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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fiction:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indian Writing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

History

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

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

Travel

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

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

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

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

Cinema

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

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

Food

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

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

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

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

Personalities

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

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

Young Adults/ Children

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New books not yet reviewed, but already on racks

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

Young Adults/ Kids

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

Books just arrived, hot off the oven:

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

From the growing team at,

twistntales

Bookstore Bingo FTW

For all the employees, ex - employees and honorary employees as well as store - lovers, here's something you'll love and relate to!! Use the link to go to the site (it's pretty cool) but the write - up is below.

http://news.shelf-awareness.com/ar/theshelf/2010-07-14/bookstore_bingo_ftw.html

Years ago, when I worked at a large bookstore in Manhattan, I often muttered to myself: "Retail. Only the strong survive." Judging by the many, many wonderful entrants in yesterday's round of #bookstorebingo on Twitter--aka Crazy Things Customers Say, fueled by yesterday's Notes from an ER Bookseller--some things never change.

Apparently, quite a few customers just didn't pay attention in school:

GlennWhidden: Do you have (pause, consult reading list) Hamlet? It's by (pause, consult list again) Shakespeare?

LFrannie33: Overheard: "Can you tell me who the author of Shakespeare is?"


mmerschel: "Do you have Shakespeare in English?"

Bookdwarf: I'm looking for a book but I only know the title, not the author. It's called Dante's Inferno.

VillageBksBham: "Who wrote Jane Austen?"

ragesinggoddess: @Watermarkbooks had a summer-long Jane Austen bookclub. Had someone ask when she would be there.

delmorepilcrow: "Where do yall keep the true fiction?"

joebfoster: "I definitely don't want nonfiction. I like autobiographies and history."


Then there's those memorably weird (sometimes unsettling) queries:

Bookdwarf: "Do you have books on monkeys, monkeys doing things like people?" (turns out they wanted monkeys having sex)

joebfoster:"This is the only bookstore I've ever been in that didn't have a popcorn machine."

LFrannie33: "I'm here for a Bible, not the KJV or anything. I'm looking for the original. You know the one that God wrote."

joebfoster: One of my all-time faves: "My new girlfriend is pretty churchy. Would a Gutenberg Bible be a good gift?"

handeebks: Another fave from the brick & mortar days "Do you have any books with red covers? I'm redecorating my living room in red."

ChatNoirBooks: Cust asks about return policy so I ask her why.... "Well if I don't lose weight I should be able to return the book right?"

julialikesbooks: "I'm looking for white supremacy books. I tried to order them and they were stopped at the border. Can you imagine?!" #bookstorebingo

KatherineBoG: We keep getting emails from a guy who wants us to do an event w/ Pam Grier. He has no connection, just want to meet her

amyeureka: Overheard @EurekaBooks: Kid: "What is this place?" Mom: "It's a library."

Handeebks: "What do you mean? Why can't I leave my 3-5 yo (unattended) in your shop while I go next door?!?"

chelseathe: Customer asks where 'nonfiction' is. I say it's broken up into history/bio etc. She calls us a bad bookstore. Really?

corpuslibris: Most commonly asked non-book-related question: Do you have a copy machine? 2nd most common: Do you sell stamps?


And that saying about how "the customer is always right"? Not so much.

bookladysblog: My favorite #bookstorebingo mistaken title: The Glass Menage a Trois.

HFBooks: Customer asked for THE ONION IN THE CLOSET; wanted INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD.

KatherineBoG: Woman asked for CRUCIBLE, I gave it to her, she said "not the screenplay. The REAL one."

joebfoster: 2nd week as bkseller, lady looking for the KITE WALKER. Was PISSED when I suggested that KITE RUNNER might be a quicker read.

ChatNoirBooks: Oooo Ooo - Tillers of the Earth. Was completely insulted when I suggested she might be looking for Pillars of the Earth.

3rdplacepress: "Do you have Atlas Rugged?". "Uh. No, don't you mean Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand?". "No. I need Atlas Rugged."

KatherineBoG: Woman was outraged that we had signed Susan Branch bks b/c she said Branch died 2 yrs earlier. We had her in the week before.

lauriemuchnick: When I worked at Waterstone's Charing Cross Road, people would ask, Is this Foyle's? I never said, Can you read the sign?


Sometimes, these experiences lead to rewarding moments of win:

ragesinggoddess: I like to think my ability to track down books from customer-provided cover colors is legendary.

ChatNoirBooks: I'm looking for a book. It had a chicken on the cover & my sister really liked it. Total WIN with no more info we found it.

GlennWhidden: Do you have those mystery novels by Angela Lansbury? I said yes and showed him the books by "Jessica Fletcher." He was happy.


And perhaps my favorite:

joebfoster: Someone once told me that the US government classified ANGELS & DEMONS as fiction to help the Vatican with the cover-up. --Robin Lenz

Telling time...to slow down!

While I was working at tnt many moons ago, there were often customers who walked in and said, "I don't have TIME to read!" Being a bibliophile and loving any chance to argue, I usually ended up lecturing them on finding the time for God's sake!

Now, having been in the 'real' working world for almost two years. I understand them a little better. It's true that between full-time work, family and friends, one gets little time to curl up with a book. I come home and watch sitcoms and dance around to filmy music, just to de-stress.

It took me a while to realise how much reading, my magnificent obsession, had receded. Luckily, I am surrounded by books, so I couldn't use the excuse of not having anything to read.

I didn't invent some marvellous time-twister to give me 26 hours in a day, nor did I give up on partying till 5am. I carry a book with me at all times. If I reach work early, I put down my things, go to Barista, order a strawberry smoothie and treat myself to an half-hour of peaceful reading. On my one day off a week, I visit a bookshop. I sit on steps outside malls and read.

This isn't about 'you should read.' It's just that I love reading and I don't want to become a boring, corporate-type person who prides herself on not having time. Nobody hands you time on a platter. Sometimes, maybe you just decide to give time to what makes you happy. And it works :)

Hi all of you !

twistntales is growing !

As part of its back office operations, we are looking for :

1. Ops. in charge or Office adminstrator

Currently, the job includes handling stocks, dealing with vendors, fair bit of accounting, bank reconciliation etc. Progressively, the job is poised to grow rapidly in the next few months.
A lady candidate, with accounting/ operations background, knowing word, excel and tally is ideal. A 5 day week with Sun/mon off.

2. Counter Position : we have a requirement for a 10 to 6 counter person, young, with good communication skills, and fond of books. Mondays off.

Position 1 is located in the back office, behind Season's Hotel in Balaji Park. Position 2 is at the Store in Gaikwad Nagar. Both in Aundh. Persons who can walk to work are preferred.

Call me please ! (9960639162)

Event Snaps - Book Launch

Interacting with readers... Long queues in tnt to bill...

The Star and the "new" star signing copies...

Anusha patiently answering readers queries

Deepak talking about his books...

A huge fan club for Deepak...

Snaps of the Book Launch that happened yesterday at twistntales, Deepak Dalal's Sahyadri Adventures.....

Launch of Deepak Dalal's new book !

Hi all,

With SSC results coming today, I am sure that there will be a lot of families celebrating the successes of their kids! Congratulations to all the kids who have done their families/ schools proud with exemplary results, whether SSC/ICSE or CBSE.

While examination success is important, we need to celebrate other successes and achievements of our children. As a neighbourhood bookstore, we are happy to spot, encourage, provide a channel and mentor special talents that our kids have. Most of our summer interns and almost all our part-time evening folks are students from the neighbourhood.

This Sunday, 20th of June, we are happy to present the talent of Anusha Menon, a student of Std. Xth of St. Joseph’s High School. Anusha is a talented artist, and is now becoming big-time J.
Deepak Dalal is a neighbourhood celebrity, having authored many books for young adults with adventure as a focus. Most of you already know of his books, The Snow Leopard, The Ranthambore Adventures, The Andaman Adventures and others. We are happy to release his latest new book, “The Sahyadri Adventures” based very much in Pune and our beloved Western Ghats. This book is a happy blend of adventure, nature, environment and history and has been painstakingly researched and presented. Anusha has provided all the illustrations for this book.

This Sunday (20th June) @ 4 pm, we are happy to present both Anusha and Deepak in a joint session at twistntales Deepak will be reading from his new book, and both will be available for a question answer session after the reading. The books will be available for sale exclusively only at twistntales. Attached is a brief book review.

Book Review

Although interesting, Mumbai’s history is hardly spoken of. Most adults aren’t aware, leave alone children. Mumbai’s Fort, for example, is largely forgotten. This vanished bastion had three gates, one of them beside a church, hence the name Church Gate. Fronting this Fort was a massive open ground known as the Esplanade. The open spaces of the Esplanade still exist, only now they are known as the maidans of Mumbai.

The ‘Sahyadri Adventure’ books delve into the history of Mumbai, describing the life of a boy named Irfan who once lived in this Fort. The period is the 1850’s – a time when the sea flooded the channels between Mumbai’s seven islands and tigers still prowled its famous harbour. For a change, the author, Deepak Dalal, researched his books in a library – the hallowed halls of the University Library – instead of the wilds, where most of his books have been conceived.

Irfan loved his Mumbai, particularly its Fort, its Esplanade, its beaches and the vast open spaces of its untouched hinterland. But Irfan is forced to flee his beloved Mumbai. Along with his best friend, Rustom, he heads for the city’s neighbouring mountains range – The Sahyadri. Accompanying him is his father, who carries with him a stolen cargo.

Deep in the Sahyadri Range rises a mountain known as Koleshwar. On its forested slopes, a 150 years after Irfan’s passing, Vikram and his friends stumble upon tantalising trinkets of this stolen cargo. In a windswept cave Vikram’s friend Anirudh has a dream. He dreams of a boy named Irfan and of a lost treasure.

The Sahyadri Adventure stories are the latest in the VikramAditya Adventure Series. Schoolchildren Vikram, Aditya and Chitra return once more, sharing pages with Mumbai’s historical personalities like Forjett and Lord Elphinstone, in a heady mix of fact, fiction and adventure.

So make sure, you make it to twistntales on Sunday @ 4pm. Come rain or sun, event is on ! Looking forward to seeing you at the Store,

From the team at
twistntales,

Saffron Tree

A friend sent me a very interesting link to Saffron Tree - "A potpourri of book reviews and literary resources for children". A fantastic way to find out about the contemporary world of Indian fiction too!

Interview with Prabha Ram, founder - http://www.thebetterindia.com/1481/saffron-tree-indian-books-literary-resources-children/

I'm a reader. SERIOUSLY!

Being a student of Literature often means people expect you to read only that which is considered 'literary.' You know, things like Dostoevsky and Leon Uris and Dickens. These guys make you a 'serious' reader. Ok, so I read these guys. Like them a lot in most part. Maybe not Dostoevsky or Tolstoy...Russian writers are compulsively depressing and I guess you can't blame them. But I like the old-timey classics.

My grandfather would take me book-shopping on the condition that I bought only classics. And not just any classics, the REAL stuff. Catcher in the Rye didn't count. Jules Verne did. Luckily, so did P. G. Wodehouse.

The trouble is that when you're a reader and a Literature student, people assume you read ONLY the 'serious' stuff. Otherwise, you're not a REAL reader.

Now, I don't fit this mould at all. I love Meg Cabot. I squealed and jumped when the last book in the Princess Diaries series came out. I have read Twilight with bated breath and cried at the end of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince because Dumbledore had died and nothing would ever be the same again.

Once every two weeks or so, you'll find me squatting on the floor at Tanna Book Depot in Hong Kong Lane, snuffling my way through stacks of dusty Mills & Boon. My favourite pastime is to sit with a bunch of romance novels and a big bag of chips. And I'm very much a REAL reader, thank you!

A world without Dickens and Alcott and the Brontes would have been at a loss. A world without Austen would have been depressing indeed! But a world without impossible love stories and magic?! Not my kind of place either.

Poetry...

that's what I've been reading, both online and in books. I found this little piece of absolute, raging gorgeousness that I wanted to share.

From Inkslinger

You Bring Out the UP- walli in me *

You bring out the UP-walli in me,

The zari, gota, sitaraa,
The sweet, sweet bataasha,
The lilt of my (m)other tongue,
simmering under these words in me.

I play for you. For the twinkle in your eyes
when I rant in Hindi.
Kya hai.

You bring out the UP-walli in me,
The toe rings and the nose pin in me,
The glitter and the large earrings in me,
The kohl around my eyes in me,
The love of wearing bangles in me,
The folklore and the folk music in me,
The jigar and the beedee in me,
The loud weddings in me,
The raunchy numbers in me,
The beats of dholak, the songs of naughty grannies in me.

You bring out the UP-walli in me.
The love of the epic in me,
The Mahabharat and the Ramayan in me,
The chastity vows and the infinite appetite in me,
The warrior-sage ancestor in me,
The meek minions and the mighty queens in me,
The banished one, the vengeful one, the dark one who rebelled in me,
The woman who had five husbands but loved only one in me.

They say my name means Seeta, daughter of the earth.
You bring out my name in me.

You bring out the UP-walli in me.
The blue neel in me,
the pink mahaawar in me,
the crimson gulmohur in me,
the yellow amaltash in me,
the cactus in me, the crotons in me,
the redolence of Eucalyptus, the scent of henna in me.

For you I’d mulch the mehendi leaves that hedged
our government bungalow in Jhansi.
For you I’d paint my palms and
I won’t complain.

Wild roses in Ranikhet,
Empty fireplaces in Benaras,
The smell-less smell of a desolate Noida fog,
The fragrance of raat ki raani in Karbi.
Like all these, I long for you.

Come sit on the floor beside me.
Eat kaddoo curry with soft kachauris
laid out on plates made of dried leaves.
Dip your finger in the yogurt to stir the boora,
Make love to me with our fingers sticky sweet,
Say hum when you mean I,
I’d raise my skirts and let you in,
caress you with fumes from the dhoop batti
that used to be lit every dusk
in my Nani’s house,
and pat you to sleep.

Come. Call me jaan, or raaje.

You bring out the UP-walli in me,
The surprise of heeng in hot daal in me,
The shock of ghee sizzling with whole, red chillies in me,
The bite of raw ginger sprinkled on aloo-gobhi in me.
The sepia dust storms in me,
The mango orchards in me,
The tales of dacoits and bandits in me,
The bhaiyya complex in me,
its self-deprecatory humour
but the hidden pride in me.

I play for you. For your gritted teeth and
shut eyes when I move over you.

You’re the only one I’d allow to call me Raani,
You're the only one I'd let overtake the kitchen,
Bring me breakfast in bed,
And sometimes wine.

You bring out the UP-walli in me.
The proud grandfather and the generous parents in me,
The love of literature in me,
the scholar in me, the nerd in me,
the wannabe Anthropology intellectual in me,
the show-off-I-got-100-out-of-100 in me,

You’re the one I spin these yarns for,
At 4 am,
Overworked and sleep deprived.
Let me show off to you.

You bring out the UP-walli in me.
Hand pump water with a tang of metal in me,
Sugarcanes eaten on terraces
In dusty villages in me,
(hard teeth around firm flesh bursting with sweet in me),
Sugarcane juice running down my elbow in me,
The sexual innuendo in me.

The hot-white glare of the Taj Mahal,
The thick walls of the Jhansi fort,
The withered wooden door of my gaon house
Complete with iron knockers in me,
All nestled in me, marinating and
Roasting in me, always torturing me,
Never letting go of me.

Of naked feet on hard,
Cool, stone floors,
Of air coolers, of khus-khus
In summers,
Of peeling walls that smelt of wet earth
When sprayed with a hose,
Of blistering boulders with a whiff
Of heat.

You remind me of all these.
The forgotten, pushed away,
Hidden parts of me,
The lekin and the agar in me,
The abey and the oye in me,
The ab to ho gaya in me.

You bring out the UP-walli in me.
Let me love you.
(You do.)
Let me show you.
(Kyunki)
You do. Yes. You do.

* Gauche but earnest attempt, inspired by Sandra Cisnero's lovely, lovely 'You Bring Out the Mexican in Me'...and you.

It's Weed's budday!

Dear Weed,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We love you and despite everything, we think you're pretty great.

Now, where's the party?????

Fantasy Fiction Novels: Must Read for Every Adult

The great philosophers of the world have always said life is about finding peace, contentment, and happiness. While these words have different meanings for everyone, in my case these words reflect my emotions when I am reading my favorite fantasy fiction novels. I am 27, happily married, a technical writer by profession and according to everyone who knows me an absolute escapist and fantasy fiction nut. 

I do read some “serious” books as they are called from time to time but end up gravitating towards fantasy fiction faster each time after I have contemplated upon the cacophony of human emotions discussed in these “serious” book.  The world outside that we see is extremely real, sadistic, brutal and effective in killing our imagination. These fantasy fiction novels present a wonderful escape route to a land where your visualization is the only thing that limits the joy you would feel when you read about Eragon flying on his dragon Saphira to meet the elves. I go through a 4D cinematic experience every time I read about Dumbeldore dueling Voldemort and get goose bumps when Percy Jackson cuts of Medusa’s head to courier it to his father Poseidon(the Ocean god).  It is so much more pleasurable to read how Frodo Baggins and Gandalf destroy the ring of power to end the dark ages than to wonder when Mr Darcy would confess his feelings to Ms Elizebeth Bennet. 

Fantasy fiction novels do reflect the state of our society and make some strong observations on various facets such as slavery, racism, and poverty. However, you can conveniently ignore these observations and enjoy the book. A hobby is an activity that should give you pleasure. When you complete a book, you should have a feeling of having eating a cheese mushroom pasta and complementary ice cream. Books that get you into a state of self reflection or end up shocking you with various candid observations are extremely important but should be read only when reading is a habit and not a hobby.  For example, I read Super Frekonomics and learnt some wonderful things but then got so worked up that I re-read the entire series of Bartimeus Trilogy to get back into my suspended state of happiness. 

Try reading Harry Potter for the first time in the silence of your bedroom sipping a glass of chilled coke. You will fell Harry’s pain at being mistreated by his aunt, his elation when he flies for the first time, his angst and fierce longing to punish Bellatrix when she kills his godfather Sirus. You will fly with him when he plays Quidditch, dodge as avoids opposition players, stretch as he reaches out to capture the snitch, and jump in elation as he wins the match for his house. Fantasy fiction novels by their very nature are extremely graphic. Hence, you get a chance to exercise your imagination and dream along with the book. You realize that you dreams are way bigger than anything Warner Brother studios can create. Do you know what the biggest advantage of reading such novels is? Every day you fear to dream since you are afraid your dream may not come true. In this case, you can dream fearlessly because the author is anchoring your dreams and leading you along across your ocean of thoughts. 

Some of my favorite fantasy fiction novels are:

• Harry Potter series
• Percy Jackson series
• Lord of the Rings
• Inheritance Cycle (Eragon)
• Bartimeus Trilogy and Heroes of the Valley
• Ramayan by Ashok Banker
• The Gift, Puzzle, Crow, and Singing by Allison Crogan
   

Hi all,

Summer is here in right earnest, and what better way than to stay cool indoors and curl up with a book. Celebrate the joy of reading with your kids. Here are a lot of books to keep you busy!

New books:

“Captive Imagination: Letters From Prison” by Varavara Rao @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 193)

Varavara Rao is a well-known Telugu poet and an ideologue of Maoist politics. He is one of the founders of VIRASAM – Revolutionary Writer’s Association, directly inspired by the Naxalbari Srikakulam adivasi peasant struggles. Poet, Marxist critic and activist, he has been continually persecuted by the State and intermittently imprisoned since 1973, but he never stopped writing during all these decades even from within prison. Collected for the first time in English, the essays in Captive Imagination are fiercely personal in their experience and evocatively universal in their expression.

“Songs Of Blood And Sword” by Fatima Bhutto @ Rs. 699/- (Pgs 470)

Fatima Bhutto, daughter of Murtaza and niece of Benazir has her own tale to tell about the tragic history of the Bhuttos. Money, Power and Fame comes accompanied by Murder, Division and Corruption. Closely intertwined with the history of our love-hate neighbour, Fatima goes through a series of unbearable events to discover the truth behind her father’s death. Overall, it is also a story of a father-daughter relationship, which tugs at your heart. A book you will not want to put down, till the very end.

“The World is Curved: The Hidden Dangers to the Global Economy” by David M.Smick @ Rs.499/- (Pgs 329)

At a time when the recession and global financial systems have dominated all our thoughts and overtaken our lives The World is Curved gives a highly insightful and profound view of the international financial markets and global economy. New, provocative and totally straying away from the conventional wisdom David M. Smick gives us both sides of globalization.

“Start-Up Nation: The Story Of Israel’s Economic Miracle” by Dan Senor & Saul Singer @ Rs. 695/- (Pgs 304)

Have you ever wondered how a country just 60 years old produces more start-up companies than any other nation. This book is a story of government policies, Israel’s adaptive military and citizens, geo-politics as well as Israel’s adversity driven culture. The book rightly describes Israel as not just a country but a comprehensive state of mind. So if you are fed up of reading about the conflict in the Middle East and are looking for something more positive Saul Singer and Dan Senor take you on a journey that tells you ‘its okay to try and fail’ but the book is best summed up by what Shimon Peres said, ‘ The most careful thing to do is to DARE.’

“Indian Essentials” @ Rs. 450/- (Pgs 526)

Twenty writers attempt to throw light on the intricacies and cultural values of being Indian. Full of whacky stories that talk about everything from our sex log, obsession with arranged marriages, chalta hai attitudes and Twenty20, it is a must read that not just makes fun of frank matrimonials and Indian men but explores the collective Indian consciousness and popular culture of today. So if you want to know why saying ‘banjo’ will get you black and blue in this awesome country called India, Indian Essentials is totally your book to read.

“Green Zone” by Rajiv Chandrasekaran @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 356)

Green Zone is a simply superb book on Iraq that stems from a hundred interviews and 2 years of reporting for the Washington Post. Rajiv Chandrasekaran an assistant managing director for the Washington Post spent more time in Baghdad than any other American print reporter. The Sunday Times calls this book ‘JAW- DROPPING’ as it takes you on a journey not just through the Green Zone of Baghdad but also gets into the dark murky details of all that is willfully ignored and gravely comical.

“Collected Stories” by Hanif Kureishi @ Rs. 850/- (Pgs 671)

Hanif Kureishi’s work includes plays, screenplays, novels, and essays. This book is a collection of 8 new stories. In this collection Hanif Kureishi has brought out different twists and turns which are tender, charming and funny. This collection deals with instances like - the difficulties of a relationship, joys of children and other controversies. It also exposes what religious conflicts a Muslim unit experiences amongst themselves. Through his tales, Kureishi has thrown light on various aspects of our daily life and how it affects the everyday lives of people.

“The Napkin The Melon & The Monkey” by Barbara Burke @ Rs. 99/- (Pgs 127)

In this book, Barbara Burke an internationally renowned consultant and speaker tells the world that everything in life is a state of mind. A must read for anyone whose workplace involves customer service management this powerful book is full of simple philosophy that teaches people to be both successful and happy. Simple wisdom, personal touch and ancient advice can a make a world of a difference, so if you are one who needs some practical advice on handling the everyday challenges that life throws at you then this is your book to read.

“Wild Child” by T. C. Boyle @ Rs. 550/- (Pgs 304)

T. C. Boyle is one of the greatest storytellers of our time. Wild Child is a collection of short stories. Each story takes an unexpected turn that pours out various emotions that touches the reader’s heart. Various nuances have been explored, tragic, improbable, the allegorical and the altogether ordinary.


“The Lost River: On The Trail Of The Sarasvati” by Michel Danino @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 357)

The Indian Subcontinent was the scene of dramatic upheavals a few thousand years ago. Tectonic events played havoc with river courses. The Sarasvati disappeared. The author has attempted to popularize the present research of the legendary river. Recently, geological and climatological studies have probed its evolution and disappearance while satellite imagery has traced the river’s buried courses and isotope analyses have dated ancient waters still stored under the Thar desert.

“SADHUS Going Beyond the Dreadlocks” by Patrick Levy @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 320)

We see a million of them around us. We have our own pre-conceived notions of their lives and their lifestyles. Have you ever wondered what they may have to say about themselves? How do they let various teachings and philosophies seep into their lives? This book provides the moments of these messages with the help of the author, Patrick Levy. He is a French author who lives 6 months in Uttar Pradesh.

Other new books at the Store:

“A Tiger At Twilight And Cyclones” by Manoj Das @ Rs. 350/- (Pgs 353)
“Muskoka Maharani” by David McMahon @ Rs. 275/- (Pgs 273)
“The Last Victory: The Imperial Agent II” by Timeri N. Murari @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 430)
“Kadambari” by Bana @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 395)
“Why Manners Matter” by Lucinda Holdforth @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 172)
“Parrot And Olivier In America” by Peter Carey @ Rs. 550/- (Pgs 451)
“Holidays According To Humphrey” by Betty G. Birney @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 191)
“Ablutions” by Patrick Dewitt @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 164)
“Religion In The New Age: And Other Essays For The Spiritual Seeker” by Swami Kriyananda @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 401)
“May I Hebb Your Attention Pliss!” by Arnab Ray @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 237)
“The Gamechangers: The Fake IPL Player” @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 400)
“Young Turks” by Krishan Partap Singh @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 354)
“The Wisdom Of Balsekar” by Ramesh S. Balsekar @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 214)
“A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy For Successful Investing” by Burton G. Malkiel @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 455)
“The 50th Law Of Power” by Robert Greene @ Rs. 395/- (Pgs 291)
“Pocket World In Figures 2010 Edition” @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 256)
“Mojo: How To Get It How To Keep It How To Get It Back If You Lose It” by Marshall Goldsmith @ Rs. 225/- (Pgs 205)
“Need” by Carrie Jones @ Rs. 299/- (Pgs 305)
“The Forty Rules Of Love” by Elif Shafak @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 354)
“Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” by Helen Simon @ Rs. 650/- (Pgs 358)
“The Big Short” by Michael Lewis @ Rs. 599/- (Pgs 266)
“Women Of The Tagore Household” by Chitra Deb @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 640)
“Operation Mincemeat” by Ben Macintyre @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 400)
“Empire Of The Moghul - Brothers At War” by Alex Rutherford @ Rs. 495/- (Pgs 436)

Over and above these are a whole lot of new books in the kids section, apart from Chitra Banerjee Divakurani’s new book, and a host of others. Drop in and take your pick.

From the team at,

twistntales

Happy 8th Birthday twistntales!!

11 must read books

Wondering which book to curl up with on one of those sluggish days? Heres a list of 11 must read books put together by Forbes India that might be of interest.

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/book-review/11-books-you-must-read_434100.html

Come to wish us Happy Birthday and get amazing Return Gifts !

Hi all,

Here’s an ode to the lovely bookstores that we know.

We may have grown up with Manneys right here in Pune, or with Strand in Mumbai or with the original Landmark in Nugambakkam High Road in Chennai - wherever we have been, it’s thanks to these folks and our friendly neighbourhood garage libraries or the really wonderful teachers and librarians that we have known, that we have all imbibed this wonderful habit of reading. Buy and read, borrow and read, but read we must. Early mornings, mid afternoons, late nights, in flights, airports, on holidays, I am sure many of us have memories of reading story books under the blanket with a torchlight!

It’s these memories and folks like you who share these memories with us that’s happily taking us to our 8th happy birthday on Sunday, 28th March. We hope to give kids in our neighbourhood the same kind of memories that we have had while growing up. The last 8 years has seen kids in our neighbourhood, finish school and college, take up jobs and still sneak in to read Calvin & Hobbes or Asterix! So whether it is Samar, Aditya, Vedang or Vinay, or amongst the junior lot, Siddanth, Varun, Yagnesh or Eeshaan, we hope to have given them this joy and memories for life.

And as we move from 8 to 80 (we are infants compared to the above mentioned bookstores), we send out our heart felt thanks to you all, some of you who have seen us right from our first day! We have come a long way since Mar’2002, and still miles to go. As we learn, we are happy to have delighted you on some days, and disappointed when we have messed up. But you have stood by us, steadied the boat, and helped us get further. You deserve a BIG thanks.

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, 23rd Mar till Sunday, 28th March, we are happy to give you 15% off on whatever you pick. So, hurry, pick your wallets and run. And sorry, we will not be able to put books aside for you, for this week. No gift wrapping either. But loads of books, yes, definitely! So, see you in the Store!

Reviews/ New Books:

Science

“Virus of the Mind” by Richard Brodie @ Rs 299/- (Pgs 249)
Tastes, desires and ways of living and working that are not your own are viruses of the mind known as Memes. And Richard Brodie, one of the world’s leading authorities on memetics or the self-replicating aspects of culture, gives you the low down on how this revolutionary science can help you. Memetics is the long awaited scientific study unifying biology, psychology and cognitive science and can be used to completely reprogram your self simply by being aware of the viruses of the mind. Written in a very witty and engaging manner, Virus of the Mind awakens you to what really happens to the things you see and hear. Pick up this book, then give it to someone you love and help spread a truly valuable ‘virus’!

“The Language of the Genes” by Steve Jones @ Rs 480/- (Pgs 340)
This book is the most ‘accessible’ guide to modern genetics and shows us how remarkable yet fragile product of evolution the human species is. Jones demolishes various myths, addresses sensitive social issues and speaks optimistically of the potentials of modern genetics. What is exceptional about the book is that it is as much scientific as it is literary. Few scientists will have the ability to write well for a general audience and Steve Jones is one of those rare species. The Language of the Genes is a witty tale of curious mutations, Siamese cats and evolution.

“Darwin’s Sacred Cause- Race, slavery and the quest for human origins” by Adrian Desmond & James Moore @ Rs 550/- (Pgs 450)
Did you know that Darwin had a ‘Sacred Cause’ behind his theory of evolution which traced all life back to a common ancestor? Darwin was committed to the abolition of slavery and tried to accomplish the ‘brotherhood of races’- whether black or white, man or animal, plants or people. The authors draw from unpublished family correspondence, manuscripts and rare books the information that led to the creation of Darwin’s world-changing works. Darwin’s Sacred Cause is the untold story of how Darwin’s abhorrence of slavery that leads to our modern understanding of evolution.

Philosophy

“The End of Duality” by Ramesh S. Balsekar @ 195/- (Pgs 84)
“Who wouldn’t look forward to death?” asks one of the world’s leading masters of Advaita, Ramesh Balsekar. Over five days in 2009, Balsekar spoke on one central theme: The End of Duality or in other words, the end of the pleasures and pains of daily living. There was such indescribable beauty in the brevity of his words that it was felt that they should be transcribed, edited and published to reach a wider audience. The End of Duality is the compilation of Balsekar’s provocative speeches. There seems to be a finality in the message being conveyed in these talks, making them slivers of wisdom.

Management

“Strengths Based Leadership” by Tom Rath & Barry Conchie @ Rs. 650/- (Pgs 240)
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tom Rath and renowned leadership consultant Barry Conchie reveal in this book, three keys to being a more effective leader: knowing your strengths and investing in others’ strengths, getting people with the right strengths on your team, and understanding and meeting the four basic needs of those who look to you for leadership. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from some of the most successful organizational leaders in recent history, from the founder of Teach For America to the President of The Ritz-Carlton, as they discuss how their unique strengths have driven their success. Filled with novel research and actionable ideas, Strengths Based Leadership will give you a new road map for leading people toward a better future.

Personalities

“Rukmini Devi: A life by Leela Samson” @ Rs. 550/- (Pgs 243)
Bharatha Natyam and Rukmini Devi Arundale are words that have almost always been taken in the same breath. Leela Samson, who took over as the director of Kalakshetra Foundation is probably one of the best people to write about this extraordinary woman, whose life embodied a vision of a modern India, while also celebrating its rich civilization. Drawn from a collection of Rukmini Devi’s own papers, speeches, writings, diaries and Theosophical journals housed in Kalakshetra apart from the oral evidences and reminiscences of stalwarts and luminaries like Annie Besant and C Rajagoplachari, the biography also contains unseen personal correspondence and photographs and is an intimate and rounded portrait of the celebrated artiste and dancer- Rukmini Devi.

“Simply Fly” by Captain Gopinath @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 380)
This book is an exceptional entrepreneurial journey, it is a story of a man who went from riding in a bullock cart in a remote village to owning India’s first and largest low-cost airline- Air Deccan. Simply Fly is a very personal account of Captain Gopinath’s days in the army, his return to the village and life as a refugee, the Guru-Shishya relationship between him and his father, and his subsequent and highly successful ventures in life. Here’s a very ‘Indian experience’ of entrepreneurial and leadership success, of triumph over adversity that conveys the joy and richness of life in rural India.

“Made In India Biddu: Adventures Of A Lifetime” by Biddu @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 252)
“I was born at a time when Man had finally learned to walk upright”
Biddu was born in India, where he started his career playing in a pop band whose influences lay in the classic repertoire of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. He was the boy with gold in his hair…From the nine-million-selling ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ to the iconic youth anthem of ‘Made in India’ and the numerous hits in between, Biddu’s music made him a household name in India and elsewhere. He became involved in Indian music: composed the cult ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ for the film Qurbani, which set a new landmark for sales in India. This was followed with Disco Deewane, with Nazia Hassan, which became the largest selling pop album in Asian history. To date, Biddu has sold over thirty-eight million records worldwide. In this first public account of all that came his way-the people, the events, the music tours and companies-Biddu writes with a wry sense of humour about his remarkable journey with its fairy-tale ending. Charming, witty, and entirely likeable, Biddu is a man you’re going to enjoy getting to know.

“The Accidental Billionaires: Sex, Money, Betrayal And The Founding Of Facebook” by Ben Mezrich @ Rs. 550/- (Pgs 260)
What began as a simple argument spiraled into an out-and-out war. This is the story of two Ivy League outcasts who concocted a scheme to meet girls, and ended up inventing Facebook. At Harvard, social acceptance and success with the opposite sex had to be applied for. Misfit and maths prodigy Eduardo Saverin dreamed of joining one of Harvard’s elite Final clubs. His best friend, computer genius Mark Zuckerberg, turned instead to his natural talents, hacking into the university’s computer system to create a rateable database of every female student on campus. After crashing the entire computer system, and escaping expulsion, they refocused to something less controversial – ‘The Facebook’ which spread like a wildfire. Eduardo and Mark were getting nods not just from the female population, but from venture capitalists too. It was then, amidst the dizzying levels of cash and the promise of unbelievable power, ironically Facebook succeeded by bringing people together – but also tore two best friends apart.

Inspiration

“The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind” by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer @ Rs. 399/- (Pgs 273)
Every woman in Malawi had to walk several kilometers to cut down a bundle of thin tress so that they can have their meals… Someone had to help save our woman & trees, and I thought, why not me?
William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, a country where hunger and drought were a daily reality, and hope and opportunity were hard to find. Facing different adversities, William who has passion for science, had a ‘crazy’ idea. His achievement with Wind Energy is an excellent example of what one person, with an inspired idea, can do to tackle the crisis. His incredible determination has changed his community and transformed the lives of those around him. A must read ‘Inspirational’ book…..

“In The Line Of Alzheimer’s: The Mission Continues” by Brig (Retd) S P Bhattacharjya @ Rs. 175/- (Pgs 88)
…caregiving to an Alzheimer’s patient need not be struggling through the storm only, but it’s possible to enjoy a bit of dancing through the rain as well.
This is a passionate account of a loving husband narrating his experiences and observations as a caregiver of his dear wife with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a tale of a fairly long journey punctuated with making mistakes and correcting them, high expectations and dashing of hopes, some achievements and many failures ending with the acceptance of the reality of essentially incurable nature of the condition and setting a goal of trying to do his best for her in spite of that.

“The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer” by Sergio F. Bambaren @ Rs. 99/- (Pgs 87)
“May your dreams come true, dreamer; and may they always bring you happiness and wisdom.”
From an author who himself left a lucrative job in order to follow his dreams, this is a wonderful book written in simple language that will awaken the dreamer in us. This is a story of courage, of struggle against ones own fears and limits- this is the story of Daniel Dolphin, who will take you on a magical journey and remind you that in the journey through life it is the will of the heart that decides our destiny.

Fiction

“Committed” by Elizabeth Gilbert @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs285)
There is no greater risk than matrimony. But there is nothing happier than a happy marriage
How does a skeptic make peace with marriage? Here is Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of her bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love. In her memoir, she fell in love with Felipe, resettled in America and they swore eternal fidelity to each other but swore never, EVER, to get married. But providence intervened and having been effectively sentenced to wed, Gilbert tackled her fears of marriage by delving completely into this topic. The result is Committed – a witty and intelligent contemplation of marriage that debunks myths, unthreads fears and suggests that sometimes even the most romantic souls must trade in her amorous fantasies for the humbling responsibility of adulthood. Committed is ultimately a clear-eyed celebration of love, with all the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails.

“Truth” by Peter Temple @ Rs. 499/- (Pgs 406)
From the author of the international bestseller “The Broken Shore”, Peter Temple’s Truth is a novel about a man, a family, a city. It is about violence, murder, love, corruption, honour and deceit. And it is about truth. At the close of a long day, Inspector Stephen Villani stands in the bathroom of a luxury apartment high above the city. In the glass bath, a young woman lies dead. Villani’s job as the head of the Victoria Police Homicide Squad is bathed in blood and sorrow. Incapable of constancy as a father and husband, damaged as a son, his life is his work. Now, over a few sweltering summer days, as fires burn across the state and his superiors and colleagues scheme and jostle, the girl’s murder will collide with what seems on the surface to be another brutal gangland slaying and expose the darkness in the city’s soul.

Indian Writing

“The Awakening” by Anita Agnihotri @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 285)
Anita Agnihotri writes in Bengali. Her works have been translated into all major Indian Languages. ‘The Awakening’ has been translated by Nandini Guha who has won the Katha Award for her translation of Bani Basu’s ‘Khharap Chhele’. ‘The Awakening’ is the story of Arjun, a potter, not by birth. It unfolds against the backdrop of the violence of the Naxal movement of the 1960s and 70s that wiped out an entire generation of Bengali’s youth. The author explores issues of caste and class that continue to hassle society in contemporary India.

“Blowback” by Mukul Deva @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs349)
India’s premier military thriller writer is back! After Salim Must Die and Lashkar, comes Blowback. Close on the heels of terror visiting Pune, Blowback makes chilling reading. A warlord in the rugged Tribal Areas of Pakistan pushes his way to the crest of the jihadi wave, seeking to forge an alliance of terror groups to take on the American surge. One of his allies appears to be Pakistan’s ISI. Blowback will keep you riveted with its tight plotting and heart stopping pace.

“Keep The Change” by Nirupama Subramanian @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 358)
Can the conservative, curd-rice eating Damayanthi become a cool, corporate babe? The uncoolness of her name plagues B.Damayanti, along with the bunch of unsuitable prospective husbands her Amma throws at her and a dead-end job as an accountant in a decrepit firm in Chennai. A wickedly witty first novel, Keep The Change is a rollicking story of every girl’s journey to fulfil her dreams and find her own place in the world.

“Karl, Aaj Aur Kal” by Cyrus Broacha @ Rs. 195/- (Pgs 233)
India’s best known funny man comes up with a witty, hilarious novel about celebrities, Bollywood and politics. Like it says in the preface, “the book was intended as a murder mystery, but due to the author’s revulsion towards blood, it was adapted into a historical documentary with elements of drama, melodrama, but none whatsoever of lovemaking.” A complete time-pass reading for your flight!

“Eating Women, Telling Tales” by Bulbul Sharma @ Rs. 295/- (Pgs 113)
Following on her bestselling The Anger of Aubergines, Bulbul Sharma brings us another collection of women’s food stories from the Indian Kitchen. Each vignette is, by turns, funny, poignant, macabre – a delicious spread, showcasing Bulbul Sharma’s mastery of the stories of small actors and the drama of daily life.

“Chai, Chai: Travels In Places Where You Stop But Never Get Off” by Bishwanath Ghosh @ Rs. 250/- (Pgs 214)
Want to listen to the stories these small towns have to tell – then stop by with Bishwanath Ghosh and listen to the voices of these little – known towns. The idea for this book came to the author when, one evening two years ago, he got down at the Itarsi station to strech his legs. The short pieces in this book are eccentric and funny. ‘Chai Chai’ takes you to seven railway junctions where “you stop but never get off”

Young Adults

“Junk” by Melvin Burgess @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 389)
Junk=Heroin=Bliss=Despair=A Love Story You’ll Never Forget
“Gemma wants to fly, But no one can fly forever. One day, somehow, finally you have to come down”
Ground breaking and controversial from one of today’s most important writers, ‘Junk’ proves that the complexities of the drug culture are more effectively explored in fiction than in preachy documentaries. The very title was enough to shock when it was published in 1996 rising up different storms. Credible, honest, moving and sympathetic – not to drug taking, but to some of the reasons for it and to how the young fall into it and then, with luck and a bit of help, get themselves out of it. Burgess shows the reality which many adolescents know all too well that many adults want to deny. Junk encompasses the raw, savage and ecstatic world of the adolescent mind, taking the reader through first-person accounts of an “adventure” that leads to addiction. The Winner of the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award.

“Half-Minute Horrors: Very Small Stories. Very Big Scares” by Neil Gaiman & James Patterson @ Rs. 199/- (Pgs 141)
How scared can you get in only 30 seconds ? Dare to find out with Half Minute Horrors, a collection of deliciously terrifying tales and creepy illustrations by an exceptional selection of writers and illustrators. Each one takes only 30 seconds to read…. But the chills will take much longer to fade. Featuring stories by Holly Black, Lemony Snicket, Neil Gaiman and others.

“Panna” by Kamala Das @ Rs. 125/- (Pgs 26)
This is an enchanting story about a girl called Panna who while waiting on the seaside for her brother Moti falls asleep and enters the magical land under the sea. With sensational pearly streets, coral houses, bewitching green skies and fascinating inhabitants like the Fish King, Fish Queen and Wind Monster, writer poet Kamla Das has written a truly captivating story for young readers. Illustrated with traditional Madhubani folk art, Panna is a lovely story of fairy tale magic that will steal your heart away.

“S’s Secret” by Shobhaa De @ Rs. 95/- (Pgs 153)
Shobhaa De’s Snappy Happy Series is her first book for children.
S’s Secret tells about a 14-year-old girl named Sandhya. Life is such a roller-coaster for her. The agony and ecstasy of her first crush, the delirious planning for the school social, all the nameless yearning for oh-so-many things, and the overwhelming urge to rebel against doting but strict parents! And looming like a dark cloud on the horizon is a secret she can’t tell anyone…not ever her best friend…Will life ever be the same again for Sandhya if she tells?

Newer Books in tnt:

“Mission Moon: Exploring The Moon With Chandrayaan 1” by S. K. Das @ Rs. 175/-
“Shoo, Jimmy Choo!: The Modern Girl’s Guide To Spending Less And Saving More” by Catey Hill @ Rs. 399/-
“A Disobedient Girl” by Ru Freeman @ Rs. 550/-
“Ram Jethmalani: The Authorized Biography” by Nalini Gera @ Rs. 450/-
“Love Is Hell” by Melissa Marr & many more @ Rs. 250/-
“The Sign” by Raymond Khoury @ Rs. 299/-
“The Piano Teacher” by Janice Y.K. Lee @ Rs. 335/-
“Home Boy” by H.M. Naqvi @ Rs. 399/-
“Corporate Governance And Stewardship” by N Balasubramanian @ Rs. 795/-
“Manto Selected Stories” translated by Aatish Taseer @ Rs. 295/-
“In Other Rooms, Other Wonders” by Daniyal Mueenuddin @ Rs. 395/-
“Holmes Of The Raj” by Vithal Rajan @ Rs. 295/-
“First There Was Woman And Other Stories” by Marija Sres @ Rs. 195/-
“The Beast With Nine Billion Feet” by Anil Menon @ Rs. 295/-
“Nine By Nine” by Daman Singh @ Rs. 250/-
“Year of the Tiger” by Sohaila Abdulali @ Rs. 299/-
“Chicken Soup For The Indian Romantic Soul” by Jack Canfield @ Rs. 295/-
“The Mystery Of 2012: Predictions, Prophecies, Possibilities” by Gregg Braden and more @ Rs. 299/-
“Good Small Business Guide 2010: How To Start And Grow Your Own Business” @ Rs. 1199/-
“Whole Earth Discipline” by Stewart Brand @ Rs. 599/-
“Runner” by Thomas Perry @ Rs. 299/-
“The Strangest Man: The Hidden Life Of Paul Dirac, Quantum Genius” by Graham Farmeld @ Rs. 450/-
“Word For Word” by James E. Snyder @ Rs. 399/-
“Lessons In Forgetting” by Anita Nair @ Rs. 399/-
“The Perfect Prey: The Fall of ABN AMRO, Or What Went Wrong In The Banking Industry” by Jeroen Smit @ Rs. 650/-
“The Land Of Cards: Stories, Poems And Plays For Children” by Rabindranath Tagore @ Rs. 199/-
“Dork” by Sidin Vadukut @ Rs. 199/-
“An Endless Winter’s Night: An Anthology of Mother-Daughter Stories edited by Ira Raja & Kay Souter @ Rs.375/-
“Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Survival in India” by Vandana Shiva @ Rs.300/-
“Home: Storytelling House” by Nina Sabnani @ Rs.450/-
“Hanuman’s Ramayan” retold by Devdutt Pattanaik @ Rs.135/-
“Way To Go” by Upamanyu Chatterjee @ Rs. 499/-
“Becoming Indian: The Unfinished Revolution Of Culture & Identity” by Pavan k. Verma @ Rs. 499/-
“Witness The Night” by Kishwar Desai @ Rs. 225/-
“Mr Oliver’s Diary” by Ruskin Bond @ Rs. 150/-
“Maria’s Room” by Shreekumar Verma @ Rs. 299/-
“It Rained All Night” by Buddhadeva Bose @ Rs. 150/-
“Percy Jackson The Demigod Files” by Rick Riordan @ Rs. 199/-
“Where Girl’s Dare” by Bhavna Chauhan @ Rs. 150/-
“Dreams In Prussian Blue” by Paritosh Uttam @ Rs. 150/-
“Love Over Coffee” by Amrit N. Shetty @ Rs. 150/-
“Monkey-Man” by Usha K.R. @ Rs. 299/-
“Connected: The Amazing Power Of Social Networks & How They Shape our Lives” by Nicholas Christakis @ Rs. 499/-
“A Warrior’s Life: A Biography Of Paulo Coelho” by Fernando Morais @ Rs. 599/-
“Anna: The Life And Times Of C.N. Annadurai” by R. Kannan @ Rs. 550/-
“Freefall: Free Mkts & The Sinking Of The Global Economy” by Joseph Stiglitz @ Rs. 499/-
“Trickster City: Writings From The Belly Of The Metropolis” by diff authors @ Rs. 499/-
“Don’t Sprint The Marathon” by V. Raghunathan @ Rs. 199/-
“Delhi Durbar” by Krishan Partap Singh @ Rs. 195/-
“The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” by Ken Robinson @ Rs. 350/-
“Strangers” by Anita Brookner @ Rs. 299/-
“The Spark: The 28-Day Breakthrough Plan For Losing Weight, Getting Fit, And Transforming Your Life” by Chris Downie @ Rs. 299/-
“The Power Of No” by Beth Wareham @ Rs. 225/-
“Possession” by Kamala Markandaya @ Rs 250/-
“Ash & Tara And The Emerald Dagger” by Jeanne Perrett @ Rs. 150/-
“Three Cups Of Tea: The Young Reader’s Edition” by Greg Mortenson @ Rs. 299/-
“What Is Man: Selected Writings Of Sri Madhava Ashish” by Madhava Ashish @ Rs. 350/-
“The Murder Room” by PD James @ Rs. 299/-
“The Drucker Difference” edited by Craig L. Pearce @ Rs. 575/-
“Rides A Dread Legion” by Raymond E. Feist @ Rs. 350/-
“Roverandom” by J.R.R. Tolkien @ Rs. 310/-
“The Shadow Of The Great Game: The Untold Story Of India’s Partition” by Narendra Singh Sarila @ Rs. 399/-
“Mother Pious Lady: Making Sense Of Everyday India” by Santosh Desai @ Rs. 399/-
“Kaifi & I: A Memoir” by Shaukat Kaifi @ Rs. 295/-
“Repositioning” by Jack Trout @ Rs. 250/-
“Beyond Twilight: Explore The World Of Vampires” by Manuela Mascetti @ Rs. 395/-
“Intimate Pretence: Oriya Short Stories” by Paramita Satpathy @ Rs. 95/-
“The Scalpel: Game Beneath” by H S Rissam @ Rs. 195/-
“Jihad, Peace & Inter-Community Relations In Islam” by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan @ Rs. 295/-
“Hakuna Matata: Life Is Calling” by Srinivas Yanamandra @ Rs. 95/-
“Running On Full” by Tina Sharma Tiwari @ Rs. 95/-
“Sarojini Naidu: Selected Poetry And Prose” Edited by Makarand R. Paranjape @ Rs. 295/-
“Times Food Guide 2010” by Karen Anand @ Rs. 125/-
“The Eerie Silence: Are We Alone In The Universe” by Paul Davies @ Rs. 599/-
“The World Is Curved: Hidden Dangers To The Global Econamy” by David M. Smick @ Rs. 499/-
“House Of Cards” by William D. Cohan @ Rs. 499/-
“The Maruti Story: How A Public Sector Company Put India On Wheels” by R.C. Bhargava @ Rs. 499/-
“Street Smarts: An All-Purpose Tool Kit For Entrepreneurs” by Norm Brodsky & Bo Burlingham @ Rs. 499/-
“Vampire Academy: Shadow Kiss” by Richelle Mead @ Rs. 299/-
“The Theory Of Moral Sentiments” by Adam Smith @ Rs. 499/-
“Einstein’s God: Conversations About Science And The Human Spirit” by Krista Tippett @ Rs. 499/-
“Flying Your Golden Bird To Riches: A Prosperity Book For The Indian Soul” by Dr. Michael J. Duckett @ Rs. 199/-
“The Art Of Meditation” by Matthieu Ricard @ Rs. 399/-
“Profit Now I Know: A To Z Finance And Investing” Edited by Vinod Mehta @ Rs. 125/-
“The Temple Goers” by Aatish Taseer @ Rs. 495/-
“Soulmates: True Stories From The World Of Online Dating” by Sonali Fernando @ Rs. 399/-
“Himglish & Femalese: Why Women Don’t Get Why Men Don’t Get Them” by Jean Hannah Edelstein @ Rs. 399/-
“Heliopolis” by James Scudamore @ Rs. 399/-
“My Comeback: Up Close And Personal” by Lance Armstrong @ Rs. 550/-
“Fighting Ruben Wolfe” by Markus Zusak @ Rs. 199/-
“Lords Of Finance” by Liaquat Ahamed @ Rs. 499/-
“Sadhus: Going Beyond The Dreadlocks” by Patrick Levy @ Rs. 250/-
“A Good Talk” by Daniel Menaker @ Rs. 550/-
“The Long Song” by Andrea Levy @ Rs. 595/-
“Solar” by Ian McEwan @ Rs. 550/-
“The Hidden Heart Of Emily Hudson” by Melissa Jones @ Rs. 295/-
“The Swan Thieves” by Elizabeth Kostova @ Rs. 595/-
“No Lovelier Death” by Graham Hurley @ Rs. 350/-
“On The Brink” by Hank Paulson @ Rs. 599/-

Happy Reading, and do drop in to pick up your goodies,

From the team at

twistntales