Top Book Reviews News- IBNLive.com

Munro's New Selected Stories forces one to introspect

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:56:10 +0530

Alice Munro's skill and magnificence of the craft have always left me speechless.

Ten Things I've Learnt about Love is almost magical

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:39:17 +0530

Sarah Butler's book is gradual, subtle and absolutely stunning read.

It's hard not to love Horowitz's book On Looking

Wed, 08 May 2013 05:24:39 +0530

The book speaks of a simple everyday acts, of different people performing them.

Legacy is a book that forces you to introspect

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:46:42 +0530

The book features letters from 18 eminent parents to their daughters about life and various things.

The Homing Pigeons is a riveting, easy read

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:26:43 +0530

Anyone and everyone can read the book and the best part is the story will make you turn pages.

Follow Every Rainbow is about the success, inspiration

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:11:33 +0530

Rashmi Bansal's books are based on the life of entrepreneurs, how they came up against all odds and have made a name for themselves.

Essence of every emotion is well captured The Interestings

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:13:14 +0530

The book reminded me of friends who have drifted away, and that is the effect of this book.

Following Fish reads simply, speaks of different things

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:03:11 +0530

A read if you love to travel or love food or love both.

Atulya Mahajan's 'Masters of America' is a handbook of easy laughs

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:11:54 +0530

If you have read 'The Inscrutable Americans', you will appreciate the struggle that Fresh off the Boat (FOB) Indian immigrants face in the mythical land of opportunities and Mahajan takes the campus story forward weaving some real characters into a narration that is breezy, informal and unpretentious.

'Just Send Me Word' is a moving love story

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:17:11 +0530

A must read for a reader who wants to cry and feel happy at the end of it all.

One should not miss reading Crossing to Safety

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 03:58:15 +0530

The book is as simple as it seems and yet resonates with the reader on so many levels.

Baker's Daughter reflects quiet power of narration

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 03:44:30 +0530

Why should you or anyone else for that matter read this book? Because according to me, the book is written the way it should be.

By Blood, a literary fiction read like no other

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:56:22 +0530

The book is set in San Francisco in the 70s, at the height of the Zodiac Killer's reign in the city.

The Childhood of Jesus is allegorical in nature

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:41:05 +0530

It is mysterious in so many ways and that is why to me in most places, it was a complex read.

Life After Life, a read that you must gift yourself

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:19:52 +0530

The existence of a person and also again and again says so much about the philosophical layers about the book.

Bitter Almonds is written with great tenderness

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:49:14 +0530

Bitter Almonds, as any other book that look deceptively simple, this one too has many layers to it.

Beyond Human Nature can leave the reader astounded

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:16:42 +0530

The book is divided into six parts and each part focuses on the idea of where do the following come from: Feelings, Values, Traits, Knowledge, Language, and Thinking.

A Visit from the Goon Squad is a fascinating book

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:24:38 +0530

'A Visit from the Goon Squad' is something that will not let go of you that easily.

Blood Red Sari will grip you from the very first page

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:11:12 +0530

The book is brutally violent at times but the book is worth giving a shot.

Best Kept Secret is a very smartly written sequel

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:29:11 +0530

Best Kept Secret focuses on the life of Harry Clifton and people around him during the years 1945 to 1957.

Beaten by Bhagath unleashes facts about the publishing world

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:04:01 +0530

Pick up this book if you looking for a story that grips you from the beginning till the end.

If you like light and witty reads, Chetan Chhatwal's 55 is the book for you

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:27:53 +0530

While he has successfully managed to maintain the humour quotient of his book, he also hasn't missed out on the equation between the characters.

Reading Mohsin Hamid; Slumdog Millionaire meets The White Tiger?

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 01:00:03 +0530

Mohsin Hamid is a gifted writer and a wonderful story-teller, so it is totally to his credit that his latest novel "How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia" is gripping.

'Sachin: Cricketer of the Century': New Tendulkar book hits the mark

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:43:38 +0530

Vimal Kumar's Sachin: Cricketer of the Century is a must-have for Tendulkar-philes, and its strength is the rich assembly of tributes and analysis from a host of former and current greats.

How to Get Filthy Rich... is highly entertaining, thought provoking

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:53:39 +0530

Mohsin Hamid's writing is strong and packed with punches and surprises in almost every chapter.

Bihar Breakthrough captures the state's transition

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 03:36:35 +0530

The chapters on re-establishing the rule of law, the roads to development, social infrastructure and Kosi floods of 2008 have meticulous details.

Sundaram's Stringer impresses you from the word go

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:13:10 +0530

'Stringer' takes you to the wild, chaotic Congo and leaves you with questions unanswered.

Gabriel Khan's Special 26 is a bland thriller

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 05:01:29 +0530

There's a world of difference between movies and books. Gabriel Khan should have known the risk he was running.

Yuvraj Singh's 'The Test of my life' is innate honesty

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:54:19 +0530

'The Test of my life' is an honest and poignant account of the vulnerabilities and darkness that consumed India's World Cup hero.

Falling to Earth works because of its brilliant characters

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 12:45:21 +0530

Kate Southwood does not give it to the readers all on a platter, she takes her time, building scenarios for the reader.

Vampires in the Lemon Grove is haunting and refreshing

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:19:54 +0530

The mix of stories could not have been better in this collection.

'The Dinner' is a wonderfully translated book

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 03:14:27 +0530

'The Dinner' is a book written in Dutch and translated wonderfully by Sam Garrett.

Himalaya: Mountains of Life is a visual treat

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 04:35:18 +0530

The coffee table book by Kamal Bawa and Sandesh Kadur 'Himalaya: Mountains of Life' takes you on a unique journey.

'The Threads of the Heart' is different, magical, stupendous

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:25:33 +0530

I used to think that there would be no one who would write like Marquez. No one who would be able to create the same magic and weave words that remain stuck in memory and stories that do not get erased, stories that you do not want to forget, long after you have read them. And then to soak the book in entirely, with every word and sentence almost resonating is not easy for an author. The readers more so can act on a whim and drop a book if they want to. The writer on the other hand continues to write.

'Why We Broke Up' will enthrall you with its plot

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:42:57 +0530

I had bought this book last year and since then was struggling with it. I would read fifty pages or so and give it up for another read. It happens most of the time and that doesn't mean that the book is bad, maybe the timing for sure is. It has happened to me in the past, so I do not think much of it. So when I picked up "Why We Broke Up" again this time, I was enthralled by the plot and more so by the art by Maira Kalman, which by the way is beautifully done throughout the book.

Those Pricey Thakur Girls is not chick-lit, brings laughter

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:25:15 +0530

I do not read popular fiction or any book that is categorized as chick-lit. I am wary of them, because there are dime a dozen of them, sprouting like crazy in the country. I try not to read them or take any requests for reviewing them. However, this time round I decided to read something that was written in a lighter vein and picked up, "Those Thakur Girls" by Anuja Chauhan and I can only say that I have never laughed this hard while reading a book. This book came as a much needed break from the heavy handed literary fiction and non-fiction that I was lapping up no end.

The Other Side of the Table is a bittersweet read

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 04:35:32 +0530

There are some books you never thought you would read and when you do, you are only too glad that you did. There have been plenty of such books in my life. They make an appearance when not known to me at all, I may start reading a while later, however when I do, I wonder why I did not earlier. They leave an impression so vivid that I know I will reread the book. It is almost like food you never liked and somehow it seems to grow on you so much that you relish it. This has happened to me quite lately and the book it happened with is, "The Other Side of the Table" by Madhumita Mukherjee.

The Cripple and his Talismans is a unique book

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:18:55 +0530

As the title suggests the book is about a cripple. A man in search of his lost arm.

'Calcutta: Two Years...' takes your breath away

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:46:15 +0530

Reading "Calcutta: Two Years in the City" by Amit Chaudhuri is like taking a roller-coaster ride.

Shed all inhibitions while reading The Origins of Sex

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 03:49:33 +0530

The book is divided into six parts and each part is unique and wonderfully researched.

Artful lets you explore your imagination, ideas

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:19:28 +0530

Artful is all about books and the love of reading and what reading can do to readers.

The Possessed brings unexpected joy and laughter

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:11:37 +0530

There are times the book seems to be more of a personal memoir and less of a book on Russian literature.

Khadivi's The Walking is remarkable piece of work

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 01:46:56 +0530

Laleh Khadivi is candid and gives a terrific voice to her characters and their emotions.

Read Let's call him Vasu to understand the tribal India

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 01:42:04 +0530

Shubranshu Choudhary has documented his seven year long study of the Maoist insurgency in Chattisgarh.

The Guardians is a short treatise on loss, love

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 01:56:25 +0530

The Guardians by Sarah Manguso, as the title also suggests is an elegy for a friend.

'I Kissed a Frog' is light read, a good change

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:49:40 +0530

The book as the title suggests is a collection of short stories, seventeen to be precise and spread across three sections. So the sections are on love, friendship and modern-age fairy tales.

Book review: 'Patriots and Partisans'

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:03:50 +0530

North, south; urban, rural; BIMARU, developed; Hindu, Muslim; left wing, right wing; upper caste, Dalit-these are just a handful of the 'million mutinies' brewing in India. Juxtapose this with the idea of unity, of one India and the difficulty of being a liberal person in India comes through. It is easier to simply pick a side, practise your arguments and get on with life.

How should A Person Be? is like life playing itself out

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:30:08 +0530

This book is recommended to people who can stomach a story told differently.

The Missing Queen is mythology with a modern twist

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 06:59:16 +0530

Read 'The Missing Queen' to experience a different kind of tale and storytelling when it comes to mythology.

Revolt of the Fish Eaters wears its intellectual inheritance

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:17:15 +0530

Revolt of the Fish Eaters is indeed a collection of short stories where the moments of wonderment are never in short supply.

'In the Company of a Poet' is a delightful read

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:00:16 +0530

'In the Company of a Poet' does a fantastic job of steering Gulzar through his personal history.

The Blind Man's Garden is a magnificient read

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:36:24 +0530

There are a lot of sub-elements and plots to the book that add to the beauty of this wonderfully written novel.

'Don't Kill Him!' disappoints as a memoir

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:48:10 +0530

To read the book in its singularity and not judge Rajneesh is very difficult.

City of Devi leaves the reader breathless

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:46:34 +0530

'The City of Devi' all you want is to feel the city and hope that the characters' lives are sorted. A must read this season.

'Shadow of the Banyan' provides comfort and hope

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:37:22 +0530

The book is a beautiful read, be prepared though to cry a little.

'Adi Parva' will charm you right from page one

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:30:59 +0530

The illustrations are breathtaking no doubt, however what is also very charming about the book is the way the tale has been narrated.

'Pataudi: Nawab of Cricket' review: An elegy for Pataudi as he was

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:36:44 +0530

The essays in this anthology on the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, should not be ignored.

Shakespeare's Restless World' is a must read

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 05:04:37 +0530

The book is written in a superb manner. There are parts that are funny and parts that are not so.

'It Takes a Murder' Review: It's alive and kicking

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:22:30 +0530

The economy of expression which is midway between spare and overwrought, creates the right atmosphere in the book.

Christopher Hitchens's 'Mortality' is honest and painfully so

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 11:35:26 +0530

I guess it is never easy to write about dying. More so, when you know it is coming at you, day by day, almost second by second. Christopher Hitchens, one of the greatest writers that Britain has ever produced and not even the tumor in his esophagus could stop him from writing. I have yet to read one of his greatest works, his memoir, called, Hitch-22, but for me, for now, "Mortality" has been a roller-coaster of a read.

'Beautiful Country' is a compelling read

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:23:22 +0530

Beautiful Country, a book by Gunjan Veda and Syeda Hameed, beautifully chronicles stories from an India that is not yet on the radar of the 24x7 media. The stories from Andamans, Varanasi, rural Maharashtra, Naxals-affected Chhattisgarh, the Northeast and several other regions of the country depict the struggles and triumph of the common people despite all the odds.

If you like short stories, then Object Lessons is for you

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 06:06:31 +0530

There are twenty stories in the book. The writers are well-known and so are the selectors.

'The Yellow Birds' is not an easy book to read

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 05:32:21 +0530

The book is about hope and maybe the understanding that at the end of the day it is all about what it is to be human - in times of war and peace.

'Nobody Can Love You More' shines in its writing

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 06:42:45 +0530

'Nobody Can Love You More' shines not only in its writing but also beneath the lives led by those in the so-called 'flesh trade'.

The Masala Murder's got its recipe right

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:57:37 +0530

The cover blares bright lights, big city, mysterious women and plenty of mirchi. After that movie-posterish promise though, the first few pages seem a bit dry.

'Patriots and Partisans' covers all grounds of India

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:02:41 +0530

'Patriots and Partisans' may not be enjoyed by all , given its serious content but it is definitely a great read.

Sudershan is worth a read for its uniqueness

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 07:23:49 +0530

The book cleverly tells the tale of a chimpanzee who was once a superstar in the industry and his journey from becoming a superstar to his downfall and what redeems him at the end of it all.

'Lovetorn', an Indian Cinderella in Los Angeles

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 03:24:58 +0530

Lovetorn is a quick, pacy read but by no means a memorable one. Your Facebook wall would probably provide more food for thought.

'Guru Dutt: A Tragedy...' a short, effective read

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 03:07:51 +0530

Arun Khopkar's 'Guru Dutt - A Tragedy in Three Acts' is one book on cinema which you shouldn't miss.

'Sounding Off' is simple, brisk and engaging

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 06:28:17 +0530

'Sounding Off' is a good read for people who want to understand the difference between a born star and a star by choice.

You will feel satiated after reading 'Dear Life'

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 04:07:19 +0530

'Dear Life' is a collection of ten stories and four autobiographical pieces, that center on Munro's childhood.

'Ministry of Hurt Sentiments' is a hurt voice

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 01:02:50 +0530

Ministry of Hurt Sentiments is too shrill and bitter - a brave attempt but don't read it in one go.

'Boats on Land' a refreshing, thought-provoking read

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:27:45 +0530

'Boats on Land' by Janice Pariat is an excellent debut of short stories.

Zadie Smith's 'NW' is a cracker of a read

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 01:09:47 +0530

'NW' - refers to North West London. The story revolves around its residents. The book is about their loves, sorrows, hypocrisies, ambitions, facades, prejudices and fears.

Mantel's narrative transports you to another era

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:37:14 +0530

Booker winner Hilary Mantel's book Bring up the Bodies successfully transports you to the 16th century England and its problems.

'Swimming Home' is a worhty Man Booker nominee

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 04:58:44 +0530

'Swimming Home' is a powerful, an almost offbeat book about the impact of an outsider has on the relationship of two couples.

'The Edge of the Machete' is skillfully crafted, sloppily told

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 11:02:59 +0530

A CIA operative is brutally executed in Mohmand, Pakistan. A NATO convoy to Jalalabad is attacked by militants. The top terrorists of the region from different outfits are meeting to plan their biggest and deadliest attack. Pakistan is giving hollow assurances on delivering the culprits. America, pushed to the wall, launches a covert operation to plant a mole.

This Is How You Lose Her is fascinatingly written

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:57:44 +0530

Junot Diaz's characters are raw, passionate and also might seem larger than life sometimes.

Shadow Throne a welcome break from literary fiction

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:17:14 +0530

The writing is fast-paced and well-researched for a book of this proportion.

'Aerogrammes...' is one of the best fiction reads

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 02:51:50 +0530

The book has all the elements of fiction - drama, intrigue, adventure, mystery (well to some extent), dry humour, love, and a ghost story as well - all rolled into one collection.

'Silent House' is a treat for literary lovers

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 04:47:32 +0530

'Silent House' by might be new for the English reading population, but definitely not for the Turkish one.

A Monster Calls is about loss, love, redemption

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 02:17:46 +0530

'A Monster Calls' is about thirteen-year old Conor and his mother who is suffering from cancer.

The Angel's Share is Rang De Basanti on cocaine

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:31:04 +0530

This book is a love story, a political commentary, a coming-of-age novel, most of all a requiem for a murdered friend.

Joseph Anton is all about courage and resilience

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 06:49:15 +0530

The book is about writing, the process, the wonder and the anguish it brings to the writer and readers.

'Roll of Honour' is a poignant tale of the militancy era

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:19:45 +0530

Amandeep Sandhu's book is a lucid rendition of the times. He draws no conclusions, gives no sermons and offers no solutions. He refrains from turning the story into a tearjerker.

JK Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy' is hard to put down

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:39:44 +0530

So look, here's the thing: This. Is. Not. A. Children's. Book. If you're looking for what made Harry Potter magical - Wizards! Spells! Flying Broomsticks! - you're not going to find it. If you're looking for what makes JK Rowling magical - emotion, heart - you will.

Gurcharan Das' "India Grows At Night" is thought provoking

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 03:18:45 +0530

Gurcharan Das' new book "India Grows At Night" postulates a liberal case for a strong India, for a strong leadership and system that ensures swift governance and justice.

'Daylight Gate' is not a read for the squeamish

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 06:34:13 +0530

The story centers on Alice Nutter, one of the witches and how by discovering a crucifix, does the trial start and its consequences.

'The Liberals' is very well researched book

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 06:24:58 +0530

The book is not a heavy read, as one may assume going by its name and theme.

The Man Who Tried to Remember is a gem of a book

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 05:22:36 +0530

The book is fast-paced and yet makes you ponder and think about everything that interconnects the plot - memory, emotion, murder, and political campaigning.

The Wildings by Nilanjana Roy is fantabulous

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:21:34 +0530

If you love cats or animals or own cats or pets, then, 'The Wildings' by Nilanjana Roy will be a perfect read for you.

'The Green Room', a vibrant timeline of fashion

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 08:22:22 +0530

Flamboyant designer Wendell Rodricks uses an effortlessly lyrical style of narration in his autobiography, The Green Room, to sketch not just a personal account, but also a veritable history of the Indian fashion scene.

Philida brings the realities of slavery to forefront

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 08:08:08 +0530

The concept of master-slave and courage as opposed to cowardice is clearly seen in the book.

Sweet Tooth by McEwan is a cleverly written book

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:53:25 +0530

A must read for all those who have not tried McEwan yet and for those who have read his works, you sure will not be disappointed.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a crisp, touching

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 05:09:55 +0530

The book is a psychological profile, a half-baked memoir, and a mystery novel, all rolled into one.

'Maharani' an enchanting novella by Ruskin Bond

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 06:54:32 +0530

The book is very-well etched, the characters hold the basic balance of the book.

'Toke' has all elements of a blockbuster novel

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 04:48:02 +0530

Toke is all about a man, a regular man, who is the regular average Indian, living his life his way.

'Curious Digital Marketer', a to the point, crisp book

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 08:10:32 +0530

The Curious Digital Marketer, helps you develop a better understanding of topics and jargons in the digital industry.

'PAO' is a beautifully crafted anthology of comics

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:23:02 +0530

PAO is a first step to more anthologies like this one and it is time for us to be introduced to more intelligent and interesting graphic fiction.

'Goat Days' an intelligent translation by Koyippally

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:42:14 +0530

Dr Joseph Koyippally's translation of 'Goat Days' is well-paced and intelligently done.

'Not Dead Yet,' more than meets the eye

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 04:30:31 +0530

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace returns in Not Dead Yet with marriage on his mind.

'Hour of the Wolf', a WhoCantStopReadingIt

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 01:34:58 +0530

If you like Scandinavian crime fiction, you'll enjoy The Hour Of The Wolf.

Book Review: Home

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 02:41:59 +0530

There comes a time in the life of a reader when every new offering from a favourite author is awaited more with trepidation than anticipation. Much as one would wish otherwise, creative powers are as subject to erosion as the hair on our head or tissue from our bones.

Kitnay Aadmi Thay: Not-so-useless Bollywood trivia

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 05:35:26 +0530

'Kitnay Aadmi Thay?' is the compilation of interesting facts from films such as the Hindi remake of 'The Godfather' to Rahul Roy's tiger avatar in 'Junoon'.

Rahul Dravid - Timeless Steel, an apt ode to the legend

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 02:08:32 +0530

The book 'Timeless Steel' comes across as another ode to the man. But this one, being a great compilation of what the cricket men think about him and what he thinks, is indeed a more insightful read. While most of the writings may not be new for an ardent cricket follower, they certainly are a pleasure to read as there is slightly more than what one might have read.

'Six Metres of Pavement' defeats easy stereo-typing

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 12:34:58 +0530

"Want to review some queer fiction?" "Sure", I said, and that's how I got reading Six Metres of Pavement by Farzana Doctor. But the book defeats easy stereo-typing and it's as much about queers as Hum Aapke Ke Hain Kaun! is about Hindus. Yes, there are plenty of them in the film but that's not the point is it?

'Dream of the Celt' promises to be an epic read

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 06:09:55 +0530

The narrative encompasses many struggles, personal, political and ideological.

'Penguin Island' a great read but not for all

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 06:47:07 +0530

The book moves through just about everything on 'Penguin Island' - vices, scams, false accusations, politics.

Gen JJ Singh's bio: interesting yet tedious in parts

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 03:24:40 +0530

Gen JJ Singh's biography is welcome because very few Chiefs write about their experiences.

Sweet Sixteen (Yeah, Right!) is more of an Oh, No!

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:18:11 +0530

'Sweet Sixteen (Yeah, Right!)' is touted as a Delhi-to-Chennai journey seen through the eyes of a modern teen.

'Sachin: A Hundred Hundreds Now' is a potpourri

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 03:35:15 +0530

'Sachin: A Hundred Hundreds Now', essentially a compilation of Sachin Tendulkar's international hundreds, fails to leave its mark.

Tirumurti's 'Chennaivaasi' is a charming read

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:29:41 +0530

Read this book for its engaging characters, its quirky humour, its depiction of a modern love story that begins by clashing with tradition but ends, like any two "Chennaivaasis", by happily co-existing.

'Pakistan on the Brink' by Ahmed Rashid

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:44:14 +0530

They say you should build your first house to sell, the second one to rent, and the third one to live in. With most trilogies, the sequence is almost always in reverse- simply because authors tend to give their best to the first book, what's left to their second, and only write the third to complete the trilogy. Author Ahmed Rashid's Pakistan on the Brink: The Future of America, Pakistan and Afghanistan is an exception, as he manages to make the sequel to the 'Taliban', (the bestseller that sold 1.5 million copies, and transformed Rashid into 'global sage'), and to his second, Descent into Chaos, an equally important volume.

Read 'Half-Blood Blues' for music and its identity

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 06:30:31 +0530

Esi Edugyan's book brings out the world inhabited by these three men and their longings, passion, betrayal over the years, while the music silently plays on.

'The Hunger Games,' a hit with teens, tweens and moms

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 03:23:36 +0530

'The Hunger Games' is not for the faint of heart, and perhaps the world-renowned author Suzanne Collins intended the book to be taken in by a mature audience.

'Origins of Love,' a tale of exploitation

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 01:14:07 +0530

The title would have you believe this is a love story, and it is - in a manner of speaking. Not quite what you would expect, and certainly not chick-lit.

'Edge of Desire' mirrors growing frenzy in politics

Fri, 25 May 2012 01:34:46 +0530

Author Tuhin Sinha's writing style comes as a bit of a shock - don't expect it to be a Rushdie or Chaudhury.

'Are You My Mother?' is beautifully juxtaposed

Tue, 22 May 2012 01:57:28 +0530

Family relationships are beautifully portrayed in the book and being a graphic novel, it manages to convey a lot.

'The Statistical Probability of Love' a sweet read

Tue, 22 May 2012 01:51:40 +0530

Jennifer E Smith knows the craft of writing for young adults. It is not the typical romance novel.

'It's your move...' an engaging chick-lit

Fri, 18 May 2012 05:18:39 +0530

Based on today's world, where online dating is as common as cheese, this is Wordfreak and Worddiva's love story.

'Abandon' promises more than it delivers

Fri, 18 May 2012 03:54:13 +0530

The story attempts to recreate the myth of Persephone and Hades but falls short miserably.

'In the Sea there...' a frank, revealing memoir

Mon, 14 May 2012 05:52:05 +0530

A memoir that describes the fear, insecurity, despair and nostalgia which the refugees face.

'Evolution of Gods' raises a valid question

Fri, 11 May 2012 03:08:30 +0530

Ajay Kansal in his latest book 'The Evolution of Gods' attempts to explain religious beliefs from the world over.

'Moslems are Coming' a smart, sassy, funny read

Wed, 09 May 2012 03:39:51 +0530

Sharp and witty, this is a book through which the reader travels the world with the author while having a bird's eye view on world politics.

Read 'Inspector Singh' for its lovable protagonists

Wed, 09 May 2012 01:10:21 +0530

Shamini Flint's 'Inspector Singh Investigates' emphasises on the psychological trauma caused by communal violence to a family.

'My Days in Prison' a powerful yet disturbing read

Tue, 08 May 2012 03:43:56 +0530

Regular fights, the obscene forms of entertainment, the beatings, the blatant abuse of authority, the constant need to escape reality, Shastri describes her personal experience and observations in 'My days in Prison'.

'Dance of Death' deals with delusions of grandeur

Tue, 08 May 2012 01:28:52 +0530

Money makes the world go round is the crux of Manna Bahadur's book 'The Dance of Death'.

'Would you like some bread...' is unpretentious

Tue, 08 May 2012 01:02:50 +0530

This book's ideal for reading on the go (Mumbai locals, if you're like the author! Or even the Delhi Metro, if you're now settled here like she is,) though it also works on a lazy afternoon.

Rupa Bajwa's 'Tell me a Story' is disappointing

Mon, 07 May 2012 05:02:32 +0530

The book is very readable, the author is at ease with the language and the subject but given the critical acclaim her first book received (which I haven't read, by the way), this book was disappointing.

'Em and the Big Hoom' a frank, in-your-face novel

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:50:10 +0530

For his first novel, Jerry Pinto has taken care not to make it cliched or for that matter sentimental, though it speaks of madness and disjointed family ties.

'Life in a Rectangle' a modest, unassuming book

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:56:09 +0530

Sujit Sanyal may not be quite as handsome as Jon Hamm, but his memoirs are a successful foray into the same genre or subculture, as the case may be.

'Chance at Happiness' an authentic portrait of Delhi

Wed, 02 May 2012 06:14:16 +0530

Aseem Vadehra's book is an authentic portrait of one of the many faces that Delhi has got and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Hocking's 'Torn' a large improvement from 'Switched'

Wed, 02 May 2012 05:52:33 +0530

'Torn' is the sequel to 'Switched', which was Amanda Hocking's first self-published book.

'The Resignation' is a fantastic piece of translation

Wed, 02 May 2012 04:14:24 +0530

The writing is fantastic. Every word is in its place and most credit goes to the translator for the wonderful derivation of setting, meaning and the right words to add the much needed pace and communicative technique to the book.

'Breakout Nations' a brilliant analysis of new markets

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:11:20 +0530

Like most authors writing on new markets, Ruchir Sharma gives importance to China and India.

'In the orchard...' a story of beauty, love and pain

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:37:22 +0530

Peter Hobbs' book touches upon the war in Afghanistan and what meaning it has to people.

'Fifty Shades of Grey' an entertaining, racy read

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:20:59 +0530

EL James' 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is racy and makes you turn the pages as quick as possible.

Nesbo hits the sweet spot of crime and mystery

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:23:52 +0530

Phantom's strength is that it can be a standalone book and readers do not have to refer to the previous Harry Hole books to make sense of what is happening.

Pico Iyer's writing is broken, fragmented yet lovable

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:06:38 +0530

We all have a man within us - someone different, someone similar, and someone who sometimes we want to be.

'Please Look after Mother' a distinct voice

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:55:43 +0530

Please Look after Mother's story will strike a chord in you somewhere. It made me feel the kind of attention may be sometimes I need to give my mother.

'A Life in Words' a stark account of a writer's life

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:45:27 +0530

'A Life in Words: Memoirs' by Ismat Chughtai is an honest and stark account of a writer's life - from childhood to youth to old-age.

Between Clay and Dust: Of rectitude and penance

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:45:54 +0530

This is a book whose pages will emit the smells of blood, sweat and freshly churned clay and stay with you long after you have read the last word.

Review: Comic hero Agent Vinod is kick-ass

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:37:47 +0530

What majorly works for the graphic novel is Mumbai-based illustrator Saumin Patel's stunning art work.

'Tea for Two...' very well executed chick-lit

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:56:18 +0530

Preeti Shenoy writes with urgency - almost like she has to catch the next bus and will miss it, but it is that urgency that gives the book its much needed tone and pace.

'Flush,' a great read for a lazy summer day

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:35:15 +0530

'Flush', written by Carl Hiaasen, is a great read for a lazy evening or summer day. It is easy to understand, moderate-paced and can be read by kids of all ages

JD Salinger: Not quite the 'Catcher in the Rye'

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:50:39 +0530

This biography, 'JD Salinger: A Life Raised High', by Kenneth Slawenski, is a tour de force of a tribute.

Pico Iyer's 'The man within...' is a treat to read

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:37:10 +0530

Pico Iyer writes about the man within his head, in the process unraveling and understanding the man who perhaps influenced his life most deeply - his father.

'Beautiful Forevers' a disturbing, impactful read

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 05:45:24 +0530

The book removes masks that we sometimes wear and compels the readers to take a better look at their world and surroundings.

Teens will enjoy reading Hocking's 'Switched'

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 01:18:15 +0530

The story begins 11 years before the protagonist, Wendy Everly, knows she is not all human. Remembering her sixth birthday, her mother attempts to kill her, screaming about how Wendy wasn't really her child. It wasn't until 11 years later that she met Finn, a mysterious boy, with whom she starts an odd friendship, and who incidentally has knowledge of her past, and why she is the out-of-place young adult she is now.

Jeffrey Archer does it again

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 01:07:08 +0530

There's no doubt about it - Jeffrey Archer's got a gift. At first glance, The Sins of the Father is a heady mix of, well, stuff that Archer's given us before - the prison sentence, the wronged innocent, the devoted partner, who fights against all odds - but he does it so well, and injects more drama than you would think possible! There is also a definite seediness that he depicts.

'Bollywood Striptease' leaves a sense of ennui

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:38:20 +0530

Neeta Shah's 'Bollywood Striptease' is a light and frothy take on the big bad world of Hindi cinema.

Bonding Through Brotherhood: Freemasons in India

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 05:32:52 +0530

The coffee-table book is an attempt at not only chronicling the history of Freemasons, but also at educating the Indian readers on the movement's 'glocal' character - its global organisation and principles as well as its local history and spread across India.

Farooki's urgency in words works well for 'Flying Man'

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:40:10 +0530

Roopa Farooki's new book is unlike anything else by her earlier.

Book review: What makes business rock

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:50:45 +0530

You wouldn't associate someone who commanded three nuclear bases at the height of the Cold War in the 1970s with running the world's largest entertainment businesses. But that's exactly what Bill Roedy has done, and this book chronicles that journey.

11-year-old reviews Sudha Murty's latest book

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 05:35:17 +0530

'Grandma's Bag of Stories' neither a novel nor a short stories book it is a mix of the two.

Saeed Mirza's latest book is a collector's item

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:47:57 +0530

Director Saeed Akhtar Mirza has given another a masterpiece with his new book 'The Monk, the Moor and Moses Ben Jalloun'.

'To Kill a Snow...' is vast enough to be epic

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:05:46 +0530

Sharad P Paul's book stirs a sense of faint envy at its brilliance.

Book review: 'Rahul', a book on the Gandhi scion

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:32:56 +0530

In October 2005, Rahul Gandhi made a surprise visit to a middle-class haunt in Chennai. With a few friends, he descended on Hotel Saravana Bhavan at Ashok Nagar, not far from the airport and spent the next hour or so getting a taste of south Indian cuisine.

Sanjay Kumar's 'Artist, Undone,' a great debut

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:10:12 +0530

'Artist, Undone' chronicles the life of Harsh Sinha - who sees a likeness of himself in a painting.

'Homesick' has a unique and original voice

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:16:57 +0530

'Homesick' is a collection of seventeen stories - telling the tales of Sri Lankan immigrants in Britain.

Don't expect 'Bali and the Ocean of Milk' to be too smart

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:34:11 +0530

Read Nilanjan P Choudhury's 'Bali and the Ocean of Milk' if you like smart Alec reinterpretations of mythology.

'Blue', an honest attempt at chronicling love, lust

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:06:40 +0530

'Blue', edited by Ameena Hussein is an honest, earthy attempt at chronicling love, lust and the thin line that often merges/separates - depending on perspective - the two.

Book review: Storming the World Stage

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:39:42 +0530

Part detective, part academic, part chronicler, Stephen Tankel provides what is arguably one of the finest and most detailed accounts of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terrorist group that represents the greatest threat to India.

Kids will love Padamsee's work: 8-yr-old reviewer

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:56:37 +0530

Reviews of Shamim Padamsee's books 'Rebels in Rajasthan' and 'Poachers in Paradise' by an eight-year-old.

Madhulika Liddle's writing has come of age

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:53:49 +0530

'The Eighth Guest and Other Muzaffar Jang Mysteries' still stands as a testimony that Indian writers can write a good mystery.

'The Reluctant Detective' fast, well paced book

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:37:21 +0530

The humour in the book doesn't let the mystery element get ignored and vice-versa.

'The Wednesday Soul' is too experimental

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:54:40 +0530

'The Wednesday Soul' is nothing like you have read before. It is funny, sarcastic, doesn't try too hard, simply written, and a whole lot of afterlife.

'Inventive Indians,' stories of raw intelligence

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:45:17 +0530

There are stories of villages which make their own hydroelectricity, from small mountain streams.

'Tamasha in Bandargaon' won't disappoint

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:14:46 +0530

The back leaf said the short stories inside were a bit like Malgudi Days.

'Scammed' is readable, holds your attention

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:39:38 +0530

'Scammed' is more or less a page turner, a sort of Chetan Bhagat pot-boiler.

Bina Shah's 'Slum Child' is a compelling story

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:57:41 +0530

This book isn't a copy of anything, it stands for itself.

'Hot Tea across India' is delightfully lighthearted

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:52:27 +0530

If you have any interest at all in travelling - buy this book. If you don't have any interest in travel - but have a few hours to kill on a bus or plane or metro - buy this book.

The giant chronicles: Two books worth reading

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:08:51 +0530

I'm Feeling Lucky is a memoir by one of Google's early employees. Edwards was one of the few non-geeks in Google's early years. He worked in marketing, and was, in fact, the one responsible for much of the search engine's tone in its interface with users.

'The Mine' is a diabolically smart thriller

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:00:15 +0530

The language is effortless and the diabolically smart ending takes your breath away.

Hisar to Kashmir: A journalist's autobiography

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:40:36 +0530

'Jailed Without Crime' is M L Kak's account of his 40-plus years in journalism.

'Overwinter' a read which stays with you for long

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:30:43 +0530

Ratika Kapur writes with urgency, almost speeding somewhere and that works for the book.

'Yellow Emperor's Cure' is layered but bland

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:25:24 +0530

Kunal Basu set the bar too high with 'The Japanese Wife'. 'The Yellow Emperor's Cure' fails to match it in narration and nuance.

Handbook of Modernity in South Asia is pathbreaking

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:32:11 +0530

Saurabh Dube's 'Handbook of Modernity in South Asia' is a significant contribution to the study of modernity and globalization in South Asia.

'The World We Found' is about bold, sassy women

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:09:42 +0530

Thrity Umrigar's writing unfolds little by little, leaving the reader surprised and shocked.

'Narcopolis' is an intense, disturbing read

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:57:50 +0530

Jeet Thayil's 'Narcopolis' hits the nail on the head, the title totally matches the content of the book.

Jimmy Carter's latest book offers lessons in faith

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:21:45 +0530

In 'Through the Years with Jimmy Carter,' Carter is open about struggles over his own faith.

'Hot Tea Across India' is a reader's delight

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:09:00 +0530

The travelogue could have been substantiated with pictures.

'Jerusalem: The Biography' is a true masterpiece

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:30:46 +0530

Author Sebag Montefiore writes with honesty and passion that is hard to miss.

'The Muddy River' is a mirror of political fiction

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:11:34 +0530

'The Muddy River' is a story of a bureaucrat caught in the machinations of Assamese politics and public sector corruption in the last quarter of the 20th century.

'The Best Thing About You is You' can motivate

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:35:05 +0530

Excerpts from the actor's autobiographical play 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai' are repetitive and could have been edited at places.

Stephen King's 11.22.63 is rather mediocre

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:22:07 +0530

The man known for his thrillers and spine-chillers takes a road he has not oft taken for 11.22.63. What comes out of this detour is a 734 page novel that is interesting, but has nothing new to offer.

'Death in Mumbai' is not for the faint hearted

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 01:26:42 +0530

'Death in Mumbai' by Meenal Baghel is a gripping account of the infamous killing of Neeraj Grover by an aspiring actress Maria Susairaj and her naval boyfriend Emile Jerome.

'A Free Man' is big, both on form and substance

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:11:50 +0530

'A Free Man' by Aman Sethi is easily among 2011's more rewarding reads.

Banker's 'Flute of Vrindavan' is an average book

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:06:19 +0530

The book centers on Kamsa working and building on his powers to superhuman proportions to slay the infant and not succeeding.

Cyrus delivers what he promises, a funny book

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:13:37 +0530

The book is not a mirror of all Indian men. One must understand that before reading this book.

New Holmes sequel: edgy and extraordinary

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:09:01 +0530

Anthony Horowitz's officially sanctioned Sherlock Holmes novel is grim, dark, and superbly plotted.

Editor's memo: no humbug, honest, clear-eyed

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:27:03 +0530

Vinod Mehta's style as editor is carried over to his autobiography: shunning humbug, honest, with a clear story to tell.

'Pakistan - Identity and Destiny' a peep into Pakistan

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:45:19 +0530

Javed Jabbar's latest book meanders through too many reasons to justify why Pakistan is Pakistan.

'Death Comes to Pemberley' lacks magic

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:15:42 +0530

PD James is masterful in her craft, and she takes you right back to the 19th century, right back to the Bennett-Darcy mix. And yet. Some of that magic is gone.

'Instant City' chronicles the life of Karachi

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:07:34 +0530

Steve Inskeep's book is divided into four parts - Jinnah Road, Landmarks, New Karachi and Renewed Karachi.

Rafa's story a fascinating tale of self realisation

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:37:16 +0530

Rafa My Story, the biography by John Carlin of one of the greatest players in the history of professional tennis, is a true lesson of the benefits that can be derived, if the will to dig deep and get the best out of oneself is taken to the ultimate limit.

Fascinating post-mortem of Indian Left

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:52:33 +0530

In 254 crisp and scholarly pages, 'Leftism in India 1917-1947' may well be the ultimate work on Indian Leftists covering a tumultuous period - from when Lenin seized power in Russia in 1917 to when India gained freedom in 1947.

Professionals will love 'Saint in the Board Room'

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:32:06 +0530

The book unlike any other, a fictional cocktail of economics and ethics, religion and spirituality, success and failure.

'Non Stop India' explores beyond the obvious

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:12:53 +0530

Mark Tully speaks with the authority that comes with decades of reporting and studying a region.

'The Sly Company' lives up to its evocative title

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:09:30 +0530

'The Sly Company' is something you should allow yourself to sink into, and leave your hectic fast-paced life behind.

'Out of the Blue' is a journey of self-discovery

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:11:07 +0530

How often is a cricket team described as the sum of its parts? The power of the collective over-rides that of the individual. It is an enduring cliche that Aakash Chopra bravely turns on its head in his second book 'Out of the Blue'.

'My friend Michael' a glimpse of MJ's personal life

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:32:30 +0530

Frank Cascio personal manager to Michael Jackson said the singer was drugged up ahead of his 2001 concerts.

Alzheimer's murder mystery wins medical lit prize

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:16:19 +0530

A thriller told from the perspective of an Alzheimer's-afflicted murder suspect has won the medical-themed Wellcome Trust Book Prize, organizers said on Wednesday.

For cancer survivor, sun shines in heart

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:44:38 +0530

The epilogue of the book brings out the cyclical flow of events and the ability of humans to fight back when faced with adversity.

Shoaib Akhtar's memoirs fall short on controversy

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:19:21 +0530

'Controversially Yours' falls short in delivering what it promised, ironically just as its subject himself did throughout his mercurial career.

Deepti Naval's short stories look at real India

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:43:55 +0530

Actress Deepti Naval has joined the legion of Indian writers with her maiden collection of short stories.

Off to new boom town, with Mark Tully

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:56:07 +0530

Simple, engaging and an easy read, 'Non-Stop India' is a delightful documentary of 21st century India.

Steve Jobs' bio is a fitting tribute to a genius

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:33:58 +0530

The book is a treat for all those who want to know more about Steve Jobs and the kind of person that he was.

Diplomat delights with poetry of promise

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:04:42 +0530

'Candling the Light', an anthology of verses by young poet, diplomat and artist Abhay K., shows the pressures of diplomacy.

'The Dancing Boy' is a waltz of emotions

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:40:54 +0530

Ishani Kar-Purkayastha has told a convincing story set in the sleepy bylanes of Kolkata without falling victim to the urge to impress with high-sounding words and concepts.

'That Used...' well describes the post-recession US

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 10:26:25 +0530

The Ugly American, it would seem, is being replaced by the Introspective American. Many forget that in 1958 too, the year Eugene Burdick and William Lederer wrote their bestselling novel that spoke of the brashness of the American abroad, the US was suffering a recession of the same order as it did in 2008 (Av -3.2per cent growth for 8 months). It was the biggest downturn since the Great Depression of 1929, and was accompanied by a worldwide market drop.

Palash Sen's bio by Ashish Kate, a lyrical tale

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 05:03:42 +0530

Written in a conversation format, the 'rockumentary' chronicles Sen's journey from his early childhood days in Jammu with his grandparents to his latest work, the story of the band and 90s music revolution through mass media.

'Chapter Eleven', the corporate tale that wasn't

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:14:55 +0530

Chapter 11, which in legal terms means filing for bankruptcy, is the central theme of this supposed peek-a-boo into the corporate world.

Nothing pretentious in Suhel Seth's 'Get to the Top'

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:39:48 +0530

It's a good read for someone who is looking to know something about social etiquette and behaviour.

'Calcutta Exile' captures the pulse of the city

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:41:14 +0530

'Calcutta Exile' is a book that even people who have not lived in Calcutta will enjoy. That it's set in an era when 'globalisation' was yet to be coined makes it more poignant.

Chronicle of Indian business' iron women

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:12:29 +0530

The book of short biographical essays sends the hard-hitting message that gender is of no consequence in male bastions.

Ragnarok: A savory slice of Norse mythology

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:16:44 +0530

The author seems to revel in gore, giant squids and menacing serpents, and the green matter that ate light.

Enigma called Sonia Gandhi revealed in new bio

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:44:46 +0530

'Sonia Gandhi - An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny' is gracefully written by Rani Singh.

Jobs bio delves deep into complex man's life

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:26:28 +0530

"Steve Jobs" takes off the rose-colored glasses that often follow an icon's untimely death and instead offers something far more valuable.

Steve Jobs biography on track to be a bestseller

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:24:55 +0530

The new biography of Steve Jobs is likely to be Amazon's top-selling book of 2011.

Exposing corruption: Man who started it all

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:45:15 +0530

Vineet Narain's latest book sequences the developments before and after the biggest scam was exposed.

'Gods without Men' a book with a big heart

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:52:30 +0530

Hari Kunzru's 'Gods without Men' is a book about the human condition spanning from 1778 to 2009.

'When Rama met Hanuman' is short and delightful

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:48:12 +0530

The age-old mythology written with a flair and style that makes the book exciting and gripping.

'Cat's Table' highly recommended for a lazy weekend

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:07:31 +0530

Michael Ondaatje's graceful use of language ensure you glide right into the story.

Mao's Great Famine: Dikotter does a Jasper Becker

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:19:13 +0530

Frank Dikotter almost equals the feat of Jasper Becker who wrote 'Hungry Ghosts' on the same subject.

'The Service of the State' is lucidly written

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:42:32 +0530

Former secretary to the Government of India Bhaskar Ghose's latest book comes at a time when there is increasing public anger against politicians and bureaucrats for being corrupt and insensitive. As such, the title of the book and the tagline promised to shed some light on the burning question about the relevance of an IAS officer in today's India, where inequalities and social unrest are growing faster than the economy.

Chetan Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020' disappoints

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:41:46 +0530

A languorous love story unfolds on the holy ghats of Varanasi, not unlike the pace of the river that flows through one of India's busiest temple towns which is the backdrop of bestselling author Chetan Bhagat's latest book 'Revolution 2020'.

'Bishan' is a lyrical of India's cricket legend

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:34:16 +0530

The moment you finish reading the book, you are left with a response, "Thanks for introducing Bedi - the person, cricketer, captain, coach and administrator."

'Silhouettes Unravelled' an honest attempt

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:32:31 +0530

Advika Gupta's book is a reflection of her creativity and a definite vision of her passion for writing.

Gift in Green: poem of land, beauty and pain

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:11:48 +0530

Sarah Joseph's 'Gift in Green' is like a long soulful poem that reflects the beauty and anguish of people.

Third World icon or crazed despot?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:24:34 +0530

The books in question are Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday, and Mao's Great Famine by Frank Dikötter.

'Empire of the Moghul' is an epic adventure

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:01:26 +0530

'Ruler of the World' is Akbar's saga, and it is a lively read for lovers of adventure stories.

'Americastan' will make you laugh out loud

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:11:58 +0530

Jabeen Akhtar talks about identity and what it means to be a Pakistani in America in a candid and tongue-in-cheek manner and yet skillfully done.

A ready reckoner to save cricket's soul

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:53:54 +0530

'Sphere of Influence' is not only an education to those who are less than well-versed in cricket administration, but also brings out the struggle to save cricket's soul.

'1888 Dial India' about India and its follies

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:12:38 +0530

Anuvab Pal writes about today's India and what it means to its citizens and how outsiders view it.

'The Google Guys' has a high PageRank

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:55:22 +0530

Google - a noun and also a verb - has, over the last decade and a little more, changed forever the way we seek information.

'Secrets' by Ruskin Bond has a classic touch

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:08:02 +0530

The description of a sleepy Dehradun, the usual simple characters and a touch of quaintness are a few reasons to read the book.

'Inside Central Asia' is very well researched

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:37:58 +0530

Dilip Hiro's 'Inside Central Asia' is about history, politics, race and culture of the region.

'Red Market' can win an Oscar if made into a film

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 01:59:05 +0530

Scott Carney 'The Red Market' is so gritty, nauseating and real that it's unreal.

'A Scandalous Secret' a veritable page-turner

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 06:18:53 +0530

Jaishree Misra's latest novel has a faint Agatha Christie touch in its richly detailed canvas enacted under the vague uncertain shadow of tragedy and the past.

'The Dhamma Man' an easy yet captivating read

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:16:17 +0530

Vilas Sarang's book explores the man behind Buddhism and its teaching.

Anita Desai's new characters search for wholeness

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:43:08 +0530

At first reading, 'The Artist of Disappearance' seems unalterable, as if they could not have been written in any other way, given the forces of circumstances acting on the characters.

'Js & The Times of My Life' has a witty raconteur

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:17:58 +0530

There are two terrible things about Jug Suraiya's cleverly-named memoir. One is the - sigh - clever name, with the word's 'js' and 'The Times' set in the typefaces of the logos of the long-departed and still lamented JS (alias, The Junior Statesman), and the still-thriving Times of India, just in case you didn't get it. The other is the ghastly cover design. Thankfully, everything beyond these is a delight.

Book Review: Noon

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:24:52 +0530

'Noon' is the story of Rehan Tabassum and his discovery of an India he is not familiar and comfortable with and a Pakistan he did not know.

Booker review: 'Sisters Brothers' not a pretty novel

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:40:50 +0530

Patrick deWitt's book is slick, funny, sad, and quirky, and extremely strong visually.

Booker review: 'Pigeon English' full of contrasts

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:18:26 +0530

The book is narrated by an eleven-year-old who has recently moved from Ghana to a high rise flat in London.

Booker review: 'Sense of an Ending' is beautiful

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:09:49 +0530

Julian Barnes' 'The Sense of an Ending' is thought provoking and strives to address serious themes.

Booker review: 'Snowdrops' an addictive pleasure

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:39:10 +0530

AD Miller's 'Snowdrops' is one of those books where the reader knows exactly what's going on.

'Alice Bhatti' not a run-of-the-mill book

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:39:29 +0530

Mohammad Hanif's 'Our Lady of Alice Bhatti' is a brilliant read with excellent characterisation.

Book review: 'Hello, Bastar'

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:14:55 +0530

This is a book ripe with promise. Rahul Pandita has done something few others have the dedication or courage to do: Spend time with Naxalites - somewhere along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border - getting a glimpse into their lives and ways. Heady stuff.

'Girl in the Garden' a perfect long flight read

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:52:16 +0530

Kamala Nair's debut novel is a multi-generational family saga, which talks about loves, deaths, secrets and much more.

'Indian Aircraft Industry' full of unknown gems

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:55:24 +0530

Air Commodore Jasjit Singh's book enumerates almost every single type of defense aircraft ever made in India.

'Sufis of Punjab' building bridges across borders

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:18:35 +0530

The birth of the Punjabi literary tradition is built into Sufi mysticism, which dates back to the birth of Shaikh Faridu'd-Din, popularly known as Baba Farid, in the late 12th century.

'Allah, Liberty...' an inspiration to question

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 07:44:08 +0530

Irshad Manji's latest talks about various issues in the contemporary Muslim society.

'Priya In Incredible...' looks at India as it is

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:07:13 +0530

Namita Gokhale's latest novel is a ruthless caricature of how high society in the national capital works.

Antony's latest is about complex relationships

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:48:58 +0530

Shinie Antony's novel talks about how things have changed for women - married and unmarried.

'Dead Reckoning' tells the truth about 1971 War

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:49:08 +0530

Sarmila Bose's latest book, Dead Reckoning - Memories of the 1971 Bangladesh War, is possibly the most nuanced and non-partisan attempt to gauge the extent and magnitude of atrocities committed during the war.

History meets writing in Sankaran's 'Watermark'

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:59:04 +0530

Vanitha Sankaran's debut novel is historic fiction set in 13th century France.

'Desperate in Dubai' not just chick lit

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:38:04 +0530

I have always had a soft corner for women in literature. Be it Madame Bovary or Anna Karenina or Carrie Bradshaw. They have always managed to bring out the relevant and exact emotion at that time, while I am immersed in the text, unravelling their lives, page after page, trying to keep in sync with the authors' thoughts and the context of the plot.

Tarun Tejpal's 'Valley of Masks' is disturbing

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:21:52 +0530

Tejpal's latest book stays and invokes many thoughts even after one has finished reading.

'The Windup Girl' makes you sit up and take notice

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:33:03 +0530

Paolo Bacigalupi has written an exceptionally intelligent book which explores.

'Soulmates' makes you look at things differently

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 06:53:22 +0530

Kanchana Ugbabe's latest is must read for all short-story form lovers.

'There but for the' is compelling in parts

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:29:25 +0530

Ali Smith's novel works on many levels - it is a book of language, experience and thought.

'The Tejas Story' is not an easy read

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:56:04 +0530

One should read the book for adventure, for a peek into a world most of us never see.

India's World Cup win: don't forget it in a hurry

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:07:06 +0530

Suresh Menon's 'Champions!' fantastically chronicles team India's journey in the World Cup.

'The Company RED' is vicious yet humane

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:03 +0530

The book compels you to think twice before you say that humans have no natural predator.

McLain's 'The Paris Wife' a page-turning debut

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:42:22 +0530

Paula McLain eloquently captures the innermost feelings of life in Paris at a heady and exhilarating time.

'Edge of Reason' is science as a road movie

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:53:29 +0530

Anil Ananthaswamy's latest book is a must read despite being on a complex subject.

'Empire of Silver' about people who reshaped history

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:36:20 +0530

The book weaves a tale of brawn - it looks inside the myth and the daily lives of people.

Ibne Safi's stories the stuff movies are made of

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:56:53 +0530

Safi's perfect style of writing doesn't let you rest till you reach the last page.

'Deadly Embrace' a gripping read but has gaps

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:00:18 +0530

The book doesn't clear too many of our doubts about the US-Pakistan relationship.

'Siege of Warwan' a lot like 'Mills & Boon'

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 07:14:47 +0530

For a book written by a former army man, The Siege of Warwan in some parts seemed a lot like Mills and Boons. There is the tall strapping Major Dushyant Bharadwaj - A gentleman to the core but tormented by his own demons. Introverted, shy, but a merciless warrior when his blood is up. There's the beautiful, intriguing Ayesha - Once a wild child with a college lover, then an elderly Maulvi's wife and the mother of his child. Then the agonized concubine of Kari Hanzala, an Afghan mercenary in Kashmir. And then at the very end, a companion to Major Baradwaj.

First Day First Show: Dope for Bollywood junkies

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:51:31 +0530

Anupama Chopra's writing has a live feeling that writing in retrospect cannot possibly capture.

'River of Smoke' won't disappoint Ibis saga fans

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:20:23 +0530

Amitav Ghosh has crafted a book that draws the reader into the personal stories of his characters, while giving us a rarely-described perspective on history

Broken Republic: India's war with its poor

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:05:14 +0530

'Broken Republic' is a forceful indictment of the India that, as Roy once put, 'lives above stratosphere'.

Poor Economics: Heartburn for Indian planners

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:57:15 +0530

Poor Economics successfully challenges the assumption that the only way forward for India is to pursue the neo-liberal model of growth.

'Miss Timmins' has fascinating characters

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:02:06 +0530

Nayana Currimbhoy's 'Miss Timmins' is a murder mystery beyond its genre.

'Last Man in Tower' a dark tale of stereotypes

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:37:32 +0530

Aravind Adiga's latest book 'Last Man in Tower' throws up many questions.

'Beethoven and Friends' is excellently produced

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:35:29 +0530

Written for the aspiring layman who is looking to be an aficionado, the history of Western Classical music comes out in the form of a number of extraordinary tales that has shaped it in its current form.

'Bombay Duck is a Fish' strikes a chord

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:56:43 +0530

Kanika Dhillon's first novel that catapulted her to fame, is written with a light touch but nevertheless strikes a chord with not just Bollywood aspirants but also those looking for a fantastical getaway.

Battleground Telangana: More facts, less analysis

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:21:14 +0530

Kingshuk Nag, a senior journalist of repute and resident editor of Times of India, Hyderabad edition has filled the vacuum by writing a highly readable book on the movement and the region: Battleground Telangana.

Tender Hooks: Butterfly repackaged for India?

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:23:18 +0530

The Bridget Jones of Pakistan, Moni Mohsin is back with a sequel to Butterfly's exploits, aptly named 'Tender Hooks'.

'The Cloud Messenger' is heart warming

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:24:40 +0530

Aamer Hussein knows how to tug at those heart-strings and he does it with a magic so wonderfully woven that it becomes very difficult for the reader to not be under its spell.

'Anatomy of a Disappearance' is short yet detailed

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:27:49 +0530

'Anatomy of a Disappearance' is a moving piece of writing that draws heavily on the author's personal experience of loss.

'The Perfect Murder' is fresh and stylish

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:52:58 +0530

"The Perfect Murder" sees the debut of Keating's best known character - Inspector Ganesh Ghote, of the Bombay CID.

Alchemist graphic novel is a good one time read

Tue, 31 May 2011 02:03:12 +0530

Well, The Alchemist - A Graphic Novel is pretty much about Coelho's personal legend than anything else.

Delhi's satirical portrait in Gokhale's new book

Mon, 30 May 2011 01:23:39 +0530

Namita Gokhale's pretty much holding up a mirror to Delhi's high-flying elite with her latest book, Priya in Incredible Indyaa.

'The Absent State' an insight of national inaction

Thu, 19 May 2011 05:40:31 +0530

The book covers the three primary political and administrative casualties - the Naxalite surge, the Valley of Denial (Kashmir insurgency), and, the Collapse of the North-East.

Anatol Lieven's latest explores Pak differently

Thu, 19 May 2011 12:30:30 +0530

'Pakistan: A Hard Country' is one of the many books that attempt to know Pakistan and go beyond what is visible to the eye.

Movie buff? Here's what cinema does to writers

Tue, 17 May 2011 11:25:18 +0530

'The Popcorn Essayists - What Movies do to Writers' is a lively collection of 13 articles and a must-read book for anyone with an interest in films.

'Three Pearls in an Oyster' is a moving saga

Thu, 05 May 2011 05:17:14 +0530

The gripping story moves at a fast pace, characters and their emotions are deeply etched touching the chords of your heart.

'Mafia Queens' a hard-hitting portrait of women

Wed, 04 May 2011 09:56:52 +0530

S Hussain Zaidi's latest book is a realistic portrait of women who were the Mafia Queens of the metropolis.

All about the book that won the Pulitzer Prize

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:51:14 +0530

Review of Siddhartha Mukherjee's book on cancer 'The Emperor of All Maladies'.

Zara and her Sisters: An eye opening tale

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:39:25 +0530

Zara and her Sisters is an eye opening tell tale of the rise of a fashion house in Spain to the dizzying heights on the global map.

'The Wandering Falcon' leaves a lasting impact

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:12:48 +0530

Jamil Ahmad's latest book is a short and fine piece of fiction. It is definitely worth a read and a re-read.

Geek Nation: Guaranteed to be popular

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:05:49 +0530

Going through the book, you wouldn't know it was penned by a Master in Engineering, from Oxford, no less! It's written more like a novel, or actually a travelogue.

New 'Sweet Valley' book shows twins all grown up

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:49:09 +0530

'Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later...' (St. Martin's Press), by Francine Pascal: The stars of the young-adult book series 'Sweet Valley' have grown up.

'Bangalore Calling' is all about life in BPOs

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:49:00 +0530

The stories of Bangalore Calling are vivid and strikingly real.

Chinaman: perfect blend of fiction & non-fiction

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:34:18 +0530

It is a superb work of fiction about the game and beyond the game that makes you sit up night after night reading.

'Dead Like You' is precise and carefully written

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:25:36 +0530

Peter James' 'Dead Like You' is highly recommended for those who love thrillers.

Review: All and Nothing is about day-to-day life

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:20:26 +0530

Raksha Bharadia has done a brilliant job for a debut novel.

Keith Richards' 'Life' is for all Rolling Stones fans

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:55:12 +0530

Keith Richards' autobiography is one of the most enjoyable books ever.

Book Review: Perfecting Sound Forever

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:07:45 +0530

Review of Greg Milner's latest book 'Perfecting Sound Forever - The Story of Recorded Music'.

Review: How a terrorist is born

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:02:01 +0530

A chilling tale that's both a story of the times and a unique tale.

Chinese Whiskers: The perfect oriental meal

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 04:04:19 +0530

Significant to the modern take on China, Aiyyar's characters take us to the terrains where other Chinas reside.

Review: Stephen King's 'Full Dark, No Stars'

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:07:54 +0530

This is not a book to lull you to sleep, unless you enjoy double-checking the locks and looking under the bed before you turn in.

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro: Seriously Readable

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 04:52:10 +0530

The first in a series of books on memorable Indian films is a must-read.

'By The Water Cooler' is an entertainer

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 02:41:05 +0530

Romance, hatred, bitchiness, the book walks you through the quintessential workplace.

Review: 'Mari' is an engrossing tale of romance

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:05:46 +0530

'Mari' is a gentle love story set in the midst of violence of a forgotten battle for Kohima.

'Close call in Kashmir' keeps the reader glued

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 05:15:21 +0530

'Close call in Kashmir' is an interesting part of history rediscovered through a mystery.

Book Review: Beyond the Office Window

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:31:27 +0530

AK Pande sets out to discover - the omnipresent Indian ethos in his latest book.

Review: Shadow Men is dark and disconcerting

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:15:37 +0530

Author Bijoya Sawian knows Shillong well and it is evident in her debut novel.

Bina Shah's 'Slum Child' is not an easy read

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 04:13:26 +0530

Read this book only to find out what goes on with a nine-year old in slums.

Book Review: Lost and never found

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 02:30:59 +0530

Clever writing cannot save this collage of contrived coincidences.

'Madhouse...' is a candid, provocative narrative

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:45:19 +0530

'Madhouse - True Stories of the Inmates of Hostel 4 IIT-B' is - an honest account of the engineers in the making and their wonder years.

Book Review: Somebody Else's Century

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:52:54 +0530

The book discusses the post-western world with a focus on China, India and Japan.

'The Avenue of Kings' takes on real India, real people

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:04:43 +0530

"The Avenue of Kings" is the kind of book that shakes you from a dream, bringing you back to reality to show you what the world is really made of.

Voterfiles: the disquet in the democracy

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:23:25 +0530

The book brings to the fore some of the uncomfortable questions that we conveniently bypass during our television and newspaper space before every election 'event'.

Faleiro's 'Beautiful Thing...' will keep you glued

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:54:37 +0530

Beautiful Thing: Inside the Secret World of Bombay's Dance Bars tells a story that is beguiling, warm, funny, tender and absolutely heart-breaking in parts.

Somnath's book has 'Left' questions unanswered

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:13:29 +0530

Somnath Chatterjee's political trajectory Keeping the Faith... reveals what is wrong with the Indian Left.

Book Review: First Draft by BG Verghese

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 04:21:32 +0530

The book is a journal of past 50 years of India and its key actors.

"Sunflowers" and the life of Van Gogh

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 04:19:30 +0530

Sunflowers traces the life of Vincent Van Gogh when he meets a prostitute Rachel and she awakens in him madness, love, passion and art.

You won't be disappointed in the "Humbling"

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 04:13:19 +0530

Roth explores such subjects as performance, instinct, illusion, delusion, and the twisted integrity of the deeply depressed.

"The Report" shows the big picture of morality

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:58:36 +0530

On March 3, 1943, during the Blitz in London when air raid warning sirens went off, 173 people died of asphyxia within a minute of their arrival at the bomb shelter, all suffocated in the crush on the first twenty stairs of the entrance.

Kostova's "The Swan Thieves" is vividly real

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:44:42 +0530

By the end of it you will want more. Your jaw will drop and you will wonder why, and may be at some point you will not know and that is the beauty of this story.

Ranjan Kaul's book explores inner struggles

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:39:59 +0530

The book aims to talk to us about our own inner struggles without getting preachy.

"Nourishment" leaves you nourished

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:57:16 +0530

The story checks off every imaginable kind of nourishment as it progresses, it never actually digs very deep into the idea.

Book Talk: Dance bars show "Bombay Noir"

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:31:28 +0530

A television report on Mumbai's dance bars and the controversy over whether they should be banned or not first piqued Sonia Faleiro's interest in the vast network of bars in India's financial hub and the women who worked there.

Atwood's book: a lesson in character study

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:16:21 +0530

The thing that sets apart the main character Nell is the choices she makes and how they change the direction of her life.

"Last Night in Twisted River" explores deep fears

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:58:41 +0530

Loss is out there; it will happen; it is the "when" and the "how" we don't know and that haunts us most. And it is this strange tension that Irving plays up and with.

Homer and Langley: a masterful job by Doctorow

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:13:38 +0530

E.L. Doctorow does a masterful job at telling the story of Homer and Langley brothers.

"Fall of Giants" is historical fiction at its best

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:00:47 +0530

The historical fiction angle to this book is huge and though the book is long - there is not a single sentence which is irrelevant.

Harris casts her spell in Dead Until Dark

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:46:21 +0530

The series is set in a time period when vampires are "out of the coffins" and are legally protected and recognized.

Review: The Eye of the Predator

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:11:42 +0530

Abhisar Sharma makes a promising debut seamlessly interweaving fact and fiction. Mohammed Hanif meets Frederick Forsyth.

Cutting for Stone: A masterpiece

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:40:56 +0530

Cutting for Stone is a story of family, love, loss, trust, betrayal and tying loose ends.

The Finkler Question is a brilliant book

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:54:15 +0530

The question of "The Finkler Question" is this: what does it mean to be a Jew in the early twenty-first century, at a time when the ranks of Holocaust survivors become fewer every day, the voices of Holocaust deniers are emboldened, the issue of a Palestinian state lies yet unresolved?

The Story That Must Not Be Told: a poignant tale

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 10:06:53 +0530

Kavery Nambisan's novel zooms into the economic and social inequalities that rule over our capital city.

Small Wonder: a sluggish read

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 06:31:33 +0530

A book about a Tata car penned by people from the Tata group - don't expect any juicy bits or a critical analysis from Small Wonder: the Making of the Nano.

The Goat, The Sofa, and Mr. Swami: a breezy read

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 06:46:37 +0530

R. Chandrasekar has his digs in order, as he weaves a fine, if not unusual plot.

The Dollmakers' Island: It's a surreal world out there

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 07:08:00 +0530

An esoteric novel - read it if you are a fan of all things surreal and magical.

The Masque of Africa: Reading VS Naipaul

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:28:45 +0530

From monuments being built out of elephant tusks to cats being thrown into boiling water -- Naipaul's book cries out for PETA endorsements.

Refuge: On one's own

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:27:55 +0530

Gopal Krishna Gandhi's Refuge is an impassioned, detailed, powerful piece of literature: a story waiting to be read.

Sellotape Legacy: Tale of two cities

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:00:48 +0530

This book explores the many effects of hosting the grandiose Commonwealth Games in Delhi -- and its consequences.

The Pleasure Seekers: A 'saas-bahu' saga

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:09:38 +0530

Tishani Doshi's debut novel The Pleasure Seekers reads like a soap opera.

Salman Rushdie and the Game of Life

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:50:45 +0530

Amrita Tripathi reviews his forthcoming book 'Luka and the Fire of Life'.

Dahanu Road: Children of conflict

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:11:04 +0530

Anosh Irani's novel weaves a tale of Iranian immigrants in India, their strife, suffering and in the end, redemption.

The Cult of the Osiris: James Bond meets Lara Croft

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:08:06 +0530

Andy McDermott's latest offering overdoses on hype and does little to thrill.

The Balloonists: Easy read but a good read

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:47:31 +0530

Rajorshi Chakraborti's third novel is a breezy read - track Dev's journey through London, Germany, Calcutta and Shillong looking for his lost love - and life.

Koni: The rise of the underdog

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 05:51:35 +0530

A poignant story of a young girl battling all odds to live her dream - a tale of grit, patience and passion.

Absolute Khushwant: Of candour and malice

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:06:41 +0530

Grand old man Khushwant Singh is at it again painting pictures from his past - read it for an exclusive glimpse into his world.

Room: When reality bites

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:57:18 +0530

A tempestuous journey through the strange life of a disturbed child and how families can pull together in the worst of times.

Tiger Hills: Explore the appeal of the kitsch

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:01:40 +0530

Set in the lavish hills of Coorg, Tiger Hills weaves the remarkable life story of Devi -- the special one.

Yaraana: A bittersweet symphony

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:57:30 +0530

Yet another addition to the genre of queer literature, Yaraana makes for interesting reading.

Black Light: Through a glass, darkly

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:55:17 +0530

Rimi B. Chatterjee's novel Black Light overdoses on the complexities of a beautiful mind.

Hostel Room 131: the delight is in the detail

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:59:31 +0530

Hostel Room 131 tells an intriguing tale of lust and love that would draw any curious mind into its fold.

'The Mythologist' is deliciously different

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:07:46 +0530

There's poetry in his moniker, there must be a trace in his novel. Indeed, Vamsee Juluri's 'The Mythologist' is a delightful, poetic read. Set in the film studios of Madras, and then in the America before the attack on the Twin Towers, 'The Mythologist' is in essence about 'losing too much, too soon.'

Herogiri - disbelief meets superhuman

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 05:10:49 +0530

Mainak Dhar's 'Herogiri' is rooted in disbelief, marrying the contemporary with the superhuman.

'She's a Jolly Good Fellow' is thrilling

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:22:37 +0530

From Guwahati to Ahmedabad, the book tells the story of Second Lieutenants Anju & Deepa, among the first women to join the Indian Army.

Aftertaste: Sweet and Sour Family Feuds

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:46:10 +0530

Some novels are worth reading simply because you learn so much from them. Namita Devidayal's 'Aftertaste' is one of those novels.

Problem of plenty in 'Sinking, Not Swimming'

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:08:28 +0530

Nalini Rajan's literary effort is plagued by too many characters and a convoluted storyline.

'Delhi Calm', Disturbingly Cool

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:09:08 +0530

A graphic novel captures the Emergency for those who were born after it. In other words, for the majority of Indians.

'No Flying from Fate' a lazy evening read

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:07:00 +0530

Author Saurbh Katyal's storytelling way is commendable.

The low-down on 'Serious Men'

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:51:56 +0530

Senior journalist Manu Joseph's 'Serious Men' takes you right into the heart of Mumbai at the outset.

'The Carrie Diaries' is good chick lit!

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 06:24:30 +0530

The prequel to 'SATC' is pretty predictable, revolving around her early relationships, her brimming passion for fashion and her evolution as a writer.

Review : 'House Rules', a game-changer

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:29:41 +0530

Jodi Picoult's latest debunks the stereotype and looks at autistic kids in a new light.

'Of Wooing, Woes, & Wanderings' a cross-cultural love tale

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:07:07 +0530

Amitabha Chatterjee's book of love and longing shows the other side of boring oilmen.

'Turtle Dove: Six Simple Tales', nice & sweet

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:08:33 +0530

Divya Dubey's collection of short stories deal with a world of contrasts.

Reading 'Leela', a woman of inspiration

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 10:37:55 +0530

There are so many reasons you should read Leela -- A Patchwork Life written by the late Leela Naidu and Jerry Pinto that I'll name only a few.

'Body Talk' is a girl's guide on love, sex

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 06:10:34 +0530

Body Talk strings together questions from 400 girls across India on their bodies, boys and beyond.

'Extreme American Makeover', a spiel on teen angst

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 06:05:17 +0530

Mitali Perkins' book has all the ingredients of a pulpy teen read.

Review: 'Potato Chips' - back to school

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:17:01 +0530

If you can ignore the bad spellings and the grammar, this book is all things you've grown up with, the assortment of Indian parental attitudes included!

Review: 'How to Salsa in a Sari' not the best of both worlds

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:07:32 +0530

Dona Sarkar's tale of heartbreak, culture mish-mash, losing friends and winning 'em back is partly charming.

Stephenie Meyer's latest for Twihards only!

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:18:51 +0530

A Twihard reads The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - an Eclipse novella by Stephenie Meyer.

'Sultana Daku', a smart blend of history and fiction

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:39:07 +0530

Unlike most British Raj stories, which are either nostalgic or critical, Sujit Saraf's account lends a fresh perspective.

Book review: Grisham's 'Theodore Boone' is child's play

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:58:54 +0530

The bestseller author's back in circulation with a legal thriller for kids.

Review: Marital tips abound in 'The fifty-50 marriage...'

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:34:37 +0530

A counsellor's guide on Indian marriages, tries hard to give an education to the married and the unmarried alike in the vows of matrimony. The unmarried may find it a trifle intimidating.

Review: 'Quarantine' flits between cynicism, heartache

Mon, 31 May 2010 01:10:35 +0530

Rahul Mehta's collection of nine short stories brings gay love, replete with its complexities, into mainstream.

The Long Song is lengthy, lacks spirit

Thu, 27 May 2010 04:46:13 +0530

Never judge a book by its cover. I learned the lesson all over again with Andrea Levy's The Long Song. A bit too long, lousy and lacking in spirit. Maybe it's just me. I've read far too many books on black slaves being ill treated at the hands of colonialist Brits. The only thing different about this one is that it's set in Jamaica.

Review: The Angel's Game -- ghosts and gothic galore

Thu, 27 May 2010 01:02:51 +0530

I hadn't read a detective thriller in a while. The book's blurb also promised supernatural horror, magical realism and a love story. Floored! Alas, it had no vampire (I'm obsessed!). Only a scheming angel who dresses up immaculately, scares people stiff and gives long speeches on religion, biology and human behavior. If you are still awake, I must tell you it's actually fun (if you can use the word for a gothic tale). Senor Zafon weaves words much better than yours truly.

Book Review: The Great Depression of the 40s

Thu, 27 May 2010 12:10:00 +0530

The Great Depression of the 40s is a humorous interpretation of the life of typical working couples approaching middle age and the people who touch their lives.

'Perfect Eight', dark history & dull romance

Fri, 21 May 2010 01:55:24 +0530

Contemporary history and personal romance, along with separation, find their way in journalist Reema Moudgil's literary debut.

Known Turf: Travels, travails and tragedies

Mon, 10 May 2010 04:17:04 +0530

First things first. It took me forever to read this book. I'm going to use the word 'suddenly' a lot. And the recurring question in my mind through this book was - what's the point? By the end of it I thought this was a revision of stuff you had heard or read about somewhere, perhaps discussed over dinner or the morning cup of tea with newspapers, and then moved on.

Book review: The Gamechangers by Fake I*L Player

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:32:23 +0530

He's back! Last year, he stunned cricket with his blog, Fake I*L Player, a supposedly true insider account of the turmoil, scandals and other juice from within the Kolkata Knight Riders team. Now, as promised in one of the posts in that blog, he's here with the book. And it's much more than the blog.

Harry-ied J K Rowling flays plagiarism suit

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:04:06 +0530

Harry Potter author J K Rowling called on Thursday for a plagiarism case against her to be dismissed, describing it as "unfounded" and "absurd". In June, the estate of Adrian Jacobs issued proceedings at London's High Court against Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, claiming that Rowling copied substantial parts of The Adventures of Willy the Wizard -- No 1 Livid Land written by Jacobs in 1987.

The borrowed history of English language

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:19:43 +0530

In The Secret Life of Words, Henry Hitchings argues that English was forced to borrow from invaders - Romans, Norse and French who came to Britain. Then it borrowed from people that the English traded with - Portuguese, Spanish, Italians and Arabs. Finally when the British Empire spread its wings it borrowed from communities it conquered.

Wrong reasons may make Om Puri's biography a hit

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:19:26 +0530

Actor Om Puri reportedly disagreed with his wife Nandita Puri over his biography, according to rumour mills. Did she trivialise his sexual relationships to sell her book on her husband? Here's a sneak peek into the book.