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,