readable book that tackles the legacy of Muslim rule in India and in the process presents Islam as a complex and continually changing tradition.
“Memories of Life in Lhasa under Chinese Rule” by Tubten Khetsun translated by Matthew Akester @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 318)
What went on in Tibet during the twenty years of the Maoist rule is still only vaguely known to the outside world. Tubten Khetsun was arrested during the Tibetan people’s uprising of March 1959 and spent four years in prison and labor camps after which he spent close to two decades in Lhasa as a requisitioned laborer and ‘class enemy’. “Memories of Life in Lhasa under Chinese Rule” is his autobiography in which he gives an eloquent account of what life was like during those troubled years. Khetsun’s story will captivate any reader seeking a refreshingly human account of what occurred during the Maoists’ shockingly brutal regime.
“Roadrunner- An Indian quest in America” by Dilip D’souza @ Rs 399/- (Pgs 331)
What do we learn when one great democracy looks at another? Through stories large and small, Roadrunner shows us America through the eyes of an Indian who is critical but not intolerant, understanding but not starry-eyed. Dilip D’Souza travels American roads, discovering old cultures and new concerns in one of the most revered and reviled nations in the world today. What exactly does United States look like through the eyes of an Indian? How do Americans see their country in terms of the world? For answers to these questions, join D’Souza in his quest as he roams the US and makes extremely observant comparisons between two of the greatest democracies of the world.
“India Yatra” ed. by Neelesh Misra & Zara Murao @ Rs 299/- (Pgs 156)
Anyone who claims to ‘know’ India and its complex layers is either foolish or lying. In the run-up to the world’s greatest electoral show (15th Lok Sabha Elections of 2009), The Hindustan Times decided to take its leaders up close to grassroots India and share the lives and perspectives of ordinary Indians- the people who really matter in an election. This project was called India Yatra and is possibly the biggest national reporting project of it kind, with the participation of fifty-six reporters and photographers of the same number. The project spanned more than 23,000 kilometers and 117 constituencies and showed how diverse India really is and how startling its variety. These essays in the Hindustan Times Yatra series tease out fascinating snapshots of a country in flux.
“I Accuse … The Anti-Sikh Violence of 1984” by Jarnail Singh @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 163)
Jarnail Singh’s book is a searing account of the brutal massacre of over three thousand Sikhs in Delhi and other parts of north India following the assassination of Mrs. Gandhi by two of her Sikh bodyguards in 1984. It is also a scathing indictment of the people who planned and perpetrated the massacre and those in power who displayed criminal indifference to the widespread killing and destruction of property. Jarnail Singh who readily acknowledges his shoe-throw incident at P.Chidambaram at a press conference as an inappropriate means of protest, asks uncomfortable questions like why the state apparatus allowed this manslaughter to take place and why despite the many commissions the perpetrators still haven’t been brought to book…
Yin in U
“In Search Of Sita: Revisiting Mythology” Edited by Malashri Lal & Namita Gokhale @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 270)
Sita is one of the defining figures of Indian womanhood, yet there is no single version of her story. Sita in our prevalent idiom is weak, self sacrificing, oppressed, a natural victim are some of the ideals associated with the popular perceptions of Sita. But the Janaki who symbolized courage and strength and the stories of her birth, her days in exile, the test by fire, the birth of her sons and finally her return to earth are all often forgotten. In Search Of Sita presents essays, conversations and commentaries that explore different aspects of her life. They offer fresh interpretations of her enigmatic figure and her indelible impact on our everyday lives.
Travel
“Trekking Guide to the Western Himalayas” by Depi Chaudhry @ Rs 695/- (Pgs 215)
Depi Chaudhry’s love for the mountains and trekking started early in life and realizing the need for better trekking resources for independent adventurers, he has written a book that might just be the new route planning bible. The book includes several off-beat treks, lucid stage-by-stage descriptions, high quality maps and 3-D satellite images. The guide is handy and portable and covers 43 treks in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Music/Theater
“50 Maestros Recordings” by Amaan & Ayaan Ali Khan @ Rs 350/- (Pgs 192)
Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan are young sarod players who have grown up surrounded by music and musicians. 50 Maestros Recordings is their tribute to fifty masters of Indian classical music of the past hundred years. They take us through their encounters with maestros ranging from Bismillah Khan to M S Subbulakshmi, Begum Akhtar to Bhimsen Joshi and explore both northern and southern Indian music. This book includes a unique listing of each artiste’s most influential recordings, personal anecdotes, rare photographs from the authors’ private collection, an exclusive CD of selected recordings and is an invaluable guide to the best of Indian classical music.
Young Adults
“The Bird with Golden Wings: Stories of Wit and Magic” by Sudha Murty @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 112)
Why did the once sweet sea water turn salty? What would you do if a bird with golden wings alighted on your terrace and offered you fabulous riches? Sudha Murthy’s new, enchanting collection of stories bubbles over with fun. The text is brought to life with fabulous colour illustrations. These tales of magical creatures, princesses and kings, ordinary witty men and women are all that will bring hours of joy to readers young and old.
“Milton’s Secret- An adventure of discovery through Then, When, and the Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle @ Rs. 250/-
Eckhart Tolle and co-author Robert S Friedman bring the concept of the bestselling The Power of Now to a story for children. Milton is a happy kid till a school bully starts to push him around. He worries about the bully all the time. But he discovers that the only way to be happy is to live in the Now. Thought-provoking, beautifully illustrated, and a wonderful teaching tool for parents, this book, will help children cope with difficult situations everywhere.
More new books!
1. The Puffin Treasure Chest Of Children’s Classics: Fairy Tales, Poems, Stories And Adventures” @ Rs. 599/-
2. “The Comeback- A story of bankruptcy and survival” by Suhas Mantri @ Rs. 225/-
3. “The Book of Tomorrow” by Cecelia Ahern @ Rs. 250/-
4. “Closure- Some poems and a conversation” by Kamala Das & Suresh Kohli @ Rs. 299/-
5. “In the Wonderland of Investment” by A.N.Shanbhag & Sandeep Shanbhag @ Rs. 300/-
6. “In the Wonderland of Investment for NRIs” by A.N.Shanbhag & Sandeep Shanbhag @ Rs. 300/-
7. “First Proof 5- The Penguin book of new writing from India” @ Rs 250/-
8. “Virus of the Mind” by Richard Brodie @ Rs 299/-
9. “Kabul Disco” by Nicolas Wild @ Rs 325/-
10. “Rajmohan’s Wife” by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay @ Rs 199/-
11. “The Return of Khokababu- The best of Tagore” translated by Sipra Bhattacharya @ Rs 350/-
12. “Finding a Purpose in Life” by R M Lala @ Rs 150/-
13. “Outlook Traveller- 100 Best Resorts and Retreats in India” @ Rs 295/-
14. “The Language of the Genes” by Steve Jones @ Rs 480/-
15. “Bombay Then, Mumbai Now” @ Rs 2,975/-
16. “Breath Of The Absolute: Dialogues With Mooji” by Mooji @ Rs. 350/-
17. “The End Of Duality” by Ramesh S. Balsekar @ Rs. 195/-
18. “Good Reading Guide” Edited by Nick Rennison @ Rs 350/-
19. “The Mother Of Mohammed: A Woman’s Extraordinary Journed Into Jihad” by Sally Neighbour @ Rs. 295/-
20.“Panna” by Kamala Das @ Rs. 125/-
21.“The House On Mall Road” by Mohyna Srinivasan @ Rs. 325/-
22.“Killing The Water” by Mahmud Rahman @ Rs. 250/-
23.“The Value Of Nothing: How To Reshape Market Society And Redefine Democracy” by Raj Patel @ Rs. 499/-
24.“Rukmini Devi: A Life By Leela Samson”by Leela Samson @ Rs. 550/-
25.“Sacred Animals Of India” by Nanditha Krishna @ Rs. 299/-
26.“ Simply Fly” by Captain Gopinath @ Rs. 499/-
27.“Tales From The Bench And The Bar” by Vicaji J. Taraporevala @ Rs. 350/-
28.“Spirit Of India: An Exotic Land Of History, Culture And Colour” by Gill Davies @ Rs. 995/-
New from Tulika:
Looking at Art Series @ Rs. 200 /- each:
This is a set of four books by Amrita Raghbeer that leads children into the world and sensibilities of some of India’s best known artists. It is an engaging introduction to art and the artist through story, memoir and biography, as well as a valuable resource for the understanding of art.
a) “A Trail of Paint” (Jamini Roy)
b) “Barefoot Hussain” (M.F. Hussain)
c) “The Veena Player” (Ravi Varma)
d) “My name is Amrita… born to be an artist” (Amrita Sher-Gil)
Karadi Tales - New Titles @ Rs. 145/- each.
“A Hundred Cartloads” by Devika Rangachari, voice of Soha Ali Khan
“Super Hathaman” by Kaushik Viswanath, voice of Jaaved Jaaferi
“Cricketmatics” by Anshumani Ruddra, voice of Rahul Dravid
Just check them all out …. See you at the Store !
From the team at
twistntales
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