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Hi all,
When schools begin, parents too can return to a routine! Phew! Welcome back to sanity, early mornings and more time to work!
Yes, at twistntales, activities revolve around the school calendar, and though the books come in fast and newer and newer books keep happening all the time, the reviews slow down a bit. But for those of you who have continued to drop in, I’m sure you have been delighted, everytime.
And hey, thankyou …. To all those who have kept enquiring about our well-being, every time a mail gets delayed! Feels good.
We have 3 books making the news in recent times. One of course, is Amitav Ghosh’s “The Sea of Poppies”. It is bound to be a superhit, Amitav Ghosh easily taking top honours amongst Indian writers.
But its about the other 2 books, that we will like to inform you about. One of them is Gauri Dange’s “3, Zakia Mansion” (reviewed below). Many of you know Gauri, both as an established writer with her byline in the erstwhile Maharashtra Herald, and as a family counselor. Her debut novel, 3, Zakia Mansion recently released, is now available at the Store.
The other book is “One Life to Ride” by Ajit Harisinghani. Ajit is an Enfield Bullet enthusiast, and at 54, had the longest ride of his life. This book is an account of his journey from Pune to Khardungla Pass. No travel/ road/ bike buff should miss this! This book, (yet to be reviewed) is also available at the Store!
And now for other new books:
“Barack Obama: The New Face Of American Politics” by Martin Dupuis and Keith Boeckelman @ Rs.295/- (167pgs)
Inaugurating a series on women and minorities in politics, this book gives an exciting view of the American political landscape. Teamed with the tale of the meteoric rise to political fame by Barack Obama- only the fifth African American to serve in the US Senate, this book reverberates with the compelling thoughts of the Presidential candidate about issues like justice and social security. Obama gives more meaning to the American dream- clearly.
“The Shape Of The Beast: Conversations With Arundhati Roy” @ Rs.499/- (271pgs)
Fourteen interviews, conducted between Jan 2001 and March 2008 bring out the views of Arundhati Roy about matters closest to her heart. People displaced due to dams, Gujarat genocide, Maoist rebels are just a few topics. Unabashedly political, with typical candour the authoress shares her feelings and convictions with the reader.
“Under Her Spell: Roberto Rossellini in India” by Dileep Padgaokar @ Rs.550 (263pgs)
In India by the invitation of Prime Minister Nehru, Roberto Rossellini, the renowned neo-realist film director concentrated on the newly emerging, metamorphosing India and it was here that his life changed. His meeting Sonali Dasgupta, wife of a documentary film maker and mother of two children. Dileep Padgaokar traces sale of a remarkable man who fell under the spell of a woman, a Country and its people.
“The Other Indians” by Vinay Lal @ Rs. 295/- (159pgs)
In the era when Indians have made known their presence notably in the field of medicine, engineering, software, hospitality and other service sectors, the author gently traces this exodus and settlement of Indians abroad as well as the impact on India and the host country. Phenomena like the Ghadr movement, struggles over the rights of citizenship, the emergences of ‘temple culture’ are well described and analyzed.
“Groundswell” by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff @ Rs.1270/- (286pgs)
Defined as a spontaneous movement of people using online tools to connect, gain experience and scourge information, support and ideas- The Groundswell phenomenon is what the authors deal with in this book.
“Chicken Soup For The Indian Soul” by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Raksha Bharadia@ Rs.275/- (302pgs)
This special edition featuring outstanding stories by stalwarts like Tanuja Chandra, Shiamak Dawar, Arun Gandhi, Sanjeev Kapoor, Narayan Murthy and many more makes an inspiring read and also gives one a rare insight into the background and backdrop struggles and tribulations that these people who are successful today had to overcome yesterday.
“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch @ Rs.295/- (207pgs)
A computer science professor at the Carnegie Mellon, the author had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. What ensued were a series of heartwarming , sensible lectures which underlined the importance of overcoming obstacles, enabling the dreams of others and making the most of every precious moment in life. He writes unhesitatingly about his tough old-school English teacher mother, his auto insurance selling dad, the journey to becoming a computer science professor and in general about all those things he did to make life work for him.
“Viva Santiago” by Colin Fernandes @ Rs.199/- (137pgs)
The heavenly locales of Goa combined with an erratic Delhi University student’s life make this fun filled, kaleidoscopic novel with a strange twist in its tale a charming holiday read. The encounters of Alonso Gonzalez in Goa come replete with the sounds and flavours, sleaze and social intrigues of the land of forever holidays. Snapshots of young kids, an old home, a favourite lighthouse increase the appeal of this book and one can’t but helplessly get totally involved in this plot.
“The Girl With The Golden Parasol” by Uday Prakash @ Rs.250/- (205pgs)
From one of contemporary Hindis’ most important voices comes this novella revolving around the love between Rahul and Anjali and the cultural malevolence that surrounds them. How politics and power can bring ordinary people on the brink of devastation is brilliantly depicted here. Clearly indicating the undercurrents of social divide prevalent in society, the story sends across a message of how, true emotions can triumph even amidst adverse conditions.
“The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga @ Rs.395/- (321pgs)
A darkly humorous story about the struggle for success and lucre- this details the life and ever changing morals of small town Balram- son of a rickshaw puller who begins work in a tea-shop and dreams of a high-flying well paid job. With a break into the realm of vehicles- as a chauffeur, Balram’s re-education commences and the tiger now seeks escape from the cage of servility to become his own master. This journey to entrepreneurial success does raise eye brows-the way is not too simple and the plot evermore amoral and totally irreverent!
“3, Zakia Mansion” by Gouri Dange @ Rs.200/- (163pgs)
A first novel from an editor and practicing family counsellor, this is a story of a young girl’s journey from adulthood to a family life, motherhood and the rude realization that just having a family does not ensure having warm relationships, a sense of belonging and an independence of personality. Shaheen’s turbulent marriage, her emotional estrangement from her only daughter, her search for a life of dignity brings together unlikely characters and yes.. a happy ending.
“A Golden Age” by Tahmima Anam @ Rs.295/- (276pgs)
Set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh War of Independence, this is an eye opening story of revolution, hope and courage which springs from unexpected quarters and the great lengths that that can be traversed in the name of love. Short listed for the Costa first novel award, the book has an effortless narrative; the story of Rehana, married to Iqbal at the toss of a coin, widowed after she had two children, separated from them when her childless brother in law vied for their custody, re united after much struggle only to be torn apart in a war for an independent new country… her struggle to reunite her family and live her own life makes an inspiring read.
“Limping To The Centre Of The World” by Timeri N Murari @ Rs.350/- (287pgs)
Mount Kailas is the most difficult pilgrimage in the whole world. But the author, with a bandaged knee made the ardous journey and back moving purely on a spiritual, not religious faith. Kailas calls, and when He calls, there is no chance to rethink. Circumstances and situations in life re-align themselves to help you make it to the top, inspite of the most excruitiating circumstances. He set out on a 200km trail up to Lipu Lekh pass into Nepal and the Dolma La pass on the parikrama. In freezing cold. The author’s interactions with fellow travelers and random encounters with Tibetan monks, French backpackers, German anthropologists and more such interesting people enliven the rigours of his tedious journey undertaken for one reason- Bhima his ‘temporary’ son is about to undergo a major surgery.
“Narmada: River of Beauty” by Amrit Vegad @ Rs.250/- (187pgs)
The personal travelogue of award winning artist and writer captures the geography, sociology, culture and economics of the river Narmada’s course from its source to the final flow. A travel/pilgrimage undertaken from 1987 onwards-times when there were no well laid roads and no cell phones, the author narrates his encounters with the villagers who live on the banks of the river, their simplicity, generous hospitality, his nerve racking journey through rains, sun and forests as well as incidents like encounters with a pair of cobras and a run-in with ants. Simple language and evocative sketches make this an authentic peek into the real India with the river Narmada as a lifeline.
“Travels with Herodotus” by Ryszard Kapuscinski @ Rs.295/- (275pgs)
From a much acclaimed and awarded Polish author is this rare literary treat…a superb translation of his final book which is a travelogue spanning continents and cultures. His traveling companion is but a copy of ‘The Histories’. The thoughts of the author and Herodotus, though separated by twenty –five centuries intertwine to produce this unique work of reportage an insight .While Herodotus’s reports were based on interviews and intelligent surmises- with no help from maps (non existent in those times), or the weatherman, Kapunscinki’s reportage effortlessly mingles with myth and aberrations and succeeds in bringing out a more correct and true picture of the cultures and histories of the places that he visited.
“Seeing Is Believing: Selected Writings On Cinema” by Chidananda Das Gupta
@ Rs.499/- (295pgs)
From the founder of the Federation of Film Societies of India and an authority par excellence in the world of cinema, comes this book which brings together some of his finest writings on the subject of cinema. Articles about origins and history of parallel cinema, the national film awards, portrayal of women, politics and films and of course the heart beat of every movie- the song! Spanning the past six decades, he ventures to study the works of five of the Nation’s best film-makers – from Satyajit Ray to Shyam Benegal.
“Complete Book of the Olympics” @ Rs.1200/- (1181pgs)
This 2008 edition is a mine field of lore, information and anecdotes from 112 years of Olympic history. It contains full descriptions of rules and scoring for every event included in the Beijing Olympics as well as names and a brief introduction of the top eight finishers in every summer event since 1896.The inclusion of vintage photographs and relevant statistics make this a true sportsperson’s cherished copy!
“Allie Finkle’s Rules For Girls” by Meg Cabot @ Rs.299/- (198pgs)
Allie Finkle’s parents are on the move. From a house with her own pretty pink room to an old home in town, Allie’s world is altered- but what about her rules? Allie explores how much she loves rules and why! Young ladies, check them out!
Newer Books:
“Young Rangers” by Sunjoy Monga @ Rs.350/- (144pgs)
“One Life to Ride: A Motorcycle Journey to the High Himalayas” by Ajit Harisinghani @ Rs.195/-(224pgs)
“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S Lewis @ Rs.595/- (766pgs)
“The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together To Create a Sustainable World” by Peter Senge @ Rs.895/- (406pgs)
“The 12 Bad Habits That Hold Good People Back: Overcoming the Behavior Patterns That Keep You from Getting Ahead” by James Waldroop and Timothy Butler @ Rs.425 (325pgs)
“Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way” by Jeffery Liker @ Rs.450/- (562pgs)
“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)
“Pointers from Ramesh Blasekar” by Gautam Sachdev @ Rs.250/- (99pgs)
“Advaita on Zen And Tao: Insights on Huang Po & Lao Tzu” by Ramesh Balsekar @ Rs.300/- (194pgs)
“Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army” by Jeremy Scahill @ Rs.570/-(550pgs)
“More Notes From the Universe: Life, Dreams and Happiness” by Mike Dooley @ Rs.560/- (218pgs)
“The Greatness Guide 2:101 Ways to Reach the Next Level” by Robin Sharma @ Rs.195/- (203pgs)
“The Sea of Poppies” by Amitav Ghosh @ Rs.599/- (515pgs)
“A to Z of Health Challenges after Thirty: A Practical Guide to Know Your Health Needs” by Ashok Jain @ Rs.225/- (290pgs)
Happy Reading and see you at the Store,
From the team at twistntales
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