Corpokshetra

Corpokshetra: Mahabharata in the MBA Yug

Author: Deepak Kaul
Publisher: Westland Ltd & Bloody Good Book
(Pp 124, ISBN 9789385724930, Rs 200)

The story of Mahabharata has never failed to amaze us. It is still so relevant in today’s time, though the situations are different. That’s the essence and the inspiration for the book Corpokshetra. The cover is interesting– Krishna dons a cap with his iconic peacock feather while Kauravas and Pandavas are fighting on the desk. Yes the book is a modern corporate Mahabharata.

There’s a twist to the characters, Hastinapur is a business empire, Bheeshma the man behind it, Duryodhan runs it while Dhritrashtra owns it. Pandavas have come out of exile (working for NGOs) and now want their share. Krishna is the consultant who is good at negotiations and corporate deals. What follows is a corporate boardroom – Kurukshetra – which sees 18 days of war of the words and some cricket and golf in the last two days.

The book has a humorous angle to it – wanting the reader to know what happens in the end, though everyone knows the climax of Mahabharata.

Keep Eating Keep Losing

Author: Claudia Ciesla
Publisher: Om Books International, New Delhi
(Pp 218, ISBN 9789385273933 Rs 195)

One can’t help but picking up the book – Keep Eating Keep Losing as the title of the book is so tempting. Who doesn’t want to eat and yet maintain the perfect figure and weight? Written by model and actress Claudia Ciesla, the book teaches us how to make healthy living an integral part of our life without taking the fun out of it.

Claudia takes readers on her on own journey wherein her busy schedules and unhealthy eating habits landed her in hospital. It was then that she realised the value of healthy eating. With dietary changes and regular exercise regimen, she succeeded in getting the right weight.

The book presents a holistic strategy drawn to reorganise our life by making good health an important goal. It shows us how the right blend of healthy eating, exercise and rest can help us stay in shape. With easy-to-follow tips, the book also provides healthy recipes to pamper your taste buds. Written in an n easy-to-follow manner, the book will be helpful to all those who are trying to lose weight or struggling to maintain it.

A Leap in Blue Moon

Author: Ishwar Vedam
Publisher: The Bookmaster, DS Publishers India, New Delhi
(Pp 189, ISBN 9788180232022, Rs 150)

As a child, many of us would have struggled with idioms. What if the idioms are the only way to survive and get back home? Well, that’s the book all about. The character Nidhi Sharma hates English, especially idioms, because the literal meaning is so different from the actual one. But, she is proved wrong when she takes a leap in the dark on a night of a blue moon, and finds herself in a place called Graria, where happenings violate common sense. Infact, all the characters and events seem to tumble out of the dictionary of idioms, which she hates. The only way Nidhi can go home is to understand the rules of the game.

Tightly and intricately woven, the book keeps you guessing what happens next. The author’s portrayal of the little girl is very convincing – her emotions, way of thinking and her problem-solving capabilities – all are written so well. A few illustrations here and there will make young readers look for more.

What’s more? By the end of the book, readers will know and remember many idioms as well. The book will be liked by both children and adults.

Hitopdesha Tales

Publisher: Edu Hub Publishing 

The word Hitopdesha comes from Hita and Updesha, where Hita means welfare and Updesha means to advice or counsel. Hitopdesha Tales is a compilation of stories that advise for the welfare of others. These stories have been believed to be written in 14th century by Narayan Pandit. Since then, they have entertained and advised millions.

Like Panchtantra, these stories can never be out of vogue. Edu hub Publishing has recreated the magic of these stories in this book. Beautifully illustrated, the book will be liked by children and parents alike!

–Varsha

The Pocket Doctor: Medical Tips for Common illnesses

Book Reviews

The Pocket Doctor: Medical Tips for Common illnesses

Author: Dr. Anila Chandy
Publisher: Viva Books,
(Pp 140, ISBN 978-81-309-1261-5, Rs 295)

Written by a practicing physician Dr Anila Chandy of Apollo Group of Hospitals and Motherhood Hospitals, Chennai, it is a this practical guide to understand what various symptoms mean and how to deal with them. It tells us what can be the causes for it and what tests should be performed to find the underlying cause.

If you have a query to your illness, this book has the answer. It also contains some practical tips such as how to adjust the insulin dose in diabetes, how much alcohol can one drink, etc. Written in easy-to-understand format, it equips the reader with some understanding of common ailments before approaching a hospital. It also gives sound advice on how and what to eat and live a healthy life. After all, prevention is always better than cure!

–Varsha Verma 

Everything will Fall into Place

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Author: Nipun Goel
Publisher: GenNext Publication
(Pp 155, ISBN 978-93-8022-288-2, Rs 180)

A remarkable effort by a debut author…
Everything will Fall into Place is a story of a guy and his tryst with destiny, desire and diligence. It actually works on the principle that when you desire something with all your heart, the universe aspires to make it happen. The story revolves around Gautam Kapoor who is an ordinary man but how he becomes one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. The book also touches upon two of the most important emotions in our lives – love and pain. Yet there are numerous instances which will make you laugh.

The language is simple, yet you feel you can actually see what’s happening. Infact, it is like a movie…with all elements to make it a blockbuster!

–Varsha Verma

Children books

Vikram & Betaal: The Storyteller Series

Sutradhar: Nidhi Kundra
Publisher: Edu Hub Publishing, New Delhi
(ISBN: 978-93-859-9405-0)

Indian mythology boasts of a number of evergreen stories, which have been told and retold many times and will continue to be a favourite for centuries. Vikram & Betaal is based on Betaal Pacchisi, written nearly 2,500 years ago by Mahakavi Somdev Bhatt.

These are spellbinding stories told to the wise King Vikramaditya by the wily ghost Betaal. King Vikramaditya has been given the task to catch Betaal, who with his wit, always succeeds in setting himself free. He tells a story to the king on the way and warns him not to utter a single word, else he will fly away. After every story, Betaal asks him a puzzling question, which Vikramaditya cannot resist to answer, as he is a wise man.

In this new series, these old stories have been given a fresh look and appeal to attract kids. Beautifully illustrated and simple text, the book will appeal to one and all.

–Varsha Verma

Simply Nanju

Author: Zainab Sulaiman
Publisher: Duckbill Books, New Delhi
(Pp 128 Pages, ISBN 978-93-83331-70-3, Price Rs. 199)

A sinple and warm story about a boy Nanju, who is a carefree lad, who does not cares that he walks funny or that he’s known as the class copy cat or that the cleverest (and prettiest) girl in class barely knows he’s alive. Nanju studies in a school for children who are differently-abled.

But, he is really smart and he, along with his beloved friend- Mahesh, manages to solve the mystery of books disappearing from the classroom as everyone suspects Nanju. Moreover, his father has warned him that he will send him to Unni Mama’s all-boys Hostel from Hell, if he is the culprit. Nanju is determined to find the real thief and continue to live the life in the way he loves.

Fast-paced and extremely enjoyable, the book will appeal to kids and also help them empathise with those who are differently-abled.

–Varsha Verma

My First Encyclopedia

Publisher: Edu Hub, New Delhi,
(ISBN 9789385994005, Rs 350; $ 10)

My First Encyclopedia (First Edition: 2016) is designed as a ready reference for the upper primary age group. The book is beautifully illustrated with real and lively pictures and gives the reader an insight into the Universe, the world of Science, Human Body, Birds and Animals, Wild Fauna and Wonders of the World. The encyclopedia has been designed in simple language as a supplementary tool not only for school projects but also to satiate the appetite of the eager learners. Amazing Facts have been added in each topic to provide an insight into the mystics of the natural and man made world. First in the series, My First Encyclopedia is sure to serve as a self help tool for its learners.

–Vasu V