The Tenth Unknown

Author: Jvalant Nalin Sampat
Publisher: Niyogi Books
(Pp 288, ISBN 978-81-89738-97-6, Rs 295)

This book is a mix of myth, fact and fiction – starting in Emperor Ashoka’s court in Rajagriha, Magadha in 232 BC and ending with India’s independence in 1947, this action-packed thriller, set primarily against the backdrop of World War II, is a high-octane and heady cocktail.

The story revolves around the nine books containing forbidden knowledge leading to unlimited power and wealth, which have been protected for centuries by a secret society – the nine Unknown Men of Emperor Ashoka. The clue about the locations of the book is hidden in the ruins of the world’s most ancient university in Nalanda. One of the books has been acquired by the Third Reich under Adolf Hitler. Now, these books need to be protected and Prithvi Rathore, an anglicized aspiring cricketer is set to acquire all these books. The plot is interesting and takes readers to the long-forgotten part of Indian history and legends as the Germans, British and Indians race to secure the book. A high-paced novel, which keeps the readers’ attention till the end! - Vasu V

The One Above – What if God was your neighbor?

Author: Sirshree
Publisher: Penguin Books India
(Pp 160, ISBN 978-0-143-41519-0, Rs 150)

The One Above

What will you do if God was your neighbor – living in the same building as yours, helping you find happiness in your current state of life? Imaginative but so peaceful! The book shows how to infuse passion and energy into everyday activities, both at work and at home. The book helps to accept all happiness and sufferings to reach a state where whatever be the circumstances, you are happy.

The book does not preaches, instead all the mantras of life are woven together in a form of a story where Ecklavya, an architect by profession, is unhappy. He asks God to come down to his rescue and God does come in the form of a neighbor. Ecklavya does not know his name but he calls him ‘The Above One’ or ‘Tao’ and starts sharing his feelings with him. Tao teaches him practical ways of being happy and dispelling common beliefs about unhappiness and pain and provides insights into the real causes of suffering. Towards the end, Ecklavya learns how to be happy and so do the readers.

In all, motivating book which keeps you glued till the end. Beautifully presented, it makes an interesting and very helpful read!

Tracing Marco Polo’s Journey: the Silk Route

Author: Major HPS Ahluwalia
Publisher: Niyogi Books
(Pp 236, ISBN 978-81-89-738-846)

Tracing Marco Polo’s Journey: the Silk Route

“One day I will explore this region,” decided Major HPS Ahluwalia, as he stood on the summit of Mount Everest on May 29, 1965. It was a dream project for Ahluwalia to explore the Tibetan plateau and the mysterious land of Central Asia – the Silk Route, which he accomplished in 1994.

The book takes the readers on the fascinating and adventurous two-month trip through cities as exotic as Bukhara, Samarkand, Andhijan, Xian, Yarkand, Kashgar and Lhasa. It also takes us through grand deserts, ancient monuments and mosques, and finally the monasteries in the magnificent Himalayas. The book is alive with interesting and mesmerising pictures of their journey. The author Major HPS Ahluwalia is a famous mountaineer and an expert on the Himalayan region.