Hi all,
It’s been a while.
Unfortunately this year, due to unforeseen reasons, we had to call off all our scheduled reading sessions and the planned treasure hunt. Disappointing for a few of us who had planned a great deal for these events. However, us being twistntales, we shall bounce back and surely we look forward to doing a treasure hunt in the future.
Meanwhile, a great many new books at the Store, listed below, very few reviewed. We hope to catch up on our reviews and hopefully get a few more done by the next mail.
We have also added to our team. Two former tnt-ians return to the fold. Shradha, who worked with twistntales in our early years, comes back to strengthen the Operations Team. She joined us in early April. Dhiraj, who used to be with tnt on a part-time basis in our first 2 years, now returns as a full time employee. Welcome back, Shradha and Dhiraj. Your return could not have been better timed, helped us cope with crisis.
We have not announced a “Star of the Month” for the past couple of months, not because we have been wanting in “Star” performance, but because some of our stars are too shy of being acknowledged as Stars! Check twistntales.blogspot.com for details!
Without much ado, let’s get on with the books,
“The 3 Mistakes of My Life” by Chetan Bhagat @ Rs.95/- (257pgs)
With Ahmedabad as the backdrop for his third book, Chetan Bhagat ventures into the minds of the youth with a bend towards cricket. This book tells the fate of the dream of three friends who wanted to make it big in the field of cricket and what communal riots did to their dream.
“Cold Steel: Lakshmi Mittal And The Multi Billion-Dollar Battle For A Global Empire” by Tim Bouquet and Byron Ousey @ Rs.650/- (323pgs)
The gripping story of the biggest and most hard –fought industry takeover of recent years is skillfully analysed in this book featuring the’ Stallions of Steel’. Fast paced and compelling, the intrigue and strategies of the business world come to the fore and makes one realize the impact of mergers and takeovers on countries and continents. With unprecedented access to major players and papers, the authors have succeeded in documenting a phenomenal deal, replete with the subterfuges, loop holing, internal skirmishes and unabashed thirst for power.
“Brida” by Paulo Coelho @ Rs.295/- (299pgs)
What does one do when one turns to learn the art of magic? This is the engrossing story of beautiful, young Brida’s quest for her kind of knowledge and her soul mate. The journey of every person’s anxiety of the future and curiosity of what lies further in life is mystically explored.
“The Painter of Shanghai” by Jennifer Cody Epstein @ Rs.395/- (486pgs)
Spanning the era of 1913 to 1957, this storyline transports one to the exciting mix of countries that Shanghai let flourish on its land. It is here that the story of PanYuliang, a young orphan is admitted into the life of being a concubine to a government inspector. Throughout her tumultuous life there is one passion that endures – her hope and aspiration to become a painter. Pan Yuliang lives and succeeds as she chose. This book is her story.
“The Trouble with Physics” by Lee Smolin @ Rs.275/- (392pgs)
From a pioneering theoretical physicist and the critically acclaimed author of ‘The life of Cosmos’ and ‘Three roads to Quantum Gravity’ is a book which focuses on the five major challenges faced by modern physicists. From the problem of quantum gravity to the problem of the unification of the particles and forces and the mystery of the dark matter and dark energy, the author journeys through the advancements (and glitches) in modern physics. The last of the twenty chapters are real eye-openers, which deal with the basic concepts of science-what it really is and how it works.
“The Back Of The Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures” by Dan Roam @Rs.845/- (278pgs)
Out to promote the concept of ‘visual thinking’ the author brilliantly illustrates how squiggles, dashes and arrows could represent major brainwaves and translate into whopping sales figures. His step by step guidelines for how to clarify a problem or sell an idea by visually breaking it down using a simple set of visual-thinking tools are a great help in clearing some and overcoming some communication gaps; as well as dramatically improve your ability to share your insights.
“Behenji: A Political Biography of Mayavati” by Ajoy Bose @ Rs.499/- (277pgs)
Ajoy Bose in his inimitable style and penchant to get to the crux of every matter presents the background of the meteoric rise of school teacher, Mayavati to Chief Minister of UP Mayavati, Behenji. Through the fifteen chapters of this book, Mayavati’s determined journey from being a Dalit person to aiming at Prime Ministers chair is brilliantly scripted. Mayavati has changed the face of politics in India, turning old assumptions upside down and restructuring power equations entrenched for centuries. With her in-your-face political style, unabashed display of accumulated wealth and mercurial nature, she is perhaps, the most enigmatic Indian politician for decades.
“The Open Road: The Global Journey of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama” by Pico Iyer @ Rs.499/- (252pgs)
A book by Pico Iyer ensures, automatically, an adventurous ride with the author, wherever he leads and whomever he meets! This book is no exception. The encounters with the Dalai Lama, his philosophies and vision his grit and the passionate plea for peace leaves one mesmerized, yet aware of the hidden life and transforming ideas that conviction in justice can promote. Pico Iyer has been engaged in conversation with the Dalai Lama (a friend of his fathers) for the last three decades- an ongoing exploration of his message and its effectiveness. Moving from Dharamshala to Lhasa, Tibet to venues in the West, where the Dalai Lama’s pragmatism, rigor and scholarship are sometimes lost on an audience yearning for mystical visions, The Open Road illuminates the hidden life, the transforming lines and the daily challenges of a global icon.
“Goodnight and God Bless: On Life, Literature and A Few Other Things with Footnotes, Quotes and Other Such Literary Diversions” by Anita Nair@ Rs.399/- (287pgs)
A warm and wonderful collection of pithy bedtime ruminations, this book is about books, authors, events- all and sundry, personal anecdotes, snippets of a conversation and any random thoughts that flit across the authors mind. Rendered in a witty and ironic manner. Quirky sketches and foot notes make this an intriguing leisure read.
“Thakur: A Life of Sri Ramakrishna” by Rajiv Mehrotra @ Rs.250/- (178pgs)
From a personal student of the Dalai Lama, a familiar face on television and a celebrated documentary film maker comes an illuminating and intimate biography of Sri Ramakrishna- Who called to the inner minds of millions of people and helped them gain peace and knowledge about their own ‘self ‘. From Sri Ramakrishna’s birth, childhood and family to his journey seeking peace and ultimate Mahasamadhi, the author gently explores the charisma of the Guru who was more friend than teacher to each of those who believed in him.
“The Chronicles of Narnia- Prince Caspian” by C.S. Lewis@ Rs.125/- (240pgs)
When a prince, denied of his rightful throne attempts to regain his inheritance in the land of Narnia- mysticism, mystery, adventure and a war of titans to uphold their honour is what ensues. Now a major motion picture, this is the perfect opportunity to capture the essence of ‘Prince Caspian’. To aid your imagination are picture plates from the movie inside the book!
“The Ultimate Book of Useless Information” by Noel Botham @ Rs.295/- (212pgs)
Did you know why the ‘quark’, a subatomic particle is called a quark? How did the term ‘chortle’ originate? What’s the highest scoring three- letter word in scrabble? Slyvester Stallone used to sweep the lion cages in New York cities Central Park Zoo! Cyprus has a map on its flag! To know more and learn better about people, countries and even the weather look up this book. It’s all there- together!
“Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul” @ Rs.275/- (302pgs)
“Allie Finkles rules for Giris Moving Day” by Meg Cabot @Rs.299/-(197pgs)
“The Other Indians – A Political and Cultural history of South Asians in America” by Vinay Lal @Rs.295/- (148pgs)
“Asset Allocation – Balancing financial risk” By Roger C.Gibson @Rs.625/- (366pgs)
“Barack Obama: The New Face of American Politics” by Martin Dupius and Keith Boeckelman @Rs.295/- (167pgs)
“Limping To the Centre of the World – A journey to Mount Kailash” by Timeri N Murari @Rs.350/-
“Viva Santiago” by Colin Fernandes @ Rs.199/-
“The Bioscope Man” by Indrajit Hazra @Rs.299/-
“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch @Rs.295/-
“The Girl with the Golden Parasol” by Uday Prakash @Rs.250/-
“Seeing Is Believing – Selected writings on Cinema” by Chinanda Das Gupta @ Rs.499/-
“Bhowani Junction: A Magnificent Novel of Empire and Its Aftermath” by John Masters@ Rs.350/- (414pgs)
“Groundswell: Winning In A World Transformed By Social Technologies” by Josh Bernoff @ Rs.1270/- (286pgs)
“The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga @ Rs.395/- (321pgs)
“The Shape Of The Beast: Conversations with Arundhati Roy” @ Rs.499/- (271pgs)
“Under Her Spell: Roberto Rossellini In India” by Dileep Padgaonkar @ Rs.550/- (263pgs)
“An Hour to Live an Hour to Love: The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given” by Richard Carlson and Kristine Carlson @ Rs.580/- (61pgs)
“Meanwhile Upriver” by Chatura Rao @ Rs.250/- (206pgs)
“Jalyatra: Exploring India’s Traditional Water Management Systems” by Nitya Jacob @ Rs.295/- (264pgs)
“The Power Of Focus For College Students: How to Make College the Best Investment of Your Life” by Les Hewitt @ Rs.250/- (289pgs)
“Rage, Reconciliation And Security: Managing India’s Diversities” by B.G Varghese @ 495/- (266pgs)
“Think India: The Rise of the World’s Next Superpower and What It Means For Every American” by Vinay Rai and William Simon @ Rs.495/- (284pgs)
“Rivals: How the Power Struggle between China India and Japan Will Shape Our Next Decade” by Bill Emmot @ Rs.695/- (313pgs)
“The Untold Charminar: Writings on Hyderabad” Edited by Syeda Imam @ Rs.399/- (395pgs)
“The Second World: Empires and Influences in the New Global Order” by Parag Khanna @ Rs.795/- (466pgs)
“Atisa and the Seven Wonders” by Anu Kumar @Rs.175/- (139pgs)
“Mulla Naseruddin” by Sampurnan Chatterjee@ Rs.195/- (162pgs)
“Every Mans’ Speaking Tree” @ Rs.150/- (206pgs)
“Sacred Banana Leaf “@ Rs.375/- Tara Books
“The Old Animals Forest Band” @ Rs.395/- Tara Books
“My Best Friends Life” by Shari Low @Rs.225/- (390pgs)
“Commonwealth Economics for a Crowded Planet” by Jeffery Sachs @ Rs.695/- (386pgs)
“The World Is What It Is: The Authorized Biography of V.S. Naipaul” by Patrick French @ Rs.595/- (555pgs)
“Selected Poems: Gulzar” translated by Pavan K Varma @ Rs.295/- (116pgs)
“The Long Partition And The Making Of Modern South Asia: Refugees, Boundaries, Histories” by Vazira Fazila-Yacoobali Zamindar @ Rs.495/- (288pgs)
“The Game Changer: How You Can Drive Revenue and Profit Growth with Innovation” by A.G Lafley and Ram Charan @Rs.855/- (336pgs)
“The Kalam Effect: My Years with the President” by P.M.Nair @ Rs.250/- (147pgs)
“Derek’s Picks: The Best Quizzes Of Derek O’Brien” @ Rs.250/- (347pgs)
“The Boxwallah and the Middleman” by Raj Chatterjee @ Rs.250/- (206pgs)
“Superstar India: From Incredible To Unstoppable” by Shobaa De@ Rs.350/- (456pgs)
“Splendour In The Grass: Innovations in Administration” Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India @Rs.495/- (305pgs)
“The New Age Of Innovation: Driving Co-Created Value through Global Networks” by C.K Prahlad and M.S Krishnan @ Rs.695/- (278pgs)
“Drop Dead Beautiful: The Continuing Adventures of Lucky Santangelo” by Jackie Collins @Rs.245/- (516pgs)
“There’s no such thing as a Self Made Man” by Prahlad Chaabria @ Rs.550/-
“Extraordinary Child – Poems from a South Indian Devotional Genre” @ Rs.375/- (297 pgs)
“Outlook money – Life Insurance” @ Rs. 75/-
“Silent Raga” by Ameen Raga @ Rs. 395/- (452 pgs)
“A New Beginning – The Turnaround Story of Indian Bank” by Ranjana Kumar @ Rs.675/- (301 pgs)
And lots and lots more, not even listed.
Do drop in and take a look!
From the team at
twistntales.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
On Mother's Day
WHEN GOD CREATED MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, GREAT GRANDMOTHERS, GODMOTHERS.
by Erma Bombeck
When the good Lord was creating mothers,grandmothers, great-grandmothers, godmothers and all who mother us, he was into the sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."
And the Lord said, "Have you seen the specs on this order?" "She has to be completely washable, but not plastic; Have 180 moveable parts... all replaceable; Run on black coffee and leftovers; Have a lap that disappears when she stands up; A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair; And six pairs of hands."
The angel shook her head slowly and said," Six pairs of hands...no way!"
"It's not the hands that are causing the problems," said the Lord. "It's the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have."
" That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.
The Lord nodded. " One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, "What are you kids doing in there?" when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know, and of course the ones here infront that can look at a child when he goofs up and say 'I understand and I love you' without so much as uttering a word."
"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve gently, "Come to bed. Tomorrow..."
"I can't," said the Lord, " I'm so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick... can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger... and can get a nine year old to stand under the shower."
The angel circled the model of the mother very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.
"But tough!" said the Lord excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure."
"Can it think?"
"Not only think, but it can reason and comprimise," said the Creator.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. "There's a leak, " she pronounced. "I told you you were trying to put too much into this model."
"It's not a leak," said the Lord, "it's s tear."
"What's it for?"
" It's for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride."
"You're a genius!" said the angel.
The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there."
Happy Mothers Day.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Hot Library Smut
Dreams...what are we but they, magnified and shaped with love...
If I have my way, these will be my home for atleast a week each...
If I have my way, these will be my home for atleast a week each...
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Life goes on ....
Thank you all for your support and empathy.
We lost one of our closest supporters and cheerleaders on the 18th of April. When i announced in Jan, 2002 that i was planning to open a bookstore, he sent me a card, "Congratulations ! You have a new job" ... i'm sure he must have spent hours in all card shops in Vasant Kunj, before he settled on this one.... and decided to correct the appropriateness of the card."Few could envy you", he said.
Books have always been a passion in the family, both mine and Shankars. For my father-in-law, books had to be devoured, underlined, notes written in margins - esp. his favorite physics and popular sciences. He died hoping to publish his physics writings, which were so fundamental and foundation shaking, he was hoping to take a crack at the Nobel !
We will miss him. Walking into twistntales looking straight at "Physics" rack. We now call it "sciences". It was a Kumardhara, tnt combo in his Van.
And thankyou all the others, who didnt think twice to pitch in to keep the Store running. thanks, jahnavi, kshitija, sonali. Shradha, you couldn't have re-joined at a more appropriate time. Welcome back.
But there's more. For one person who's too shy to be acknowledged as "Star" of the month. And she's been star on more occasions than this, but hasn't allowed me to acknowledge publicly. Thanks. We know who this is. Thankyou.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Remember
we are journeying through grief
and we
are together...
tears and loss are part of our deep growing
we grow in mourning
sometimes apart
and thinking always
of one another
what rose-leaf memories
we share
and shared with those who left us
how hard we hold hands
letting our loss seep through
into one another
whenever an I turns a head
to ask a difficult question
there is always a you to hold it close...
and we
are together...
tears and loss are part of our deep growing
we grow in mourning
sometimes apart
and thinking always
of one another
what rose-leaf memories
we share
and shared with those who left us
how hard we hold hands
letting our loss seep through
into one another
whenever an I turns a head
to ask a difficult question
there is always a you to hold it close...
Monday, April 7, 2008
The Summer Activities Mail
Hi all,
Greetings of Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Baisakhi and Visu. As the different parts of the Nation welcomes the new year in the course of this week, here’s us at twistntales wishing everyone of you a great beginning to the new year and hoping that prosperity fills hearts and minds with goodness and generosity, along with coffers, of course !
As usual, we at twistntales have a full summer calendar with our Sunday Morning Reading Sessions, and the one big activity to keep young minds active and bright.
Most of our events in the past have been innovative, interesting, challenging and extremely good fun for the kids who have participated. From our Street Plays (2003), Craft n Mask Workshop (2003), Karadi Rhymes concert (2004), Red Umbrella Library (2005) to the Young Journalist workshop (2006) our annual event each year has been fun, educative and completely enjoyable, both for us and the kids participating.
This year we plan a TREASURE HUNT for kids in the 12 to 14 yrs age group. We expect kids to be riding in their bicycles looking for clues (in teams) and cracking the jackpot. The Treasure Hunt will happen within Gaikwad Nagar and Anand Park localities.
Many of you know Sonja Chandrachud and must have read about her new book, “The Potion of Eternity”. Sonja is a long time friend of twistntales, having participated in many of our earlier reading sessions. This year, we are doing a reading of her new book, “The Potion of Eternity” and the Treasure Hunt is going to be based on her book. The winning team has a basket of goodies waiting!
The Treasure Hunt happens on Saturday, 3rd May @ 9am. We expect it to be finished by 1pm. Kids desirous of taking part in the Treasure Hunt need to register at twistntales. The registration charges are Rs. 500/- per kid and will happen on first come basis. Kindly do not call us after registrations close, and we shall not hold places …. Thanks!
Our regular Sunday Morning Reading Sessions start with Sonja’s book on 13th April. For those of you who are new to this, every summer during school vacations, we have our Sunday Morning Reading Sessions – these are free sessions for kids done by happy volunteers. Every Sunday, 11 to 12 noon. A suitable story book is selected appropriate for age group, and the volunteer reads out to interested kids who sit around (in mats outside the store). Often these sessions become pretty interactive, and at the end of an hour, we have newer stories created by the kids. All in all, these are fun sessions and we hope that kids will get into reading, and give Cartoon Network and Pogo a miss!
Given below is our calendar for April/ May. From this year, we are trying to include one session each in local languages, seeing the way our kids struggle in Hindi and Marathi languages in School. Do call us and let us know if you or kids would be interested in attending any of our sessions …. We need you to register your names as per session, and we shall give you a timely reminder!
Sunday Morning Reading Sessions:
Date Age Group Topic Volunteer
13th Apr 12 yrs + A Potion of Eternity Sonja Chandrachud
20th Apr 5 to 7 yrs Marathi Stories/ Poems Sonali Adkar
27th Apr 8 to 10 yrs Mathematwist Savita Narayan
3rd May (Sat) 12 – 14 yrs Treasure Hunt twistntales
11th May 7 to 9 yrs Hindi Stories Neema Pathak Broome
18th May Under 5 yrs Animal Stories Tripuri Godbole
Do call up and register for our sessions – it helps us to organize seats. The session for kids under 5 happens on 18th May and is compulsory for parents to attend. Do rush in with your names – also for the Treasure Hunt.
And now for books:
Some interesting books from alternate publishers:
“Godhra: A Journey to Mayhem” by Nirendra Dev @ Rs.295/- (203pgs)
From the special correspondent with the ‘Free Press Journal’ comes this very well researched book. The twelve chapters incorporated by the author sequentially deal with the background of Gujarat’s communalism, the actual event of the train halt at Godhra railway station, the bloody aftermath of the heart rending incident and its economic, social and political effects and consequences. The book does not shy away from openly citing names of persons, high ranking officials, political outfits and even social organizations (NGOs).
“On The Cultural Front” by Ritwik Ghatak @ Rs.100/- (119pgs)
In 1954, Ritwik Ghatak sent in this thesis to the communist Party’s offices in Calcutta. In it he presented his entire understanding of both national and international culture, and underlined the crucial role of the Communist artist who could take up the responsibility of creating awareness and a soft corner for communism among the common masses through plays, literature, documentaries and films. This extraordinary thesis lay in the records of the CPI (M), Calcutta and was only recently discovered and printed.
“Prithviraj and Prithvi Theatres: Prithvi theatre yearbook” by Prithviraj @ Rs.395/-
A tale of a young Pathan who came to Bombay, becomes a film actor and goes on to become an memorable icon in the field of theatre is beautifully depicted in this unique yearbook. The story of Prithvi theatre which crisscrossed the country for 16 years, performing topical plays and setting an inspiring example of the power of positive influence on society unfolds with every flick of a page and the black and white photographs with quotes from newspapers to eminent artistes makes it a treasury of memoirs!
“The School and The Society” by John Dewey @ Rs.195/- (127pgs)
A pioneer in educational reforms, American philosopher, psychologist, John Dewey’s thoughts and ideas have been greatly influential around the world and this book is one of the most popular and most translated publications in the field of education. It aptly describes the rationale behind the University and elementary school that made his perspective on teaching so famous.
“Constellations of Violence: Feminist Interventions in South Asia” edited by Radhika Coomaraswamy & Nimanthi Perera-Rajasingham @ Rs.400/- (260pgs)
This volume gathers together some reflections on the complex and shifting dynamics and gender in South Asia. With eight chapters authored by eminent feminist writers and meaningful excerpts from studies conducted at various levels and locations in society, this book comes as an eye opener about the current reality of numerous women subjected to different kinds of violence.
Lots of new books in the Store:
Fiction:
“The Successor” by Ismail Kadare @ Rs.510/-(207pgs)
The winner of the inaugural Man Booker prize is a brilliantly crafted novel revealing the searing indictment of political skullduggery and oppression. The successor of Albania’s dictator is found shot and dead. Amidst speculations and counter allegations arises…. the ghost of the successor! Blending dream and reality this is a mystery of perspectives that promises to seduce and surprise till the very last page.
“The Kitchen God’s Wife” by Amy Tan @ Rs. 395/-(415pgs)
A heartwarming story of secrets kept from her daughter by a mother, a friendship that does survive forever, memories of a faraway land and resurrecting life in foreign soil, this book is a classic Amy Tan tale. It’s a delightful as well as sombre take on cross cultural shifts, rifts and resettlement. The underlining fact is of course – the human spirit- whichever country, religion or creed it belongs to, dignity makes it remain beautiful and indomitable.
“An Offer You Can’t Refuse” by Jill Marsell @ Rs.245/- (409pgs)
Lola accepts ten thousand pounds from her boyfriend, Doughie’s mother to stay away from him and then ten years down the lane, when a twist of fate brings back Lola and Doughie face –to –face, begin the fireworks. Filled with complexities that can be created only by two people in love with each other but who hate to admit it, this funny exasperating, tear –jerker but ending on a positive note could be a great answer for that warm summer night read! Also, Lola works at a Bookstore called Kingsley’s
“A Prisoner of Birth” by Jeffrey Archer @ Rs.250/- (530pgs)
A chilling murder mystery, cleverly crafted and deliciously delivered, Archer’s most powerful novel since Kane and Abel has characters that linger on long past the spellbinding finale. This is a story of friendship and betrayal, of love and loyalty amongst two young lovers, a barrister, a popular actor, an aristocrat and a partner in a business firm.
“Gardens of Water” by Alan Drew @ Rs.495/- (338pgs)
A stunning debut novel, it traces the story of Sinan whose orderly life is shaken beyond belief by an earthquake in Istanbul. Stripped of his home and his livelihood, it hits him hard to accept the aid of American missionaries in his own land. Under the rubble in the streets of his beloved city lies buried his trust and hope but not his determination to be a good husband, protector and provider to his family; what ensues post –earthquake is his story of struggle and survival but not at the cost of his dignity.
Indian Writing:
“The Armageddon Mandala” by Gopal Mukherjee @ Rs. 395/- (574pgs)
The book is about Allen Ginsberg, a self-declared private eye in the town of Snowdrop and how his life changes drastically after he encounters an Indian ascetic named Gyani. When Ginsberg takes up Gyani’s offer to collaborate with him on a case, strange things begin to happen. Ginsberg finds himself trapped in a vortex of bizarre rituals and life threatening ordeals that defy explanation. He suddenly realizes that the toughest task ahead of him seems to be for him to adapt to his new identity and prevent…. a planetary holocaust!
“The Palace of Illusions” by Chitra Divakaruni @ Rs.495/- (360pgs)
From the author of best selling novels like Queen of Dreams, The Mistress of Spice and prize winning story collection Arranged Marriage, here is a re-imaging of the epic The Mahabharata - spoken from the point of view of Draupadi aka Panchaali, the wife of the five Pandava Brothers. Striking a chord with its timeless relevance in today’s war torn world, we are transported back into a time that is half history, half myth but wholly magical! Giving a refreshingly new interpretation of the epic we are enthralled by the magnetism of Panchaali who redefines for us the world of fiery warriors, Gods and the inescapable hands of fate.
“The Cyber Gypsies: A frank account of life and travels on the electronic frontier “ by Indra Sinha @ Rs.400/- (392 pgs)
A personal confession of a cyber –surf addict, this book is an eye opener about the global on-line obsession.’Bear’ is the protagonist who can sacrifice his family and work just for his nightly dose of cyber-reality, in which he may encounter anything from witches to techno paths planning to virus a nuclear plant! His intense entanglement in the ‘web’ piles on to lead him to a personal and moral crisis .How he escapes is what the book is about.
Philosophy/ Inspiration:
“The sun rises in the evening” by Osho @ Rs.250/- (239pgs)
Osho the learned takes us on an immense journey with Yoka Daishi, a great Zen master through this book. These sutras are known as shodoka, the ‘song of enlightenment’ and in his inimitable way he gives us a refreshing look into the world of Zen- a living, breathing, moment –to –moment experience of the here and now.
“One master one disciple: A thrilling spiritual adventure” by Jyotii Subramanian @ Rs.250/-(173pgs)
Written as memoirs, this book is a journey of spiritual awakening through the book, the author evolves not only as a spiritual seeker but also as a more balanced human being capable of handling adversity with courage and dignity. Initiated into Kriya Yoga by Swami Gurunath, she shares her paranormal experiences, which generate wonder, and underlines the strong ties that bind the Guru and the true disciple. The book includes a helpful glossary of Sanskrit words and nine, easy to practice ancient yogic techniques.
“All Rise” by Robert Fuller @ Rs. 300/- (203pgs)
Fuller identifies ‘Rankism’ as the chief obstacle to achieving liberty and justice for all. He does realize though that without it organizations could become dysfunctional and so, he details a society in which all are equal in terms of dignity. He goes on to offer hope and practical solutions for fashioning a world where human relationships are governed by respect and every person’s right to dignity is affirmed.
“50 Prosperity Classics” @ Rs. 660/-(305pgs)
An excellent compendium of some classic books that help us understand what Prosperity is. This amazing book lists the best hot -shot ways presented in different books to attract prosperity, Create it, Manage it and then give a little of it back to society! Each of the fifty chapters handle excerpts and comments, from and about authors such as James Allen, Warren Buffet, Peter Drucker, Rhonda Byrne, Benjamin Graham, Napoleon Hill, Suze Orman, Ayn Rand, Donald Trump and many more inspirational icons.
“Who stole my energy?” by Ariana Trinity @ Rs. 195/-(194pgs)
This interesting book deals with the theory of maximizing human energy in today’s world. In this modern world, it is easy to feel completely drained of energy, and not know why. So, the author explains how various factors like fear, anxiety, boredom and anger have a negative impact on human energy and how positive emotions and attitudes can keep us feeling forever fresh. She goes on to aid the reader in some self-transformation techniques, which can enhance one’s health, wealth and relationships
“A promise is a promise” by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer @ Rs.150/-(90pgs)
A touching, true story of a mothers incomparable love for her daughter, this book really makes one sit back and wonder about the power of the human mind’s will. For more than thirty years, Edwarda has been in a comatose state and her mother Kaye has kept vigil at her bedside, feeding her every two hours and giving her insulin every four hours around the clock. This tenacity of a dedicated mother has attracted miracles, including the spiritual apparition of The Blessed Mother. Only the reader can surmise, whether such encounters are fact or imagination of the human mind.
“Just like that: Talks on Sufi stories” by Osho @ Rs.295/- (273pgs)
Truth cannot be taught but it can be learned, beginning with this philosophy, this book brings together Osho’s talks on Sufism and Sufi stories. With short tales of wit and some lyrical poetry interspersed in his discourses, the ‘Guru’ peels off the layers of our consciousness and introduces us to ourselves.
Management:
“Judgment: how winning leaders make great calls” by Noel Tichy @ Rs.460/-(392 pgs)
In the face of ambiguity, uncertainty and conflicting demands, the quality of a leader’s judgement determines the fate of an entire organization. Despite its immense importance it has been a fairly foggy concept and here is where the authors step in. Having studied for decades the effects and requisites of good judgement, they offer in this book a powerful framework for making those tough calls.
“A to Z of business strategy: Quick-reference guide to principles, concepts and contemporary practices” by A.V. Vedpuriswar @ Rs.280/- (256pgs)
Arranged alphabetically, this book presents the essence of business strategy in more than 325 crisp topics. These include the principles of strategic management, insights on strategy of global thought leaders and explanation of key concepts. In today’s highly complex and competitive environment, strategy is the core of business success. Keeping this fact in mind, the author has introduced the topic right from the basics. An extensive bibliography guides you to other authoritative books and resources on the subject.
“FLIP: How to succeed by turning everything you know on its head” by Peter Sheahan @ Rs.295/- (326pgs)
In this snappy and racy book, the not –yet –30 author shares insights gained from his work inside the boardrooms of the world’s most significant companies. His funda is to succeed by turning everything you know on its head! The gist of the book is to make full use of the ‘Refresh’ icon! Think fresh, think different and take that risk to do something different is his mantra for a more dynamic, positively headed venture - adventure!
“Awakening The Entrepreneur Within” by Michael E Gerber @ Rs. 525/-(268pgs)
Beginning with the immensely inspiring words ‘A business without a dream is like a life without purpose’ this book is all about how ordinary people can create extraordinary companies. Creator of the E-Myth Worldwide, which transformed the way that small business owners grew their companies, In this book Michael dreams to inspire people to dream, envisions to help people set up their dreams (business), proposes to create means by which entrepreneurs can generate their economic freedom and makes it his mission to create a turnkey system to awaken the entrepreneur in every person who wishes to go into business.
“Death to all sacred cows: How successful business people put the old rules out to pasture” by David Bernstein Beau Fraser and Bill Schwab @ Rs.700/- (211pgs)
Figuring that formulae may be comforting, but they rarely work in the real world, the authors have come up with the truest and funniest business book to deal with this dilemma! They have detailed ways to identify sacred, inflexible rules (read ‘cows’) and guide us how to exterminate them and replace bygone theories with brilliant alternatives that promise to rev up our career in overdrive. From ‘always trust your research ‘, ‘Follow the leader’, ‘the goal of marketing is to sell a product’ to ‘Branding is expensive’ many comfortable cows are taken to task.
Memoirs:
“My Country, My Life” by L.K Advani @ Rs.595/- (986pgs)
The much awaited memoirs of a national leader who effectively combines intellectualism, integrity and mass appeal does not disappoint .The book is divided into six phases which chronologically express Advani’s views and experiences from the ‘Triumph of freedom, Tragedy of Partition; his entry into RSS, his career in politics and the tumultuous turn of the century. With a foreword by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this book could easily be an unparalleled compendium of political upheavals in India post independence.
“Dreams from my Father” by Barack Obama @ Rs.560/- (442pgs)
Written much before Obama had thoughts of a political career, this book traces his journey through his own life. Only two years old when his black African father walked out on his white American mother, Obama travelled to Nairobi many years later when he received news of his father demise; and thus began his quest about his father’s life and reconciliation with his divided inheritance. Not only does this book stress on his desire to relate to his ‘roots’ but also illuminates the universal longing to understand our history and the deep understanding of the basic wants of a human being and what makes us the people that we are.
“A stubbornly persistent illusion: The essential scientific works of Albert Einstein” by Stephen Hawking @ Rs.845/-(468pgs)
‘Einstein’ was known not only for his groundbreaking ideas in physics but also for thoughtful views on politics, religion and the interplay between science and the world. From ‘the scientific heir’ to Einstein, Newton and Galileo we have a wonderful compilation of a number of Einstein’s essays to which the author provides introductions, giving both historical and scientific perspective.
“Intern: A doctor’s initiation” by Sandeep Jauhar @ Rs.350/- (299pgs)
An intern almost a decade ago, the author still remembers it the way soldiers remember war. From fresh idealism to surprise, irony to belief in the right conviction, the new ‘doctor’ comes a full circle to see that today’s hi- tech, high-pressure medicine is humane after all. The story of Sandeep Jauhar’s days and nights in residency at a busy hospital in New York City, this beautifully written memoir narrates the inner workings of modern medicine with rare candour and insight.
“Mukkam Post Reserve Bank” by Late Mr. V.G. Pendharkar @ Rs.130/- (Marathi)
A graduate from the London School of Economics, Mr. V.G Pendharkar served in the Reserve Bank of India from 1945 to 1979. This vast period was marked by some sweeping and dynamic changes in the Indian economy and Mr. Pendharkar was not only witness to it but also a path breaker himself. His varied experiences about the different projects he was involved in; like the representative for India at the IMF and IBRD, and the many types of people, bosses and colleagues he came across are described with wit and a rare insight in this book which has been published by his daughter and son –in –law Kunda and Arvind Kelkar, posthumously. The Kelkars are residents of Anand Park, Aundh.
SocioEco:
“Gang Leader For A Day – A Rogue sociologist crosses the line” by Sudhir Venkatesh @ Rs. 415/- (302pgs)
A gripping story of discovery, about life on the wrong side of tracks, based on research material gathered through the author’s decade long stay with the ‘Black Kings Gang’ in Chicago’s south side. When a naïve sociology student goes to find more about urban poverty in Chicago, he is held hostage by a gang. Some really unmissable experiences indeed …, which are best, experienced second hand of course! Incredibly funny and heartbreaking, this is one man’s take on understanding what makes people in gangs tick.
“Blood of the Earth: The battle for the world’s vanishing oil resources” by Dilip Hiro @ Rs.450/- (427pgs)
A gripping story of the history of oil, the global politics that it has fuelled and the probable oil wars that can be foreseen in the near future, this book awakens the layman to give a serious thought to look for alternatives to hydrocarbons. Oil, the chief weapon of any war, is now also ‘blood of the Earth’ and proving to be the ‘blood of victory’ as well. A prized commodity for which wars are fought, it definitely merits some serious thought.
“What’s Next: the expert’s guide” by Jane Buckingham @ Rs.785/- (283pgs)
From the founder and president of a successful trend-spotting company ‘The Intelligence group’, this book is a manifestation of the views and conversations with dozens of fascinating persons from a myriad range of professions; like computer sciences, acting, campaign advisors, magazine editors and architects! In a world that seems to be changing faster than ever, this book offers good pointers to how we can keep up and stay ahead. Interesting topics include-the future of city planning, robotics, the reform of student loan debt, insurance, energy and loads more!
Travel:
“Right of passage: Travels from Brooklyn to Bali” by Rahul Jacob @ Rs.250/-(266 pgs)
Possessing an amazing aptitude to transform the simplest journey into a warm, thoughtful experience, the author magically weaves his travelogues in these well presented, simply written memoirs. Covering a vast array of small towns, slick cities as well as wild terrains, the delightful descriptions of Brooklyn, Bali, Rome, Madhya Pradesh, Beirut, Dakar, Singapore, Saigon and …a lot more… educate, entertain and simply chill you out!
“Outlook Series – Wellness Holidays in India” @ Rs. 295/-(507pgs)
Introducing a relatively new topic in the realm of travel, this book marks out most of the great getaways that promise to rejuvenate and refresh the senses, mind and body. It mentions some relaxing and getting –back –into –a –healthy routine places where people admit to be regulars so they can ‘overhaul’ all their systems! From Luxury spas to naturopathy resorts, from Spartan yoga retreats to soulful meditation camps there is an amazing array of locations to simply ‘refresh’.
Others:
“The Indigo Children” by Lee Carroll & Jan Tober @ Rs. 295/-(Parenting)
This book is a tremendously encouraging guide to correctly handle extra intelligent, sensitive , uniquely modelled ‘Indigo children’. This practical handbook answers many of the often puzzling questions such as why do such brilliant children have Attention Deficit Disorder? Are these kids smarter for their age? How can we get them to mix with ‘normal’ children? This book brings profound and far reaching positive effects on the psyche of parents and caregivers of such uniquely ‘gifted’ children.
“Ramayana: A modern translation” by Ramesh Menon @ Rs.495/-
The epic Ramayana has come down from generation to generation through time immemorial and has been translated in numerous languages. Menon’s Ramayana is not a scholarly translation of the mystifying epic, but a lush, imaginative rendering of the human stories and the emotions that ‘Bhakti’ stirs. Divided into the traditional seven ‘kanda’s, the book elaborately narrates the spellbinding story of Ram and Ayodhya.
Keep reading and do turn up at the Store for our reading sessions!
From the team at,
twistntales
Greetings of Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Baisakhi and Visu. As the different parts of the Nation welcomes the new year in the course of this week, here’s us at twistntales wishing everyone of you a great beginning to the new year and hoping that prosperity fills hearts and minds with goodness and generosity, along with coffers, of course !
As usual, we at twistntales have a full summer calendar with our Sunday Morning Reading Sessions, and the one big activity to keep young minds active and bright.
Most of our events in the past have been innovative, interesting, challenging and extremely good fun for the kids who have participated. From our Street Plays (2003), Craft n Mask Workshop (2003), Karadi Rhymes concert (2004), Red Umbrella Library (2005) to the Young Journalist workshop (2006) our annual event each year has been fun, educative and completely enjoyable, both for us and the kids participating.
This year we plan a TREASURE HUNT for kids in the 12 to 14 yrs age group. We expect kids to be riding in their bicycles looking for clues (in teams) and cracking the jackpot. The Treasure Hunt will happen within Gaikwad Nagar and Anand Park localities.
Many of you know Sonja Chandrachud and must have read about her new book, “The Potion of Eternity”. Sonja is a long time friend of twistntales, having participated in many of our earlier reading sessions. This year, we are doing a reading of her new book, “The Potion of Eternity” and the Treasure Hunt is going to be based on her book. The winning team has a basket of goodies waiting!
The Treasure Hunt happens on Saturday, 3rd May @ 9am. We expect it to be finished by 1pm. Kids desirous of taking part in the Treasure Hunt need to register at twistntales. The registration charges are Rs. 500/- per kid and will happen on first come basis. Kindly do not call us after registrations close, and we shall not hold places …. Thanks!
Our regular Sunday Morning Reading Sessions start with Sonja’s book on 13th April. For those of you who are new to this, every summer during school vacations, we have our Sunday Morning Reading Sessions – these are free sessions for kids done by happy volunteers. Every Sunday, 11 to 12 noon. A suitable story book is selected appropriate for age group, and the volunteer reads out to interested kids who sit around (in mats outside the store). Often these sessions become pretty interactive, and at the end of an hour, we have newer stories created by the kids. All in all, these are fun sessions and we hope that kids will get into reading, and give Cartoon Network and Pogo a miss!
Given below is our calendar for April/ May. From this year, we are trying to include one session each in local languages, seeing the way our kids struggle in Hindi and Marathi languages in School. Do call us and let us know if you or kids would be interested in attending any of our sessions …. We need you to register your names as per session, and we shall give you a timely reminder!
Sunday Morning Reading Sessions:
Date Age Group Topic Volunteer
13th Apr 12 yrs + A Potion of Eternity Sonja Chandrachud
20th Apr 5 to 7 yrs Marathi Stories/ Poems Sonali Adkar
27th Apr 8 to 10 yrs Mathematwist Savita Narayan
3rd May (Sat) 12 – 14 yrs Treasure Hunt twistntales
11th May 7 to 9 yrs Hindi Stories Neema Pathak Broome
18th May Under 5 yrs Animal Stories Tripuri Godbole
Do call up and register for our sessions – it helps us to organize seats. The session for kids under 5 happens on 18th May and is compulsory for parents to attend. Do rush in with your names – also for the Treasure Hunt.
And now for books:
Some interesting books from alternate publishers:
“Godhra: A Journey to Mayhem” by Nirendra Dev @ Rs.295/- (203pgs)
From the special correspondent with the ‘Free Press Journal’ comes this very well researched book. The twelve chapters incorporated by the author sequentially deal with the background of Gujarat’s communalism, the actual event of the train halt at Godhra railway station, the bloody aftermath of the heart rending incident and its economic, social and political effects and consequences. The book does not shy away from openly citing names of persons, high ranking officials, political outfits and even social organizations (NGOs).
“On The Cultural Front” by Ritwik Ghatak @ Rs.100/- (119pgs)
In 1954, Ritwik Ghatak sent in this thesis to the communist Party’s offices in Calcutta. In it he presented his entire understanding of both national and international culture, and underlined the crucial role of the Communist artist who could take up the responsibility of creating awareness and a soft corner for communism among the common masses through plays, literature, documentaries and films. This extraordinary thesis lay in the records of the CPI (M), Calcutta and was only recently discovered and printed.
“Prithviraj and Prithvi Theatres: Prithvi theatre yearbook” by Prithviraj @ Rs.395/-
A tale of a young Pathan who came to Bombay, becomes a film actor and goes on to become an memorable icon in the field of theatre is beautifully depicted in this unique yearbook. The story of Prithvi theatre which crisscrossed the country for 16 years, performing topical plays and setting an inspiring example of the power of positive influence on society unfolds with every flick of a page and the black and white photographs with quotes from newspapers to eminent artistes makes it a treasury of memoirs!
“The School and The Society” by John Dewey @ Rs.195/- (127pgs)
A pioneer in educational reforms, American philosopher, psychologist, John Dewey’s thoughts and ideas have been greatly influential around the world and this book is one of the most popular and most translated publications in the field of education. It aptly describes the rationale behind the University and elementary school that made his perspective on teaching so famous.
“Constellations of Violence: Feminist Interventions in South Asia” edited by Radhika Coomaraswamy & Nimanthi Perera-Rajasingham @ Rs.400/- (260pgs)
This volume gathers together some reflections on the complex and shifting dynamics and gender in South Asia. With eight chapters authored by eminent feminist writers and meaningful excerpts from studies conducted at various levels and locations in society, this book comes as an eye opener about the current reality of numerous women subjected to different kinds of violence.
Lots of new books in the Store:
Fiction:
“The Successor” by Ismail Kadare @ Rs.510/-(207pgs)
The winner of the inaugural Man Booker prize is a brilliantly crafted novel revealing the searing indictment of political skullduggery and oppression. The successor of Albania’s dictator is found shot and dead. Amidst speculations and counter allegations arises…. the ghost of the successor! Blending dream and reality this is a mystery of perspectives that promises to seduce and surprise till the very last page.
“The Kitchen God’s Wife” by Amy Tan @ Rs. 395/-(415pgs)
A heartwarming story of secrets kept from her daughter by a mother, a friendship that does survive forever, memories of a faraway land and resurrecting life in foreign soil, this book is a classic Amy Tan tale. It’s a delightful as well as sombre take on cross cultural shifts, rifts and resettlement. The underlining fact is of course – the human spirit- whichever country, religion or creed it belongs to, dignity makes it remain beautiful and indomitable.
“An Offer You Can’t Refuse” by Jill Marsell @ Rs.245/- (409pgs)
Lola accepts ten thousand pounds from her boyfriend, Doughie’s mother to stay away from him and then ten years down the lane, when a twist of fate brings back Lola and Doughie face –to –face, begin the fireworks. Filled with complexities that can be created only by two people in love with each other but who hate to admit it, this funny exasperating, tear –jerker but ending on a positive note could be a great answer for that warm summer night read! Also, Lola works at a Bookstore called Kingsley’s
“A Prisoner of Birth” by Jeffrey Archer @ Rs.250/- (530pgs)
A chilling murder mystery, cleverly crafted and deliciously delivered, Archer’s most powerful novel since Kane and Abel has characters that linger on long past the spellbinding finale. This is a story of friendship and betrayal, of love and loyalty amongst two young lovers, a barrister, a popular actor, an aristocrat and a partner in a business firm.
“Gardens of Water” by Alan Drew @ Rs.495/- (338pgs)
A stunning debut novel, it traces the story of Sinan whose orderly life is shaken beyond belief by an earthquake in Istanbul. Stripped of his home and his livelihood, it hits him hard to accept the aid of American missionaries in his own land. Under the rubble in the streets of his beloved city lies buried his trust and hope but not his determination to be a good husband, protector and provider to his family; what ensues post –earthquake is his story of struggle and survival but not at the cost of his dignity.
Indian Writing:
“The Armageddon Mandala” by Gopal Mukherjee @ Rs. 395/- (574pgs)
The book is about Allen Ginsberg, a self-declared private eye in the town of Snowdrop and how his life changes drastically after he encounters an Indian ascetic named Gyani. When Ginsberg takes up Gyani’s offer to collaborate with him on a case, strange things begin to happen. Ginsberg finds himself trapped in a vortex of bizarre rituals and life threatening ordeals that defy explanation. He suddenly realizes that the toughest task ahead of him seems to be for him to adapt to his new identity and prevent…. a planetary holocaust!
“The Palace of Illusions” by Chitra Divakaruni @ Rs.495/- (360pgs)
From the author of best selling novels like Queen of Dreams, The Mistress of Spice and prize winning story collection Arranged Marriage, here is a re-imaging of the epic The Mahabharata - spoken from the point of view of Draupadi aka Panchaali, the wife of the five Pandava Brothers. Striking a chord with its timeless relevance in today’s war torn world, we are transported back into a time that is half history, half myth but wholly magical! Giving a refreshingly new interpretation of the epic we are enthralled by the magnetism of Panchaali who redefines for us the world of fiery warriors, Gods and the inescapable hands of fate.
“The Cyber Gypsies: A frank account of life and travels on the electronic frontier “ by Indra Sinha @ Rs.400/- (392 pgs)
A personal confession of a cyber –surf addict, this book is an eye opener about the global on-line obsession.’Bear’ is the protagonist who can sacrifice his family and work just for his nightly dose of cyber-reality, in which he may encounter anything from witches to techno paths planning to virus a nuclear plant! His intense entanglement in the ‘web’ piles on to lead him to a personal and moral crisis .How he escapes is what the book is about.
Philosophy/ Inspiration:
“The sun rises in the evening” by Osho @ Rs.250/- (239pgs)
Osho the learned takes us on an immense journey with Yoka Daishi, a great Zen master through this book. These sutras are known as shodoka, the ‘song of enlightenment’ and in his inimitable way he gives us a refreshing look into the world of Zen- a living, breathing, moment –to –moment experience of the here and now.
“One master one disciple: A thrilling spiritual adventure” by Jyotii Subramanian @ Rs.250/-(173pgs)
Written as memoirs, this book is a journey of spiritual awakening through the book, the author evolves not only as a spiritual seeker but also as a more balanced human being capable of handling adversity with courage and dignity. Initiated into Kriya Yoga by Swami Gurunath, she shares her paranormal experiences, which generate wonder, and underlines the strong ties that bind the Guru and the true disciple. The book includes a helpful glossary of Sanskrit words and nine, easy to practice ancient yogic techniques.
“All Rise” by Robert Fuller @ Rs. 300/- (203pgs)
Fuller identifies ‘Rankism’ as the chief obstacle to achieving liberty and justice for all. He does realize though that without it organizations could become dysfunctional and so, he details a society in which all are equal in terms of dignity. He goes on to offer hope and practical solutions for fashioning a world where human relationships are governed by respect and every person’s right to dignity is affirmed.
“50 Prosperity Classics” @ Rs. 660/-(305pgs)
An excellent compendium of some classic books that help us understand what Prosperity is. This amazing book lists the best hot -shot ways presented in different books to attract prosperity, Create it, Manage it and then give a little of it back to society! Each of the fifty chapters handle excerpts and comments, from and about authors such as James Allen, Warren Buffet, Peter Drucker, Rhonda Byrne, Benjamin Graham, Napoleon Hill, Suze Orman, Ayn Rand, Donald Trump and many more inspirational icons.
“Who stole my energy?” by Ariana Trinity @ Rs. 195/-(194pgs)
This interesting book deals with the theory of maximizing human energy in today’s world. In this modern world, it is easy to feel completely drained of energy, and not know why. So, the author explains how various factors like fear, anxiety, boredom and anger have a negative impact on human energy and how positive emotions and attitudes can keep us feeling forever fresh. She goes on to aid the reader in some self-transformation techniques, which can enhance one’s health, wealth and relationships
“A promise is a promise” by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer @ Rs.150/-(90pgs)
A touching, true story of a mothers incomparable love for her daughter, this book really makes one sit back and wonder about the power of the human mind’s will. For more than thirty years, Edwarda has been in a comatose state and her mother Kaye has kept vigil at her bedside, feeding her every two hours and giving her insulin every four hours around the clock. This tenacity of a dedicated mother has attracted miracles, including the spiritual apparition of The Blessed Mother. Only the reader can surmise, whether such encounters are fact or imagination of the human mind.
“Just like that: Talks on Sufi stories” by Osho @ Rs.295/- (273pgs)
Truth cannot be taught but it can be learned, beginning with this philosophy, this book brings together Osho’s talks on Sufism and Sufi stories. With short tales of wit and some lyrical poetry interspersed in his discourses, the ‘Guru’ peels off the layers of our consciousness and introduces us to ourselves.
Management:
“Judgment: how winning leaders make great calls” by Noel Tichy @ Rs.460/-(392 pgs)
In the face of ambiguity, uncertainty and conflicting demands, the quality of a leader’s judgement determines the fate of an entire organization. Despite its immense importance it has been a fairly foggy concept and here is where the authors step in. Having studied for decades the effects and requisites of good judgement, they offer in this book a powerful framework for making those tough calls.
“A to Z of business strategy: Quick-reference guide to principles, concepts and contemporary practices” by A.V. Vedpuriswar @ Rs.280/- (256pgs)
Arranged alphabetically, this book presents the essence of business strategy in more than 325 crisp topics. These include the principles of strategic management, insights on strategy of global thought leaders and explanation of key concepts. In today’s highly complex and competitive environment, strategy is the core of business success. Keeping this fact in mind, the author has introduced the topic right from the basics. An extensive bibliography guides you to other authoritative books and resources on the subject.
“FLIP: How to succeed by turning everything you know on its head” by Peter Sheahan @ Rs.295/- (326pgs)
In this snappy and racy book, the not –yet –30 author shares insights gained from his work inside the boardrooms of the world’s most significant companies. His funda is to succeed by turning everything you know on its head! The gist of the book is to make full use of the ‘Refresh’ icon! Think fresh, think different and take that risk to do something different is his mantra for a more dynamic, positively headed venture - adventure!
“Awakening The Entrepreneur Within” by Michael E Gerber @ Rs. 525/-(268pgs)
Beginning with the immensely inspiring words ‘A business without a dream is like a life without purpose’ this book is all about how ordinary people can create extraordinary companies. Creator of the E-Myth Worldwide, which transformed the way that small business owners grew their companies, In this book Michael dreams to inspire people to dream, envisions to help people set up their dreams (business), proposes to create means by which entrepreneurs can generate their economic freedom and makes it his mission to create a turnkey system to awaken the entrepreneur in every person who wishes to go into business.
“Death to all sacred cows: How successful business people put the old rules out to pasture” by David Bernstein Beau Fraser and Bill Schwab @ Rs.700/- (211pgs)
Figuring that formulae may be comforting, but they rarely work in the real world, the authors have come up with the truest and funniest business book to deal with this dilemma! They have detailed ways to identify sacred, inflexible rules (read ‘cows’) and guide us how to exterminate them and replace bygone theories with brilliant alternatives that promise to rev up our career in overdrive. From ‘always trust your research ‘, ‘Follow the leader’, ‘the goal of marketing is to sell a product’ to ‘Branding is expensive’ many comfortable cows are taken to task.
Memoirs:
“My Country, My Life” by L.K Advani @ Rs.595/- (986pgs)
The much awaited memoirs of a national leader who effectively combines intellectualism, integrity and mass appeal does not disappoint .The book is divided into six phases which chronologically express Advani’s views and experiences from the ‘Triumph of freedom, Tragedy of Partition; his entry into RSS, his career in politics and the tumultuous turn of the century. With a foreword by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this book could easily be an unparalleled compendium of political upheavals in India post independence.
“Dreams from my Father” by Barack Obama @ Rs.560/- (442pgs)
Written much before Obama had thoughts of a political career, this book traces his journey through his own life. Only two years old when his black African father walked out on his white American mother, Obama travelled to Nairobi many years later when he received news of his father demise; and thus began his quest about his father’s life and reconciliation with his divided inheritance. Not only does this book stress on his desire to relate to his ‘roots’ but also illuminates the universal longing to understand our history and the deep understanding of the basic wants of a human being and what makes us the people that we are.
“A stubbornly persistent illusion: The essential scientific works of Albert Einstein” by Stephen Hawking @ Rs.845/-(468pgs)
‘Einstein’ was known not only for his groundbreaking ideas in physics but also for thoughtful views on politics, religion and the interplay between science and the world. From ‘the scientific heir’ to Einstein, Newton and Galileo we have a wonderful compilation of a number of Einstein’s essays to which the author provides introductions, giving both historical and scientific perspective.
“Intern: A doctor’s initiation” by Sandeep Jauhar @ Rs.350/- (299pgs)
An intern almost a decade ago, the author still remembers it the way soldiers remember war. From fresh idealism to surprise, irony to belief in the right conviction, the new ‘doctor’ comes a full circle to see that today’s hi- tech, high-pressure medicine is humane after all. The story of Sandeep Jauhar’s days and nights in residency at a busy hospital in New York City, this beautifully written memoir narrates the inner workings of modern medicine with rare candour and insight.
“Mukkam Post Reserve Bank” by Late Mr. V.G. Pendharkar @ Rs.130/- (Marathi)
A graduate from the London School of Economics, Mr. V.G Pendharkar served in the Reserve Bank of India from 1945 to 1979. This vast period was marked by some sweeping and dynamic changes in the Indian economy and Mr. Pendharkar was not only witness to it but also a path breaker himself. His varied experiences about the different projects he was involved in; like the representative for India at the IMF and IBRD, and the many types of people, bosses and colleagues he came across are described with wit and a rare insight in this book which has been published by his daughter and son –in –law Kunda and Arvind Kelkar, posthumously. The Kelkars are residents of Anand Park, Aundh.
SocioEco:
“Gang Leader For A Day – A Rogue sociologist crosses the line” by Sudhir Venkatesh @ Rs. 415/- (302pgs)
A gripping story of discovery, about life on the wrong side of tracks, based on research material gathered through the author’s decade long stay with the ‘Black Kings Gang’ in Chicago’s south side. When a naïve sociology student goes to find more about urban poverty in Chicago, he is held hostage by a gang. Some really unmissable experiences indeed …, which are best, experienced second hand of course! Incredibly funny and heartbreaking, this is one man’s take on understanding what makes people in gangs tick.
“Blood of the Earth: The battle for the world’s vanishing oil resources” by Dilip Hiro @ Rs.450/- (427pgs)
A gripping story of the history of oil, the global politics that it has fuelled and the probable oil wars that can be foreseen in the near future, this book awakens the layman to give a serious thought to look for alternatives to hydrocarbons. Oil, the chief weapon of any war, is now also ‘blood of the Earth’ and proving to be the ‘blood of victory’ as well. A prized commodity for which wars are fought, it definitely merits some serious thought.
“What’s Next: the expert’s guide” by Jane Buckingham @ Rs.785/- (283pgs)
From the founder and president of a successful trend-spotting company ‘The Intelligence group’, this book is a manifestation of the views and conversations with dozens of fascinating persons from a myriad range of professions; like computer sciences, acting, campaign advisors, magazine editors and architects! In a world that seems to be changing faster than ever, this book offers good pointers to how we can keep up and stay ahead. Interesting topics include-the future of city planning, robotics, the reform of student loan debt, insurance, energy and loads more!
Travel:
“Right of passage: Travels from Brooklyn to Bali” by Rahul Jacob @ Rs.250/-(266 pgs)
Possessing an amazing aptitude to transform the simplest journey into a warm, thoughtful experience, the author magically weaves his travelogues in these well presented, simply written memoirs. Covering a vast array of small towns, slick cities as well as wild terrains, the delightful descriptions of Brooklyn, Bali, Rome, Madhya Pradesh, Beirut, Dakar, Singapore, Saigon and …a lot more… educate, entertain and simply chill you out!
“Outlook Series – Wellness Holidays in India” @ Rs. 295/-(507pgs)
Introducing a relatively new topic in the realm of travel, this book marks out most of the great getaways that promise to rejuvenate and refresh the senses, mind and body. It mentions some relaxing and getting –back –into –a –healthy routine places where people admit to be regulars so they can ‘overhaul’ all their systems! From Luxury spas to naturopathy resorts, from Spartan yoga retreats to soulful meditation camps there is an amazing array of locations to simply ‘refresh’.
Others:
“The Indigo Children” by Lee Carroll & Jan Tober @ Rs. 295/-(Parenting)
This book is a tremendously encouraging guide to correctly handle extra intelligent, sensitive , uniquely modelled ‘Indigo children’. This practical handbook answers many of the often puzzling questions such as why do such brilliant children have Attention Deficit Disorder? Are these kids smarter for their age? How can we get them to mix with ‘normal’ children? This book brings profound and far reaching positive effects on the psyche of parents and caregivers of such uniquely ‘gifted’ children.
“Ramayana: A modern translation” by Ramesh Menon @ Rs.495/-
The epic Ramayana has come down from generation to generation through time immemorial and has been translated in numerous languages. Menon’s Ramayana is not a scholarly translation of the mystifying epic, but a lush, imaginative rendering of the human stories and the emotions that ‘Bhakti’ stirs. Divided into the traditional seven ‘kanda’s, the book elaborately narrates the spellbinding story of Ram and Ayodhya.
Keep reading and do turn up at the Store for our reading sessions!
From the team at,
twistntales
Stories worth re-telling !
Nasscom Leadership Summit has always been a place for good story-telling and provocative thoughts. This year, the spark came not from a software veteran or a BPO moghul, but a captain of an old economy industry. Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director of Mahindra & Mahindra drew from mythology to call for game-changing innovation from the IT industry.
"One of the tasks we at the Mahindra Group have set ourselves is to aspire to be recognized as the most customer-centric organization in India, and why not, in the World!
In order to walk the talk, every time I'm asked to speak at a conference, I have made it a default option to ask what the audience--my customers--might expect of me.
And so I found myself wondering what this conclave of IT wizards expects from a predominantly right-brained character like myself. You certainly haven't called me here to deliver a sermon on technology. And I wouldn't even risk doing that with Nandan (Nilekani) and Kiran (Karnik) sharing the dais!
Of course, I might have been able to do that by getting one of my IT colleagues to write this speech, but then it would have been comprehensible to you, but incomprehensible to me!
And although the title of this session is 'Building a Knowledge Economy for Growth', I believe that a) All of you out there have helped build the foundations of a knowledge economy, so again, you don't need me to pontificate to you about that and b) I think there are some urgent pressures and imperatives the industry has to deal with at this point.
So, I'm going to talk about something completely different: I will talk about the Trimurti.
Most of the Indians in this audience will know the Trimurti – the trinity in Indian mythology of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the sustainer and Shiva the destroyer. There is a wonderful depiction of this in stone, just ten kilometers across the bay, at Elephanta. Both as a businessman, and as someone who tends to see life in visual images, the Trimurti reminds me of India's IT industry. Think of it.
You people have gone through a stage, where like Brahma, you created something out of nothing. You created a new and global industry. You created a service sector that is today, a major pillar of our GDP. But most importantly, you created a perception of a new India, both in the world and in Indian hearts and minds.
CK Prahalad once told me that in universities in America today, there are almost unfairly high expectations from Indian students, because there is a huge perception that all Indian students are brilliant, outstanding. You created that perception. And within India, what you created was self-belief. You showed us what Indians could do, and now the rest of India believes that Indians can do anything. Brahma created a physical landscape; you sowed the seeds of a new mental and psychological landscape. In that sense, you are truly the Brahmas of the age of liberalisation.
But creation is only the first phase. You then have to move on to the next phase of sustaining that creation - to the realm of Vishnu the preserver. Creation is a one-time affair. Sustaining that creation is obviously a longer haul, subject to many attacks and crises. Perhaps that is why Vishnu comes not in one, but in ten incarnations.
Every time there is a new danger, he changes his avatar to a form best suited to meet that danger. At various times he has come as a fish, as a tortoise, as a dwarf. But his most interesting avatar came when he had to fight the demon Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap was a bad guy, who had obtained an amazing boon from the gods. Neither man nor beast could kill him; he could not be killed by daylight or at nighttime, within his home or outside it, on the ground or in the sky. All this made him pretty invincible – he went on a rampage, and only Vishnu could tackle him.
The IT industry today faces challenges every bit as complex as those Hiranyakashyap posed for Vishnu. It is hit by a macroeconomic tsunami of adverse currency changes, rapidly escalating costs in both salaries and infrastructure and inadequate talent pools below the tier 1 and 2 institutions.
At the Company level, firms are begin to feel the penalties of poor differentiation and lack of focus (trying to be all things to all people); and an over-emphasis on high volumes and price competition.
Suddenly, the industry seems to have fallen off its pedestal; You are facing your very own Hiranyakashyap.
It's interesting to see how Vishnu dealt with him. How do you destroy someone who can't be killed by man or beast, inside or outside, by day or night etc etc. The demon pretty much had all bases covered. So Vishnu took on the Narasimha avatar to bypass the boon. Narasimha was a hybrid creature, half man half lion, and therefore neither man nor beast.
He killed Hiranyakashyap at twilight, which is neither day nor night. He killed him in the courtyard, which is neither inside a house nor outside it. And he killed the demon by placing him across his knee and tearing him apart, thus circumventing the terms of the boon that he could not be killed either on the ground or in the sky. Now that's what I call an innovative algorithm!
So what are the lessons for the IT industry in this story? Well, the first thing Vishnu did was to reinvent himself. It was not the gentle and contemplative Vishnu who fought Hiranyakashyap – it was the fearsome Narasimha avatar. Vishnu reinvented himself to suit the circumstances. The circumstances have changed drastically. Reinvent yourselves.
Do I have all the answers on the modes of re-invention? No, obviously not, otherwise I'd be out there filing patents, although I can suggest two broad approaches.
First, why don't we design business models that challenge traditional industry approaches and then transform our organizations, people and processes to execute. If we simply keep knocking on the doors of clients with our traditional offshoring options, we'll meet the fate of hearing aid salespersons: our best customers won't hear the doobell!
For example, software-on- demand and open source models changed the rules of the software game. Can we not try to change the rules of the game this time around? Why didn't we invent Zoom technology or Virtualisation? Thus far, India's brand of innovation has been identified with the IT industry, but is it truly innovative. Is it really game changing? Ironically, you can now look to the old smokestack industries for inspiration.
A few weeks ago, an Indian car company made a game-changing move. Maybe the Nano will ultimately not retail for a hundred thousand rupees. Maybe it won't have great margins, or replace as many motorcycles as it would like to, but it was a game changing move; it fired a shot that was heard around the world. Can the IT world make any such claim?
There was an old saying, apparently adopted by the IT industry, that the secret of success is to jump every time opportunity knocks. And how do you know when opportunity knocks? You don't, you just keep jumping!
So when are we going to stop simply jumping every time a client seems to sneeze, and actually create products and IP that become their own opportunities?
Let's look at new areas where India may have natural advantage. I remember C.K Prahlad telling us that we didn't realize how important it was to leverage emerging innovation ecosystems in our country. He gave us the example of how, due to a fortunate coincidence, India's IT and automotive industries were situated in roughly the same geographic clusters. So why wasn't, according to Michael Porter's competitive theories, a world beating automotive telematics industry taking shape here.
Why aren't IT companies using the massive potential of India's soft power, the film and TV business to exploit technological dominance of what Telco's call the 'last mile' but is actually the 'first mile' in the brave new interactive world?
Secondly, why don't we try to focus on a vertical industry (e.g., telecom) or horizontal domain (e.g., supply chain management) selecting the key dimensions of competitive differentiation – product vs. service, breadth vs. depth, speed of delivery, customer service responsiveness, fixed or outcome-based pricing, proprietary technology or intellectual property, and so on.
And let's be prepared to make hard decisions along the way – change people who don't fit, walk away from businesses that doesn't fit.
It's essential, while attempting this, however, to recognize that focus, differentiation and brand building require time and investment. Selling value or doing business differently than the norm tends to elongate sales cycles, which tends to put pressure on cash flow and we need to resist the temptation to broaden our offerings or slash prices just to win the business and keep people busy.
Along with re-invention, during the course of reinventing himself, Vishnu figured out the loopholes in the boon, and regrouped his physical and mental aspects to take advantage of these loopholes. That's something the IT industry can do as well. Its often been pointed out that in the Chinese word for crisis is also the Chinese word for opportunity I love that mindset. I truly believe that the adverse rate of the dollar can be viewed as the glass half empty or the glass half full. Sure it affects margins. But it's also a chance to take advantage of the loophole and buy yourselves what you don't have, so that you can regroup your structure to meet the challenge.
To me the fact that our currency is more valuable and our price earnings ratios are still higher than average, means that we can acquire the front-ends and the large IT businesses that we never thought we could before. And the bigger the better. If people are egging us on to leapfrog, then they should also cheer as you bid for companies that seem bigger fish than you. It's happening all the time today in the manufacturing sector—Tata Corus being the stellar example—and we at Mahindra, while starting from scratch, have inorganically compiled together a portfolio of acquisitions that make us the fourth largest steel forging company in the world today.
This is not without historical precedent. If you look at Japan and South Korea, both of them went through a phase of enduring the worlds' skepticism, then painstakingly building strong and competent domestic businesses, and then on the back of global liquidity support and strong price earnings ratios, compressing time by acquiring global firms and their customer credibility.
In effect, by acquiring the strengths and skill sets you need, you will regroup your profile and create a new entity, which can vanquish your challenges as effectively as Vishnu vanquished Hiranyakashyap.
And finally, while reinventing yourselves, you will have to bring in some of the aspects of the third element of the Trimurti – that of Shiva the destroyer.
Destroy for example the premise that cost arbitrage is the way to go. Recognize that the low cost, high volume offshore outsourcing battle has already been fought and won. Often, when strategic frames grow rigid, companies, like countries, tend to keep fighting the LAST war. If you are not already on the winners list, you need to think of other ways to compete on value and differentiation, rather than price and scale.
Destroy the premise that success comes only from size, and desist from comparisons with other Indian companies. There are still many IT companies in India who define success as "we want to be one of the top ten Indian IT companies". Why not, for example, "we want to be the world's #1 banking back office solutions provider"?
And lastly, perhaps the time has come to destroy the notion that the world may be your oyster but India is not. There is a huge domestic market in middle class and corporate India that has not been plumbed. Even selling to the bottom of the pyramid is profitable today. But it needs a creative destruction of the current mindset and a re-think on many of the assumptions we hold dear.
So, in conclusion, perhaps there really isn't that much distance between avatars in the mythological sense and avatars in the technology sense. Perhaps they are both symbolic expressions of the same reality. In their different ways, they both underline the same message – that it is necessary in any situation to reinvent, regroup and re-think our way out of whatever challenges confront us.
I'd like to close with one of my favourite quotes—such a favourite, that I can't even remember where I first read it:
My father thought the world would be same;
My children, however, wake up EVERY day thinking the world will be different.
Let's begin emulating our children. Time to wake up and make the world different.
( Anand Mahindra's speech at Nasscom Leadership Summit on February 13th , 2008 )
"One of the tasks we at the Mahindra Group have set ourselves is to aspire to be recognized as the most customer-centric organization in India, and why not, in the World!
In order to walk the talk, every time I'm asked to speak at a conference, I have made it a default option to ask what the audience--my customers--might expect of me.
And so I found myself wondering what this conclave of IT wizards expects from a predominantly right-brained character like myself. You certainly haven't called me here to deliver a sermon on technology. And I wouldn't even risk doing that with Nandan (Nilekani) and Kiran (Karnik) sharing the dais!
Of course, I might have been able to do that by getting one of my IT colleagues to write this speech, but then it would have been comprehensible to you, but incomprehensible to me!
And although the title of this session is 'Building a Knowledge Economy for Growth', I believe that a) All of you out there have helped build the foundations of a knowledge economy, so again, you don't need me to pontificate to you about that and b) I think there are some urgent pressures and imperatives the industry has to deal with at this point.
So, I'm going to talk about something completely different: I will talk about the Trimurti.
Most of the Indians in this audience will know the Trimurti – the trinity in Indian mythology of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the sustainer and Shiva the destroyer. There is a wonderful depiction of this in stone, just ten kilometers across the bay, at Elephanta. Both as a businessman, and as someone who tends to see life in visual images, the Trimurti reminds me of India's IT industry. Think of it.
You people have gone through a stage, where like Brahma, you created something out of nothing. You created a new and global industry. You created a service sector that is today, a major pillar of our GDP. But most importantly, you created a perception of a new India, both in the world and in Indian hearts and minds.
CK Prahalad once told me that in universities in America today, there are almost unfairly high expectations from Indian students, because there is a huge perception that all Indian students are brilliant, outstanding. You created that perception. And within India, what you created was self-belief. You showed us what Indians could do, and now the rest of India believes that Indians can do anything. Brahma created a physical landscape; you sowed the seeds of a new mental and psychological landscape. In that sense, you are truly the Brahmas of the age of liberalisation.
But creation is only the first phase. You then have to move on to the next phase of sustaining that creation - to the realm of Vishnu the preserver. Creation is a one-time affair. Sustaining that creation is obviously a longer haul, subject to many attacks and crises. Perhaps that is why Vishnu comes not in one, but in ten incarnations.
Every time there is a new danger, he changes his avatar to a form best suited to meet that danger. At various times he has come as a fish, as a tortoise, as a dwarf. But his most interesting avatar came when he had to fight the demon Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap was a bad guy, who had obtained an amazing boon from the gods. Neither man nor beast could kill him; he could not be killed by daylight or at nighttime, within his home or outside it, on the ground or in the sky. All this made him pretty invincible – he went on a rampage, and only Vishnu could tackle him.
The IT industry today faces challenges every bit as complex as those Hiranyakashyap posed for Vishnu. It is hit by a macroeconomic tsunami of adverse currency changes, rapidly escalating costs in both salaries and infrastructure and inadequate talent pools below the tier 1 and 2 institutions.
At the Company level, firms are begin to feel the penalties of poor differentiation and lack of focus (trying to be all things to all people); and an over-emphasis on high volumes and price competition.
Suddenly, the industry seems to have fallen off its pedestal; You are facing your very own Hiranyakashyap.
It's interesting to see how Vishnu dealt with him. How do you destroy someone who can't be killed by man or beast, inside or outside, by day or night etc etc. The demon pretty much had all bases covered. So Vishnu took on the Narasimha avatar to bypass the boon. Narasimha was a hybrid creature, half man half lion, and therefore neither man nor beast.
He killed Hiranyakashyap at twilight, which is neither day nor night. He killed him in the courtyard, which is neither inside a house nor outside it. And he killed the demon by placing him across his knee and tearing him apart, thus circumventing the terms of the boon that he could not be killed either on the ground or in the sky. Now that's what I call an innovative algorithm!
So what are the lessons for the IT industry in this story? Well, the first thing Vishnu did was to reinvent himself. It was not the gentle and contemplative Vishnu who fought Hiranyakashyap – it was the fearsome Narasimha avatar. Vishnu reinvented himself to suit the circumstances. The circumstances have changed drastically. Reinvent yourselves.
Do I have all the answers on the modes of re-invention? No, obviously not, otherwise I'd be out there filing patents, although I can suggest two broad approaches.
First, why don't we design business models that challenge traditional industry approaches and then transform our organizations, people and processes to execute. If we simply keep knocking on the doors of clients with our traditional offshoring options, we'll meet the fate of hearing aid salespersons: our best customers won't hear the doobell!
For example, software-on- demand and open source models changed the rules of the software game. Can we not try to change the rules of the game this time around? Why didn't we invent Zoom technology or Virtualisation? Thus far, India's brand of innovation has been identified with the IT industry, but is it truly innovative. Is it really game changing? Ironically, you can now look to the old smokestack industries for inspiration.
A few weeks ago, an Indian car company made a game-changing move. Maybe the Nano will ultimately not retail for a hundred thousand rupees. Maybe it won't have great margins, or replace as many motorcycles as it would like to, but it was a game changing move; it fired a shot that was heard around the world. Can the IT world make any such claim?
There was an old saying, apparently adopted by the IT industry, that the secret of success is to jump every time opportunity knocks. And how do you know when opportunity knocks? You don't, you just keep jumping!
So when are we going to stop simply jumping every time a client seems to sneeze, and actually create products and IP that become their own opportunities?
Let's look at new areas where India may have natural advantage. I remember C.K Prahlad telling us that we didn't realize how important it was to leverage emerging innovation ecosystems in our country. He gave us the example of how, due to a fortunate coincidence, India's IT and automotive industries were situated in roughly the same geographic clusters. So why wasn't, according to Michael Porter's competitive theories, a world beating automotive telematics industry taking shape here.
Why aren't IT companies using the massive potential of India's soft power, the film and TV business to exploit technological dominance of what Telco's call the 'last mile' but is actually the 'first mile' in the brave new interactive world?
Secondly, why don't we try to focus on a vertical industry (e.g., telecom) or horizontal domain (e.g., supply chain management) selecting the key dimensions of competitive differentiation – product vs. service, breadth vs. depth, speed of delivery, customer service responsiveness, fixed or outcome-based pricing, proprietary technology or intellectual property, and so on.
And let's be prepared to make hard decisions along the way – change people who don't fit, walk away from businesses that doesn't fit.
It's essential, while attempting this, however, to recognize that focus, differentiation and brand building require time and investment. Selling value or doing business differently than the norm tends to elongate sales cycles, which tends to put pressure on cash flow and we need to resist the temptation to broaden our offerings or slash prices just to win the business and keep people busy.
Along with re-invention, during the course of reinventing himself, Vishnu figured out the loopholes in the boon, and regrouped his physical and mental aspects to take advantage of these loopholes. That's something the IT industry can do as well. Its often been pointed out that in the Chinese word for crisis is also the Chinese word for opportunity I love that mindset. I truly believe that the adverse rate of the dollar can be viewed as the glass half empty or the glass half full. Sure it affects margins. But it's also a chance to take advantage of the loophole and buy yourselves what you don't have, so that you can regroup your structure to meet the challenge.
To me the fact that our currency is more valuable and our price earnings ratios are still higher than average, means that we can acquire the front-ends and the large IT businesses that we never thought we could before. And the bigger the better. If people are egging us on to leapfrog, then they should also cheer as you bid for companies that seem bigger fish than you. It's happening all the time today in the manufacturing sector—Tata Corus being the stellar example—and we at Mahindra, while starting from scratch, have inorganically compiled together a portfolio of acquisitions that make us the fourth largest steel forging company in the world today.
This is not without historical precedent. If you look at Japan and South Korea, both of them went through a phase of enduring the worlds' skepticism, then painstakingly building strong and competent domestic businesses, and then on the back of global liquidity support and strong price earnings ratios, compressing time by acquiring global firms and their customer credibility.
In effect, by acquiring the strengths and skill sets you need, you will regroup your profile and create a new entity, which can vanquish your challenges as effectively as Vishnu vanquished Hiranyakashyap.
And finally, while reinventing yourselves, you will have to bring in some of the aspects of the third element of the Trimurti – that of Shiva the destroyer.
Destroy for example the premise that cost arbitrage is the way to go. Recognize that the low cost, high volume offshore outsourcing battle has already been fought and won. Often, when strategic frames grow rigid, companies, like countries, tend to keep fighting the LAST war. If you are not already on the winners list, you need to think of other ways to compete on value and differentiation, rather than price and scale.
Destroy the premise that success comes only from size, and desist from comparisons with other Indian companies. There are still many IT companies in India who define success as "we want to be one of the top ten Indian IT companies". Why not, for example, "we want to be the world's #1 banking back office solutions provider"?
And lastly, perhaps the time has come to destroy the notion that the world may be your oyster but India is not. There is a huge domestic market in middle class and corporate India that has not been plumbed. Even selling to the bottom of the pyramid is profitable today. But it needs a creative destruction of the current mindset and a re-think on many of the assumptions we hold dear.
So, in conclusion, perhaps there really isn't that much distance between avatars in the mythological sense and avatars in the technology sense. Perhaps they are both symbolic expressions of the same reality. In their different ways, they both underline the same message – that it is necessary in any situation to reinvent, regroup and re-think our way out of whatever challenges confront us.
I'd like to close with one of my favourite quotes—such a favourite, that I can't even remember where I first read it:
My father thought the world would be same;
My children, however, wake up EVERY day thinking the world will be different.
Let's begin emulating our children. Time to wake up and make the world different.
( Anand Mahindra's speech at Nasscom Leadership Summit on February 13th , 2008 )
Serendipity
'tis from a while ago. 'tis about Pollyanna - a book I first read when I was 9 and have read many times since. 'tis a really, really beautiful book. If you haven't read it, please, please do.
I found you
on a tired bookshelf.
You were nestled comfortably, quietly
between the covers of a gold-lettered Chekov
and an unexpectedly-painted Saki.
I know, because the Saki had tilted over
ever so slightly to lean uneasily on the Chekov
while the others stood unflinching, unmoved.
Somebody had pulled you out
of your secret hiding place, in idle curiosity
and not returned you to your rightful place,
had placed you face down, instead
atop the Saki, Chekov,
Joyce and Woolf combine.
What were they thinking?
That you would lie in peace
on a bed of thorns?
That you would try valiantly, to laugh
while trying to understand complexities
in our lives that don't exist?
I picked you up,
couldn't put you back
because you caught the sunbeams in the prism
in your story and twinkled
at me: simple, hopeful, cheery, honest
reflecting the life I'm most happy living.
I hope to find you
Again. And again.
I found you
on a tired bookshelf.
You were nestled comfortably, quietly
between the covers of a gold-lettered Chekov
and an unexpectedly-painted Saki.
I know, because the Saki had tilted over
ever so slightly to lean uneasily on the Chekov
while the others stood unflinching, unmoved.
Somebody had pulled you out
of your secret hiding place, in idle curiosity
and not returned you to your rightful place,
had placed you face down, instead
atop the Saki, Chekov,
Joyce and Woolf combine.
What were they thinking?
That you would lie in peace
on a bed of thorns?
That you would try valiantly, to laugh
while trying to understand complexities
in our lives that don't exist?
I picked you up,
couldn't put you back
because you caught the sunbeams in the prism
in your story and twinkled
at me: simple, hopeful, cheery, honest
reflecting the life I'm most happy living.
I hope to find you
Again. And again.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
A Toast
To Aakash...the sweetest and nuttiest of us nutcases. He's been in Bombay for the past year directing a movie. It is almost complete and there are plans of sending it to Cannes this year.
Don't wear the pink kurta on the red carpet ok?
Much love.
To Aditya...for highly 'satisfying' examination results :) We love successful men with deep voices! Grin!
Missed you both at the 6th birthday bash!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Nandini
To the new pre-teen...
Every birthday is a goodbye...and a hello. We say goodbye to the person we became in the last year...and say hello to our own personal new year.
Be sure to hold on to a little bit of the little girl you were. Magic, hugs, Disney songs and mad dancing around.
You're going to be an amazing pre-teen :)
Have a wonderful year
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
And now we are Six !!
Hi all,
For all those of us who love Pooh, and identify completely with Christopher Robin, know this – Now we are Six!
From a tiny infant struggling for survival to a precocious, confident, sometimes, “in your face”, twistntales has come a long way in these 6 years. The journey has been exciting, full of pitfalls, new learnings, lots of experimentation, fantastic support, many stories, and great commitment and ultimately through the pain, anguish is pure unadulterated joy. twistntales is complete joy for most of us who work here, and we do hope that our joy does pass on to you when you visit us.
The purpose is to create a happy place for genuine book lovers, but at the same time retain our focus and ensure that our happy store survives as a “business”… so that we can continue to make this a happy place for folks to come. We have had kids who have crawled in and are now taking their first steps in reading. While we do not have stories of generations of families who are customers, we have our own scrapbook of fond memories.
Of Shibashish who writes to us in response to every other happy mail, wherever he is, Of Mrs. Sarathchandran missing us, sitting in far away Detroit, Of Tapan, saying hi whenever he is in Pune, Of Ravindranath, who is surely in the Store, the day of the mail – esp. if there is a Gerald Durrell in the list, Of Aakash and Shibani, who call us every time they are in a bookstore ….. many many stories.
As we go through this journey, we also realize – the fun is more to do with the people, apart from the books. Its you folks who have added tremendously to this joy that we are boasting of creating….. of all of us who are asked for book recommendations, wherever we are spotted … in Shivsagar, in Pulse, in schools on open day ! And we are not complaining – believe me, we enjoy all the love and attention that you give us.
And it’s that which keeps us going. That and the threat of black flag demos (and we know who threatened as well!)
March is a happy month. Our financials look good. Our Happy Birthday is on 28th March. We start our 7th year of operations with lots of new books and new ideas ….. And we can do with some help! Summer Trainees? (Morning/ Evening – 3 months) Other part timers? Morning Slot - 10 to 2, Evenings – 5 to 9 - open from 01 April to 30 June. Do call or write back to us.
And now without much ado, on to new books:
Indian Writing:
“Breathless in Bombay” by Murzaban F Shroff @ Rs. 295/- (305 pgs)
From this Bombay born writer whose stories have been published in twenty-five literary journals; is a fascinating collection of fourteen stories. Each has characters drawn from myriad situations- the laundrywallah with his water problem to the heartwarming relationship of a carriage driver and his beloved horse! Each of these stories is richly crafted and arranged against the grand, chaotic backdrop of life that is Bombay.
“The Co-wife and Other Stories” by Premchand @ Rs.250/- (275 pgs)
From one of the greatest fiction writers in Hindi these are twenty classic short stories, which provide a glimpse of the authors’ extraordinary range of diversity. Exposing human foibles, casting harrowing looks at rural poverty, gently dealing with gender politics, irony and satire one is amazed at the range of the emotions that come across his stories. Ruth Vanitha’s sensitive translation captures the power and beauty of the legendary author.
“ The Blind Pilgrim” by Bapsy Jain @ Rs. 250/- (299 pgs)
A novel with the protagonist who is named ‘Lucky’ but is actually unlucky in whatever she chooses to do in life. In her quest to search for her real luck, she comes across interesting people in interesting places…. like a prison where she works as a Yoga instructor and goes on to realize that she needs to look within herself for the path that will help her break free from the vicious maze that she is caught in.
“New Life” by Vijai Dan Detha @ Rs. 225/- (206 pgs)
From an accomplished writer of short stories in Hindi- his stories were adapted for the stage performance of ‘Charndas Chor’ and more recently the very successful film ‘Paheli’- we have ten wonderfully translated short stories. Each of them path breaking in their own way and refreshingly free from being stereotyped, Detha’s deep understanding of human relationships and his matter –of –fact engagement with unconventional themes make this an unforgettable collection.
“ The Girl” by Sonia Faleiro @ Rs. 150/- (124 pgs)
The novel unfolds with every page turned from the diary of a young, dead girl. A story unravels - of loneliness, abandonment, memories and hope. A haunting, gripping debut novel by the author, this book is written with unusual, rich visual imagery.
“Book of Humour” by Ruskin Bond @ Rs. 195/- (278 pgs)
This is a delectable offering of 29 chucky, smiley, guffaw short stories woven in a most delightful manner. It contains previously unpublished stories like “Respect your Breakfast’ and ‘Uncle Ken goes to the Sea’. The charm and wit will definitely make even the hardened among us crack a smile!
“Sally and the Warlocks” by Shashi Warrier @ Rs.195/- (223 pgs)
Three stories about plucky girls, a princess, sly dragons, brave fairies and characters with quaint names like ‘Bak-bak’, “Grubsneak’ ,’Grimstock’ and ‘Sharkovitch’ makes this book totally funny and fantastic. This is an ideal book for all those young and young- at- heart’s who love reading about adventure, and strange, delightful magical creatures.
“Gently Falls the Bakula” by Sudha Murty @ Rs. 150/- (169 pgs)
Written nearly three decades ago this novel remains startlingly relevant in its scrutiny of modern values and work ethics. It tells the story of a marriage that loses its way as ambition and self –interest takes their toll. As the story of Shrikant and Shrimati unfolds, we learn how every step of Shrikanth’s corporate climb is laid with Shrimati’s sacrifices and then, it makes one stop and reconsider the priorities that we set in our life. From the author of captivating books like ‘Wise and Otherwise’, ‘The Old Man and His God’, ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’, this is another thought provoking, absorbing novel.
Fiction:
“Taking Pictures” by Anne Enright @ Rs.470/- (227 pgs)
From different countries are different stories of the many ways in which women can ever fall in love, love and be loved. Mapping the messy connections between people, the characters are captured in the grainy texture of real life. These are sharp, vivid stories of loss, yearning, surrender and awkward tenderness deftly woven by a wonderfully accomplished Irish literary stylist.
“Ines of my soul” by Isabel Allende @ Rs. 295/- (320 pgs)
Set in the wild 1500’s in Chile and Peru this is the true story of a fiery heroine –Ines Suarez -who travels to unknown lands in search of her missing husband, meets a war hero and together they fight a savage war against the Indians of Chile. Translated from Spanish by Margaret Sayers Peden, the book very easily transports one back to the age of swashbuckling but savage conquistadors.
“Knitting Circle” by Ann Hood @ Rs.225/- (426 pgs)
Every Wednesday a group of women gathers at Alice’s sit n knit, spinning yarns, weaving tales and mending lives too. A heartwarming book about the lives of five women and their unlikely friendship, which sees them through the ups and downs of their lives.
“Spiral Road” by Adid Khan @ Rs.295/- (362 pgs)
Bangladesh is the backdrop of this unforgettable novel about family and betrayal. It traces Masud Alams discovery of some secrets through old family papers and leads to some spine chilling intrigue.
“The Rose Labyrinth” by Titania Hardie @ Rs.595/- (392 pgs)
As Lucy awaits heart surgery in London, her Will travels Europe attempting to unravel his mothers legacy and realizes that he is not alone in this quest of ....The Rose Labyrinth. This is a story which travels across time and thoughts, transcends the limiting fences of different faiths and religion.
“Who moved my blackberry” by Martin Lukes @ Rs.460/- (375 pgs)
An entire book in the form of sms / texts, this hilarious take on modern day communication entertains as well as alerts us to what ‘s happening to real time communication in today’s hectic, deadline tagged lives. Life through an sms. From inbox to outbox indeed!
“Mums the Word” by Kate Lawson @ Rs.225/- (392 pgs)
A book stuffed to the seams with love, friendship, humour …all spiced up with some drama weaved into a hilarious and fast paced novel makes this a ‘sit-com’ book- which promises a series of unadulterated chuckles!
Management:
“India and China: Comparing the Incomparable” by Vishnu Saraf @ Rs.385/-(157 pgs)
This book analyses the advantages and disadvantages of different models of growth adopted by India and China. It presents a comprehensive comparison of China and India on a variety of dimensions using most recent data, captures debates around sustainability of the development models of the two countries and also addresses issues of common interests such as “Why are Chinese exports cheap and will they always remain cheap?’ The simple language and avoidance of heavy jargon makes it accessible to a large readership.
“What Does China Think?” by Mark Leonard @ Rs.295/- (164 pgs)
The author provides fascinating and unexpected perspective on what really makes China tick, what kind of country are the Chinese dreaming of and shows us just how radically China’s rise will change the nature of the world. Replete with a geographical map as well as an eye opening section ‘dramatis personae”; a brief write up about the many learned men from China’s management and philosophy fraternity; this is a comprehensive book about what China thinks.
“Competing with the Best – Strategic Management of Indian Companies In a Globalizing Arena” by Rajnish Karki @ Rs. 450/- (240 pgs) HB
This book bridges the theory and practice of strategic management, focusing on under- explored yet globally significant aspects of Indian companies. Using eight case studies, it identifies four viable and effective configurations for Indian companies and describes the process of transformational and incremental changes. Considered to be the first world class book on strategic management of Indian companies it promises to prove indispensable for senior and top corporate executives as well as researchers and students of management.
“Successful Strategy Execution” by Michel Syrett @ Rs.250/- (164 pgs)
Going on a survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit which suggested that companies typically realize only about 60% of their strategy’s potential value because of failures in planning and execution; drawing on original research, together with work carried out by London Business School, Cranfield School of Management, UCLA and consulting forums, this book outlines the ways in which organizations such as Reuters, Diageo, Pfizer, Deutsche Bank and IBM are carrying out their strategies effectively.
“Guide to Project Management” by Paul Roberts @ Rs. 350/- (311 pgs)
This guide explains the principles and techniques of project management. It deals with topics like the components of effective project management, conceiving projects, roles and responsibilities, organizations and resource management, various aspects of planning, initiating projects, delivery, support and assurance, project closure and beyond as well as embedded effective project management.
“An Introduction to Market and Social Research” by Karen Adams & Ian Brace @Rs.175/- (154 pgs)
This is an easy –to –use guide for anyone who needs to understand the basic principles and techniques of effective market or social research. Teeming with clear, practical examples and activities, tasks as well as multiple choice questions, it helps gain a good understanding of how research information can be used effectively in decision making.
“Effective Personal Communication Skills For Public Relations” by Andy Green @ Rs.295/- (219 pgs)
This book analyses how to transform your communication by managing the way you think, act, create messages and network. It also offers practical advice and guidance on understanding new trends and challenges facing communicators especially in the use of branding. Covering an array of topics such as understanding how to make communication happen, conflict resolution, networking etc it also offers exercises, checklists, examples and practical tips to help you formulate a winning communications strategy.
“Tarzan and Jane” by Margot Katz @ Rs. 250/- (216 pgs)
The author draws on her wealth of experience as a board director and consultant at Coca-Cola, Reuters and many other international organizations to show how we all need to adapt our styles not only at work, but in life as well. This entertaining and accessible guide contains revealing interviews with role models from Microsoft, BT and Chevron which explain- exactly what attributes you need to cultivate and improve in order to thrive in today’s corporate jungle.
“Kiss Theory Good Bye” by Bob Prosen @ Rs.395/- (230 pgs)
For all those who want to increase accountability, consistently accomplish objectives, have more time to plan and help their organization run more smoothly, this is the book! The corporate execution playbook with simplified guidance and proven tools and tactics can lead anyone to achieve extraordinary results. The easy to follow step-by-step instructions in this book sails you through to achieve consistent results, align your entire workforce to meet the organization’s top objectives, increase the accountability, attract and retain top talent, reduce costs while increasing quality and a lot more ….!
“Getting things done: The art of stress- free productivity” by David Allen @ Rs. 420/- (267 pgs)
In today’s world, yesterday’s methods just don’t work. The author considers that our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax and only when our minds are clear and thoughts organized can we achieve effective results and unleash our creative potential. He shares with us his breakthrough methods for stress free performance and maintains that this can transform the way you work and live.
“Why so stupid” by Edward De Bono @ Rs.250/- (123 pgs)
This book explores the true power of ‘thinking’. It focuses on the importance of thinking right to shape correct decisions and implement them successfully. The author explains how the Human race has never really ‘learned’ to think and as a consequence, such an important facility has been left underdeveloped for ages. Through this book, he makes one realize that it is possible to enhance our capability of powerful thinking and thus use the brain as a major tool in shaping our success. Also included is an interesting chapter about humour being linked with lateral thinking processes!
SocioEcoPol:
“Escape from the Benevolent Zookeepers: Best of Swaminomics” by Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar @ Rs. 495/-(253 pgs) HB
A witty sometimes-acerbic compilation of some of the best columns in ‘Swaminomics’ covers not just economic issues but also political, social and environmental ones. Topics which find special mention are globalisation and empowerment, politics and governance, communalism, economic reforms, poverty and its discontents(!), education, environment and international relations.
“Choice and Consequence” by Thomas Scheling @ Rs. 395/- (360 pgs)
From an acclaimed political economist comes a book which explores topics as awesome as nuclear terrorism, as sordid as blackmail, as ineffable as daydreaming, and as intimidating as euthanasia .He relates to issues like the economics of criminal enterprise, strategic analysis of social problems, evaluation of arms proposal and even nuclear terrorism.
“Spirit of India” by R Jahanegloo @ Rs.225/- (172 pgs)
In this fascinating exposition, the author; an eminent Iranian political philosopher; explains, how the vital principle inspiring Indian thought and action is the cross cultural debate which is deeply rooted in the daily practices of different communities. This viewpoint is brilliantly illustrated by examining the thinking of Indians who shaped and exemplified the Indian credo. The thoughts and philosophical reflections of Vinoba Bhave, Pandit Nehru, Gandhiji, Tagore, Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Abdul Kalam and Sri Aurobindo are effectively presented to put across this point.
Personalities:
“Clapton: The autobiography” @ Rs.750/- (342 pgs) HB
From a person who is more of an icon than a rock star comes an autobiography in which, with striking intimacy and candour he tells us the story of his eventful and endearing life. From the poignant reminisces of his strange yet warm childhood days, troubled teenage years, wild youth, disastrous decisions in mid life and coming full circle in the autumn of his life, the streaks of his brilliant musical genius come across - always alive, fresh and inspirational.
“Lessons from great lives” by Sterling W Sill & Dan Cormick @ Rs. 195/- (204 pgs)
This is more than a book about great people; it’s about knowledge, attitude, skills, habits and personality. Taking a leaf out of the lives of great people like Gandhi, Carver, Emerson, Da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and many more…one learns how the purity of their wisdom has stood the test of time and is needed now than any other time in history.
Others:
“The Way to Freedom” by His Holiness The Dalai Lama @ 150/- (181 pgs) (Philosophy)
The library of Tibet was founded in order to preserve and disseminate the Tibetan cultural heritage. The inaugural volume of the landmark Library of Tibet series contains ten chapters, through which His Holiness The Dalai Lama, familiarizes us with the philosophy of Buddhism, the importance of a teacher, the true meaning of death and rebirth, the chakra of Karma and the Bodhisattva deeds. These discourses are presented in simple language and a lucid manner, which appeals not only to the earnest student of Philosophy but also any body who is curious about Buddhism.
“The Adventures of Amir Hamza” trs. By Musharraf Ali Farooqi @ Rs.750/- (948 pgs) (History)
The Arabian Nights of the Mughal world in its definitive English translation is spellbinding. Here are the adventures of Amir Hamza, adventurer and uncle of Prophet Muhhammad, who travels to exotic lands, defeats many enemies and encounters many kings, warriors, tricksters and fairies…. The magical stories are divided into four books with an interesting list of characters, mythical creatures, and deities.
“Bollywood Melodies” by Ganesh Anantharaman @ Rs. 295/- (261 pgs) (Films/Music)
A delightful history of the Hindi film and song and its hold over the popular psyche; this book traces the evolution of the Hindi film song to its present status as the cultural barometer of the country –through an evaluation of over fifty outstanding lyricists, composers and singers-from K. L. Saigal to Sonu Nigam, Naushad to A. R. Rahman, Sahir Ludhianvi to Javed Akhtar. A wonderfully melodious and nostalgic manner in which to understand the nations enduring love affair with the Hindi film song!!
“Outlook Weekend Breaks” - Chennai @ Rs. 295/- (Travel)
This book gives you 52 traveling ways in which you can enjoy your weekends from Chennai. It gives crisp directions and details about beautiful locales of Nilgiri’s to Yelagiri hills, beaches at Mahabalipuram and more! You will also find details of buses, planes and driving instructions, accommodation listings, a special section of light reads for the armchair traveler, tourist offices, transportation help lines and much more simply indispensable pointers, which go a long way in making a holiday/getaway successful!
“The Kingfisher explocity great food guide: Bangalore 2007” @ Rs.150/-
A comprehensive coverage of Bangalore’s restaurants and bars. Sorted in alphabetical order, by neighborhood and by cuisine. Great value add-ons like Wi Fi hotspots, home delivery…every thing you ever want to know is in there! Also a helpful ‘Kingfisher ‘s pick ‘guides you to the specialty of the place.
“Dots and lines – a teaching resource for art” by Tarit Bhattachrajee @ Rs. 200 (103 pgs) (Teaching/ Parenting)
A Tulika teacher resource, this book aims at focusing on creativity in the classroom. The authors consider it important to encourage children to express emotions and ideas through line, form, texture and colours. This book lucidly communicates fresh ideas and methods that can be used to elicit a positive response from children and may be used in any kind of teaching context.
“Mathematical Mysteries – the beauty and magic of numbers” @ Rs.295/- (312 pgs) (Sciences)
In this ‘simply’ written book, the author through fourteen interestingly titled chapters lets numbers sing their own siren song. Any of us recalling only the basics of high school algebra, can follow Clawson to the heart of mathematics and re learn to appreciate the wonder of the unexplainable symmetry, beauty and interconnectedness of numbers.
“Birdywood Buzz @ Rs.150/- (Nature)
This a zippy take on Bollywood in which the bird-loving author cleverly casts actual bird species and builds the story around their looks and features. The rich visuals and zany texts combine realism with a dash of comedy and a splash of over the top movie magic.
Comic series- “Quick and Flupke” by Herge @ Rs.199/- each
Quick and Flupke are two young men aged around ten and very prone to adventure. Quick is a street urchin from Brussels and Flupke his partner in pranks! Together they try to evade the bossy local policeman – agent 15 who is always on high alert to catch the trouble prone duo. Each comic series contains short really funny short stories, which are sure to entertain every child and adult alike.
Some interesting books from alternate publishers:
“Godhra : A Journey To Mayhem” by Nirendra Dev @ Rs.295/-
“On The Cultural Front” by Ritwik Ghatak @ Rs.100/-
“Prithviraj and Prithvi Theatres: Prithvi theatre yearbook” by Prithviraj @ Rs.395/-
“The School and The Society” by John Dewey @ Rs.195/-
“Constellations of Violence : Feminist Interventions in South Asia” by Radhika Coomaraswamy & Nimanthi Perera-Rajasingham @ Rs.400/-
Lots of new books in the Store:
“The sun rises in the evening” by Osho @ Rs.250/-
“A to Z of business strategy” by A.V. Vedpuriswar @ Rs.280/-
“Agra:The architectural heritage” by Lucy Peck @ Rs.295/-
“The Successor” by Ismail Kadare @ Rs.510/-
“Fl!p: How to succeed by turning everything you know on its head” by Peter Sheahan @ Rs.295/-
“A stubbornly persistent illusion: The essential scientific works of Albert Einstein” by Stephen Hawking @ Rs.845/-
“One master one disciple: A thrilling spiritual adventure” by Jyotii Subramanian @ Rs.250/-
“Awakening The Entrepreneur Within” by Michael E Gerber @ Rs. 525/-
“Hug Your People” by Jack Mitchell @ Rs. 630/-
“Setting the Table – the transforming power of hospitality in business” by Danny Meyer @ Rs. 475/-
“Physics for entertainment” by Yakov Perelman @ Rs. 565/-
“All Rise” by Robert Fuller @ Rs. 300/-
“What’s Next : the expert’s guide” by Jane Buckingham @ Rs. 785/-
“The Ugly Duckling” by Amita Mukherjee @ Rs. 295/-
“The Armageddon Mandala” by Gopal Mukherjee @ Rs. 395/-
“50 Prosperity Classics” @ Rs. 660/-
“Outlook Series – Wellness Holidays in India” @ Rs. 295/-
“Gang Leader For A Day – A Rogue sociologist crosses the line” by Sudhir Venkatesh @ Rs. 415/-
“The Kitchen God’s Wife” by Amy Tan @ Rs. 395/-
“Who stole my energy?” by Ariana Trinity @ Rs. 195/-
“A promise is a promise” by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer @ Rs.150/-
“The Indigo Children” by Lee Carroll & Jan Tober @ Rs. 295/-
“Right of passage: Travels from Brooklyn to Bali” by Rahul Jacob @ Rs.250/-
So, a lot of reading to catch up on!
From the team at,
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
To Whomsoever It May Concern
It's a joy to write a recommendation for Ahana.
Ahana came to us in twistntales in Aug 2005, when she had just registered for her bachelor's degree in literature.
We are a small bookstore that caters to the neighbourhood. Folks come to us for recommendations on what they should be reading. In such a scenario, Ahana fitted the role well.
But almost two years later, as she moved out, she created a void that's difficult for us to fill. Not only had she enlarged her role considerably, but also for folks that we serviced .... we had spoiled them with some exemplary reviews, amazing recommendations and completely personalising service for them.
As a bookstore owner, I was thrilled. As her boss, I was overwhelmed – she had performed way beyond expectations. But more than anything else, as a coach and human resources person, I was pleased at the constantly stretching targets that she set for herself, and successfully achieved, time and again. I was pleased to see her grow.
Ahana does things with a passion that is rare. While she was at the Store, she has often been asked, whether she owned the Store. That she did. She took ownership to get the job done and service the customer. While her knowledge about books, authors, writing styles was expected, it was her ability to interact with people that was going to be tested. But the care, the sensitivity and the interest that she took in people was surprising.
She joined us at an age when most girls tend to find social interactions a little painful, (except amongst friends their own age). She was breaking her own barriers and inhibitions with every interaction with a customer, in the process rediscovering her abilities to relate to people. Ahana is a child woman in many ways. She is completely unbiased when it comes to people. She is willing to give benefit of doubt. She is non judgmental. Her ability to relate to young kids and parents was natural, but to seniors was trying. She consciously worked on areas to develop tact, patience and sensitivity to deal with older people. That was very rewarding.
Ahana is a delight for a humanities person. From Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, her interests were varied. But reading and more so, writing seems more like her true calling. She writes with a sensitivity and fluidity that is difficult to achieve. She gets to the point, and conveys precisely in the manner she intends to. Rules, forms and the grammar of writing do not deter her. She has crafted her own unique way to communicate – and manages to touch the soul, everytime. Our book reviews were handled with flair !
As a student, Ahana learnt to do the balancing act very well. While managing the requirements of a demanding part time job, she coped well with academic pressures. Whatever Ahana does in life, it has to include an element of writing. She finds her way home through it. We wish Ahana all the very best in all her academic endeavours.
For the uninitiated, Ahana is Tia. We surely are hoping that our co-author on this blog is headed to Oxford into elite company.
Happy birthday, Tia. I know that this may be your last birthday in Pune. We will miss you. :))
It's a joy to write a recommendation for Ahana.
Ahana came to us in twistntales in Aug 2005, when she had just registered for her bachelor's degree in literature.
We are a small bookstore that caters to the neighbourhood. Folks come to us for recommendations on what they should be reading. In such a scenario, Ahana fitted the role well.
But almost two years later, as she moved out, she created a void that's difficult for us to fill. Not only had she enlarged her role considerably, but also for folks that we serviced .... we had spoiled them with some exemplary reviews, amazing recommendations and completely personalising service for them.
As a bookstore owner, I was thrilled. As her boss, I was overwhelmed – she had performed way beyond expectations. But more than anything else, as a coach and human resources person, I was pleased at the constantly stretching targets that she set for herself, and successfully achieved, time and again. I was pleased to see her grow.
Ahana does things with a passion that is rare. While she was at the Store, she has often been asked, whether she owned the Store. That she did. She took ownership to get the job done and service the customer. While her knowledge about books, authors, writing styles was expected, it was her ability to interact with people that was going to be tested. But the care, the sensitivity and the interest that she took in people was surprising.
She joined us at an age when most girls tend to find social interactions a little painful, (except amongst friends their own age). She was breaking her own barriers and inhibitions with every interaction with a customer, in the process rediscovering her abilities to relate to people. Ahana is a child woman in many ways. She is completely unbiased when it comes to people. She is willing to give benefit of doubt. She is non judgmental. Her ability to relate to young kids and parents was natural, but to seniors was trying. She consciously worked on areas to develop tact, patience and sensitivity to deal with older people. That was very rewarding.
Ahana is a delight for a humanities person. From Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, her interests were varied. But reading and more so, writing seems more like her true calling. She writes with a sensitivity and fluidity that is difficult to achieve. She gets to the point, and conveys precisely in the manner she intends to. Rules, forms and the grammar of writing do not deter her. She has crafted her own unique way to communicate – and manages to touch the soul, everytime. Our book reviews were handled with flair !
As a student, Ahana learnt to do the balancing act very well. While managing the requirements of a demanding part time job, she coped well with academic pressures. Whatever Ahana does in life, it has to include an element of writing. She finds her way home through it. We wish Ahana all the very best in all her academic endeavours.
For the uninitiated, Ahana is Tia. We surely are hoping that our co-author on this blog is headed to Oxford into elite company.
Happy birthday, Tia. I know that this may be your last birthday in Pune. We will miss you. :))
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sunday Herald story
This appeared in the Bangalore based Sunday Herald on 2nd Mar, 2008.
"A twist in the tale"
If Manneys has six decades of history surrounding it, the little 200 sq foot Twist N Tales (TNT) bookstore is a mere six years old. However, the cosy, bookshop situated in the leafy suburb of Aundh in Pune with the catchy tag line: ‘your neighbourhood bookstore,’ has leveraged all that modern technology can offer it.
It has two e-groups twistntales@yahoogroups.com and twistntalesreaderspace@yahoogroups.com and one blog: twistntales.blogspot.com to serve its approximately 2,600 customers.
Janaki Visvanath, a former MNC human resources executive and now proprietor of TNT, moderates both the e-groups and keeps in touch with all her customers by sending them regular mails about latest books available at the store. On the other hand, some 350 avid customers of TNT review books regularly and share their reviews with others on the ‘readerspace’ e-group.
But modern technology apart, TNT is a booklovers paradise. Says regular customer Ramgopal Rao, a Pune-based headhunter, “When I am stressed out at work, I run to TNT and spend an hour simply browsing and buying a few books. TNT, unlike the many assembly line bookstores of today, offers the quiet ambience for some intelligent debate and discussion with the staff, who is both young and intelligent.”
After six years of successful innovation and entrepreneurship, a happy Janaki says, “I have no reason to complain. The sales graph is looking up and so are the profits. I have also retained 40 of my oldest customers. I am happy that TNT has become a place where people come, not only to buy books, but to simply have a chat!”
Rahul Chandawarkar
"A twist in the tale"
If Manneys has six decades of history surrounding it, the little 200 sq foot Twist N Tales (TNT) bookstore is a mere six years old. However, the cosy, bookshop situated in the leafy suburb of Aundh in Pune with the catchy tag line: ‘your neighbourhood bookstore,’ has leveraged all that modern technology can offer it.
It has two e-groups twistntales@yahoogroups.com and twistntalesreaderspace@yahoogroups.com and one blog: twistntales.blogspot.com to serve its approximately 2,600 customers.
Janaki Visvanath, a former MNC human resources executive and now proprietor of TNT, moderates both the e-groups and keeps in touch with all her customers by sending them regular mails about latest books available at the store. On the other hand, some 350 avid customers of TNT review books regularly and share their reviews with others on the ‘readerspace’ e-group.
But modern technology apart, TNT is a booklovers paradise. Says regular customer Ramgopal Rao, a Pune-based headhunter, “When I am stressed out at work, I run to TNT and spend an hour simply browsing and buying a few books. TNT, unlike the many assembly line bookstores of today, offers the quiet ambience for some intelligent debate and discussion with the staff, who is both young and intelligent.”
After six years of successful innovation and entrepreneurship, a happy Janaki says, “I have no reason to complain. The sales graph is looking up and so are the profits. I have also retained 40 of my oldest customers. I am happy that TNT has become a place where people come, not only to buy books, but to simply have a chat!”
Rahul Chandawarkar
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Message sent to twistntales@yahoogroups.com today
Hi all,
Welcome to the season of budgets, board exams, other exams, sleepless nights, financial year end, insurance policies, taxes.. and planning for summer holidays! Yeah! That’s something we wait for too!
In our next mail we will cover our plans for summer vacations, but as of now, we have a long list of lovely books that are just waiting to be read! But first, our good wishes to all kids who have worked so hard for impending Board exams. May your efforts be rewarding!
New Arrivals:
WoW:
“MAD” Box set @ Rs. 4695/-
Amongst MAD magazines usual gang of idiots Don Martin the artist, was aptly designated ‘MAD’s Maddest Artist’. Martin’s characters were unique- with bulbous noses atop bodies supported by pigeon-toed legs anchored by hinged feet! The characters include Fester Bestertester and his friend Karbunkle. What this certainly promises is two full volumes of the best of MAD!
All of Amitav Ghosh’s completely WOW books, though long lost, now coming back in fresh Hardbound versions. The following have been released this month.
“In An Antique Land” @ Rs. 495/- pgs 336
Combining fiction, history and travel writing, the mystery of Egypt in conjunction with India comes alive in this fantastic travelogue.
“The Shadow Lines” @ Rs. 395/- pgs 277
Out of a miraculously complex web of memories, relationships and images emerges a vivid, funny, introspective story of how your home could just as well become your enemy.
“The Calcutta Chromosome” @ Rs. 395/- pgs 262
Back to the nineteenth century from an unspecified time in the future, this is an intriguing journey through the adventures of an enigmatic scientist, keen on Sir Ronald Ross’s studies on malaria, in search of the elusive ‘Calcutta Chromosome’.
“The Circle of Reason” @ Rs. 495/- pgs 457.
Tracing an orphan’s journey across two continents from Calcutta to Goa and on to Africa the tempo of this story builds up to span a few decades initially, the second part unfolds over a few weeks and the third races through a single day -reminiscent of an Indian classic Raga.
Management:
“Billions of entrepreneurs: How China and India are reshaping their futures and yours” by Tarun Khanna @ Rs.595/- pgs 353
On–the-ground stories in conjunction with thorough research is used in this book to show how entrepreneurs in China and India are powering change through new business models and bringing hope to countless people. Issues such as the need for information accessibility, transparency and reliability; balance between private property and public interests, the need to encourage and fund indigenous enterprise etc are deftly handled and highlighted.
“Boom! 7 Choices for Blowing the Doors off Business-as-usual” by Kevin and Jackie Freiberg @ Rs. 395/- pgs 286
Twenty years of talking to America’s most innovative and unconventional business leaders and liberated employees has resulted in this eye-opening book by the Friebergs. They strongly advocate that that leadership doesn’t come from having an official title but from making choices; to serve others, take on risk, assume responsibility and discover a life where passion and excitement replace ho-hum routine. Boom! is the wake up call for every business leader who wants to change the DNA of an organization doing business as usual.
“The Inside Advantage: The strategy that unlocks the hidden growth in your business” by Robert H. Bloom @ Rs. 510/- pgs 224
Robert Bloom, CEO of Publicis Worldwide is the reason why companies such as Nestle and L’Oreal have become household names. The inside advantage or the hidden potential which exists in every enterprise can lead to the future growth of a company. Based on his 45 years of experience, Bloom explains a four-step method called the Growth Discovery Process .The process begins at the vital step of identifying a target group and goes right up to offering them more than your competitors.
“The Power of Unreasonable People: How social entrepreneurs create markets that change the world” by John Elkington and Pamela Hartigan @ Rs.1145/- pgs 239
The authors show how apparently unreasonable innovators have built their enterprises and made them consistently successful. By drawing powerful lessons from these pioneer’s market research, business models like- The Aravind Eye Care System in India, The social stock exchange in Brazil and Parquesoft in Columbia, one could gain vital insights into future opportunities for one’s organization.
Indian Writing:
“Tales from the Puffugees” by Jaspar Utley @ Rs.250/- pgs 179
A witty and entertaining book takes a definite crack at social do’s! Banished to the verandah, the puffers club vengefully have a good time entertained by a general!
“Stolen Treasure and other stories” by Rabindranath Tagore @ Rs.195/- pgs 230
Here is the short story elevated to a serious art form. Replete with wit, humour and intermingled with psychological and social realism are eighteen superb short stories that are refreshingly varied and display Tagore’s range as a writer.
“Generation 14” by Priya Sarukkai Chabria @ Rs.295/- pgs 284
Clone 14/54/G is troubled. The problem is her memory. Not the lack of it but its excess. In her world memory is forbidden. Yet, her past lives haunt her. This is not supposed to happen. Finally clone 14/54/G decides to research her original that lived in the 21st and 22nd centuries. Generation 14 is a political satire that explores the highpoints of India’s history, its plural identity and what it means to be human in today’s polarized world.
“Aditi and her friends help the Budapest Changeling” by Sunita Namjoshi @ Rs.80/- pgs 65 (Young Adults)
In this enchanting fairy tale, Siril the ant finds himself afloat in a matchbox in a river is captured by an old woman who lives in a shoe house and is later rescued by a strange creature called the ‘changeling’-who can change into whatever anyone thinks she is!
“Aditi and her friends meet Grendel” by Sunita Namjoshi @ Rs.80/- pgs 67 (Young Adults)
In this sixth book of the unique ‘Aditi’ series, when Aditi’s grandma is taken ill there seems to be only a certain magical Rose that can make her feel better. So off she goes to the coastal Devon in England where she meets the elusive Grendel, who lives under the sea, prowls around at night scaring others, who can’t remember anything and doesn’t really care! Exciting book indeed!
Fiction:
“Me, Borishailla: The epic saga of the rise of Bangladesh” by Mahua Maji @ Rs. 295/- pgs 508
An epic saga of the journey of a young man from youth to adulthood and hard work to success leading to politics and chaos .Set amidst the division of Bengal and formation of Bangladesh the book captures the pathos and struggle of the common man trapped in the crossfire of ambitions of the powerful ‘nationalists’.
“Remember me?” by Sophie Kinsella @ Rs.495/- pgs 34
What if you woke up and your life was perfect? … Wow!! Lexi wakes up in a hospital bed after a car accident, thinking it’s 2004 and that she’s 25yrs old with a disastrous love life. But to her surprise - its actually 2007. She’s 28 and married to a good-looking millionaire! She can’t believe her luck. What had happened to her? Will she remember? From the author of the bestsellers “Can You Keep a Secret?” and “The Undomestic Goddess” comes another ‘memorable’ book!
Socio Eco Pol
“Red Sun: Travels in Naxalite Country” by Sudeep Chakravarti @ Rs. 495/- pgs 352
In this brilliant and disturbing examination of the ‘Naxalite phenomenon’, the author combines political history, extensive interviews and individual case histories as he travels to the heart of Maoist zones like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand in the country .He meets Maoist leaders and sympathizers, policemen, bureaucrats, politicians, security analysts even farmers and tribals and puts across a sobering picture of the deep divide in society and the dangers that lie ahead for India.
Cultural:
“Moro East” by Sam and Sam Clark @ Rs. 1315/- pgs 312
Bordered by the river Lea and the Grand Union Canal is Manor Garden where reside a community of Turks and Cypriots who cultivate and cook an amazing range of food which have a unique flavor of eastern Mediterranean. Sam and Sam Clark take us on a guided culinary journey from exotic starters to more exotic tongue tickling dishes in the ‘More ‘restaurant which has consistently won awards and plaudits since its opening in 1997. It was born out of a desire to cook within the wonderful tradition of Mediterranean food and to explore the exotic flavors, little known in the UK.
“The Story of India” by Michael Wood @ Rs. 845/- pgs 225
From the Khyber pass to the Himalayas and to the tropical jungles of India’s deep South, this original and striking survey of Indian history provides vivid portraits of India’s regions and cultures and new insights into some of history’s greatest figures like the Buddha and Ashoka. Dazzling colour photographs capture an extraordinary spectrum of landscapes, architectural splendours, customs, rituals and festivals (especially Holi!).A magical mystery of travelogue and history, it paints an everlasting picture of India- past present and future.
“Freud Along the Ganges: Psychoanalytic Reflections on the People and Culture of India” Ed. by Salman Akhtar @ Rs. 395/- pgs 451
The book delves into the Psychology of the mind, body and spirit from the perspective of the proverbial Indian and India as a country. With contributions from eminent people from the field of Psychology like Santanu Biswas, Prakash N Desai, Jaswant Guzder, Sudhir Kakar etc, essays on ‘The Development of Gandhi’s self’, Hindu–Muslim relations in India: Past, Present and future’, ‘Manifestation of God in India’, ’Psychoanalytic Process in a sacred Hindu Text: The Bhagwad Gita’ provide a refreshing viewpoint.
“From Kippers to Karimeen: A life” by Psyche Abraham @ Rs.295/- pgs 214
An amazing story of love- for people, places and a new country - through the eyes of a sensitive, intelligent British lady, this book maps her journey from working in a post office in London to Bombay then Calcutta and finally Kerala. Through her journeys, trials tribulations and immense joy one comes to realize her enduring love for India and the family that grew around her.
Inspiration:
“Strengths Finder 2.0” by Tom Rath @ Rs. 595/- pgs 175
In Strengths Finder 2.0, a new and improved version of the popular assessment, strength analyzing helps us to help people uncover their talents and nurture them to make the most of it. Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book from Gallup promises to change the way you look at yourself and the world around you, forever.
“The Third Jesus: How to find truth and love in today’s world” by Deepak Chopra @ Rs.495/- pgs 241
Through this book Deepak Chopra searches for the Christ who stands in the heart of Christianity and Deepak Chopra also attempts to discover the identity of Jesus. According to the author, there are three separate figures of Jesus and by considering each of these, the author allows us to decide for ourselves which of them speaks the most clearly to us today. When we become familiar with Jesus as our spiritual guide, we will begin to create a brighter future, free from hatred fuelled by religious fundamentalism.
Others:
“No sex please, we’re parents: How your relationship can survive children” by Melanie Roberts-Fraser and Oliver Roberts @ Rs.295/- pgs 228 (Parenting)
The authors, who are parents themselves, have addressed the key issue of troubles faced by couples all over the world after the arrival of a baby. Becoming a parent is a life- changing experience and after interviewing numerous new parents and careful deliberations from both the male and female perspective, the book offers commonsense counsel on how to veer this change away from the negative and towards a positive phase in life.
“The Trial of Bahadur Shah Zafar” by H.L.O Garrett @ Rs.395/- pgs 450 (History)
From the author of highly acclaimed books like ‘The Shade of Swords: Jihad and the conflict between Islam and Christianity,’ Kashmir: Behind the Vale’, ’Riot after Riot’ and ‘Byline’ comes another well researched, beautifully worded book about the tragic story of the last Babar ruler –Bahadur Shah Zafar. Who was tried for’ treason’ and war crimes in his own country. The documentation and narration of the instigation of the Muslim citizenry and various factors which led to the downfall and despair of an entire perhaps incipient nation is invaluable material for the history buff as well as any historian.
More new books – will be reviewed next week:
“Outlook - Weekend breaks from Chennai” @ Rs. 295/-
“Dots and lines – a teaching resource for art” by Tarit Bhattachrajee @ Rs. 200/-(Tulika)
“Birdywood Buzz” (Tulika) – Hindi/ English @ Rs. 150/-
“An Intro to Market and Social Research” by Karen Adams & Ian Brace @ Rs.175/-
“Effective Personal Communication Skills For Public Relations” by Andy Green @ Rs.295/-
“Successful Strategy Execution” by Michel Syrett @ Rs.250/-
“Taking Pictures’ by Anne Enright @ Rs.470/-
“Breathless in Bombay” by Murzban F Shroff @ Rs. 295/-
“Guide to Project Management” by Paul Roberts @ Rs. 350/-
“The Co-wife and other stories” by Munshi Premchand @ Rs. 250/-
“The Way to Freedom” @ Rs. 150/- by His Holiness The Dalai Lama
“The Blind Pilgrim” by Bapsy Jain @ Rs. 250/-
“New Life” by Vijai Dan Detha @ Rs. 225/-
“Gently falls the Bakula” by Sudha Murthy @ Rs. 150/-
“Tarzan and Jane” by Margot Katz @ Rs. 250/-
“Ines of my soul” by Isabel Allende @ Rs. 295/-
“Yes! 50 secrets from the science of persuasion” by Noah J. Goldstein, Steve J Martin, Robert B Cialdini @ Rs.250/-
“The Girl” by Sonia Faleiro @ Rs. 150/-
“Book of Humour” by Ruskin Bond @ Rs. 195/-
“Choice and Consequence” by Thomas Scheling @ Rs. 395/-
“Competing with the Best – Strategic Management of Indian Companies In a Globalizing Arena” by Rajnish Karki @ Rs. 450/-
“The Adventures of Amir Hamza” trs. by Musharraf Ali Farooqi @ Rs.750/-
“Bollywood Melodies” by Ganesh Anantharaman @ Rs. 295/-
“Mathematical Mysteries – the beauty and magic of numbers” by Calvin C Clawson @ Rs. 295/-
“Coffee with …….. series @ Rs. 250/- each. We have in the store - Marilyn Munroe, Mozart, and Oscar Wilde.
Happy Reading and see you at the Store!
From the team at,
Welcome to the season of budgets, board exams, other exams, sleepless nights, financial year end, insurance policies, taxes.. and planning for summer holidays! Yeah! That’s something we wait for too!
In our next mail we will cover our plans for summer vacations, but as of now, we have a long list of lovely books that are just waiting to be read! But first, our good wishes to all kids who have worked so hard for impending Board exams. May your efforts be rewarding!
New Arrivals:
WoW:
“MAD” Box set @ Rs. 4695/-
Amongst MAD magazines usual gang of idiots Don Martin the artist, was aptly designated ‘MAD’s Maddest Artist’. Martin’s characters were unique- with bulbous noses atop bodies supported by pigeon-toed legs anchored by hinged feet! The characters include Fester Bestertester and his friend Karbunkle. What this certainly promises is two full volumes of the best of MAD!
All of Amitav Ghosh’s completely WOW books, though long lost, now coming back in fresh Hardbound versions. The following have been released this month.
“In An Antique Land” @ Rs. 495/- pgs 336
Combining fiction, history and travel writing, the mystery of Egypt in conjunction with India comes alive in this fantastic travelogue.
“The Shadow Lines” @ Rs. 395/- pgs 277
Out of a miraculously complex web of memories, relationships and images emerges a vivid, funny, introspective story of how your home could just as well become your enemy.
“The Calcutta Chromosome” @ Rs. 395/- pgs 262
Back to the nineteenth century from an unspecified time in the future, this is an intriguing journey through the adventures of an enigmatic scientist, keen on Sir Ronald Ross’s studies on malaria, in search of the elusive ‘Calcutta Chromosome’.
“The Circle of Reason” @ Rs. 495/- pgs 457.
Tracing an orphan’s journey across two continents from Calcutta to Goa and on to Africa the tempo of this story builds up to span a few decades initially, the second part unfolds over a few weeks and the third races through a single day -reminiscent of an Indian classic Raga.
Management:
“Billions of entrepreneurs: How China and India are reshaping their futures and yours” by Tarun Khanna @ Rs.595/- pgs 353
On–the-ground stories in conjunction with thorough research is used in this book to show how entrepreneurs in China and India are powering change through new business models and bringing hope to countless people. Issues such as the need for information accessibility, transparency and reliability; balance between private property and public interests, the need to encourage and fund indigenous enterprise etc are deftly handled and highlighted.
“Boom! 7 Choices for Blowing the Doors off Business-as-usual” by Kevin and Jackie Freiberg @ Rs. 395/- pgs 286
Twenty years of talking to America’s most innovative and unconventional business leaders and liberated employees has resulted in this eye-opening book by the Friebergs. They strongly advocate that that leadership doesn’t come from having an official title but from making choices; to serve others, take on risk, assume responsibility and discover a life where passion and excitement replace ho-hum routine. Boom! is the wake up call for every business leader who wants to change the DNA of an organization doing business as usual.
“The Inside Advantage: The strategy that unlocks the hidden growth in your business” by Robert H. Bloom @ Rs. 510/- pgs 224
Robert Bloom, CEO of Publicis Worldwide is the reason why companies such as Nestle and L’Oreal have become household names. The inside advantage or the hidden potential which exists in every enterprise can lead to the future growth of a company. Based on his 45 years of experience, Bloom explains a four-step method called the Growth Discovery Process .The process begins at the vital step of identifying a target group and goes right up to offering them more than your competitors.
“The Power of Unreasonable People: How social entrepreneurs create markets that change the world” by John Elkington and Pamela Hartigan @ Rs.1145/- pgs 239
The authors show how apparently unreasonable innovators have built their enterprises and made them consistently successful. By drawing powerful lessons from these pioneer’s market research, business models like- The Aravind Eye Care System in India, The social stock exchange in Brazil and Parquesoft in Columbia, one could gain vital insights into future opportunities for one’s organization.
Indian Writing:
“Tales from the Puffugees” by Jaspar Utley @ Rs.250/- pgs 179
A witty and entertaining book takes a definite crack at social do’s! Banished to the verandah, the puffers club vengefully have a good time entertained by a general!
“Stolen Treasure and other stories” by Rabindranath Tagore @ Rs.195/- pgs 230
Here is the short story elevated to a serious art form. Replete with wit, humour and intermingled with psychological and social realism are eighteen superb short stories that are refreshingly varied and display Tagore’s range as a writer.
“Generation 14” by Priya Sarukkai Chabria @ Rs.295/- pgs 284
Clone 14/54/G is troubled. The problem is her memory. Not the lack of it but its excess. In her world memory is forbidden. Yet, her past lives haunt her. This is not supposed to happen. Finally clone 14/54/G decides to research her original that lived in the 21st and 22nd centuries. Generation 14 is a political satire that explores the highpoints of India’s history, its plural identity and what it means to be human in today’s polarized world.
“Aditi and her friends help the Budapest Changeling” by Sunita Namjoshi @ Rs.80/- pgs 65 (Young Adults)
In this enchanting fairy tale, Siril the ant finds himself afloat in a matchbox in a river is captured by an old woman who lives in a shoe house and is later rescued by a strange creature called the ‘changeling’-who can change into whatever anyone thinks she is!
“Aditi and her friends meet Grendel” by Sunita Namjoshi @ Rs.80/- pgs 67 (Young Adults)
In this sixth book of the unique ‘Aditi’ series, when Aditi’s grandma is taken ill there seems to be only a certain magical Rose that can make her feel better. So off she goes to the coastal Devon in England where she meets the elusive Grendel, who lives under the sea, prowls around at night scaring others, who can’t remember anything and doesn’t really care! Exciting book indeed!
Fiction:
“Me, Borishailla: The epic saga of the rise of Bangladesh” by Mahua Maji @ Rs. 295/- pgs 508
An epic saga of the journey of a young man from youth to adulthood and hard work to success leading to politics and chaos .Set amidst the division of Bengal and formation of Bangladesh the book captures the pathos and struggle of the common man trapped in the crossfire of ambitions of the powerful ‘nationalists’.
“Remember me?” by Sophie Kinsella @ Rs.495/- pgs 34
What if you woke up and your life was perfect? … Wow!! Lexi wakes up in a hospital bed after a car accident, thinking it’s 2004 and that she’s 25yrs old with a disastrous love life. But to her surprise - its actually 2007. She’s 28 and married to a good-looking millionaire! She can’t believe her luck. What had happened to her? Will she remember? From the author of the bestsellers “Can You Keep a Secret?” and “The Undomestic Goddess” comes another ‘memorable’ book!
Socio Eco Pol
“Red Sun: Travels in Naxalite Country” by Sudeep Chakravarti @ Rs. 495/- pgs 352
In this brilliant and disturbing examination of the ‘Naxalite phenomenon’, the author combines political history, extensive interviews and individual case histories as he travels to the heart of Maoist zones like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand in the country .He meets Maoist leaders and sympathizers, policemen, bureaucrats, politicians, security analysts even farmers and tribals and puts across a sobering picture of the deep divide in society and the dangers that lie ahead for India.
Cultural:
“Moro East” by Sam and Sam Clark @ Rs. 1315/- pgs 312
Bordered by the river Lea and the Grand Union Canal is Manor Garden where reside a community of Turks and Cypriots who cultivate and cook an amazing range of food which have a unique flavor of eastern Mediterranean. Sam and Sam Clark take us on a guided culinary journey from exotic starters to more exotic tongue tickling dishes in the ‘More ‘restaurant which has consistently won awards and plaudits since its opening in 1997. It was born out of a desire to cook within the wonderful tradition of Mediterranean food and to explore the exotic flavors, little known in the UK.
“The Story of India” by Michael Wood @ Rs. 845/- pgs 225
From the Khyber pass to the Himalayas and to the tropical jungles of India’s deep South, this original and striking survey of Indian history provides vivid portraits of India’s regions and cultures and new insights into some of history’s greatest figures like the Buddha and Ashoka. Dazzling colour photographs capture an extraordinary spectrum of landscapes, architectural splendours, customs, rituals and festivals (especially Holi!).A magical mystery of travelogue and history, it paints an everlasting picture of India- past present and future.
“Freud Along the Ganges: Psychoanalytic Reflections on the People and Culture of India” Ed. by Salman Akhtar @ Rs. 395/- pgs 451
The book delves into the Psychology of the mind, body and spirit from the perspective of the proverbial Indian and India as a country. With contributions from eminent people from the field of Psychology like Santanu Biswas, Prakash N Desai, Jaswant Guzder, Sudhir Kakar etc, essays on ‘The Development of Gandhi’s self’, Hindu–Muslim relations in India: Past, Present and future’, ‘Manifestation of God in India’, ’Psychoanalytic Process in a sacred Hindu Text: The Bhagwad Gita’ provide a refreshing viewpoint.
“From Kippers to Karimeen: A life” by Psyche Abraham @ Rs.295/- pgs 214
An amazing story of love- for people, places and a new country - through the eyes of a sensitive, intelligent British lady, this book maps her journey from working in a post office in London to Bombay then Calcutta and finally Kerala. Through her journeys, trials tribulations and immense joy one comes to realize her enduring love for India and the family that grew around her.
Inspiration:
“Strengths Finder 2.0” by Tom Rath @ Rs. 595/- pgs 175
In Strengths Finder 2.0, a new and improved version of the popular assessment, strength analyzing helps us to help people uncover their talents and nurture them to make the most of it. Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book from Gallup promises to change the way you look at yourself and the world around you, forever.
“The Third Jesus: How to find truth and love in today’s world” by Deepak Chopra @ Rs.495/- pgs 241
Through this book Deepak Chopra searches for the Christ who stands in the heart of Christianity and Deepak Chopra also attempts to discover the identity of Jesus. According to the author, there are three separate figures of Jesus and by considering each of these, the author allows us to decide for ourselves which of them speaks the most clearly to us today. When we become familiar with Jesus as our spiritual guide, we will begin to create a brighter future, free from hatred fuelled by religious fundamentalism.
Others:
“No sex please, we’re parents: How your relationship can survive children” by Melanie Roberts-Fraser and Oliver Roberts @ Rs.295/- pgs 228 (Parenting)
The authors, who are parents themselves, have addressed the key issue of troubles faced by couples all over the world after the arrival of a baby. Becoming a parent is a life- changing experience and after interviewing numerous new parents and careful deliberations from both the male and female perspective, the book offers commonsense counsel on how to veer this change away from the negative and towards a positive phase in life.
“The Trial of Bahadur Shah Zafar” by H.L.O Garrett @ Rs.395/- pgs 450 (History)
From the author of highly acclaimed books like ‘The Shade of Swords: Jihad and the conflict between Islam and Christianity,’ Kashmir: Behind the Vale’, ’Riot after Riot’ and ‘Byline’ comes another well researched, beautifully worded book about the tragic story of the last Babar ruler –Bahadur Shah Zafar. Who was tried for’ treason’ and war crimes in his own country. The documentation and narration of the instigation of the Muslim citizenry and various factors which led to the downfall and despair of an entire perhaps incipient nation is invaluable material for the history buff as well as any historian.
More new books – will be reviewed next week:
“Outlook - Weekend breaks from Chennai” @ Rs. 295/-
“Dots and lines – a teaching resource for art” by Tarit Bhattachrajee @ Rs. 200/-(Tulika)
“Birdywood Buzz” (Tulika) – Hindi/ English @ Rs. 150/-
“An Intro to Market and Social Research” by Karen Adams & Ian Brace @ Rs.175/-
“Effective Personal Communication Skills For Public Relations” by Andy Green @ Rs.295/-
“Successful Strategy Execution” by Michel Syrett @ Rs.250/-
“Taking Pictures’ by Anne Enright @ Rs.470/-
“Breathless in Bombay” by Murzban F Shroff @ Rs. 295/-
“Guide to Project Management” by Paul Roberts @ Rs. 350/-
“The Co-wife and other stories” by Munshi Premchand @ Rs. 250/-
“The Way to Freedom” @ Rs. 150/- by His Holiness The Dalai Lama
“The Blind Pilgrim” by Bapsy Jain @ Rs. 250/-
“New Life” by Vijai Dan Detha @ Rs. 225/-
“Gently falls the Bakula” by Sudha Murthy @ Rs. 150/-
“Tarzan and Jane” by Margot Katz @ Rs. 250/-
“Ines of my soul” by Isabel Allende @ Rs. 295/-
“Yes! 50 secrets from the science of persuasion” by Noah J. Goldstein, Steve J Martin, Robert B Cialdini @ Rs.250/-
“The Girl” by Sonia Faleiro @ Rs. 150/-
“Book of Humour” by Ruskin Bond @ Rs. 195/-
“Choice and Consequence” by Thomas Scheling @ Rs. 395/-
“Competing with the Best – Strategic Management of Indian Companies In a Globalizing Arena” by Rajnish Karki @ Rs. 450/-
“The Adventures of Amir Hamza” trs. by Musharraf Ali Farooqi @ Rs.750/-
“Bollywood Melodies” by Ganesh Anantharaman @ Rs. 295/-
“Mathematical Mysteries – the beauty and magic of numbers” by Calvin C Clawson @ Rs. 295/-
“Coffee with …….. series @ Rs. 250/- each. We have in the store - Marilyn Munroe, Mozart, and Oscar Wilde.
Happy Reading and see you at the Store!
From the team at,
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