About the Author Rosheena Zehra studied English literature at Miranda House, University of Delhi and Jamia Milia Islamia, respectively. Writing from the age of eleven she had her first story published in 2009 followed by another publication of a prize winning short story, Moon in 2004. The author can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/rosheenazehra www.twitter.com/rosheenazehra www.rosheenazehra.wordpress.com Image Credits: quint.com Srivedant Kar [email protected]]]>
The concept of Doctor Faustus is something that has been used by writers/artists/musicians/
The story talks about a man who dresses up in the form of Yama- or one of the Yamduts working under Yamraj- the God of death. Every killing that he makes is peculiar in its own way, exactly like Igor’s killings in The Winner Stands Alone.
The novel is told in the first person by Iravan, an ex Black Cat Commando, who investigates the entire issue from the start. The revelation of the man who was disguised as Yama in the end isn’t surprising and can easily be assumed. But the thrill and the constant clues, conversations, digressions keeps a reader sticking to the story which makes this book a page turner.
The author Kevin Missal is a student of St. Stephen’s College and released this book recently. Though the ideas in the book seem to be taken from a lot of other, different books, the story is compelling and not something you come across written by an Indian author.
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Sudisha Misra [email protected] Image credits: goodreads.com]]>
Well, The Readers of the Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald is precisely the kind of book described above. An ode to books and readers, the book plays its part well. Broken wheel is a strange town, granted, and Sara has set new definitions of friendship with her pen pal. Beautiful gestures come together with Sara opening a bookstore in the memory of her friend. It is surreal, almost otherworldly as the plot reeks of raw innocence. The story progresses in the most charming way, and is indeed commendable for a debut. Although I could’ve read through it again and again, at times, the prose was verbose enough for me to flip through or skim through pages. Nevertheless, the book rekindles the magic that bookstores hold, and one cannot help but wonder if we can ever go back to the times of paperbacks and hardcovers, before e-readers took over. The entire plot has a sense of old-world charm to it with its roots in the bond between pen pals. But then again, I wouldn’t mind that, if the story is about reading and books. Every reader, whether casual or ardent, should read it at least once. Image Credits: www.amazon.com Kritika Narula [email protected]]]>
“Almost everybody in this world can’t bear to see the other person being better than him.” It’s in these short sentences that she makes the reader relate to her life. “…as he grew older, his Christmas list got smaller and the things he really wanted could no longer be bought.” Keith and Avantika’s story is offbeat and chooses to break multiple norms; it’s unfazed and fearless. One would simply keep on reading to know what the newly-find solace in Avantika’s life shall turn out to be like. The end, though, will make you question if life is fair to everyone, after all! Image Credits: stylanzo.com Arushi Pathak [email protected]]]>
Michael Lewis was fresh out of Princeton when he was rejected from several investment banking interviews. His background in art history certainly didn’t aid his aspirations to become a banker. But fate had something else in store for him. Subsequently, while he was living in London in the winter of 1984, finishing a master’s degree in economics at the London School of Economics, he received an invitation to dine with the Queen Mother. It was his interaction, at the dinner, with the wife of a more senior Salomon Brothers managing director that led him to his appointment in the Salomon’s training program. Liar’s Poker is the hysterical and hilarious account of his journey from being an overpaid trainee to a bond salesman. The book flows in an instructive manner detailing financial intricacies. It is a nonfiction account of how Wall Street’s premier investment firm was led to its curtain call owing to a deep financial crisis that was essentially perpetrated by the greed and gluttony of Wall Street executives. The book is a piecemeal work of investigative journalism. It develops further as the author’s exploration of the ideals and motives behind the trading floors of the firms at Wall Street. It gradually evolves into an often profane, but “wickedly funny” review of the series of events that led to a deep crunch in the global economy. While the author graduates from the level of a “geek” to a “big swinging dick,” his narrative captures one of the most important period in the history of Wall Street. The plot keeps you glued and shocked as more of Mr. Lewis’ journey manifests. Two of Wall Street’s most important figure heads, Lewis Ranieri and John Gutfreund, feature prominently throughout the text. The storytelling technique is bound to keep you on edge while you dive deeper into the obsessed and enclosed world of unprecedented greed. The events are, however, detailed in a way that you might find the information overwhelming. Despite that, the book distinguishes itself as one of the most colourful and comical account of behind-the-scenes look at a heady and frenzied time in the American economy. I’ll strongly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to further understand the financial world. The gripping and compelling narration sure makes it an excellent addition to your bookshelves! Image Credits: jpupdates.com Surbhi Arora [email protected] ]]>
The plot is as refreshing as it gets. It is the story that delves deep into our definitions of friendship, love, companionship and belonging. How far will we go to be with someone? How far are we ready to bend the rules? Is bending the rules worth the breach? Does the breach justify the end? Are we ready for the consequences?
It gets you thinking and keeps you so.
But here is a friendly warning: to fully understand the book, and to let it to what it intends to, you need to accept it as fiction, being a realist wouldn’t help. The beauty of the book lies in how it ticks our thinking cells by bringing another dimension to our world.
This is the story of A. A wakes up each day in a new body- and that implies he misses out on so much. On having an address, on having a family, permanent fiends, and so on. Things we take for granted. Things we’d lose and not realize what they’re worth.
Apart from the lessons in living, the plot sure does hold a sense of mystery and intrigue. The author has done such a great job in weaving a plot out of nothing, and I am definitely going to read more from the author.
A beautifully written book, provokes you into thinking incessantly, and makes you question the right and wrong.
Uptil this point, the book was similar to Every Day, the original written from A’s perspective.
All those who’ve read EveryDay are super-thrilled to read this one. Although we know there won’t be any freshness in the plot, still there were so many questions left unanswered from Rhiannon’s perspective in Every Day, that Another Day, a companion book as it is called, seems much needed. One can finish this book in practically no time, partly because it feels like going through the same parts and incidents again, for little utility. So, you might skim through the repetitive dialogues, just like I did. Yes- they sounded beautiful from A’s perspective, but Rhiannon’s words made everything look like it was deceitful, and she was unfortunately made to look like the bad guy here.
I’ll give this to the author- he did write R’s perspective with so much conviction that it made me empathise with her, overriding the sympathy I had towards A earlier.
But, what goes without saying is the part where A woke up in R’s body- I had all my excitement directed towards it. It was worth it. If i am given an option between Every Day and Another Day, I’d choose the latter, though Every Day is the novel that endears me to the author. Another day after ED sounds like a justification! Nevertheless, it was amusing by and by. A sequel is still awaited.
Was it worth it? You might ask. And my answer would be incontrovertibly, undeniably yes. It was so totally worth it.
Image credits: goodreads.com
Kritika Narula
[email protected]
If someone asks you today to choose between a love and an arranged marriage- which one would you prefer? Those who say that they prefer the latter, they’d be lying to themselves if they admit to never having secretly wished for love to enter their life. There’s a difference between what one ‘wishes’ for and what one ‘wants’. Therefore, while some may simply wish for a love marriage, they may also consider ‘wanting’ an arranged marriage in the future or vice versa.
Arranged marriages garner much apprehension in today’s times. Parul Tyagi steps in and breaks new ground by showcasing an evolving process of a modern arranged marriage through her second novel- Hurry Om Hari.
The story revolves around two extremely likeable and endearing characters- Om, (the groom-to-be) a charming, good looking lawyer and Hari, (the bride-to-be), an effortless beauty-with-brains hockey player. The two of them are betrothed by a perfect chattis guna match of astrological calculations.
More than a love story, it’s a journey of how these two people, who are brought together by their families and bound by societal expectations, develop a strong connection, unbreakable by norms and inseparable by hearts even while they stay apart. So much so, that they postpone their wedding until they accomplish their personal ambitions, irrespective of how long it takes. The novel chronicles their journey of self-development and the further strengthening of their bond. Topped with the occasional saas-bahu gossip, it’s a perfect blend.
The author through her exceptional storytelling has kept the story true to the real world with aspects of Indian families and traditions infused in the story perfectly. There is a unique sense of charm in every chapter, compelling you to stay glued to the book all the way till the end, and without you feeling disconnected with the bigger plot.
So go ahead and read it! I guarantee you’ll fall in love with it, and just like me, feel the impact of the changed views of all kinds of love for everyone around us in this world as well.
Hurry Om Hari has been published by Half Baked Beans.
Shagun Marwah
I have never read an author with such devotion as Anuja Chauhan. Undoubtedly my favourite, I have found myself totally mesmerised by her books. A creator of four stories set in different times and backgrounds, her latest is a sequel to Those Pricey Thakur Girls. A prodigy in the advertisement industry, the lay-man can also remember her for her works like Pepsi’s ‘Oye Bubbly!’ campaign.
Those Pricey Thakur Girls ended with a short paragraph to excite readers about what is coming next. It had been two years since I had read Pricey, and in the period I was waiting, I reread the three books again and Googled the release of this book. Much to my delight, she failed to disappoint me!
The book begins with Samar, the hot-shot new director in Bollywood and quickly leads to the inhabitants of 16, Hailey Road, Delhi- Bonita and her tailors. If you have read the previous book, you would know who BJ and Mamta was, and the ABCDE daughters. Bonu was orphaned at a young age and adopted by her maternal grandparents. She is all grown up now and runs her business.
But BJ’s death turns the story as he leaves asking Samar to divide his house into five hissas for his daughters A,B,C,D, and E. The story cleverly and interestingly revolves around property disputes, family disputes, fake wills, illegal acquisitions, courts, property dealers, and item songs (or, a party song). In between all this drama, bloom two love stories- of the two step-cousins Samar and Bonu, and of childhood friends Steesh and Eshwari. Chases, denials, psycho sisters, pervert friends this book is a complete package.
Not revealing too much of the story, I would recommend it for a good read. Anuja’s USP for me is that she has till now based stories on a variety of backdrops- politics, cricket, media, real estate. Yet, I have enjoyed reading the technicalities with such interest that I might have never read Harry Potter with. However, the fact that her story is based mostly in Delhi makes it more enjoyable, because one can relate it to places one has seen.
Carefully chosen words, not too fancy that I am forced to use a dictionary, anyone can read it. It is one of those books that you just cannot put down. The story has its twists, just when you thought that the kiss means everything is going to be all peaches and cream, the love birds split. She calls out to your imagination, and you realize her stories are so natural and so real! This is one book that provides closure to the story, you are not left with an imagine-yourself ending. Her writing style is what I admire the most- Hindi + English, and my favourite is the funny, but now commonly used obscene words, with utmost causality. Because only in an Anuja Chauhan book will you find, “Tu chutiya hai!” written in a common dialogue.
So, whether you are happy with life or not, read it! I have, and I know what effect her stories can have on the mind. However, be cautious, there is no clue to another book, so you may be left wanting for more. Until then, do it my way, re-read it!
Featured Image Credits: goodreads.com
Ayesha Sareen
The latest book by Khushwant Singh that recently hit the bookstores is a compilation of 35 famous and controversial personalities through the eyes of the 98 year old celebrated columnist. The Good, The Bad and The Ridiculous pens uncensored attacks on people with whom Khushwant Singh had relations, met and interacted over the years. Co-authored by Humra Quraishi, this book provides an insider’s look at the lives of people like Indira Gandhi, Giani Zail Singh, Jinnah, Gandhi and many others and introduces us to their not-so-pleasant characteristics.
He dedicates small chapters to each personality and narrates his accounts wittingly and candidly. The book engages you with innately honest opinions and makes one curious to know what bomb would explode in our perceptions of the famous ones after reading about them.
Reading out blurbs like, “There was something cold and haughty about her. Not my type at all … But she had her set of admirers … and never forgave anyone who said anything against her” for Indira Gandhi or “He took a vow of celibacy in his prime, but without consulting his wife, which I think was grossly unfair. He would sleep naked beside young girls to test his brahmacharya. He could be very odd” for the Father of the Nation makes the book both intimate and irreverent.
He quite clearly expresses his bitterness for L.K Advani and expresses his ‘ambivalence’ for Indira Gandhi. Khushwant Singh dedicates the biggest chapter to V.K Menon followed by a close second of Giani Zail Singh.
The book entertains and shocks the reader with Singh’s sketches of the good, bad and the ridiculous shades of the people whom he knew for almost a century. Well informed accounts and frank opinions by KS have been appreciated by all and makes him one of the most honest and candid writers in this industry. Khushwant Singh also makes it very clear in this book he that neither dreads criticism and nor is bothered about it.
This book will certainly ring a bell for people who crave gossips coming out from the elite class of the country. Notwithstanding the fact that the book is only a person’s opinion which need not be a full story, the book can prove to be useful for peeking into the lives of others through the eyes of the Big Old Man of the writing world.