Book Reviews

The Bhairav Putras

Author: Suhail Mathur
Publisher: Red Ink Publishers, New Delhi
(Pp 343, ISBN 978-81-929-324-91, Rs 245)

Mythology has always enticed readers and debutant authors are giving a fresh tinge to these novels. The Bhairav Putras is an intriguing book which is not only thrilling but adventurous as well. Set in 1936, the book has a very contemporary feel to it and shows that it is well – researched. Though written by a debutant author Suhail Mathur, the book is well-written and full of twists and turns.

This is a classic and legendary tale of a band of men who defied the norms to fight guns, deception and intrigue at every corner of their thrilling escapades, which unfortunately got lost, somewhere in the annals of history.

So, if you are looking for a fast-paced thrilling novel, The Bhairav Putras is for you!

–Varsha Verma

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I Am Dead But My Heart Beats

Author: Priyank
Publisher: Teenage Publishers, New Delhi
(Pp 224, ISBN 978-81-929-324-39, Rs 140)

Based on true life story, it is an attempt by a debt author Priyank as a tribute to his beloved. The book is about four youngsters from different communities speaking different languages. Set in the time of communal riots, the story is about love, community, hatred, sacrifice and hope. Some of the instances are so real; you can actually feel that they are taken from your life.

–Vasu V

The Last Puff

Author: Dr Sajeela Maini
Publisher: Sajeela Publishing House, New Delhi
(Pp 284, ISBN 978-93-5137-478-7, Rs 395)

A smoker has a weird and wonderful bond with his cigarette. He loves his cigarettes as much as he hates them. Categorically written for all those smokers who wish to quit smoking, the book handholds the reader in this process of quitting smoking. The book is divided into four parts – the smoker (smoker’s mind, the last puff preparedness questionnaire, mirages and truths), the facts (why tobacco and other products are harmful), the mantras to quit smoking, and the therapy (therapy and relapse prevention mantras (RPM).

The author Dr Sajeela Maini has given real-life examples of her experiences with smokers for more than a decade. This book is an attempt to dentangle the addiction and set smokers free from bondage and slavery of cigarettes.

–Varsha Verma

Book Reviews

What Would apple Do?

Author: Dirk Beckmann
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
(Pp 184, ISBN 978-81-8495-563-7, Rs 299)

Apple’s must-have products add up to one giant success story – iPod, iPad, iTunes, App store, et al. What makes Apple the most innovative company on the planet? Well, Apple is more than just Steve Jobs. Apple is a concept – it does exactly the opposite of what any other company would do. Unlike Google and other internet giants, it makes its users pay for the products. It combines traditional business thinking with the endless opportunities of the digital age.

The book What Apple Would Do? reveals how you can learn from Apple to develop compelling business ideas and market them successfully. And this seems to be a concept worth learning! The author has gone a step further by penning his thoughts on what would happen if Apple developed a car, a kitchen, a TV, an e-learning platform, travel agent or a toy system. All in all, it is an interesting book and gives an insight on the learnings from Apple.

–Vasu V

The Unwanted Shadow

Author: Bhaskaryaa Deka
Publisher: Half Baked Beans Publishing, New Delhi
(Pp 168, ISBN 978-81-928936-1-7, Rs 175)

The novel The Unwanted Shadow is a thriller from Indian author Bhaskaryaa Deka. The story revolves around Mohan who moves to Delhi to put memories of his past behind. Two years later, when things seem to be going as per his wishes, darkness is ready to engulf him again. But, there is someone who can save him – a friend, an enemy…an unwanted shadow.

The characters and the incidents in the book seem real. An interesting book that hooks the reader to the end!

–Varsha Verma

Book Reviews

Understanding Asa-di-Var: The Morning Prayer

Author: Satjit Wadva
Publisher: KW Publishers Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
(Pp 256, ISBN 978-93-81904-27-5, Rs 595)

Asa-di-Var or the song of hope is one of the morning prayers enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib. It takes you back to yourself to seek within and find the divine residing in your heart. The book is an attempt to decode the words and paraphrase the poetry to state the underlying message, so that you listen to the musical rendition and let the message sink deep into your heart.

The verses are given in Punjabi language, its transliteration in English, then in Hindi and also in English. So, people who cannot read or understand Punjabi, can also be blessed with this song of hope.

–Varsha 

Spirituality in Daily Life

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Author: JP Vaswani Publisher: Gita Publishing House, Pune
(Pp 440, ISBN 978-93-80743-67-7, Rs 250)

This small-sized book is a powerful book that teaches that spirituality is not an abstract, complex pursuit that is often made out to be. It is born out of an inner aspiration, an awakening to the realization that there is more to life than materialism.

Divided into three sections – what is spirituality, preparing to walk the way of spirituality and the VIDGYOR of spirituality, the book tries to make one aware of one’s inner being, which is more powerful than we can think of. For busy people, the book has an afterword, which gives practical suggestions that one can follow on the path of spirituality. Easy-to-understand, the book helps one explore the firmament of the spirit.

–Varsha

Don’t Lose Out, Work Out!

Author: Rujuta Diwekar Publisher: Westland Ltd 

(Pp 260, ISBN 978-93-83260-95-9, Rs 250)

When you pick up a book from Rujuta, you are bound to get some easy, practical tips to stay fit. Through this book, Rujuta tackles every myth and fad on exercise, demystifies it for everyone and presents it as not a brainless activity but a science which has the potential to combat ageing and all lifestyle disorders including diabetes and obesity. Strength training, cardio and yoga are also detailed along with their pre- and post-workout meals, an often neglected but crucial aspect.

Both diet and exercise are important to keep fit. Rujuta delves into the what, how and when of eating as well. The book actually talks to you, it does not preaches. Real-life examples add to its authenticity and simplicity. All in all, it is a very practical book on exercise and staying fit.

–Varsha

Temple Trips – South India

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Research and Written by: Janaki Venkataraman and Supriya Sehgal
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd, New Delhi
(Pp 276, ISBN 978-1-74321-971-3)

The Hindu temples of South India offer pilgrimages that are voyages into faith, antique rituals and varied history. Song, dance, hymn and sculpture have sprung from these temples that have withstood centuries as centres of prayer. A temple trip to South India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) shows myriad hues of our rich tradition.

Researched and written by Janaki Venkataraman and Supriya Sehgal, Temple Trips- South India gives detailed information about 100 temples, 130 festivals, 20 pilgrimages, besides expert pick of history, heritage and culture. The book gives complete information for making perfect travel plans, right from accommodation, eating places, activities to do there, shopping areas and most importantly how to get around.

Exquisite pictures take the readers on a journey to these mystical places. A well-researched travel guide for all who wish to take a trip to South India or just enjoy the splendor in the comfort of their home!

–Varsha Verma

Book reviews 2014

Book Reviews

Legendotes of Hyderabad

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Legendotes of Hyderabad Author: Narendra Luther

Publisher: Niyogi Books, New Delhi

(Pp 258, ISBN 978-93-83098-17-0, Rs 995)

Here’s yet another art & illustrated book from the house of Niyogi Books. Printed on art paper with beautiful images from Hyderabad, the book is a treat for the eyes. The birth of Hyderabad is rooted in two legends. One is the early-teen love affair of Prince Mohammad Quli with Bhagmati, a beautiful singer and dancer. The other is the decree issued by him as the sultan of Golkonda that a new city should be constructed which would be a replica of heaven. It was earlier called Bhagnagar, after his beloved Bhagmati. Such legendotes, as the author calls them, form a chain of gripping snippets from the history of Hyderabad and the basis of this book. It is an interesting book and a collector’s item. 

–Varsha Verma 

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Arjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince

Author: Anuja Chandramouli

Publisher: Platinum Press, an imprint of Leadstart Publishing, Mumbai

(Pp 363, ISBN 978-93-8157-63-97, Rs 250)

Arjuna is the immortal tale of one of India’s greatest heroes. This Pandava warrior- prince has been a fascinating person for one and all. 

The book is a collection of episodes from Arjuna’s life (some well known, others relatively obscure), gleaned through years of painstaking research and then presented in a seamless narrative with the uninhibited panache and style of a 21st century writer. It spans his journey from before his birth, when omens foretold his greatness, across the fabled, wondrous landscape that was his life. This is the intense and human story of his loves, friendships, ambitions, weaknesses and follies, as well as his untimely death and revival. 

The book will appeal to both general readers as well as scholars. 

- V Verma 

100 Ways to Motivate Yourself

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Author: Neeru Sachdeva

Publisher: Lotus Press, New Delhi

(Pp 230, ISBN 978-81-8382-232-9, Rs 125)

Self-help books are always in demand and every now and then we see a new book on the rack. An average person easily gets stuck in the daily routine of life. The book aims to help you turn that way of thinking around and motivate you to reach your desired goals. Simple, easy-to-follow tips, the book prepares you to face the harsh realities of life and emerge as a happy, satisfied and successful person. 

The language is simple and can be read by students, home-makers, besides the management professionals as well. 

- Vasu V 

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Story of a Bollywood Song

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Author: Vijay Ranchan

Publisher: Abhinav Publications, New Delhi

(Pp 130, ISBN 978-81-701-7551-3, Rs 550)

What is Bollywood without its lovely songs? Well, it is unimaginable. The Story of a Bollywood Song traces the evolution of a Hindi film song from the time of silent movies to the era of talkies. The book depicts certain incidents and situations during the process of composition, narrating the contextual background of a song. These stories are illustrative of the gradual as well as the simultaneous evolution of a Hindi film song. As we hear it today. Each milestone in the evolution of a Bollywood song has a story to tell – be it the story of a Jesuit Father, or of the first test recording, or of the mendicant-beggar song, or of a song sung by a princess or a rebel commoner, and so on. 

This interesting book has some interesting pictures as well, showcasing singers from the yesteryears – Jamshedji, Ardeshiriji, Jahanara, Noorjahan, Mohd Rafi, Kishore Kumar, 

Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, besides the modern-day maestro AR Rehman. A well-written book, which can enchant a general reader as well as those who wish to know more about the legendary Bollywood songs. 

- Vasu Vt

Chanakya’s 7 Secrets of Leadership

Authors: Radhakrishnan Pillai and D Sivanandhan
Publisher: Jaico Publishing house, Mumbai
(Pp 232, ISBN 978-81-8495-401-2, Rs 299)

Want to transform yourself into an ideal leader? Well, who can be the better guru than Chanakya, who was a leadership guru par excellence. The treasure of his teachings can be found in his treatise, Arthashastra, which deals with good governance based on ideal leadership. The concept of the ideal nation in the Arthashastra, called saptanga, holds that there are seven pillars of a kingdom: swami, amatya, janpada, durg, kosha, dand and mitra. 

This author Radhakrishnan Pillai delves into Chanakya’s saptanga, with the real-life example of D Sivanandhan, former director of police, Mahrashtra. Together, Pillai and Sivanandhan bring Chanakya’s model to life. One can apply them in life and see the Chanakya’s wisdom transform one into the ideal leader. 

- Varsha 

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More Than Just Biryani

Author: Andaleeb Wajid
Publisher: Amaryllis, New Delhi
(Pp 360, ISBN 978-93-81506-40-0, Rs 399)

Don’t go by the name of the book, it is not a recipe book but a novel. It is a fascinating story of a young woman Zubi who is unable to communicate with the people she loves and so turns to food as a way of showing her affection. But soon, she realizes that it is food that helps her forge an identity for herself. Readers can cook along as Zubi’s stories travel through time, facing the challenges of life, the emotional complexities of family relationships, discovering identities, overcoming fears and above all, embracing love. 

The choice of words is fantastic, sometimes you can actually smell the delicacies prepared in the book! 

- Varsha 

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A Soft Eclipse

Author: Jayabrato Chatterjee
Publisher: Amaryllis, New Delhi
(Pp 258, ISBN 978-93-81506-42-4, Rs 299)

A chronicle of any middle-class girl trapped in the city’s so called elite El Dorado, A Soft Eclipse touches the heart of the readers at the right place. Set in Kolkata, the book takes us behind the superficial high society. It reveals the disturbing lives and unfamiliar narratives in shockingly familiar surroundings. 

The author Jayabroto Chaterjee is a film maker, literary editor and corporate communicator. He has portrayed the woman in the story so realistically that you often think if this book has been written by a female. Written in first voice, the book will appeal to all those who wish to peep into the mind of a woman. 

- V Verma 

Almond Tree, Maharaja in Denims

Book Reviews

Maharaja in Denims

Author: Khushwant Singh
Publisher: Amaryllis, New Delhi
(Pp 176, ISBN 978-93-81506-43-1, Rs 250)

The author Khushwant Singh is a writer, columnist (Punjabi by Nature' in the Hindustan Times) and TV show host. Though, he has previously authored three books: Sikhs Unlimited, Mending Soul, and Turbaned Tornado, this is his first novel – a historical fiction. It is an intriguing narrative of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, commonly known as the Lion of Punjab, through the eyes of a teenager named Hari, who believes he is a reincarnation of the maharaja. When Suzanne, Hari’s girlfriend, attempts to decode Hari's past life through the practice of regression, she is shocked to discover that Hari has had more than one tumultuous past lives. An emotional drama with shades of politics and the tragic after-effects of the assassination of the former prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi, it makes an interesting and intense read!

–Varsha Verma

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The Golden Jubilee

Author: Subrata Dasgupta
Publisher: Amaryllis, New Delhi
(Pp 217, ISBN 978-93-81506-38-7, Rs 325)

As the name suggests, the book is woven around the Golden Jubilee wedding anniversary celebration of a Bengali-American couple. But it is not just that, all the family members gather together for the special day and it becomes as much a time of bonds lost and recovered, a time of remembrance of long-buried and willfully forgotten pasts, of confessions and self-discovery, of acceptances and rejections and a time when old personal conundrums are finally resolved. It can be a story of any household.

The narratives are a succession of first person tales, which are good in the sense that they show how each individual thinks but sometimes it seems a repetition of the instances. But, the story looks very real and makes us think of our own family ties.

–Varsha Verma 

The Almond Tree

Author: Michelle Cohen Corasanti
Publisher: FingerPrint!, an imprint of Prakash Books India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
(Pp 352, ISBN 978-81-7234-487-0, Rs 295)

If I have to describe the book in one line, I would say ‘A beautiful work that touches your heart to the core – it teaches you life’s difficult lessons and shows how a man’s determination can change his world and the people he loves.’

Set up in the time when the war between Palestinians and Israelis was on, the book shows how lives were ruined, people were butchered or imprisoned for no reason. How a happy well-to-do family is shattered, with nothing to eat and no place to sleep. The story revolves about a boy Ahmed Hamid, who uses his intellect to save his poor and dying family. What really impress is his positive attitude towards life and his undying hope for a better future. Torn between his family and his aspirations, Ahmed succeeds in bringing a turnaround in his life.

The style of writing and the choice of words is brilliant…you actually feel you are a part of the story. A well-written book that deserves appreciation and recognition!

–Varsha Verma 

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The Cosmic Clues

Author: Manjiri Prabhu
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House, Mumbai
(Pp 316, ISBN 978-81-8495-479-1, Rs 299)

Claimed to be India’s first astro-detective novel, the book is about a detective agency that uses horoscopes to solve cases. When a young detective agent Sonia Samarth starts her private investigation agency guided by Hindu astrology, it raised many eyebrows. Soon, Sonia proved her mettle by solving various cases.

But, one has to look at one’s own stars as well…was all this destined in Sonia’s life? She needs to know the invisible thread that binds all the cases she has solved. Life has its own ways and who can better understand than a person who believes in astrology. Different but interesting, the book will be liked by people who love mystery as well as those who have some faith in astrology.

–Varsha Verma 

Faith for Life

Translated by: SM Haricharan
Publisher: Prism Books Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru
(Pp 98, ISBN 978-81-7286-759-1, Rs 99)

The book, translated from original Kannada version Baligondu Nambike, is a very lucid presentation of a thinking and visionary mind to depict the then state of nation, when India was experiencing the newly obtained independence in 1950. The book introduces us to fundamental questions of life and enables us to answer ourselves for developing a vision and responsibility to our life. The book drives three attributes of human life – enthusiasm, human endeavour and social consciousness. It is not a self-help book but it motivates and guides you on the roads of life.

–Varsha Verma