Hi all,
Here’s an ode to the lovely bookstores that we know.
We may have grown up with Manneys right here in Pune, or with Strand in Mumbai or with the original Landmark in Nugambakkam High Road in Chennai - wherever we have been, it’s thanks to these folks and our friendly neighbourhood garage libraries or the really wonderful teachers and librarians that we have known, that we have all imbibed this wonderful habit of reading. Buy and read, borrow and read, but read we must. Early mornings, mid afternoons, late nights, in flights, airports, on holidays, I am sure many of us have memories of reading story books under the blanket with a torchlight!
It’s these memories and folks like you who share these memories with us that’s happily taking us to our 8th happy birthday on Sunday, 28th March. We hope to give kids in our neighbourhood the same kind of memories that we have had while growing up. The last 8 years has seen kids in our neighbourhood, finish school and college, take up jobs and still sneak in to read Calvin & Hobbes or Asterix! So whether it is Samar, Aditya, Vedang or Vinay, or amongst the junior lot, Siddanth, Varun, Yagnesh or Eeshaan, we hope to have given them this joy and memories for life.
And as we move from 8 to 80 (we are infants compared to the above mentioned bookstores), we send out our heart felt thanks to you all, some of you who have seen us right from our first day! We have come a long way since Mar’2002, and still miles to go. As we learn, we are happy to have delighted you on some days, and disappointed when we have messed up. But you have stood by us, steadied the boat, and helped us get further. You deserve a BIG thanks.
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, 23rd Mar till Sunday, 28th March, we are happy to give you 15% off on whatever you pick. So, hurry, pick your wallets and run. And sorry, we will not be able to put books aside for you, for this week. No gift wrapping either. But loads of books, yes, definitely! So, see you in the Store!
Reviews/ New Books:
Science
“Virus of the Mind” by Richard Brodie @ Rs 299/- (Pgs 249)
Tastes, desires and ways of living and working that are not your own are viruses of the mind known as Memes. And Richard Brodie, one of the world’s leading authorities on memetics or the self-replicating aspects of culture, gives you the low down on how this revolutionary science can help you. Memetics is the long awaited scientific study unifying biology, psychology and cognitive science and can be used to completely reprogram your self simply by being aware of the viruses of the mind. Written in a very witty and engaging manner, Virus of the Mind awakens you to what really happens to the things you see and hear. Pick up this book, then give it to someone you love and help spread a truly valuable ‘virus’!
“The Language of the Genes” by Steve Jones @ Rs 480/- (Pgs 340)
This book is the most ‘accessible’ guide to modern genetics and shows us how remarkable yet fragile product of evolution the human species is. Jones demolishes various myths, addresses sensitive social issues and speaks optimistically of the potentials of modern genetics. What is exceptional about the book is that it is as much scientific as it is literary. Few scientists will have the ability to write well for a general audience and Steve Jones is one of those rare species. The Language of the Genes is a witty tale of curious mutations, Siamese cats and evolution.
“Darwin’s Sacred Cause- Race, slavery and the quest for human origins” by Adrian Desmond & James Moore @ Rs 550/- (Pgs 450)
Did you know that Darwin had a ‘Sacred Cause’ behind his theory of evolution which traced all life back to a common ancestor? Darwin was committed to the abolition of slavery and tried to accomplish the ‘brotherhood of races’- whether black or white, man or animal, plants or people. The authors draw from unpublished family correspondence, manuscripts and rare books the information that led to the creation of Darwin’s world-changing works. Darwin’s Sacred Cause is the untold story of how Darwin’s abhorrence of slavery that leads to our modern understanding of evolution.
Philosophy
“The End of Duality” by Ramesh S. Balsekar @ 195/- (Pgs 84)
“Who wouldn’t look forward to death?” asks one of the world’s leading masters of Advaita, Ramesh Balsekar. Over five days in 2009, Balsekar spoke on one central theme: The End of Duality or in other words, the end of the pleasures and pains of daily living. There was such indescribable beauty in the brevity of his words that it was felt that they should be transcribed, edited and published to reach a wider audience. The End of Duality is the compilation of Balsekar’s provocative speeches. There seems to be a finality in the message being conveyed in these talks, making them slivers of wisdom.
Management
“Strengths Based Leadership” by Tom Rath & Barry Conchie @ Rs. 650/- (Pgs 240)
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tom Rath and renowned leadership consultant Barry Conchie reveal in this book, three keys to being a more effective leader: knowing your strengths and investing in others’ strengths, getting people with the right strengths on your team, and understanding and meeting the four basic needs of those who look to you for leadership. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from some of the most successful organizational leaders in recent history, from the founder of Teach For America to the President of The Ritz-Carlton, as they discuss how their unique strengths have driven their success. Filled with novel research and actionable ideas, Strengths Based Leadership will give you a new road map for leading people toward a better future.
Personalities
“Rukmini Devi: A life by Leela Samson” @ Rs. 550/- (Pgs 243)
Bharatha Natyam and Rukmini Devi Arundale are words that have almost always been taken in the same breath. Leela Samson, who took over as the director of Kalakshetra Foundation is probably one of the best people to write about this extraordinary woman, whose life embodied a vision of a modern India, while also celebrating its rich civilization. Drawn from a collection of Rukmini Devi’s own papers, speeches, writings, diaries and Theosophical journals housed in Kalakshetra apart from the oral evidences and reminiscences of stalwarts and luminaries like Annie Besant and C Rajagoplachari, the biography also contains unseen personal correspondence and photographs and is an intimate and rounded portrait of the celebrated artiste and dancer- Rukmini Devi.
“Simply Fly” by Captain Gopinath @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 380)
This book is an exceptional entrepreneurial journey, it is a story of a man who went from riding in a bullock cart in a remote village to owning India’s first and largest low-cost airline- Air Deccan. Simply Fly is a very personal account of Captain Gopinath’s days in the army, his return to the village and life as a refugee, the Guru-Shishya relationship between him and his father, and his subsequent and highly successful ventures in life. Here’s a very ‘Indian experience’ of entrepreneurial and leadership success, of triumph over adversity that conveys the joy and richness of life in rural India.
“Made In India Biddu: Adventures Of A Lifetime” by Biddu @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 252)
“I was born at a time when Man had finally learned to walk upright”
Biddu was born in India, where he started his career playing in a pop band whose influences lay in the classic repertoire of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. He was the boy with gold in his hair…From the nine-million-selling ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ to the iconic youth anthem of ‘Made in India’ and the numerous hits in between, Biddu’s music made him a household name in India and elsewhere. He became involved in Indian music: composed the cult ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ for the film Qurbani, which set a new landmark for sales in India. This was followed with Disco Deewane, with Nazia Hassan, which became the largest selling pop album in Asian history. To date, Biddu has sold over thirty-eight million records worldwide. In this first public account of all that came his way-the people, the events, the music tours and companies-Biddu writes with a wry sense of humour about his remarkable journey with its fairy-tale ending. Charming, witty, and entirely likeable, Biddu is a man you’re going to enjoy getting to know.
“The Accidental Billionaires: Sex, Money, Betrayal And The Founding Of Facebook” by Ben Mezrich @ Rs. 550/- (Pgs 260)
What began as a simple argument spiraled into an out-and-out war. This is the story of two Ivy League outcasts who concocted a scheme to meet girls, and ended up inventing Facebook. At Harvard, social acceptance and success with the opposite sex had to be applied for. Misfit and maths prodigy Eduardo Saverin dreamed of joining one of Harvard’s elite Final clubs. His best friend, computer genius Mark Zuckerberg, turned instead to his natural talents, hacking into the university’s computer system to create a rateable database of every female student on campus. After crashing the entire computer system, and escaping expulsion, they refocused to something less controversial – ‘The Facebook’ which spread like a wildfire. Eduardo and Mark were getting nods not just from the female population, but from venture capitalists too. It was then, amidst the dizzying levels of cash and the promise of unbelievable power, ironically Facebook succeeded by bringing people together – but also tore two best friends apart.
Inspiration
“The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind” by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 273)
Every woman in Malawi had to walk several kilometers to cut down a bundle of thin tress so that they can have their meals… Someone had to help save our woman & trees, and I thought, why not me?
William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, a country where hunger and drought were a daily reality, and hope and opportunity were hard to find. Facing different adversities, William who has passion for science, had a ‘crazy’ idea. His achievement with Wind Energy is an excellent example of what one person, with an inspired idea, can do to tackle the crisis. His incredible determination has changed his community and transformed the lives of those around him. A must read ‘Inspirational’ book…..
“In The Line Of Alzheimer’s: The Mission Continues” by Brig (Retd) S P Bhattacharjya @ Rs. 175/- (Pgs 88)
…caregiving to an Alzheimer’s patient need not be struggling through the storm only, but it’s possible to enjoy a bit of dancing through the rain as well.
This is a passionate account of a loving husband narrating his experiences and observations as a caregiver of his dear wife with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a tale of a fairly long journey punctuated with making mistakes and correcting them, high expectations and dashing of hopes, some achievements and many failures ending with the acceptance of the reality of essentially incurable nature of the condition and setting a goal of trying to do his best for her in spite of that.
“The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer” by Sergio F. Bambaren @ Rs. 99/- (Pgs 87)
“May your dreams come true, dreamer; and may they always bring you happiness and wisdom.”
From an author who himself left a lucrative job in order to follow his dreams, this is a wonderful book written in simple language that will awaken the dreamer in us. This is a story of courage, of struggle against ones own fears and limits- this is the story of Daniel Dolphin, who will take you on a magical journey and remind you that in the journey through life it is the will of the heart that decides our destiny.
Fiction
“Committed” by Elizabeth Gilbert @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs285)
There is no greater risk than matrimony. But there is nothing happier than a happy marriage
How does a skeptic make peace with marriage? Here is Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of her bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love. In her memoir, she fell in love with Felipe, resettled in America and they swore eternal fidelity to each other but swore never, EVER, to get married. But providence intervened and having been effectively sentenced to wed, Gilbert tackled her fears of marriage by delving completely into this topic. The result is Committed – a witty and intelligent contemplation of marriage that debunks myths, unthreads fears and suggests that sometimes even the most romantic souls must trade in her amorous fantasies for the humbling responsibility of adulthood. Committed is ultimately a clear-eyed celebration of love, with all the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails.
“Truth” by Peter Temple @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 406)
From the author of the international bestseller “The Broken Shore”, Peter Temple’s Truth is a novel about a man, a family, a city. It is about violence, murder, love, corruption, honour and deceit. And it is about truth. At the close of a long day, Inspector Stephen Villani stands in the bathroom of a luxury apartment high above the city. In the glass bath, a young woman lies dead. Villani’s job as the head of the Victoria Police Homicide Squad is bathed in blood and sorrow. Incapable of constancy as a father and husband, damaged as a son, his life is his work. Now, over a few sweltering summer days, as fires burn across the state and his superiors and colleagues scheme and jostle, the girl’s murder will collide with what seems on the surface to be another brutal gangland slaying and expose the darkness in the city’s soul.
Indian Writing
“The Awakening” by Anita Agnihotri @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 285)
Anita Agnihotri writes in Bengali. Her works have been translated into all major Indian Languages. ‘The Awakening’ has been translated by Nandini Guha who has won the Katha Award for her translation of Bani Basu’s ‘Khharap Chhele’. ‘The Awakening’ is the story of Arjun, a potter, not by birth. It unfolds against the backdrop of the violence of the Naxal movement of the 1960s and 70s that wiped out an entire generation of Bengali’s youth. The author explores issues of caste and class that continue to hassle society in contemporary India.
“Blowback” by Mukul Deva @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs349)
India’s premier military thriller writer is back! After Salim Must Die and Lashkar, comes Blowback. Close on the heels of terror visiting Pune, Blowback makes chilling reading. A warlord in the rugged Tribal Areas of Pakistan pushes his way to the crest of the jihadi wave, seeking to forge an alliance of terror groups to take on the American surge. One of his allies appears to be Pakistan’s ISI. Blowback will keep you riveted with its tight plotting and heart stopping pace.
“Keep The Change” by Nirupama Subramanian @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 358)
Can the conservative, curd-rice eating Damayanthi become a cool, corporate babe? The uncoolness of her name plagues B.Damayanti, along with the bunch of unsuitable prospective husbands her Amma throws at her and a dead-end job as an accountant in a decrepit firm in Chennai. A wickedly witty first novel, Keep The Change is a rollicking story of every girl’s journey to fulfil her dreams and find her own place in the world.
“Karl, Aaj Aur Kal” by Cyrus Broacha @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 233)
India’s best known funny man comes up with a witty, hilarious novel about celebrities, Bollywood and politics. Like it says in the preface, “the book was intended as a murder mystery, but due to the author’s revulsion towards blood, it was adapted into a historical documentary with elements of drama, melodrama, but none whatsoever of lovemaking.” A complete time-pass reading for your flight!
“Eating Women, Telling Tales” by Bulbul Sharma @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 113)
Following on her bestselling The Anger of Aubergines, Bulbul Sharma brings us another collection of women’s food stories from the Indian Kitchen. Each vignette is, by turns, funny, poignant, macabre – a delicious spread, showcasing Bulbul Sharma’s mastery of the stories of small actors and the drama of daily life.
“Chai, Chai: Travels In Places Where You Stop But Never Get Off” by Bishwanath Ghosh @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 214)
Want to listen to the stories these small towns have to tell – then stop by with Bishwanath Ghosh and listen to the voices of these little – known towns. The idea for this book came to the author when, one evening two years ago, he got down at the Itarsi station to strech his legs. The short pieces in this book are eccentric and funny. ‘Chai Chai’ takes you to seven railway junctions where “you stop but never get off”
Young Adults
“Junk” by Melvin Burgess @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 389)
Junk=Heroin=Bliss=Despair=A Love Story You’ll Never Forget
“Gemma wants to fly, But no one can fly forever. One day, somehow, finally you have to come down”
Ground breaking and controversial from one of today’s most important writers, ‘Junk’ proves that the complexities of the drug culture are more effectively explored in fiction than in preachy documentaries. The very title was enough to shock when it was published in 1996 rising up different storms. Credible, honest, moving and sympathetic – not to drug taking, but to some of the reasons for it and to how the young fall into it and then, with luck and a bit of help, get themselves out of it. Burgess shows the reality which many adolescents know all too well that many adults want to deny. Junk encompasses the raw, savage and ecstatic world of the adolescent mind, taking the reader through first-person accounts of an “adventure” that leads to addiction. The Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award.
“Half-Minute Horrors: Very Small Stories. Very Big Scares” by Neil Gaiman & James Patterson @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 141)
How scared can you get in only 30 seconds ? Dare to find out with Half Minute Horrors, a collection of deliciously terrifying tales and creepy illustrations by an exceptional selection of writers and illustrators. Each one takes only 30 seconds to read…. But the chills will take much longer to fade. Featuring stories by Holly Black, Lemony Snicket, Neil Gaiman and others.
“Panna” by Kamala Das @ Rs. 125/- (Pgs 26)
This is an enchanting story about a girl called Panna who while waiting on the seaside for her brother Moti falls asleep and enters the magical land under the sea. With sensational pearly streets, coral houses, bewitching green skies and fascinating inhabitants like the Fish King, Fish Queen and Wind Monster, writer poet Kamla Das has written a truly captivating story for young readers. Illustrated with traditional Madhubani folk art, Panna is a lovely story of fairy tale magic that will steal your heart away.
“S’s Secret” by Shobhaa De @ Rs. 95/- (Pgs 153)
Shobhaa De’s Snappy Happy Series is her first book for children.
S’s Secret tells about a 14-year-old girl named Sandhya. Life is such a roller-coaster for her. The agony and ecstasy of her first crush, the delirious planning for the school social, all the nameless yearning for oh-so-many things, and the overwhelming urge to rebel against doting but strict parents! And looming like a dark cloud on the horizon is a secret she can’t tell anyone…not ever her best friend…Will life ever be the same again for Sandhya if she tells?
Newer Books in tnt:
“Mission Moon: Exploring The Moon With Chandrayaan 1” by S. K. Das @ Rs. 175/-
“Shoo, Jimmy Choo!: The Modern Girl’s Guide To Spending Less And Saving More” by Catey Hill @ Rs. 399/-
“A Disobedient Girl” by Ru Freeman @ Rs. 550/-
“Ram Jethmalani: The Authorized Biography” by Nalini Gera @ Rs. 450/-
“Love Is Hell” by Melissa Marr & many more @ Rs. 250/-
“The Sign” by Raymond Khoury @ Rs. 299/-
“The Piano Teacher” by Janice Y.K. Lee @ Rs. 335/-
“Home Boy” by H.M. Naqvi @ Rs. 399/-
“Corporate Governance And Stewardship” by N Balasubramanian @ Rs. 795/-
“Manto Selected Stories” translated by Aatish Taseer @ Rs. 295/-
“In Other Rooms, Other Wonders” by Daniyal Mueenuddin @ Rs. 395/-
“Holmes Of The Raj” by Vithal Rajan @ Rs. 295/-
“First There Was Woman And Other Stories” by Marija Sres @ Rs. 195/-
“The Beast With Nine Billion Feet” by Anil Menon @ Rs. 295/-
“Nine By Nine” by Daman Singh @ Rs. 250/-
“Year of the Tiger” by Sohaila Abdulali @ Rs. 299/-
“Chicken Soup For The Indian Romantic Soul” by Jack Canfield @ Rs. 295/-
“The Mystery Of 2012: Predictions, Prophecies, Possibilities” by Gregg Braden and more @ Rs. 299/-
“Good Small Business Guide 2010: How To Start And Grow Your Own Business” @ Rs. 1199/-
“Whole Earth Discipline” by Stewart Brand @ Rs. 599/-
“Runner” by Thomas Perry @ Rs. 299/-
“The Strangest Man: The Hidden Life Of Paul Dirac, Quantum Genius” by Graham Farmeld @ Rs. 450/-
“Word For Word” by James E. Snyder @ Rs. 399/-
“Lessons In Forgetting” by Anita Nair @ Rs. 399/-
“The Perfect Prey: The Fall of ABN AMRO, Or What Went Wrong In The Banking Industry” by Jeroen Smit @ Rs. 650/-
“The Land Of Cards: Stories, Poems And Plays For Children” by Rabindranath Tagore @ Rs. 199/-
“Dork” by Sidin Vadukut @ Rs. 199/-
“An Endless Winter’s Night: An Anthology of Mother-Daughter Stories edited by Ira Raja & Kay Souter @ Rs.375/-
“Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Survival in India” by Vandana Shiva @ Rs.300/-
“Home: Storytelling House” by Nina Sabnani @ Rs.450/-
“Hanuman’s Ramayan” retold by Devdutt Pattanaik @ Rs.135/-
“Way To Go” by Upamanyu Chatterjee @ Rs. 499/-
“Becoming Indian: The Unfinished Revolution Of Culture & Identity” by Pavan k. Verma @ Rs. 499/-
“Witness The Night” by Kishwar Desai @ Rs. 225/-
“Mr Oliver’s Diary” by Ruskin Bond @ Rs. 150/-
“Maria’s Room” by Shreekumar Verma @ Rs. 299/-
“It Rained All Night” by Buddhadeva Bose @ Rs. 150/-
“Percy Jackson The Demigod Files” by Rick Riordan @ Rs. 199/-
“Where Girl’s Dare” by Bhavna Chauhan @ Rs. 150/-
“Dreams In Prussian Blue” by Paritosh Uttam @ Rs. 150/-
“Love Over Coffee” by Amrit N. Shetty @ Rs. 150/-
“Monkey-Man” by Usha K.R. @ Rs. 299/-
“Connected: The Amazing Power Of Social Networks & How They Shape our Lives” by Nicholas Christakis @ Rs. 499/-
“A Warrior’s Life: A Biography Of Paulo Coelho” by Fernando Morais @ Rs. 599/-
“Anna: The Life And Times Of C.N. Annadurai” by R. Kannan @ Rs. 550/-
“Freefall: Free Mkts & The Sinking Of The Global Economy” by Joseph Stiglitz @ Rs. 499/-
“Trickster City: Writings From The Belly Of The Metropolis” by diff authors @ Rs. 499/-
“Don’t Sprint The Marathon” by V. Raghunathan @ Rs. 199/-
“Delhi Durbar” by Krishan Partap Singh @ Rs. 195/-
“The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” by Ken Robinson @ Rs. 350/-
“Strangers” by Anita Brookner @ Rs. 299/-
“The Spark: The 28-Day Breakthrough Plan For Losing Weight, Getting Fit, And Transforming Your Life” by Chris Downie @ Rs. 299/-
“The Power Of No” by Beth Wareham @ Rs. 225/-
“Possession” by Kamala Markandaya @ Rs 250/-
“Ash & Tara And The Emerald Dagger” by Jeanne Perrett @ Rs. 150/-
“Three Cups Of Tea: The Young Reader’s Edition” by Greg Mortenson @ Rs. 299/-
“What Is Man: Selected Writings Of Sri Madhava Ashish” by Madhava Ashish @ Rs. 350/-
“The Murder Room” by PD James @ Rs. 299/-
“The Drucker Difference” edited by Craig L. Pearce @ Rs. 575/-
“Rides A Dread Legion” by Raymond E. Feist @ Rs. 350/-
“Roverandom” by J.R.R. Tolkien @ Rs. 310/-
“The Shadow Of The Great Game: The Untold Story Of India’s Partition” by Narendra Singh Sarila @ Rs. 399/-
“Mother Pious Lady: Making Sense Of Everyday India” by Santosh Desai @ Rs. 399/-
“Kaifi & I: A Memoir” by Shaukat Kaifi @ Rs. 295/-
“Repositioning” by Jack Trout @ Rs. 250/-
“Beyond Twilight: Explore The World Of Vampires” by Manuela Mascetti @ Rs. 395/-
“Intimate Pretence: Oriya Short Stories” by Paramita Satpathy @ Rs. 95/-
“The Scalpel: Game Beneath” by H S Rissam @ Rs. 195/-
“Jihad, Peace & Inter-Community Relations In Islam” by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan @ Rs. 295/-
“Hakuna Matata: Life Is Calling” by Srinivas Yanamandra @ Rs. 95/-
“Running On Full” by Tina Sharma Tiwari @ Rs. 95/-
“Sarojini Naidu: Selected Poetry And Prose” Edited by Makarand R. Paranjape @ Rs. 295/-
“Times Food Guide 2010” by Karen Anand @ Rs. 125/-
“The Eerie Silence: Are We Alone In The Universe” by Paul Davies @ Rs. 599/-
“The World Is Curved: Hidden Dangers To The Global Econamy” by David M. Smick @ Rs. 499/-
“House Of Cards” by William D. Cohan @ Rs. 499/-
“The Maruti Story: How A Public Sector Company Put India On Wheels” by R.C. Bhargava @ Rs. 499/-
“Street Smarts: An All-Purpose Tool Kit For Entrepreneurs” by Norm Brodsky & Bo Burlingham @ Rs. 499/-
“Vampire Academy: Shadow Kiss” by Richelle Mead @ Rs. 299/-
“The Theory Of Moral Sentiments” by Adam Smith @ Rs. 499/-
“Einstein’s God: Conversations About Science And The Human Spirit” by Krista Tippett @ Rs. 499/-
“Flying Your Golden Bird To Riches: A Prosperity Book For The Indian Soul” by Dr. Michael J. Duckett @ Rs. 199/-
“The Art Of Meditation” by Matthieu Ricard @ Rs. 399/-
“Profit Now I Know: A To Z Finance And Investing” Edited by Vinod Mehta @ Rs. 125/-
“The Temple Goers” by Aatish Taseer @ Rs. 495/-
“Soulmates: True Stories From The World Of Online Dating” by Sonali Fernando @ Rs. 399/-
“Himglish & Femalese: Why Women Don’t Get Why Men Don’t Get Them” by Jean Hannah Edelstein @ Rs. 399/-
“Heliopolis” by James Scudamore @ Rs. 399/-
“My Comeback: Up Close And Personal” by Lance Armstrong @ Rs. 550/-
“Fighting Ruben Wolfe” by Markus Zusak @ Rs. 199/-
“Lords Of Finance” by Liaquat Ahamed @ Rs. 499/-
“Sadhus: Going Beyond The Dreadlocks” by Patrick Levy @ Rs. 250/-
“A Good Talk” by Daniel Menaker @ Rs. 550/-
“The Long Song” by Andrea Levy @ Rs. 595/-
“Solar” by Ian McEwan @ Rs. 550/-
“The Hidden Heart Of Emily Hudson” by Melissa Jones @ Rs. 295/-
“The Swan Thieves” by Elizabeth Kostova @ Rs. 595/-
“No Lovelier Death” by Graham Hurley @ Rs. 350/-
“On The Brink” by Hank Paulson @ Rs. 599/-
Happy Reading, and do drop in to pick up your goodies,
From the team at
twistntales
Monday, March 22, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Think of a book without a most common ruling in its composition!
Phew! Attempting to write the above one sentence without the most commonly used alphabet in the English language- 'E' itself proved very tricky. Imagine an entire novel being written omitting that letter and yet making complete sense and avoiding any ambiguity in its storyline. That is exactly what Ernest Vincent Wright's novel "Gadsby: Champion of Youth" achieves. Written in the year 1939, the manuscript for this novel was entirely written with the E type-bar of the typewriter tied down thus making it impossible for that letter to be printed. It also served as an inspiration for other authors to write lipogrammatic books, including for the famous novel "A Void" by Georges Perec.
The masnuscript of this novel is available online at the following link: http://www.spinelessbooks.com/gadsby/index.html
The introduction by the author, preceding the story, provides an interesting insight on the evolution of the idea for this novel and fascinating snippets on achieving this seemingly impossible task. Not to take anything away from its plot- a truly enjoyable read!
The masnuscript of this novel is available online at the following link: http://www.spinelessbooks.com/gadsby/index.html
The introduction by the author, preceding the story, provides an interesting insight on the evolution of the idea for this novel and fascinating snippets on achieving this seemingly impossible task. Not to take anything away from its plot- a truly enjoyable read!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity - and Hind Swaraj
Visuals of "Unbound" performed at twistntales yesterday. Directed by Parnab Mukherjee, presented by Prakriti Foundation.
Friday, February 19, 2010
"Unbound" to be performed @ twistntales
Message posted to twistntales@yahoogroups.com on 19th Feb, 2010.
Hi all,
Here’s wishing all of you a lovely season of paying taxes as dutiful citizens of free India.
Where you can be ambushed, drinking coffee in a bakery. As we grieve over the loss of young lives, we in twistntales believe in an active citizenry. As part of our effort to raise civic consciousness, we return to our theatre beginnings.
We are happy to co-host Prakriti Foundation and present
"Unbound"
(Public Premiere at the Vth Tree of Life Festival, 2010. The first run of 20 shows have been scheduled between January 25-March 8 respectively)
dedicated to the centenary of Hind Swaraj and based on the Swaraj writings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Direction, design and dramaturgy: Parnab Mukherjee
About the director:
Mr Mukherjee has been one of the leading alternative theatre directors of the country. He has directed over 150 productions including full-length play, performance texts, workshop performances, theatre interventions and installation performance. He has written four books on performance texts.
“Unbound” will be staged on Sunday, 21st Feb, 2010 at 8.30pm at twistntales. The play will be in English and will last for about 20 minutes. Standing space only …. sorry about that.
Do come with your friends, inform other theatre enthusiasts who may not know, and meet with these social activists. DON’T MISS THIS ! These theatre performers are in Pune only for the day, and this will be the 3rd adapted performance outside twistntales.
The mail on new books will follow shortly,
From the happy team at
twistntales
Hi all,
Here’s wishing all of you a lovely season of paying taxes as dutiful citizens of free India.
Where you can be ambushed, drinking coffee in a bakery. As we grieve over the loss of young lives, we in twistntales believe in an active citizenry. As part of our effort to raise civic consciousness, we return to our theatre beginnings.
We are happy to co-host Prakriti Foundation and present
"Unbound"
(Public Premiere at the Vth Tree of Life Festival, 2010. The first run of 20 shows have been scheduled between January 25-March 8 respectively)
dedicated to the centenary of Hind Swaraj and based on the Swaraj writings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Direction, design and dramaturgy: Parnab Mukherjee
About the director:
Mr Mukherjee has been one of the leading alternative theatre directors of the country. He has directed over 150 productions including full-length play, performance texts, workshop performances, theatre interventions and installation performance. He has written four books on performance texts.
“Unbound” will be staged on Sunday, 21st Feb, 2010 at 8.30pm at twistntales. The play will be in English and will last for about 20 minutes. Standing space only …. sorry about that.
Do come with your friends, inform other theatre enthusiasts who may not know, and meet with these social activists. DON’T MISS THIS ! These theatre performers are in Pune only for the day, and this will be the 3rd adapted performance outside twistntales.
The mail on new books will follow shortly,
From the happy team at
twistntales
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Congratulations, Srikant and Anushree and welcome Gauri
Often, we have "our" kids in twistntales, growing up, moving out and doing us proud. For many, it's a first job ..... I have had the pleasure of handing over "first salary" to many of the college students or post-college students who intern with us !
These students move on to other towns, take on "real-life" jobs, but keep in touch, and become part of the tnt family for ever. A lot of affection stays on both sides.
Anushree interned with us.... a couple of years ago, just after her 12th class. Even then, as now, she struck me as one of the most focussed, clear, discplined and with a lot of application in her. This morning she called, to say she has cleared Inter CA. She surely is on her way to becoming a ranker. She's much too young to be attempting her finals, she needs to be finishing articleship first. But come May 2011, I am hoping that we will have a full fledged CA. Am proud of you, Anushree, now you know how those 5am classes that u went to, directly from sleepovers, where others slumbered till noon ... paid off. Keep it up, Good Luck.
Srikanth worked evenings at the Store .... At one point of time, he would have been a MSc Physics. Till fate intervened. tnt came by, then content writing.... And soon he was one of the most popular voices on Radio Mirchi ! Yes, its the same RJ srikant on "bumper to bumper". But though he moved on in life, he didn't lose his "connect" with tnt. He continues to be our Santa, year after year, every Christmas.
twistntales celebrates christmas in Sassoon Hospital, in the pedeatric ward, with the children. All children, theirs and ours have a song and dance party, with lots of impromptu performances from both sides. But, for children who are unable to get out of bed to come to the Sassoon Hall, Santa visits them in the ward. This includes the infectious diseases ward, the thalesemia ward and the ICU. Our Santa never flinched. Not even once. Whether it was to hug parents, who fell at his feet at the ICU, or having a smile for babes in arms, Srikanth has done what it takes to spread joy at X'mas.
Srikanth married Gauri on 22nd Jan in bby and today he celebrates with dinner in Pune. Congratulations, Sri and Gauri, may this be the start of a long lovely innings.... Good luck and best wishes. Welcome to the family, Gauri !
These students move on to other towns, take on "real-life" jobs, but keep in touch, and become part of the tnt family for ever. A lot of affection stays on both sides.
Anushree interned with us.... a couple of years ago, just after her 12th class. Even then, as now, she struck me as one of the most focussed, clear, discplined and with a lot of application in her. This morning she called, to say she has cleared Inter CA. She surely is on her way to becoming a ranker. She's much too young to be attempting her finals, she needs to be finishing articleship first. But come May 2011, I am hoping that we will have a full fledged CA. Am proud of you, Anushree, now you know how those 5am classes that u went to, directly from sleepovers, where others slumbered till noon ... paid off. Keep it up, Good Luck.
Srikanth worked evenings at the Store .... At one point of time, he would have been a MSc Physics. Till fate intervened. tnt came by, then content writing.... And soon he was one of the most popular voices on Radio Mirchi ! Yes, its the same RJ srikant on "bumper to bumper". But though he moved on in life, he didn't lose his "connect" with tnt. He continues to be our Santa, year after year, every Christmas.
twistntales celebrates christmas in Sassoon Hospital, in the pedeatric ward, with the children. All children, theirs and ours have a song and dance party, with lots of impromptu performances from both sides. But, for children who are unable to get out of bed to come to the Sassoon Hall, Santa visits them in the ward. This includes the infectious diseases ward, the thalesemia ward and the ICU. Our Santa never flinched. Not even once. Whether it was to hug parents, who fell at his feet at the ICU, or having a smile for babes in arms, Srikanth has done what it takes to spread joy at X'mas.
Srikanth married Gauri on 22nd Jan in bby and today he celebrates with dinner in Pune. Congratulations, Sri and Gauri, may this be the start of a long lovely innings.... Good luck and best wishes. Welcome to the family, Gauri !
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
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
For Shibani
Hush, she says
It’s my day,
and I don’t want noise
Can’t you stop your clinking?
But they won’t listen
Green and gold and red
She pushes them down
One by one
Carefully
They gleam
Circle her wrist
Cool againstHer warm pulse
Like love
Glass, silver and gold
She holds up her arm
Runs a finger down
The bunch
They move
Against her skin
Restless
Impatient
Each time she moves
They remind her
That she is changed
Ever more intrinsically
That on this day
They are with her
Holding her
I wish I could've been there...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
To the "near perfect" couple
Best wishes for all the joys of a lovely wedded life ! From all of us here at twistntales.
To our dear Shibani and Umesh
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Message sent to twistntales@yahoogroups.com today
Hi all,
Welcome to another mail reviewing all new and happening books in the past few days. With this mail, we complete 7 happy years of reviewing books for you. Our yahoo group (twistntales@yahoogroups.com), which we started in Nov 2002, (6 months after our Store started operations) is now 3000+ members strong and our readers are spread far and wide. Writing to you, some known and some unknown readers has been a complete joy :-)
Bringing these reviews to you, week after week, and now monthly has been a tremendous effort and the students who work at twistntales do put in their all in making sure that the reviews are done well, facts are correct and the more important or happening books are highlighted, at the same time, bringing absolute gems into the limelight. We are glad and happy that so many of you read and write back to us, or visit us enquiring about a particular book that we had reviewed, making it all worthwhile.
We have a lot of raving fans, but the biggest of our fans are kids! We have seen so many grow in twistntales. On the occasion of Children’s Day (Nov 14th), we at twistntales are happy to offer discounts on kids books all through this week. Starting Tuesday, 10th Nov, to Sun, 15th Nov, all books in the Children, Young Adults and GK (for kids) sections will be offered at a discounted price. Do drop in and check it out for your kids.
Getting back to reviews, here’s a long list waiting for you:
New Books:
Fiction:
“True Blue” by David Baldacci @ Rs. 505/- (Pgs 456)
Yet another bestseller from one of the world’s most favorite storytellers, True Blue, is the story of Mason Perry- A one-of-a-kind woman cop on the DC police force who gets kidnapped and framed for a crime she never committed. After two long years in prison she is determined to track down the people who set her up as she rebuilds her destroyed life. As she works her way around a US attorney who is determined to put her behind bars once more, she finds her fate entangled with Roy Kingman, a young lawyer. Roy and Mason get drawn into both the private and public world of the Nation’s capital, when what they thought was a routine homicide investigation begins to turn complex and possibly deadly…
“And Another Thing” by Eoin Colfer @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 340)
Published to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, And Another Thing is the sixth installment in the Englishman Arthur Dent’s hapless journey across time and space in search of a decent cuppa. Douglas Adams’ wish of wanting to write the sixth book in the Hitchhiker’s series was thwarted by his unfortunate death. However, Eoin Colfer, the creator of the acclaimed anti-hero Artemis Fowl was invited to set adrift the journey of Arthur Dent once more, which features this time an array of hilarious characters ranging from a pantheon of unemployed gods to a love struck alien. Pack your towel and enjoy the ride!
“The Book of Secrets” by Tom Harper @ Rs.380/- (Pgs 582)
Tom Harper, the author of Lost Temple, brings your way one more page-turner. A young woman discovers an extraordinary secret, in a snowbound village in the German mountains. She disappears, leaving behind a mysterious medieval playing card that has perplexed scholars for centuries. The Book Of Secrets is a fast reading book with a deadly mystery which if discovered will change the world.
“Indignation” by Philip Roth @ Rs. 295/- (pgs 233)
Indignation is a gripping saga about the frustrations of youth. It is the story of a young man named Marcus Messner whose life is constantly jeopardized by bizarre obstructions including his obnoxiously paranoid father who sights danger lurking in every corner just waiting to get his son. Based in the America of the 50’s amidst the volatile political scenario, it is ultimately a beautifully written coming of age story from a Pulitzer Prize winning author- Philip Roth.
“Julie & Julia: My Year Of Cooking Dangerously” by Julie Powell @ Rs. 325/- (Pgs 310)
Now a major movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, this is the story of a woman named Julie Powell, who lives a life of utter monotony stuck in a job she hates. One night she just begins to cook from legendary chef Julia Child’s French Cooking book. She cooks every one of the 524 recipes in the space of one year and it is all she can think about. The richness in the food she cooks begins to breathe a kind of richness into her life as well. Hilarious and honest, Julie and Julia makes for an inspiring read.
“The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs 602)
This is the final volume of the Millennium Trilogy and is the sequel to the bestselling ‘The Girl Who Played With Fire’. Lisbeth Salander had been abused by a system supposedly designed to protect. She is charged with murder and in addition to this; the state has determined that she is mentally unstable and should be locked away in an institution again. Everyone believes that she is the one person whose intransigence can provoke the disruption of the Swedish secret state. Will she be able to avoid the fate the Swedish state has decided for her? This last installment is the culmination of one of the most mesmerizing fictional achievements of our time.
Indian Writing
“The Silent One” by Sujatha Vijayaraghvan @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 165)
Longlisted for the 2007 Man Asia Literary Prize, Sujatha Vijayaraghavan’s debut novel The Silent One is a tale of compassion and freedom. This is the story of a child who grows up to be the master of the three Vedas, rituals and severe penance and the seeker of inner Truth. He drowns himself in an ocean of silence and becomes the embodiment of love, passion and skill. He becomes the leitmotif around which the myriads of stories on this novel are woven. This cylindrical narrative of ageless bonds of father and son, mother and family, master and pupil blurs generations, landscapes and places and is a yearning for love and harmony in the world.
“In Pursuit of Infidelity” by Sujatha Parashar @ Rs. 95/- (Pgs. 177)
A busy professional, Sheena leads the routine life of a married woman with her husband Gaurav and one year old son, Krish. Though poles apart, their married life seems to be normal. But are they “happily married”? Sheena has to decide between the temptations of infidelity and the need for loyalty. In Pursuit Of Infidelity is the story of many modern day couples … it is a moving portrayal of the human heart, of our need for forgiveness, from each other and ourselves.
“A Tale of Two Truths” by Ashvin Desai @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs. 133)
Ashvin Desai, the author of ‘Between Eternities’, brings your way a new book, a mixture of philosophy and Sufism. This is a tale about Dhobi-ka-gadha, DKG as he is called, who is like most other donkeys. But then came along, the Buddhist parrot, Toti, and the Hindu monkey, Langu, promising him Nirvana & Moksha. A brilliant satire, A Tale of Two Truths resurrects the fable genre.
“Two States – the story of my marriage” by Chetan Bhagat @ Rs. 95/- (Pgs 269)
Chetan Bhagat has delivered yet another quirky, pacy read. Two States gives an extremely witty overview of the Indian Love Marriage arena through the story of Ananya (a Tam Brahm) and Krish (a Punjabi) who meet and fall in love on the IIM,A campus. Will they or will they not succeed in the gargantuan task of convincing two sets of shocked and stubbornly opposing parents? Two States is cheekily incisive about the two cultures and laugh aloud funny.
“The Englishman’s Cameo” by Madhulika Liddle@ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 281)
Madhulika Liddle in this debut novel keeps you hooked with a sinister plot laced with copious amounts of history. The Englishman’s Cameo is a murder mystery set in 17th century ‘Dilli’ during the magical era of Shahjahan. Determined to save his friend who is caught in the eye of the murder conspiracy, Muzaffar Jang, an aristocrat decides to investigate the murder. Little does he know that it’ll lead him to something more sinister than he had imagined…
“Cloud 9 Minus One” by Sangeeta Mall @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 333)
This is the story of a married woman, Shruthi Narayan, who finds in her inbox an invitation to revisit her past. She has a whole new life now, with her husband and children in Philadelphia. Why must she even consider revisiting the past that she has left so far behind? Yet unable to prevent herself from going back, she finds herself at the gates of her college, trying desperately to ensure that her family does not learn about her past antics- the best friend that she abandoned or the old flame that she rejected. In this debut novel, Sangeeta Mall, gives us a vibrant insight into student life and young love.
“The Hour Before Dawn” by Bhabendra Nath Saikia @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 340)
This is a translation of the original Assamese novel ‘Antoreep’ written by Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia, who is a popular writer and as an outstanding film-maker. Menoka’s life is devastated when her dissolute husband Mohikanto re-marries and squanders her unquestioning loyalty. But then she finds new strength in her womanhood. The Hour Before Dawn is set primarily in pre-Independence India and vividly reflects the intensely verdant life of a small village in Assam.
“Five Queen’s Road” by Sorayya Khan @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 231)
Based in Lahore in the 1940s during the time of the migration, mutation, adaptation, violence and political upheaval, Five Queen’s Road is a novel that weaves together a family saga along with national history. It is the story of a defiant Hindu family that stayed behind in Lahore despite the political mayhem, intertwined with a Muslim family who became their tenants. It is a skillfully told story of the traumatic memories of partition in Lahore, the WWII in Holland through the occupants of Five Queens Road who battle memories of each other alike.
Inspiration
“Torn Apart” by James Patterson & Hal Friedman @ Rs. 255/- (pgs 349)
“Hal and I are honored to bring you “Torn Apart” on Cory’s behalf”
James Patterson
“Torn Apart” is the true story about Friedman’s family of courage, heartbreak & hope. This book speaks of Cory Friedman, son of Hal Friedman, and his devastating struggle with tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder & anxiety disorder. His life was dramatically changed and left in tatters. Hal Friedman was continuously tormented by the decision of whether or not to make the most intimate details of Cory’s life public. Finally, he went to him for the guidance & Cory resolved the issue in a single sentence, without hesitation … ‘If it will help other people like me, yes’. Torn Apart is the story of one family’s unconditional love for each other.
“The Speaking Tree: Inspiration For The Soul” @ Rs. 200/- (Pgs 184)
Inspiration is a spark that fires man’s imagination unlocks his true potential and propels him to rare acts of bravery, sacrifice or creativity. This is yet another wonderful compilation of inspirational articles from the Speaking Tree Series of the Times of India. The wise words in this book aim to soak-up all the negativity that life burdens us with thus enabling you to face life’s daily struggle with strength and motivate you to achieve more.
“7 Personality Types: Discover Your True Role In Achieving Success And Happiness” by Elizabeth Puttick @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 327)
Is it important or useful to know yourself and understand others? The secret of success, happiness and wisdom lies in self knowledge and this fascinating book by a sociologist turned counselor Elizabeth Puttick reveals the answer to the key question: Who am I? The book talks about how the seven archetypes of Artisan, Sage, Server, Priest, Warrior, King and Scholar which have always existed in every society and how each one of us belongs to one of these groups. It presents an updated version of an ancient and powerful system of self-knowledge, which will carry you past fads and fashions to discovering your ultimate self.
Personalities/Biographies/Memoirs:
“My Story” by Kamala Das @ Rs. 250/-
Kamala Das has been one of the most widely read, early Indian women authors writing in English. My Story is a book of her memoirs. This was originally published in 1988, but has now been re-issued recently after her death. Kamala Das, also Suraiyya, wrote in English and Malayalam (as Madhavi Kutty). This was published originally as “Ente Katha” in 1973 and serialized in a Malayalam magazine, shocking staid, conservative society in its blatant outspokenness. Kamala Das has been and so also her writings have been far ahead of her time. The foreword by K. Satchidanandan is remarkable, sensitive and touching. My Story is intensely personal, deeply moving and indicts the hypocrisy of traditional Indian society.
“Bimal Roy: The Man Who Spoke In Pictures” ed. by Rinki Roy Bhattacharya @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs256)
“The film which hit me between my eyes was “Do Bigha Zamin”. No film had ever made me discover its maker until then. “Do Bigha Zamin” was the film that made me look for the name” - Shyam Benegal.
What comes to your mind when we talk about classic movies like Devdas, Sujata and Madhumati. Yes … it is Bimal Roy who was perhaps the first to bring shades of grey to the black-and-white screen. In this book, well-known creators of cinema like Mahasweta Devi, Ritwik Ghatak, Nutan, Naseeruddin Shah speak about Bimal Roy’s personality and his journey from cinematographer to director. His ordinary characters like Shambhu in Do Bigha Zamin & Kalyani in Bandini, even today remain popular in our memory. A must read book for any serious film buff or any Bimal Roy fan.
“The Kapoors: The First Family Of Indian Cinema” by Madhu Jain @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs378)
A well-written biography of the Kapoors, the first family of Bollywood. This book is largely based on hundreds of interviews with family members as well as friends, conducted over the last seven years. Madhu Jain has explored the terrain between gossip and academic analysis, essentially staying clear of both and tries to find out what it is that makes the Kapoors tick. Written with wit and clarity and filled with moments of high drama and touching emotion, Madhu Jain’s book contains all the elements of the great showman Raj Kapoor’s movies.
“Manchester United: The Biography” by Jim White @ Rs.495/- (Pgs.455)
All you Man U fans out there, this book contains everything you need to know about one of the greatest football clubs of the world. 75 million fans, an annual income of more than £200 million and a story that has never been fully told- until now. This book talks about everything… Right from the birth of the club in the smog-bound mud of Newton Heath to the days of Law, Best and Charlton, to the artistry of Ronaldo and the pursuit of a record-equalling 18th League title. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a lifelong Red. Unofficial and unbiased, this is the history of the Club written with the passion of a true football fan.
Socio- Eco-Pol
“Superfreakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 270)
The long awaited follow-up of the international bestseller Freaknomics the authors have tried to uncover the hidden side of even more controversial subjects ranging from ‘global cooling’ to prostitutes to why suicide bombers should buy life insurance. Bold, gripping and funny, “Superfreaknomics” talks about how the most ‘superfreaky’ solutions to life’s problems are the simplest. The authors Levitt and Dubner are back more than four years of research later with a book they believe is easily better than the first. And the ‘hidden side’ of they things they reveal sure are conversation starters.
“Out Of The Box – Watching the game we love” by Harsha Bhogle @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 275)
Harsha Bhogle is widely recognized as the face and the voice of Indian cricket and is known as India’s first non-playing cricket celebrity. Out of the Box is a collection of the very best of Harsha Bhogle’s columns in the Indian Express where he has captured the entire gamut of Indian cricket. Containing elements of wit, honesty and understanding just like his commentary; Harsha is a master at evoking the many moods of the game. Covering a wide array of subjects right from the history of the ICC to Indian Cricket Team’s recent fiascos and also penning down a tributre to some cricketing greats like Lara, Inzamam, Jayasuriya and the incomparable Tendulkar, this book is an absolute delight for any cricket fan.
“Bazaars, Conversations And Freedom: For a Market Culture Beyond Greed & Fear” by Rajni Bakshi @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 447)
Rajni Bakshi is a social economist. She has spent the last 10 years following the trail of those who are creating a more “mindful” market culture. A beautiful documentation of what alternative economics is all about. From George Soros to Mohammed Yunus, Adam Smith to Mahatma Gandhi, the vast canvas includes the ancient Greek Agora, Indian choupal, onto present day Wall Street to illuminate ideas, subversive and prudent. The Dalai Lama and Ela Bhatt demonstrate that it is possible to compete compassionately and to nurture a more mindful market culture. In a world exhausted by dogmas, Bazaars, Conversations and Freedom is an open quest for possible futures.
“More Salt Than Pepper” by Karan Thapar @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 255)
This book is a selection of the very best of ‘Sunday Sentiments’- Karan Thapar’s weekly column in the Hindustan Times for the past 12 years. A pioneer in TV journalism, Karan Thapar is known for his incessant interviewing style. More Salt than Pepper, however, gives us an insight into the mellower side of one of most successful journalists of today who makes controversial headlines as he interviews everyone from prominent politicians to celebrities. His columns attempt to embrace that wider and far more interesting part of our existence through anecdotes and perceptive pieces.
History
“The Defense Of The Realm: The Authorized History Of MI5” by Christopher Andrew @ Rs. 899/- (Pgs 1032)
To mark the centenary of its foundation, the British Security Service, MI5, has opened its archives to an independent historian, the first time any of the world’s leading intelligence or security services has taken such a step. The Defence of the Realm is an unprecedented publication. History as we know it, may not have been. The book casts new light on many events and periods in British history. The book documents how successful it was in turning German agents during the second world war, has new information about the Profumo affair and its aftermath, describes what really happened during the failed IRA attack in Gibraltar in Mar’1988. If you are a keen watcher of world events, this is a book you are waiting for!
“Train to India: Memories Of Another Bengal” by Maloy Krishna Dhar @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 307)
Train to Pakistan re-created the Partition in the Punjab for us, to help us understand the real tragedy. But the less chronicled Bengal Partition now has a Train to India. Maloy Krishna Dhar was born in Kamalpur, East Bengal and migrated to West Bengal with his family during Partition. In Train to India he has tried to give us a heartrending account of the human tragedies in Bengal before, during and after Partition. He describes his perilous journey into India from East Pakistan and gives us a shocking insight into the tragedies that occurred. He gives us a moving account of that turbulent and unforgotten era in Bengal’s history where age-old bonds between Hindus, Muslims and Bengalis deteriorated; where unrest was brutally suppressed, villages were torched and trains became charnel houses on wheels.
“The Hindus: An Alternative History” by Wendy Doniger @ Rs. 999/- (Pgs 779)
From one of the foremost scholars of Hinduism in the world, comes a unique, authoritative account of history and myth that will make you look at and understand one of the oldest religions in a new way. Wendy Doniger and her double vision of Hinduism along with her writing laced with wit is very unlike the usual books that work their way around arid accounts of dynasties. The Hindus elucidates the relationship between recorded history and imaginary worlds and is a vivid re-intepretation of the history of Hinduism. Without reversing or misintepreting the historical hierarchies, she reveals how Sanskrit and vernacular sources are rich in knowledge of and compassion towards women and lower castes, how they debate tensions surrounding religion, violence and tolerance and how animals are the key to important shifts in attitudes towards different social classes.
Travel
“Nine Lives: In Search Of The Sacred In Modern India” by William Dalrymple @ Rs.499/- (Pgs 284)
In his first travel book in a decade, Dalrymple has profiled nine people and their unforgettable stories, the result of 25 years of traveling in India. Nine Lives takes us deep into each individual’s life - each caught up in his/her own spiritual quest, coming to terms with finding peace and salvation in their own unique way in modern, confused, turbulent times. With amazing insight and simplicity, that only a seasoned travel writer like Dalrymple can bring into these very Indian stories. By rooting many of the stories in the darker and less romantic sides of modern Indian life, with each of the characters telling his or her own story, this book is a collection of linked lives with each life representing a different form of salvation.
“To The Elephant Graveyard: A True Story Of The Hunt For A Man-Killing Indian Elephant” by Tarquin Hall @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 260)
A combination of a travel narrative with a thrilling plot, To the Elephant Graveyard is the story of an elephant on the rampage. Stalking Assam’s paddy fields and hunting down dozens of farmers and mutilating their bodies. The forest officers, unable to do anything bring in a man who may be their only solution. Tarquin Hall has written a brilliantly incisive book packed with adventure and thrills. It also includes intriguing pictures and maps that give us a vivid idea about the hunt for the savage elephant.
“Outlook Traveler Special Holidays In India” @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 494)
Part of the Outlook Holiday series, the Special Holidays not only tells you where to go, but more importantly, when….. Will you like to be in Braj Bhoomi during Holi, or buy an elephant during the Sonepur Haathi Mela in Bihar? For more such offbeat holidays, pick up the Special Holidays book. A guide to the natural phenomena, festivals, offbeat holidays and the unique landscapes that the country has to offer, this book has the usual Outlook style of presentation, complete with route guides and resort listings with phone numbers.
Food
“Waiter Rant: Behind The Scenes Of Eating Out” by Anthony Bourdain @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 304)
This book is a natural outgrowth of the author’s award winning blog, where for the past four years he has been anonymously chronicling his restaurant exploits. The book speaks about the joys and pains of working in the food-service industry and hopes to gives its readers a “pain in the bones” sense of what its like to be a waiter in America today. He speaks about how today’s waiters are expected to have the most bizarre qualifications ranging from being food-allergy specialists to linguists to medical emergency technicians and amateur chefs to being eye candy! Hilarious, incisive and audaciously subversive, Waiter Rant will ensure that you will never look at your waiter the same way again.
“Big Bee’s Secret Honey Recipes” by Komal Taneja @ Rs. 375/- (Pgs 90)
Honey lover? Well here’s a book that gives you over 50 recipes from the Indian as well as the International cuisine, all having to do with honey! Written by master chef Komal Taneja this book is meant for all those who love food and wish to discover exciting flavors, keeping a healthy lifestyle in mind. So go ahead and tempt your taste buds with these carefully selected recipes and celebrate ‘the nectar of the gods’ the way the world does.
Science
“The Edge of Science – Mysteries of Mind, Space and Time” by Alan Baker @ Rs. 505/- (Pgs 270)
How did the universe begin? What happens to us when we die? The Edge of Science addresses these questions in a manner that gives rise to more bizarre speculations. The book deals with enigmas that have caused wonder, excitement or fear to all those who have pondered them. Alan Baker examines a handful of mysteries in this book and takes us on a journey starting from the Moment of Creation to the final moments of the universe countless of aeons into the future; a journey that the reader will find intriguing and stimulating.
Newer Books:
“Prom Nights From Hell” by Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe & Lauren Myracle @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 304)
“The Duel – Pakistan on the flight path of American Power” by Tariq Ali @ Rs. 550/- (pgs 315)
“The Mafia Rat” by Jimmy Breslin @ Rs. 345/- (Pgs 235)
“Brute Force” by Andy Mcnab @ Rs. 345/- (Pgs 476)
“Still Life” by Joy Fielding @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 369)
“The Face You Were Afraid To See: Essays On India Economy” by Amit Bhaduri @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 195)
“Happy Hours: The Penguin Book Of Cocktails” by Bhaichand Patel @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 304)
“How To Enchant A Man: Spells To Bewitch Bedazzle & Beguile” by Ellen Dugan @ Rs.295/- (Pgs 234)
“Your Complete Forecast 2010 Horoscope” by Bejan Daruwalla @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 536)
“Balancing Act” by Meera Godbole Krishnamurthy @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 236)
“Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 332)
“A Million Words and Counting- How Global English Is Rewriting the World” by Paul J. J. Payack @ Rs. 595/- (Pgs. 207)
“Have a Little Faith- A True Story” by Mitch Albom @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs. 254)
“Thank You Cancer: A Physical, Emotional And Spiritual Guide To Conquering Breast Cancer” by Megha Bajaj @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 268)
“The year Of The Flood” by Margaret Atwood @ Rs. 999/- (Pgs 434)
“Mother India: A Political Biography Of Indira Gandhi” by Pranay Gupte @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs597)
“The Puffin Treasure Chest Of Children’s Classics: Fairy Tales, Poems, Stories And Adventures” @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs 285)
Happy Reading,
From the small team at,
Twistntales.
Welcome to another mail reviewing all new and happening books in the past few days. With this mail, we complete 7 happy years of reviewing books for you. Our yahoo group (twistntales@yahoogroups.com), which we started in Nov 2002, (6 months after our Store started operations) is now 3000+ members strong and our readers are spread far and wide. Writing to you, some known and some unknown readers has been a complete joy :-)
Bringing these reviews to you, week after week, and now monthly has been a tremendous effort and the students who work at twistntales do put in their all in making sure that the reviews are done well, facts are correct and the more important or happening books are highlighted, at the same time, bringing absolute gems into the limelight. We are glad and happy that so many of you read and write back to us, or visit us enquiring about a particular book that we had reviewed, making it all worthwhile.
We have a lot of raving fans, but the biggest of our fans are kids! We have seen so many grow in twistntales. On the occasion of Children’s Day (Nov 14th), we at twistntales are happy to offer discounts on kids books all through this week. Starting Tuesday, 10th Nov, to Sun, 15th Nov, all books in the Children, Young Adults and GK (for kids) sections will be offered at a discounted price. Do drop in and check it out for your kids.
Getting back to reviews, here’s a long list waiting for you:
New Books:
Fiction:
“True Blue” by David Baldacci @ Rs. 505/- (Pgs 456)
Yet another bestseller from one of the world’s most favorite storytellers, True Blue, is the story of Mason Perry- A one-of-a-kind woman cop on the DC police force who gets kidnapped and framed for a crime she never committed. After two long years in prison she is determined to track down the people who set her up as she rebuilds her destroyed life. As she works her way around a US attorney who is determined to put her behind bars once more, she finds her fate entangled with Roy Kingman, a young lawyer. Roy and Mason get drawn into both the private and public world of the Nation’s capital, when what they thought was a routine homicide investigation begins to turn complex and possibly deadly…
“And Another Thing” by Eoin Colfer @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 340)
Published to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, And Another Thing is the sixth installment in the Englishman Arthur Dent’s hapless journey across time and space in search of a decent cuppa. Douglas Adams’ wish of wanting to write the sixth book in the Hitchhiker’s series was thwarted by his unfortunate death. However, Eoin Colfer, the creator of the acclaimed anti-hero Artemis Fowl was invited to set adrift the journey of Arthur Dent once more, which features this time an array of hilarious characters ranging from a pantheon of unemployed gods to a love struck alien. Pack your towel and enjoy the ride!
“The Book of Secrets” by Tom Harper @ Rs.380/- (Pgs 582)
Tom Harper, the author of Lost Temple, brings your way one more page-turner. A young woman discovers an extraordinary secret, in a snowbound village in the German mountains. She disappears, leaving behind a mysterious medieval playing card that has perplexed scholars for centuries. The Book Of Secrets is a fast reading book with a deadly mystery which if discovered will change the world.
“Indignation” by Philip Roth @ Rs. 295/- (pgs 233)
Indignation is a gripping saga about the frustrations of youth. It is the story of a young man named Marcus Messner whose life is constantly jeopardized by bizarre obstructions including his obnoxiously paranoid father who sights danger lurking in every corner just waiting to get his son. Based in the America of the 50’s amidst the volatile political scenario, it is ultimately a beautifully written coming of age story from a Pulitzer Prize winning author- Philip Roth.
“Julie & Julia: My Year Of Cooking Dangerously” by Julie Powell @ Rs. 325/- (Pgs 310)
Now a major movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, this is the story of a woman named Julie Powell, who lives a life of utter monotony stuck in a job she hates. One night she just begins to cook from legendary chef Julia Child’s French Cooking book. She cooks every one of the 524 recipes in the space of one year and it is all she can think about. The richness in the food she cooks begins to breathe a kind of richness into her life as well. Hilarious and honest, Julie and Julia makes for an inspiring read.
“The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs 602)
This is the final volume of the Millennium Trilogy and is the sequel to the bestselling ‘The Girl Who Played With Fire’. Lisbeth Salander had been abused by a system supposedly designed to protect. She is charged with murder and in addition to this; the state has determined that she is mentally unstable and should be locked away in an institution again. Everyone believes that she is the one person whose intransigence can provoke the disruption of the Swedish secret state. Will she be able to avoid the fate the Swedish state has decided for her? This last installment is the culmination of one of the most mesmerizing fictional achievements of our time.
Indian Writing
“The Silent One” by Sujatha Vijayaraghvan @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 165)
Longlisted for the 2007 Man Asia Literary Prize, Sujatha Vijayaraghavan’s debut novel The Silent One is a tale of compassion and freedom. This is the story of a child who grows up to be the master of the three Vedas, rituals and severe penance and the seeker of inner Truth. He drowns himself in an ocean of silence and becomes the embodiment of love, passion and skill. He becomes the leitmotif around which the myriads of stories on this novel are woven. This cylindrical narrative of ageless bonds of father and son, mother and family, master and pupil blurs generations, landscapes and places and is a yearning for love and harmony in the world.
“In Pursuit of Infidelity” by Sujatha Parashar @ Rs. 95/- (Pgs. 177)
A busy professional, Sheena leads the routine life of a married woman with her husband Gaurav and one year old son, Krish. Though poles apart, their married life seems to be normal. But are they “happily married”? Sheena has to decide between the temptations of infidelity and the need for loyalty. In Pursuit Of Infidelity is the story of many modern day couples … it is a moving portrayal of the human heart, of our need for forgiveness, from each other and ourselves.
“A Tale of Two Truths” by Ashvin Desai @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs. 133)
Ashvin Desai, the author of ‘Between Eternities’, brings your way a new book, a mixture of philosophy and Sufism. This is a tale about Dhobi-ka-gadha, DKG as he is called, who is like most other donkeys. But then came along, the Buddhist parrot, Toti, and the Hindu monkey, Langu, promising him Nirvana & Moksha. A brilliant satire, A Tale of Two Truths resurrects the fable genre.
“Two States – the story of my marriage” by Chetan Bhagat @ Rs. 95/- (Pgs 269)
Chetan Bhagat has delivered yet another quirky, pacy read. Two States gives an extremely witty overview of the Indian Love Marriage arena through the story of Ananya (a Tam Brahm) and Krish (a Punjabi) who meet and fall in love on the IIM,A campus. Will they or will they not succeed in the gargantuan task of convincing two sets of shocked and stubbornly opposing parents? Two States is cheekily incisive about the two cultures and laugh aloud funny.
“The Englishman’s Cameo” by Madhulika Liddle@ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 281)
Madhulika Liddle in this debut novel keeps you hooked with a sinister plot laced with copious amounts of history. The Englishman’s Cameo is a murder mystery set in 17th century ‘Dilli’ during the magical era of Shahjahan. Determined to save his friend who is caught in the eye of the murder conspiracy, Muzaffar Jang, an aristocrat decides to investigate the murder. Little does he know that it’ll lead him to something more sinister than he had imagined…
“Cloud 9 Minus One” by Sangeeta Mall @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 333)
This is the story of a married woman, Shruthi Narayan, who finds in her inbox an invitation to revisit her past. She has a whole new life now, with her husband and children in Philadelphia. Why must she even consider revisiting the past that she has left so far behind? Yet unable to prevent herself from going back, she finds herself at the gates of her college, trying desperately to ensure that her family does not learn about her past antics- the best friend that she abandoned or the old flame that she rejected. In this debut novel, Sangeeta Mall, gives us a vibrant insight into student life and young love.
“The Hour Before Dawn” by Bhabendra Nath Saikia @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 340)
This is a translation of the original Assamese novel ‘Antoreep’ written by Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia, who is a popular writer and as an outstanding film-maker. Menoka’s life is devastated when her dissolute husband Mohikanto re-marries and squanders her unquestioning loyalty. But then she finds new strength in her womanhood. The Hour Before Dawn is set primarily in pre-Independence India and vividly reflects the intensely verdant life of a small village in Assam.
“Five Queen’s Road” by Sorayya Khan @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 231)
Based in Lahore in the 1940s during the time of the migration, mutation, adaptation, violence and political upheaval, Five Queen’s Road is a novel that weaves together a family saga along with national history. It is the story of a defiant Hindu family that stayed behind in Lahore despite the political mayhem, intertwined with a Muslim family who became their tenants. It is a skillfully told story of the traumatic memories of partition in Lahore, the WWII in Holland through the occupants of Five Queens Road who battle memories of each other alike.
Inspiration
“Torn Apart” by James Patterson & Hal Friedman @ Rs. 255/- (pgs 349)
“Hal and I are honored to bring you “Torn Apart” on Cory’s behalf”
James Patterson
“Torn Apart” is the true story about Friedman’s family of courage, heartbreak & hope. This book speaks of Cory Friedman, son of Hal Friedman, and his devastating struggle with tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder & anxiety disorder. His life was dramatically changed and left in tatters. Hal Friedman was continuously tormented by the decision of whether or not to make the most intimate details of Cory’s life public. Finally, he went to him for the guidance & Cory resolved the issue in a single sentence, without hesitation … ‘If it will help other people like me, yes’. Torn Apart is the story of one family’s unconditional love for each other.
“The Speaking Tree: Inspiration For The Soul” @ Rs. 200/- (Pgs 184)
Inspiration is a spark that fires man’s imagination unlocks his true potential and propels him to rare acts of bravery, sacrifice or creativity. This is yet another wonderful compilation of inspirational articles from the Speaking Tree Series of the Times of India. The wise words in this book aim to soak-up all the negativity that life burdens us with thus enabling you to face life’s daily struggle with strength and motivate you to achieve more.
“7 Personality Types: Discover Your True Role In Achieving Success And Happiness” by Elizabeth Puttick @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 327)
Is it important or useful to know yourself and understand others? The secret of success, happiness and wisdom lies in self knowledge and this fascinating book by a sociologist turned counselor Elizabeth Puttick reveals the answer to the key question: Who am I? The book talks about how the seven archetypes of Artisan, Sage, Server, Priest, Warrior, King and Scholar which have always existed in every society and how each one of us belongs to one of these groups. It presents an updated version of an ancient and powerful system of self-knowledge, which will carry you past fads and fashions to discovering your ultimate self.
Personalities/Biographies/Memoirs:
“My Story” by Kamala Das @ Rs. 250/-
Kamala Das has been one of the most widely read, early Indian women authors writing in English. My Story is a book of her memoirs. This was originally published in 1988, but has now been re-issued recently after her death. Kamala Das, also Suraiyya, wrote in English and Malayalam (as Madhavi Kutty). This was published originally as “Ente Katha” in 1973 and serialized in a Malayalam magazine, shocking staid, conservative society in its blatant outspokenness. Kamala Das has been and so also her writings have been far ahead of her time. The foreword by K. Satchidanandan is remarkable, sensitive and touching. My Story is intensely personal, deeply moving and indicts the hypocrisy of traditional Indian society.
“Bimal Roy: The Man Who Spoke In Pictures” ed. by Rinki Roy Bhattacharya @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs256)
“The film which hit me between my eyes was “Do Bigha Zamin”. No film had ever made me discover its maker until then. “Do Bigha Zamin” was the film that made me look for the name” - Shyam Benegal.
What comes to your mind when we talk about classic movies like Devdas, Sujata and Madhumati. Yes … it is Bimal Roy who was perhaps the first to bring shades of grey to the black-and-white screen. In this book, well-known creators of cinema like Mahasweta Devi, Ritwik Ghatak, Nutan, Naseeruddin Shah speak about Bimal Roy’s personality and his journey from cinematographer to director. His ordinary characters like Shambhu in Do Bigha Zamin & Kalyani in Bandini, even today remain popular in our memory. A must read book for any serious film buff or any Bimal Roy fan.
“The Kapoors: The First Family Of Indian Cinema” by Madhu Jain @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs378)
A well-written biography of the Kapoors, the first family of Bollywood. This book is largely based on hundreds of interviews with family members as well as friends, conducted over the last seven years. Madhu Jain has explored the terrain between gossip and academic analysis, essentially staying clear of both and tries to find out what it is that makes the Kapoors tick. Written with wit and clarity and filled with moments of high drama and touching emotion, Madhu Jain’s book contains all the elements of the great showman Raj Kapoor’s movies.
“Manchester United: The Biography” by Jim White @ Rs.495/- (Pgs.455)
All you Man U fans out there, this book contains everything you need to know about one of the greatest football clubs of the world. 75 million fans, an annual income of more than £200 million and a story that has never been fully told- until now. This book talks about everything… Right from the birth of the club in the smog-bound mud of Newton Heath to the days of Law, Best and Charlton, to the artistry of Ronaldo and the pursuit of a record-equalling 18th League title. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a lifelong Red. Unofficial and unbiased, this is the history of the Club written with the passion of a true football fan.
Socio- Eco-Pol
“Superfreakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 270)
The long awaited follow-up of the international bestseller Freaknomics the authors have tried to uncover the hidden side of even more controversial subjects ranging from ‘global cooling’ to prostitutes to why suicide bombers should buy life insurance. Bold, gripping and funny, “Superfreaknomics” talks about how the most ‘superfreaky’ solutions to life’s problems are the simplest. The authors Levitt and Dubner are back more than four years of research later with a book they believe is easily better than the first. And the ‘hidden side’ of they things they reveal sure are conversation starters.
“Out Of The Box – Watching the game we love” by Harsha Bhogle @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 275)
Harsha Bhogle is widely recognized as the face and the voice of Indian cricket and is known as India’s first non-playing cricket celebrity. Out of the Box is a collection of the very best of Harsha Bhogle’s columns in the Indian Express where he has captured the entire gamut of Indian cricket. Containing elements of wit, honesty and understanding just like his commentary; Harsha is a master at evoking the many moods of the game. Covering a wide array of subjects right from the history of the ICC to Indian Cricket Team’s recent fiascos and also penning down a tributre to some cricketing greats like Lara, Inzamam, Jayasuriya and the incomparable Tendulkar, this book is an absolute delight for any cricket fan.
“Bazaars, Conversations And Freedom: For a Market Culture Beyond Greed & Fear” by Rajni Bakshi @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 447)
Rajni Bakshi is a social economist. She has spent the last 10 years following the trail of those who are creating a more “mindful” market culture. A beautiful documentation of what alternative economics is all about. From George Soros to Mohammed Yunus, Adam Smith to Mahatma Gandhi, the vast canvas includes the ancient Greek Agora, Indian choupal, onto present day Wall Street to illuminate ideas, subversive and prudent. The Dalai Lama and Ela Bhatt demonstrate that it is possible to compete compassionately and to nurture a more mindful market culture. In a world exhausted by dogmas, Bazaars, Conversations and Freedom is an open quest for possible futures.
“More Salt Than Pepper” by Karan Thapar @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 255)
This book is a selection of the very best of ‘Sunday Sentiments’- Karan Thapar’s weekly column in the Hindustan Times for the past 12 years. A pioneer in TV journalism, Karan Thapar is known for his incessant interviewing style. More Salt than Pepper, however, gives us an insight into the mellower side of one of most successful journalists of today who makes controversial headlines as he interviews everyone from prominent politicians to celebrities. His columns attempt to embrace that wider and far more interesting part of our existence through anecdotes and perceptive pieces.
History
“The Defense Of The Realm: The Authorized History Of MI5” by Christopher Andrew @ Rs. 899/- (Pgs 1032)
To mark the centenary of its foundation, the British Security Service, MI5, has opened its archives to an independent historian, the first time any of the world’s leading intelligence or security services has taken such a step. The Defence of the Realm is an unprecedented publication. History as we know it, may not have been. The book casts new light on many events and periods in British history. The book documents how successful it was in turning German agents during the second world war, has new information about the Profumo affair and its aftermath, describes what really happened during the failed IRA attack in Gibraltar in Mar’1988. If you are a keen watcher of world events, this is a book you are waiting for!
“Train to India: Memories Of Another Bengal” by Maloy Krishna Dhar @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 307)
Train to Pakistan re-created the Partition in the Punjab for us, to help us understand the real tragedy. But the less chronicled Bengal Partition now has a Train to India. Maloy Krishna Dhar was born in Kamalpur, East Bengal and migrated to West Bengal with his family during Partition. In Train to India he has tried to give us a heartrending account of the human tragedies in Bengal before, during and after Partition. He describes his perilous journey into India from East Pakistan and gives us a shocking insight into the tragedies that occurred. He gives us a moving account of that turbulent and unforgotten era in Bengal’s history where age-old bonds between Hindus, Muslims and Bengalis deteriorated; where unrest was brutally suppressed, villages were torched and trains became charnel houses on wheels.
“The Hindus: An Alternative History” by Wendy Doniger @ Rs. 999/- (Pgs 779)
From one of the foremost scholars of Hinduism in the world, comes a unique, authoritative account of history and myth that will make you look at and understand one of the oldest religions in a new way. Wendy Doniger and her double vision of Hinduism along with her writing laced with wit is very unlike the usual books that work their way around arid accounts of dynasties. The Hindus elucidates the relationship between recorded history and imaginary worlds and is a vivid re-intepretation of the history of Hinduism. Without reversing or misintepreting the historical hierarchies, she reveals how Sanskrit and vernacular sources are rich in knowledge of and compassion towards women and lower castes, how they debate tensions surrounding religion, violence and tolerance and how animals are the key to important shifts in attitudes towards different social classes.
Travel
“Nine Lives: In Search Of The Sacred In Modern India” by William Dalrymple @ Rs.499/- (Pgs 284)
In his first travel book in a decade, Dalrymple has profiled nine people and their unforgettable stories, the result of 25 years of traveling in India. Nine Lives takes us deep into each individual’s life - each caught up in his/her own spiritual quest, coming to terms with finding peace and salvation in their own unique way in modern, confused, turbulent times. With amazing insight and simplicity, that only a seasoned travel writer like Dalrymple can bring into these very Indian stories. By rooting many of the stories in the darker and less romantic sides of modern Indian life, with each of the characters telling his or her own story, this book is a collection of linked lives with each life representing a different form of salvation.
“To The Elephant Graveyard: A True Story Of The Hunt For A Man-Killing Indian Elephant” by Tarquin Hall @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 260)
A combination of a travel narrative with a thrilling plot, To the Elephant Graveyard is the story of an elephant on the rampage. Stalking Assam’s paddy fields and hunting down dozens of farmers and mutilating their bodies. The forest officers, unable to do anything bring in a man who may be their only solution. Tarquin Hall has written a brilliantly incisive book packed with adventure and thrills. It also includes intriguing pictures and maps that give us a vivid idea about the hunt for the savage elephant.
“Outlook Traveler Special Holidays In India” @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 494)
Part of the Outlook Holiday series, the Special Holidays not only tells you where to go, but more importantly, when….. Will you like to be in Braj Bhoomi during Holi, or buy an elephant during the Sonepur Haathi Mela in Bihar? For more such offbeat holidays, pick up the Special Holidays book. A guide to the natural phenomena, festivals, offbeat holidays and the unique landscapes that the country has to offer, this book has the usual Outlook style of presentation, complete with route guides and resort listings with phone numbers.
Food
“Waiter Rant: Behind The Scenes Of Eating Out” by Anthony Bourdain @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 304)
This book is a natural outgrowth of the author’s award winning blog, where for the past four years he has been anonymously chronicling his restaurant exploits. The book speaks about the joys and pains of working in the food-service industry and hopes to gives its readers a “pain in the bones” sense of what its like to be a waiter in America today. He speaks about how today’s waiters are expected to have the most bizarre qualifications ranging from being food-allergy specialists to linguists to medical emergency technicians and amateur chefs to being eye candy! Hilarious, incisive and audaciously subversive, Waiter Rant will ensure that you will never look at your waiter the same way again.
“Big Bee’s Secret Honey Recipes” by Komal Taneja @ Rs. 375/- (Pgs 90)
Honey lover? Well here’s a book that gives you over 50 recipes from the Indian as well as the International cuisine, all having to do with honey! Written by master chef Komal Taneja this book is meant for all those who love food and wish to discover exciting flavors, keeping a healthy lifestyle in mind. So go ahead and tempt your taste buds with these carefully selected recipes and celebrate ‘the nectar of the gods’ the way the world does.
Science
“The Edge of Science – Mysteries of Mind, Space and Time” by Alan Baker @ Rs. 505/- (Pgs 270)
How did the universe begin? What happens to us when we die? The Edge of Science addresses these questions in a manner that gives rise to more bizarre speculations. The book deals with enigmas that have caused wonder, excitement or fear to all those who have pondered them. Alan Baker examines a handful of mysteries in this book and takes us on a journey starting from the Moment of Creation to the final moments of the universe countless of aeons into the future; a journey that the reader will find intriguing and stimulating.
Newer Books:
“Prom Nights From Hell” by Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe & Lauren Myracle @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 304)
“The Duel – Pakistan on the flight path of American Power” by Tariq Ali @ Rs. 550/- (pgs 315)
“The Mafia Rat” by Jimmy Breslin @ Rs. 345/- (Pgs 235)
“Brute Force” by Andy Mcnab @ Rs. 345/- (Pgs 476)
“Still Life” by Joy Fielding @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 369)
“The Face You Were Afraid To See: Essays On India Economy” by Amit Bhaduri @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 195)
“Happy Hours: The Penguin Book Of Cocktails” by Bhaichand Patel @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 304)
“How To Enchant A Man: Spells To Bewitch Bedazzle & Beguile” by Ellen Dugan @ Rs.295/- (Pgs 234)
“Your Complete Forecast 2010 Horoscope” by Bejan Daruwalla @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 536)
“Balancing Act” by Meera Godbole Krishnamurthy @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 236)
“Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 332)
“A Million Words and Counting- How Global English Is Rewriting the World” by Paul J. J. Payack @ Rs. 595/- (Pgs. 207)
“Have a Little Faith- A True Story” by Mitch Albom @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs. 254)
“Thank You Cancer: A Physical, Emotional And Spiritual Guide To Conquering Breast Cancer” by Megha Bajaj @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 268)
“The year Of The Flood” by Margaret Atwood @ Rs. 999/- (Pgs 434)
“Mother India: A Political Biography Of Indira Gandhi” by Pranay Gupte @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs597)
“The Puffin Treasure Chest Of Children’s Classics: Fairy Tales, Poems, Stories And Adventures” @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs 285)
Happy Reading,
From the small team at,
Twistntales.
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