Its pouring books !

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Hi all,

Books books and more books! Rain or sunshine, weekday or weekend, for those of us addicted to reading, reading is a tonic, a booster, an energizer, a refresher, a calmer, a “balm”er …… sad are those who do not enjoy the pleasure of books and do not get transported to magical lands !

For those who believe in this magic, here’s another world of books that presents itself week after week with a kaleidoscope of varied hues.

New Arrivals :

Inspiration:

“Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Relin @ Rs.395/- (349pgs)

Greg Mortenson is a high altitude climber trying to summit K2. After 2 unsuccessful summit attempts, Mortenson finds purpose in life. Working with nothing but gut feel, energy and raw courage, this book shows us Mortenson's journey from being a dreamer to successfully setting up series of schools in inhospitable high altitude zones of karokarram. Through areas of complete civil non governance, inhospitable terrain, tribal codes, and high anti american feelings, Mortenson has successfully ploughed his way through innumerable obstacles, and it is a complete triumph for the human spirit. It reminds you a little of the Alchemist. Solo and self driven, it shows that one person can really move mountains. Brilliant book. Highly recommended. Don't borrow, buy it. It helps Mortenson's cause!

“One Life to Ride: A Motorcycle Journey to the High Himalayas” by Ajit Harisinghani @ Rs.195/-(224pgs)

Beginning with a beautiful cover page, the book continues with its tryst with capturing the rugged beauty of the roads leading to Khardung –la. An entrancing travelogue of a journey performed by a practicing speech therapist with a yen for the dugh ...dugh...dugh of a Royal Enfield bullet! Beginning with the description a trailer ride from Pune to Goa, the actual action begins with plans of a 4300 kms motorcycle journey, solo until New Delhi .Once the journey begins, the witty, incisive reflections gives the reader a feeling of actually being there with the author. The tea – stall encounters of digital camera entranced village folk, mysterious sufi saints, the pleasure of riding on silk smooth roads maintained by the Border Roads Organization and the brave faces of Indian soldiers guarding our border in hostile conditions ..are just not to be missed.

“The Greatness Guide 2: 101 Ways to Reach the Next Level” by Robin Sharma @ Rs.195/- (203pgs)

The Greatness Guide 2 excites with uncommon advice that energizes delights! ’Be so good that they can’t ignore you’,’ Ask to Get’,’ Live an Intense Life’ are just a few. It aims at helping you to get to world class at work and in life, discover happiness and make the most of it, have more fun, simplify your personal and professional life. Each of the 101 simple yet powerful lessons are the proverbial egg-ons, so any random page could bring about that 360 degree change you’ve been aiming for.

“More Notes From the Universe: Life, Dreams and Happiness” by Mike Dooley @ Rs.560/- (218pgs)

In this second book in the ‘Notes From the Universe’ trilogy, the author again acts as liaison for the Universe serving you reminders to help keep readers grounded, excited, smiling their way to enlightenment .Each of the few lines on the beautifully designed page gently prods one to contemplate and concentrate on oneself and our thoughts. ‘There is no predicament that can’t be turned into an advantage and no burden that cannot give you wings….’It’s this wise!

“An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love” by Richard Carlson & Kristine Carlson @ Rs.580/-(61 pgs)

A profoundly moving book that shows the importance of treasuring each day as the incredible gift that it is. Savoring each little joy that comes our way in life makes us realize that actually the things we love most never really cost much money! What if we were given just an hour to live? How would we spend it? Whom would we call? Whom would we want to be close to? What would we want to say? This book can ask some really meaningful queries which will make us sit up and pay good attention to the way our life is shaping up.

“Mental Resilience: The Power of Clarity- How to Develop the Focus of A Warrior and the Peace of a Monk” by Kamal Sarma @ Rs.670/- (194pgs)

From practicing spirituality to training for leadership, the author comes a long way and this book contains a fair amount of the skills and knowledge gleaned from such a momentous career span. Dealing with the scenario when every person encounters challenges, personal or professional, the author lays down a clear and succinct game plan to disallow stress to overcome calm. Simple techniques and proven skills to enhance mental resilience are drawn from age old wisdom of monks as well as warriors. The inclusion of an audio CD makes understanding and practicing these techniques easier and effective.

Philosophy:

“Pointers from Ramesh Balsekar” by Gautam Sachdev @ Rs.250/- (99pgs)

The author has been a keen follower of the preaching’s of the Advaita sage Ramesh Balsekar since February 2000 and this book describes the pointers with which life’s situations can be calmly dealt with, how to enjoy the little pleasures of this gift of life and how to convert each pain and sorrow to peace and a new treasury of knowledge and experience.

“Advaita on Zen And Tao: Insights on Huang Po & Lao Tzu” by Ramesh Balsekar @ Rs.300/- (194pgs)

Advaita sage Ramesh Balsekar, author of over 20 books discusses Indian Philosophy and aims to form a confluence of the eternal philosophies of the Advaita, Zen and Tao. He draws from the deep recesses of all three philosophies to find that common thread which weaves the truth of every life, the power of the mind and the basic concept that ‘All there is, is Consciousness’. Through the 90, brief chapters the author explores the theories of Zen Master Huang Po and Tao Master Lao Tzu.

Management:

“The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together To Create a Sustainable World” by Peter Senge @ Rs.895/- (406pgs)

From a senior lecturer at MIT, author of several bestsellers like ‘The Fifth Discipline’,’ Schools That Learn’ and ‘Presence’ is this book, brimming with inspiring stories from companies across the globe and people at various levels who have shown a positive path towards tackling social and environmental problems all around the world. Expounding the necessity of cross boundary collaboration to create a sustainable world for the present and future inhabitants .Stories from archives of Alcoa’s water use reduction goals, GE’s eco imagination initiative and Seventh Generation’s decision to shift some of their advertising to youth –led social change programs reinforce the faith that ‘Yes! Good things can be made possible!’

“Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way” by Jeffery Liker @ Rs.450/- (562pgs)

After The Toyota Way, and The Toyota Talent, now comes The Toyota Culture, also by Jeffery Liker. When Toyota spells success, it makes it worthwhile to peep into what lies beneath the Company’s policies. An inside scoop of the people centric culture that sustains consistent growth, innovation and profits, is what the author lets us have. From attracting an exemplary workforce to using top-down and bottom–up planning process to involve everyone in achieving break-through goals, this book is a mine of information on Toyota’s recipe for sustained success.

Fiction:

“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S Lewis @ Rs.595/- (766pgs)

A fine collection of seven original novels, this magnificent omnibus is a real treat for lovers of Narnia. Journeys to the end of the world, fantastic creatures and epic battles between good and evil rivet you to every page. Each of the seven novels is a masterpiece in itself, drawing the reader into a land where magic meets reality.

“Devil May Care: A James Bond Novel” by Sebastian Faulks writing as Ian Fleming @ Rs.395/- (294pgs)

Bond Is Back .He is also back in the swinging 60’s! With hashish and heroin doing rounds in Britain and France to reach out to the rest of the world, the plot unfolds in Paris with Bond on a three month sabbatical which is rudely interrupted when a British airliner goes missing over Iraq …but with a willing and able accomplice like glamorous Scarlett Papava, he is more than willing and able to take on his most dangerous adversary as yet -’Dr.Julius Garner’. A good, old fashioned ;) Bond thriller, just right for a weekend read!

“The Secret of Lost Things” by Sheridan Hay @ Rs.395/- (354pgs)

Finally! A bookstore who - dunnit with intrigue in every page and realization that words are money and deception is power. What lies beneath the façade of simple bookselling is a ruthless bidding and competition to secure rare books by well….rare means and make mounds of money. It’s all about ethics and copyrights and how effective they really are.

“The World According to Bertie” by Alexander McCall Smith @Rs.275/- (329 pgs)

A 44, Scotland Street novel, this is woven by one hundred short chapters which contain random observations, memories, conversations and run –ins between some really eccentric characters! An artist, a gallery assistant, an anthropologist, a mummy terrified young Bertie, an heiress in search of true love, a harangued pet dog and more! Interspersed are some amusing sketches and some really thoughtful prose. It makes one realize that it would be a good idea if - some times, grown ups had better act like children to resolve the problems they create for themselves and children had better be left to savour their childhood before they reach the stage of the inescapable commitments of adulthood.

Indian Writing:

“The Sea of Poppies” by Amitav Ghosh @ Rs.599/- (515pgs)

The first of his new trilogy of novels, this master storyteller takes us on a journey of human interactions and bonding, of separation and confluence and a common urge...to reach their chosen destination. A vast ship Ibis sails through the Indian Ocean to the Mauritius and the people on board are a fancy motley array of sailors, stowaways, coolies and convicts. Set in the times of colonial upheaval of the mid nineteenth century, the intermingling of a bankrupt Rajah, a mulatto American, a widowed village woman blends a curious mix of jahaj-bhais. Between the Opium wars in the backstreets of China, from the poppy fields around the Ganges an epic journey begins.

“Families At Home” by Reeti Gadekar @Rs.295/- (266pgs)

A debut novel by Berlin based author, this is a book short listed for the Man Asian literary prize 2007.Set in turbulent ‘90’s, with Delhi as a backdrop, a story of murder/suicide, corruption, power play, ethical aberrations and human eccentricities that plague an upper-class ,politically connected business family .The difficult choices and dilemma faced by the investigating officer Nikhil Juneja, his own failings and the mind boggling interconnections and betrayals of the police force is brought to fore …so who can be trusted? Does truth ever prevail...intriguing tale.

“Neglected Lives” by Stephen Alter @Rs.225/-(182pgs)

A debut novel first published way back in 1978, this unerringly humane novel makes a comeback to reveal the otherwise veiled lives of an Anglo-Indian community in picturesque surroundings of Debrakot. When Lionel leaves behind a reckless love affair in Lucknow and reaches Debrakot, he is inescapably drawn into the lives of its inhabitants; only to discover troubling secrets, tragic emotions, fascinating characters, tenderness, affection and more heartbreak but finally, true love.

“Renuka” by Stephen Alter @Rs.250/-(224pgs)

The author’s fourth novel is set in the hill station (Landour, Mussoorie).It tells of the friendship between Renuka and Rachel two women from distinctly different backgrounds and their conversations and interactions reveal to the reader an entirely fresh prospective of each culture amidst a love –hate relationship between the local residents, Renuka and Rachel. Fifteen chapters, each beginning with a delicious recipe by an inhabitant of the hill station and involving that character make this an interesting presentation and a perfect backdrop for a plot involving women, women and women.

“T’Ta Professor” by Manohar Shyam Joshi, translated by Ira Pande @ Rs.299/-(139 pgs)

Set in a sleepy hamlet tucked away in the Himalayan climes of Almora, this is the brilliantly sketched story of Kashtivallabh Pant, ’dubbul MA ‘-his preoccupation with British habits criss cross his study of Hindi and History, thwarted ambitions, sly contention for power in the school where he teaches, forays into amorous relationships stifled by social inhibitions and a friend who also is a fierce contender for all that he covets! Humorous as well as touching this is proof that human traits know no boundaries of geography, culture or time. This classic from an iconic figure of Hindi literature who wrote the screenplays for serials like ‘Buniyaad’ ,’Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne’ and ‘Hum Log’ is effortlessly translated by Ira Pande, herself an established authoress and dedicated translator of Kumaoni literature.

Others:

“Young Rangers” by Sunjoy Monga @ Rs.350/- (144pgs) – Nature/ Environment

‘A way for today’s youth to come together for our Earth’ is the motto of this superbly crafted book, brimming with smart ways in which to sensitize youth about the importance of ecological conservation. From soil conservation to air pollution to global warming, the naturalist, writer, wildlife cinematographer author explains and explores each topic, bringing out the changes that human’s have brought about. Various innovative and simple methods are discussed to encourage young people to be more ware of the repercussions of their behavior on the environment. With sufficient picture plates, examples and a glossy set of pages, this is a fun way of learning all about what’s around you.

“Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army” by Jeremy Scahill @ Rs.570/-(550pgs) – Socio Eco

Winner of the George Polk book Award, this fully revised and updated version of ‘Blackwater’ is the blood chilling account of the rise and success of the world’s most secretive, private mercenary army and its effect on today’s war on/of terror. From the gory streets of Baghdad to sleazy New Orleans, the U.S war machine’s sweeping orbit stuns and scandalizes one and all. With a chapter wise reference note at the end of the book, one can’t but wake up to the truth about today’s wars. They are all just mercenary.

“A to Z of Health Challenges after Thirty: A Practical Guide to Know Your Health Needs” by Ashok Jain @ Rs.225/- (290pgs) – Health.

As the title suggests this is a practical guide to correctly handle the physical and psychological changes that occur in our body after 30’s .With hectic lifestyles and nuclear families, often times one loses track of age (!) and with no voice of experience around, it could be easy to dither about some really common ailments or changes in the body; which could merely warrant a simple change in life style or maybe a good, thorough check up of the systems. The doctors tackle with gentle gusto almost every ailment that could visit a 30+ person and classify, describe and explain possible remedies .If not for the remedial measures, the fact that such afflictions are common to all persons at some point in their life can actually relieve one’s anxiety.

More new books:

“Discovering The Vedas: Origins, Mantras, Rituals, Insights” by Frits Staal @ Rs.495/- (419pgs)
“The Gravedigger’s Daughter” by Joyce Carol Oates @ Rs.295/- (582pgs)
“Sales Bible: The Ultimate Sales Resource” by Jeffrey Gitomer @ Rs.1005/- (291pgs)
“Happiness and Other Disorders” by Ahmad Saidullah @ Rs.299/- (255pgs)
“Super Crunchers: How Anything Can Be Predicted” by Ian Ayres @ Rs.350/- (260pgs)
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker @ Rs.295/- (261pgs)
“Keep off the Grass” by Karan Bajaj @ Rs.195/- (259pgs)
“Zoom: The Global Race to Fuel the Car of the Future” by Iain Carson & Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran @ Rs.395/- (336pgs)
“Divide or Conquer: How Great Teams Turn Conflict Into Strength” by Diana McLain Smith @ Rs.935/- (289pgs)
“Smoke And Mirrors: An Experience of China” by Pallavi Aiyar @ Rs.395/- (273pgs)
“Rubbish Boyfriends” by Jessie Jones @ Rs.225/- (436pgs)
“A Journey Interrupted: Being Indian In Pakistan” by Farzana Versey @ Rs.295/- (279pgs)
“The Ghost” by Robert Harris @ Rs.255/- (400pgs)
“A House In The Old Style” by Ananda Mukerji @ Rs.295/- (311pgs)
“A Case Of Exploding Mangoes” by Mohammed Hanif @ Rs.395/- (295pgs)
“Bone China” by Roma Tearne @ Rs.295/- (400pgs)
“Redefining Global Strategy: Crossing Borders in a World Where Differences Still Matter” by Pankaj Ghemawat @ Rs.695/- (257pgs)
“Go Kiss The World: Life Lessons For the Young Professional” by Subroto Bagchi @ Rs.399/-(239pgs)
“A House in the Old Style” by Ananda Mukerji @ Rs.295/- (311pgs)
“Wolf Totem” by Jiang Rong @ Rs.525/- (527pgs)
“The Post –American World” by Fareed Zakaria @ Rs.499/- (292pgs)
“The Go- Giver: A little Story about A Powerful Business Idea” by Bob Burg and John Mann @ Rs.225/- (132pgs)
“The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels” by Michael Watkins @ Rs.695/-(254pgs)

Happy Reading and see you at the Store!

From the team at

twistntales