twistntales

Message sent to twistntales@yahoogroups.com on 22nd July’10
Hi all,
Greetings to all our teachers, principals, educationists with whom we share a fond, warm relationship. As we wish them on the occasion of Guru Purnima this weekend, our tribute to all those who taught us. Kudos to these professionals who always seem to put the “taught” before the teacher.

As we bring up this mail for July, we realize that being in the Aundh/Baner area, we are sitting on a goldmine of authors, who are our neighbourhood celebrities. We had a hearty response to the launch of Deepak Dalal’s Sahyadri Adventures in the Store and the question answer session really was lively.

We have planned a series of “Meet the Author” sessions for you, we shall announce it through mail, facebook and sms. Kindly ensure that your mail ids, phone numbers are updated with us. Thank you.

Without too much ado, we will get on to the books:

“Inspired India - Ideas to Transform a Nation” @ Rs399/-(pgs 234)

With a foreword by APJ Kalam, this book is 26 part series complied by the Hindustan times on India. The topics vary from health to governance to road safety. The book talks about initiatives in these fields. The innovations presented in these articles are mind –blowing. For example, the numbers of petty case in our courts are many. The solution was The Mahatma Gandhi Dispute Free Scheme launched in Maharashtra. Indians across states can truly get inspired by this book and transform India into a superpower.

“From Entrepreneurs to Leaders” by Shirish Deodhar @ Rs350/-(pgs 239)

For the first time entrepreneurs who find it difficult to cope with starting a business. The author, Shirish Deodar, had started and seen the growth of many IT companies both local and global... In this book he uses his experiences to guide first time entrepreneurs into becoming global companies. Both Nandan Nilekani (former co-chairman, Infosys) and Mark Leslie (former CEO and President, Veritas Software) have contributed to this book. This book, though is about IT industry can be used by first time entrepreneurs.

Fiction:

“The Chosen One- When Power is Not Enough” by Sam Bourne @ Rs.250/-(pgs 438)

Sam Bourne is a pen name for Jonathan Freedland who is an award winning journalist and broadcaster. He has written many novels such as The Last Testament and The Final Reckoning. In The Chosen One, the newly elected president Stephen Baker has raised everyone’s hopes of living in a better world, especially Maggie Costello’s, a political advisor. But all is not as sunny as it seems. The Nation is shocked as Vic Forbes, a man who has it in for the new president, is found dead. As Maggie Costello sets out to find answers for that very question, she will be shaken to her very core. With this book, one can see why Sam Bourne is a bestselling author. From the very first page you are gripped and cannot put the book down. Suspense, murder, controversy - what more could you wish for? A real page turner!

“Boom!” by Mark Haddon @ Rs450 (pgs 194)

Mark Haddon, the author of ‘The Curious Incident with the Dog in the Night time’ gives us ‘Boom!’ which is a revised version of one of his earlier books titled ‘Gridzbi Spudvetch!’ (Boom! Being easier to pronounce see…?)
In this book Jimbo, a young boy lives with his family in their smallish apartment in England. He and his friend Charlie stumble upon something sinisterly mysterious while eavesdropping on the staffroom. The more they find out, they realize that someone doesn’t want them to know. When suddenly Charlie disappears! It is now up to Jimbo to save Charlie rescue him before it is too late! Witty and hilarious, Mark Haddon has done it again!

“A Short History Of Women: A Novel” by Kate Walbert @ Rs. 520/- (Pgs 225)

This touching novel traces the portrait of women from the close of 19th Century through the early years of the 21st Century. It takes the Townsend family as an example. It shows how women have struggled to find her own place as a mother, wife or daughter. As women’s priorities and freedoms change through the century this novel depicts this very beautifully. This book makes an interesting read.

Indian Writing:

“The Counsel of Strangers” by Gouri Dange @ Rs.250/-(pgs 169)

Gauri Dange is a well known author and our very own neighbourhood celebrity. A well known counselor and a regular writer of columns, this is Gauri’s second offering. Her previous book, 3, Zakia Mansion, published by Penguin India did very well nationwide. We shall soon be having a “Meet the Author” session with her in twistntales. Watch out for the announcements.

Sometimes strangers offer better advice than our own people. This book is about how six total strangers come together for a marriage. Though total strangers to each other they tell their stories to get to know each other. There is a retired air force person who has found new love but his children are not comfortable with it. The strangers give advice and after the marriage all of them keep in touch. It’s a wonderful story of how total strangers come together.

“Tiger Hills” by Sarita Mandanna @ Rs599/-(451)

Devi is born in 1878, on the day of the herons. Muthavva, Devi’s mother realizes that her daughter is very special. Devi befriends Devanna, a young boy whose mother dies in tragic circumstances. The bond of their friendship becomes stronger as each day passes and soon they become inseparable. But as Devi meets Manchu, she is charmed by him. Sarita Mandanna has created unforgettable characters and a gripping story in her debut novel.

“Serious Men” by Manu Joseph @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 326)

Manu Joseph is a journalist based in Bombay. Again, a debut novel.
Ayyan Mani is a low middle class, Buddhist who lives with his wife Oja and his son, Adi in a chawl. Ayyan works as a personal assistant to an astronomer, Arvind Acharya, at the Institute of Theory and Research, Arvind Acharya is obsessed with the theory that the microscopic extraterrestrials are falling on the earth all the time. Ayyan is very ambitious and is always grasping all the information regarding everything in the Institute. He thinks with the help of all this information he can improve his standard of living. The readers get a picture of all the characters in the novel through the eyes of Ayyan. Through Ayyan’s story the author, Manu Joseph highlights important points like: Class and Caste struggle, social aspiration, and the role of science in today’s world. This author has brought both humor and perception in the novel.

“Secret Spaces – A Collection of Stories” by Aruna Chakravarti @ Rs250/-(pgs 225)

Aruna Chakravarthi, the author of The Inheritors and many other books, brings us ‘Secret Spaces’ a collection of eight short stories. Each of the stories is women centric but not feminist. Each of them discovering, enfolding a woman’s sacred space: sometimes a house, sometimes the mind and sometimes both. Written in a very striking way, the stories are of the lives of different women who face everything from verbal abuse to sexual assault. Very hard-hitting and very real, these stories leave one with something to think about.

History

“Tatya Tope’s Operation Red Lotus” by Parag Tope @ Rs595/-(pgs 431)

The Red Lotus has a symbolic meaning representing Indic ideas and ideals. This book demonstrates that the Red Lotus represented something far more specific during the war of 1857. This book covers Tatya Tope’s entire campaign from the planning of the war until his death. The most awaited question –‘was the man hanged on 18 April 1859-Tatya Tope?’ is answered in this book. The book also offers letters written to Tatya Tope which were never published earlier.
This book has been compiled by the Tope family; each member has contributed something to the book. This book provides a platform for the dream of a resurgent India and its charisma as the eternal nation. The dedication of the Tope family shines through every piece of information in this book.

Travel

“Jangalnama - Travels in a Maoist Guerilla Zone “by Satnam @ Rs250/- (pgs 206)

Satnam is an activist and writer who have written on national and international issues. Jungalnama is his first major book. Satnam has spent two whole months with Maoist Guerillas in the jungles of Bastar, learning and observing their ways. Through his account of their lives , the reader learns the real story of the ‘guerillas’ and the ‘adivasis’ – how and why they live in Bastar, their diet, their aims and goals towards society, and their insights about what is happening around the world. We also realize that, guerilla actions need not only mean encounters and landmines. Satnam presents an alternate development model which is a part of the revolution.

“Mystical, Magical Maharashtra” by Milind Gunaji @ Rs150/-(pgs 123)

Milind Gunaji has written 6 books on his adventurous travels. Milind Gunaji once again takes his readers on an adventurous journey. This time he has brought places in Maharashtra and Goa that have a magical history into light. The vanishing pedhas of Bhuleshwar, the bubbling brooks of Netravali and the walking mango tree of Sanjan are just a few of those mentioned in this book. The mystical and magical portions are those of the forts that have an important place in the history of Maharashtra. The beautiful photographs and useful maps urge one to look for the wanderer within.

Cinema

“3 Idiots –The Original Screenplay “@ Rs495/-(pgs 425)

3 Idiots is a film which is popular all over the world. The film proved to be an irresistible magnet at all cinema theatres. The film’s real and long-lasting achievement is not in its popularity but, in its power to evoke. 3 Idiots - the original screenplay begins with Rajkumar’s real life story, and then the original screenplay of the movie. Next comes the part of how the book “Five Point Someone” influenced Rajkumar Hirani to direct this film. It also has rare interviews and personal accounts of the cast and crew. To add to the excitement, it also has behind the scenes photographs. The book reveals the journey of the makers of the movie, thus compelling a nation to think.

Food

“Medium Raw” by Anthony Bourdain @ Rs 599/-(pgs 281)

Anthony Bourdain: chef, traveller, author, TV food guide, and all round gastronome is back with a sequel to his book ‘Kitchen Confidential’. In ‘Medium Raw’ Anthony Bourdain continues his journey in life as things around him are changing… even him. Starting with an illegal dinner that he is invited to (not to mention any names), It just gets better! As its name suggests, the book is Raw and very Real. And in true Anthony Bourdain style: Sarcastic and funny. Medium Raw is a definite page turner!

“Women, Food and God” by Geneen Roth @ Rs.6058/-(pgs 211)

FOOD WOMEN AND GOD! is a part and parcel of the world.
No matter how sophisticated, or wealthy, or broke you are, how you eat speaks all about you. Geneen Roth says that the only definition of God that makes sense is one that uses this human life and its suffering – the very things we believe we need to hide or fix. The book begins with the basic concept of how women use food to solve every problem, it is comforting for some and for the others it is just a part of them. The way we eat is inseparable from one’s core beliefs. This book is a simple guide that has the basic insights to change one’s life.

Personalities

“Serena Williams – My Life” with Daniel Paisner @ Rs. 555/- (Pgs. 258)

This book is about the struggle of this dynamic tennis star. Trained by her father and encouraged by her older sister Venus, she has won many matches. She had a special relationship with her older sister with whom she had practice sessions. She was devastated by the shooting of her older sister Tunde, nevertheless she sprang back into action. This book is a must read for anyone who is going through a struggle.

Young Adults/ Children

“A Clear Blue Sky - Stories and Poems on conflict and hope” @ Rs150/- (pgs 111)

A Clear Blue Sky is a compilation of stories and poems by various authors from India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan for children and teenagers. They deal with all that is going wrong in the world: War, Global Warming, Racism, Terrorism etc. Serious issues like these are written about from a child’s point of view and are hence relatable for other children to understand. Some sad, some funny, some hopeful, these stories are a must read for all children.

“Star Stuck” by Subhadra Sengupta @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 176)

Star Struck is the second Foxy Four Adventure. Set in the holy city of Varanasi, this book is about the Foxy four- a gang of 4 girls. Thinking that they are going for a national quiz they get more than what they had bargained for. There is an idol that gets stolen and a film crew moves into the town for shooting. All of sudden the foxy four are excited about this activity in Varanasi. The book is a must read for all who love adventures and mysteries.

“Pearls of Wisdom”by Sonja Chandrachud @ Rs199/- (pgs 189)

Sonja too is our neighbourhood personality, well known author, who comes with a riot of a book everytime. A long time friend of twistntales, many of you will remember her from her reading sessions on horror stories for kids! Wicked and fun, Sonja returns to the “Hilarious Hauntings” series. Her earlier book, “Potion of Eternity” was a great hit amongst teenagers!

‘Pearls of Wisdom’ is the second book in her series of ‘A Hilarious Hauntings Adventure’, our favourite hilarious hero is back: Count Drunkula, with another adventure… only this time it’s not his adventure!
Poseidon is headed for certain doom when their King Neptune loses the precious Pearls of Wisdom to the dreaded Black Magi. This means the end of Poseidon if Count Drunkula does not do something. Only he is being charged by high treason for losing the Pearls!
The only one who can save the day is his 13 year old Water Sprite daughter – Koral. Thus Koral sets out to the Sea of Secrets with her friends Pete and Shesh to do the seemingly impossible task of recovering the Pearls and saving her father’s life…. Little does she know that she may have to pay a heavy price for doing exactly that!
Hilarious, witty and richly descriptive, Sonja Chandrachud transports you to another world full of magic, humour and of course adventure!

New books not yet reviewed, but already on racks

1. “Avatar An Activist Survival Guide” by James Cameron @ Rs 699/-(pgs 203)
2. “Ayn Rand and the world she made” by Anne. C. Heller @ Rs.495/-
3. “Theodore Boone - Half the man, twice the lawyer “ by John Grisham @ Rs199/-
4. “The Art Of Choosing “ by Sheena Iyengar @ Rs 499/-
5. “She Broke up, I didn’t!... “ by Durjoy Datta @ Rs 100/-
6. “The New Anthem-The subcontinent in its own words” by Ahmede Hussain @ Rs350/-
7. “I too had a love story..” by Ravinder Singh @ Rs100/-
8. Soap! Writing and Surviving Television in India “ by Venita Coelho @ Rs299/-
9. “Chicken Soup for the Soul Divorce and Recovery “@ Rs295/-
10. “Chicken Soup for the Indian Spiritual Soul” @ Rs 295/-
11. “Chicken Soup for the Indian Women Soul” @ Rs295/-
12. “Beyond Deal Making - five steps to negotiating Profitable Relationships” by Melanie Billings- Yun @ Rs399/-
13. “Frauds in the markets why it happens and How to Fight it” by Peter d. Goldman @ Rs.395/-
14. “The Optimism Advantage 50 Simple Truths to Transform Your Attitudes and Actions into Results“ by Terry L. Paulson @ Rs 350/-
15. “Poorly Made in China an Insider’s Account of the Tactics behind China’s Production Game” by Paul Midler @ Rs.375/-
16. “Marketing 3.0 – From Products to Customers to the Human Spirit” by Philip Kotler @ Rs. 495/- (pgs 188)
17. “Invisible” by Paul Auster @ Rs. 299/-
18. “Driving like Crazy – 30 years of vehicular hell bending” by P. J. O’rourke @ Rs. 350/-
19. “Spotty Powder and other Splendiferous Secrets “ by Roald Dahl @Rs 125/-
20. “The Eight Powers Within You” by Shishir Srivastava @ Rs199/-
21. “Well Being - The 5 Essential Elements “ by Tom Rath @ Rs750/-
22. “Headcount - Memoirs of a Demographer “ by Ashish Bose @ Rs 450/-
23. “Knowing Dil Das - Stories of a Himalayan Hunter” by Joseph S. Alter @ Rs299/-
24. “Illicit” by Dibyendu Palit @ Rs150/-
25. “The Begum’s Secret “ by A.K. Srikumar @ Rs.299/-
26. “There was no one at the Bus Stop” by Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay @ Rs 150/-
27. “Innocent” by Scott Turow @ Rs430/-
28. “The Story of the World Cup” by Brian Glanville @ Rs599/-
29. “She’s A Jolly Good Fellow” by Sajita Nair @ Rs250/-
30. “Of Love and Politics” by Tuhin A Sinha @ Rs250/-
31. “Excess: The Tehelka Book of Stories” edited by Jai Arjun Singh & Nisha Susan @ Rs. 250/-
32. “The Sages” by Charles R. Morris @ Rs. 450/-
33. “The Double Comfort Safari Club” by Alexander McCall Smith @ Rs. 495/-
34. “The Flaws In The Jewel” by Roderick Matthews @ Rs. 350/-
35. “India: National Geographic Traveler” by Louise Nicholson @ Rs. 999/-
36. “The Rise and Fall of Bear Stearns” by Alan C. Greenberg @ Rs.905/-
37. “Gravity Shift” by Wendy Dobson @ Rs 495/-
38. “Quarantine” by Rahul Mehta @ Rs 399/-
39. “Governing Business & Relationships” by A. Parthasarathy @ Rs.450/-
40. “You tube and Video marketing An Hour A day” by Greg Jarboe @ Rs. 450/-
41. “Email Marketing - An Hour A Day” by J. Mullen and David Daniels @ Rs 450/-
42. “After the Darkness” by Sidney Sheldon @ Rs250/-
43. “A Break in the Circle” by Sharmila Kantha @ Rs.250/-
44. “The Left Hand of God” by Paul Hoffman @ Rs499/-
45. “Vedic Signs” by Ajai Bhambi @ Rs195/-
46. “On the Yeti’s Trail” by Shoba Naidu @ Rs.95/-
47. “Tusker Tales” edited by” Ruskin Bond @ Rs 95/-
48. “History and Heritage of Indian Game Hunting” by Sudipta Mitra @ Rs.395/-
49. “Impressions” by Najma Heptulla “@ Rs 295/-

Young Adults/ Kids

50. “More Milly- Molly- Mandy” by Joyce Lankester Brisley @ Rs.215/-
51. “Airhead Runaway” by Meg Cabot @ Rs 399/-(pgs 275)
52. “Little Fingers” by Sheila Dhir@ Rs95/-
53. “A Silly Story Of Bondapalli” by Shamim Padamsee @ Rs135/-
54. “My Brother Tootoo’ by Urmila Mahajan @ Rs175/- (pgs 157)

Books just arrived, hot off the oven:

1. “Hostel Room 131” by R.Raj Rao @ Rs.250/-
2. “Refuge” by Gopal Gandhi @ Rs.250/-
3. “Valmiki’s Daughter” by Shani Mootoo @ Rs. 299/-
4. “Howzzat Butterfingers!” by Khyrunnisa A. @ Rs.199/-
5. “Essentials of Screenwriting- The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television Writing” by Richard Walter @ Rs. 499/-
6. “Vampire Academy – Spirit Bound” by Richelle Mead @ Rs. 325/-
7. “Struggle for Gender Justice –Justice Sunanda Bhandare Memorial lectures” edited by Murlidhar C. Bhandare @ Rs.499/-
8. “The Authorized Biography – Adoor Gopalkrishnan, A life in Cinema “ by Gautaman Bhaskaran @ Rs.599/-
9. “The Lacuna” by Barbara Kingsolver @ Rs. 550/- (Orange Prize for Fiction Winner)
10. “The Red Pyramid” by Rick Riordan @ Rs.399/-
11. “This Is Not That Dawn” tr. by Anand (Yashpal’s Jhoota Sach)@ Rs599/-
12. “Hitch -22” by Christopher Hitchens @ Rs. 599/-
13. “The Crimson Throne” by Sudhir Kakar @ Rs.450/-
14. “The Story of English- How the English Language conquered the World” by Philip Gooden @ Rs.550/-
15. “The Tacit Dimension” by Michael Polanyi @ Rs.299/-
16. “Great Escapes –Alcatraz, The Berlin Wall, Colditz, Devil’s Island and 20 other stories of daring, audacity and ingenuity” by Ian Crofton @ Rs.550/-
17. “Jamie does… Spain, Italy, Morocco, Sweden, Greece, France- Easy twists on classic dishes inspired by my travels
Happy Reading and meet you at the Store,

From the growing team at,

twistntales