The Bhagwad Gita

A modern interpretation) 

Interpreter: Dayanand Verma
Publisher: Diamond Books, New Delhi
(Pp 208, ISBN 9789351659778, Rs 175)

Gita is a revolutionary creation of its age and for all the ages. So many interpretations have been written and rewritten for this reverend text. Every word in Gita is embedded in the history of that age and it can only be grasped with an understanding of the era when this sermon was preached. Many words in our present day vocabulary had different connotations during the Vedic age. Keeping this in mind, the slokas in this book have not been translated verbatim. Instead, their essential meaning has been given, following the current manner of speech.

Written in an easy-to-understand format, the book shows how Gita is relevant in this age as well.

- V Verma

Gandhi Global

Publisher: Lotus Press, New Delhi
(Pp 224, ISBN 9788183823241, Rs 175)

The book is an abridged version of Gandhi’s autobiography My Life – In Search of Truth for the general reader.

Written in an easy to understand language, the book brings insights into the life of this great leader.

Readers can get a glimpse of his life, which is very similar to ours. For example, he shares his experience in England, where he could not speak at a committee meeting because he was at loss of words and felt shy. He also shares how he posed himself as bachelor when he was married and a father of a child.

As the book progresses, readers can see how this normal person transformed into the great leader. A must read book for all those who wish to know more about Gandhi.

- Varsha

Shades of Love

Author: Vijay Mohan
Publisher: GenNext Publication, Delhi
(Pp 311, ISBN 9789380222844, Rs 290)

This bouquet of short stories is bound to enthrall the readers, which portray emotions like love, suspense and drama. Some of these stories are inspired by true events while a few are totally fictional. These short stories depict day-to-day incidents of our life, with which we can easily connect.

While one story focuses on love across the border, another one focuses on friendship, yet another one focuses on the eternal story of the long wait of the soldier’s wife for his return from the battlefield. Then, there is also a satirical comedy for a light reading. All the stories are very interesting and touch the heart of the readers.

- Varsha

Lives of Indian Images

Author: Richard H Davis
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas, Delhi
(Pp 331, ISBN 9788120816923, Rs 695)

For many centuries, Hindus believe that the Gods they place in temples and those shrines for purposes of worship are alive. Hindu priests bring them to life through a complex ritual establishment that invokes the god or goddess into material support.

Priests and devotees then maintain the enlivened image as a divine person through ongoing liturgical activity. In this linked series of case studies of Hindu religious objects, the author Richard Davis argues that in some sense these believers are correct: through ongoing interactions with humans, religious objects are brought to life.

His observations are made largely on reader response literary theory and anthropological approaches to the study of objects in society in order to trace the biographies of Indian religious images over many centuries.

- Vasu V

A Harvest of Ecstasy (Paperback)

Author: Mathew Attokaran

Publisher: Niyogi Books, New Delhi
(Pp 216, ISBN 978-93-83098-97-2, Rs 295)

Set in a small village in Kerala, A Harvest of Ecstasy is the heart-warming story of the prestigious Kollegal family belonging to the picturesque village of Puthupady. The novel traces the fortunes of Thomachan and his family who own one of the richest and most successful estates in the region. The novel also brings into light Molly, who evolved from a devoted daughter-in-law, a dutiful wife, a potential mistress of the estate to a woman capable of making a hard choice that brings her happiness.

Set in the period between the 1930s and the 1980s, the author uses important social, political and sporting events to provide the chronological backdrop for the saga. He has also weaved unique customs and ceremonies of the Syrian Catholics of Kerala into the story. The book also throws light on the harvesting on various crops like spices, coffee, tea, arecanut, coconut and rubber. A reader gets a glimpse of the life in that era. All in all, it is a simple novel studded with picturesque account of the village in Kerala.

- V Verma

High Blood Cholesterol: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Author: Dr Krishan Gupta

Publisher: Orient Paperbacks
(Pp 240, ISBN 9788122205893, Rs 295)

High Blood Cholesterol is a major cause of heart attacks, but it can be prevented, controlled and reversed. This book helps in preventing coronary heart disease by recognizing, modifying and reducing the risk due to high blood cholesterol.

While many of us are aware of the risk, few really know whether they are in the high, medium or low risk category. This book informs the likely damages caused by high cholesterol, and shows the way to counter them. It tells you how simple changes in diet and lifestyle can bring cholesterol within normal limits.

Informative, authoritative and comprehensive - the book is backed by the latest in research, surgical remedies and medicinal cures. Divided into four parts – understanding cholesterol, causes of high blood cholesterol, lowering your cholesterol and a healthy future is yours – the book gives practical tips for choosing the right food, and do’s and don’ts for a healthy lifestyle.

- Varsha Verma

The Courtesans of Karim Street

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Author: Debotri Dhar
Publisher: Niyogi Books, New Delhi
(Pp 218, ISBN 978-93-83098-99-6, Rs 295)

The impressive monochrome cover, with just the hint of green – green eyes and lettering in green – makes one pick up the book instantly. And reader will not be disappointed on reading it. Two parallel stories – one set in Newark in USA and another set in Delhi – make you wonder what would be the connection between the two.

The story revolves around two girls – Megan Adams from USA, who sets off to Delhi after receiving an anonymous letter that says something about her untold past. While, Naina is a young Indian woman, who is trying to navigate through the stony, impenetrable divide between the old and new sides of Delhi every day. These two women meet as Megan wants to know about her past from Naina’s aunt. The two gel together, helping each other see their lives from a new perspective. But, they both share the same past and something more….

The chemistry between the two girls is so good that one can feel the imprint of their own sibling bond. The story is interesting and makes you fall in love with the characters. A very interesting and well-researched novel from young author – Debotri Dhar!

- Varsha Verma