Petals!

Published by FingerPrint! Publishing, Susunaga Weeraperuma's collection of essays titled 'Clarity is the Only Spirituality' takes you through a diverse world that is battling complex problems with little clarity on the big picture. A heartwarming style of writing, peppered with a dash of good humour, makes this book a memorable, interesting read as it negotiates through the turbulent landscapes of human mind and emotion on all aspects of life.  From several people I personally know, I had heard tales of how difficult it was to communicate to the French people in English. A veteran journalist had once told me that when he checked into one of their finest and best hotels way back in the 80s, the receptionist would not even acknowledge his queries unless he addressed her in the French language. But hey, wait a minute! This author is living in France and he has pointed out that French schools don't even encourage or promote the use of English language. The author...

I don’t like reading mushy romance. But Ravinder Singh’s book ‘I too had a love story’ got me crying. The book is a spell-binding, honest tale of Ravin’s love story with Khushi – the girl he loved but couldn’t marry. Ravinder Singh’s narrative resonates with honesty, passion and an innocence that is rare among today’s Indian writers. He tells you of how passionately a man can love and respect the woman he loves and how desperately he can fight for her life in the midst of life threatening crises. Most Indian love stories end predictably. Ravinder Singh’s story is not like that – I had tears flowing down my cheeks when I read Khushi’s last words to him in a moving bus. I could personally relate to that surreal experience of saying good bye forever. It has happened with me but in a different context. And then, what broke my poise was the last chapter. There’s a sentence he writes where his father tries to persuade him to marry another girl. Ravin’s reply is ...

If you choose to walk on your path rather than follow that of others, you are a path maker.  It means you are evolving rapidly into some one who can empower others.  That’s exactly why Subroto Bagchi’s   Zen   Garden   is a book you have to experience.  Published by Penguin Books India,  Zen Garden  is an inspiring compilation of real life conversations and stories that explore how these game changers CHOSE to overcome their pain by creating something meaningful out of it. You will look closely into the lives of path makers such as    Nandan Nilekani, Captain Gopinath, Dr Devi Shetty, Dr Sharan Patel, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw,    Kris Gopalakrishnan, Aamir Khan among others.  Path Makers from Subroto Bagchi's Zen Garden   Take the example of Dr. Devi Shetty, founder of Narayana Hrudayalaya, who was the eighth child among a brood of nine and came from difficult circumstances. He talks about how children ...

Manju Kapur's fifth novel – following her highly acclaimed works such as  Difficult Daughters  (1998) and  The Immigrant  (2009) – explores the tumultous relationships once again set in the thriving, upper-middle-class colonies of Delhi in the mid-90s. The story thrives against the backdrop of the initial surge of foreign investment in India . The very first chapter of the book begins to enthrall a reader with the couple's love making scene.   For latest book reviews, subscribe to  Svara's Newsletter ! The only glitch is this: it is a married woman having a romantic adventure with her husband's boss. Cheesy as it may seem, the book sets itself apart by diving straight into the troubled waters yet without taking any sides, revealing once again the mark of a true family writer. Extramarital affair breaks a solid marriage Shagun, the green-eyed beautiful wife of Raman, falls in love with his charismatic, handsome boss Ashok Khanna, ...

For every parent out there who is juggling busy schedules with family life, especially managing kids who are going to college, this book opens up their inner worries with deep insights. As parents, we justify our busy schedules to ourselves in various names like 'deadlines' or 'appraisal time' etc. But ultimately, the choices that we as parents make go a long way in the growth and happiness of our kids. There is no point of hiding behind excuses. Parents have to own up and take responsibility for the choices they made for their kids and how that has impacted the kids. To come to the book, Sam Hayes 'Someone Else's Son' is a gripping thriller which asks every parent one simple, life-changing question: Do we really know our children? We think we do but we really don't.  The opening chapter itself is gripping. It reads like this: "Before she knew what was happening, the knife was in and out of his body...It cut through the air, mesmerising th...

When I picked up Preeti Shenoy's book titled " Tea for two and a piece of cake ," my first impression was that it is a nice book with a lovely cover. I looked forward to reading it. After reading the book, I couldn't get over the niggling feeling that the book has not been marketed well by Random House. They have not played up its strengths one bit. Frankly, I am disappointed with the publishers and decided I would write a book review so that at least those in my friends' circle would seriously consider buying this book.  [READ: Tantra and Tantric practices: What are Tantric practices?]   The story is simple but gripping about a girl called Nisha. The story is about romance, love, friendship and so much more. To be frank, I read it at one go because I couldn't put it down once it started. It is every Indian girl's dream and nightmare come true kind of book.A plump, ordinary girl gets the attention and interest of a handsome rich business tycoon who...

A book review for you, dear reader. At the World Book Fair 2012, I bought a lot of books for my son, Jyotiraditya who loves it when I read out books to him. Wherever we go, I always tuck in two books for him in my bag. And I read out to him whenever he asks.  I make sure I keep two new books always because it is wonderful to see my son's surprise and enthusiasm when he sees it. Today, when we went out and were at McDonalds, Adi suddenly asked me if I could read something out to him. I took out a book that I had bought for him. I wasn't sure if he would like it. Titled "Samira's Awful Lunch," the book is short, simple and well conceptualized. It is written by Bharathi Jagannathan and Preeti Krishnamurthy. Pratham Books is the publisher.   The story talks about a problem we, as parents, tackle every day - kids who don't like to eat veggies. The story revolves around Samira who doesn't like to eat healthy food.She tells her mom that upma tastes l...

I have not read a book by Thomas Perry before but I picked 'Runner' up because the plot excited me. It was about a fiercely independent Native American guide called Jane Whitefield who has an unusual profession. She helps people run to places so that they can disappear from their identity forever. The book, besides being a stunning, gripping thriller, also serves as a fantastic guide to be ahead of one's enemies in every way possible  way. The story takes off when Jane finds herself helping a pregnant girl to run and escape from a bunch of hired hunters who are out to kill her. The girl is young and Jane keeps giving her tips on how to be ahead of the enemies once she's alone. Here are some tips that I liked and thought I'd share with you:  1. Don't want to be noticed by enemies? Look for signs that a place is safe before you even turn off your engine. Leave your car where its less conspicuous. 2. Do what it takes to defend yourself. A gallon of coff...