Top Books News- IBNLive.com

US writer Lydia Davis wins Man Booker 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:09:47 +0530

ell-known Kannada author UR Ananthamurthy, the only Indian to be shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize 2013, on Wednesday lost the prestigious award to American writer Lydia Davis.

US writer Lydia Davis wins Man Booker 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:09:47 +0530

ell-known Kannada author UR Ananthamurthy, the only Indian to be shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize 2013, on Wednesday lost the prestigious award to American writer Lydia Davis.

Chetan Bhagat turns narrator for Shaadi.com

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:39:15 +0530

Renowned author Chetan Bhagat, who often played matchmaker for friends in college, has decided to tell people the benefits of finding the right partner through a matrimonial site by turning narrator and telling success stories of couples who met online. The 39-year-old, who has penned best selling books like "One Night @ the Call Centre", "Five Point Someone" and "3 Mistakes Of My Life", has become part of a campaign called - Love Arranged by Shaadi.com, said a statement.

Excerpt: What goes on behind the gentleman's game

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:04:45 +0530

Here comes a heady cocktail of raw ambition, unwavering ideals, vengeful betrayal, consuming love, and notorious scandals.

15 keys to happiness from the world's happiest nation

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:14:26 +0530

Here are 15 keys to happiness from Bhutan, a country where Gross National Happiness is considered more important than Gross Domestic Product.

'Dirty Love' is a book of short stories on Mumbai: Sampurna Chattarji

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:15:43 +0530

Sampurna Chattarji's 'Dirty Love' is a sequence of stories set in the restless swirl of a Bombay where dream-shuttles speed through the rain and men fall prey to dirty love. Reeking of sewers, fish markets, slaughtered meat, and peopled with loners, misfits and drifters, these tales prise open the surface of everyday existence. We encounter a mother inexplicably estranged from her infant son, an Insectboy with a gift for fantasy, Night Rat Killers who prowl through the dark depths of the metropolis, and umbrellas that find refuge in their very own heaven. Gritty and surreal, tender and terrifying, these stories, together with the chorus of voices running through them, convey the energy and ennui that lie at the secret heart of modern urban life. The author, Sampurna Chattarji, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the her book 'Dirty Love'.

High anticipation for Dan Brown's new novel 'Inferno'

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:10:30 +0530

The book is scheduled for publication worldwide on May 14.

Champions are not made in gyms: Dr R Durgadoss

Fri, 10 May 2013 04:27:28 +0530

A terrorist group strikes the world by planting viruses into global computer systems From a satellite orbiting the earth. This act of cyber terrorism disrupts air traffic Systems, interferes with the control systems for water and electricity, blocks commercial communications, crashes various network systems, gains access to Secret military information and defaces various websites. In light of this cyber, the world is facing a chaotic situation. Shiv, a young, celebrated NASA scientist destroys their moves and saves the earth attacks. To honor Shiv's extraordinarily brave performance, a felicitation function was held at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai on the fateful day of 26th November 2008. Shiv, the cyber warrior, becomes a victim to a physical terrorist attack the Taj Hotel. His mind flashed several images in a state of coma, in the ICU of a leading Hospital in Mumbai. The images of war, weapons and weeping Widows flashed in his mind. What has he, the famous NASA scientist to do with a warrior of the 3100 BC era? The secrets buried in the silent chambers of his soul are unraveled. The author, Dr R Durgadoss, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'The Shackles of the Warrior'.

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.

Our book is about "personal" leadership: Prasad Kaipa and Navi Radjou

Wed, 01 May 2013 05:06:42 +0530

Leaders insist on sticking to the time-tested formulae of either functional leadership-that focuses on operational excellence or smart leadership-that focuses on growth. When a leader′s focus is too functional, the organization becomes introverted and can focus too much on bottom-line profitability while missing out on top-line growth opportunities. But when leaders focus too much on smart leadership, the organization may experience quick growth but lose its effectiveness quickly. To strike a fine balance between 'From Smart to Wise' provides a fresh and timely approach to nurturing wise, resilient, and flexible leadership in a world of growing complexity. Drawing on inspiring real-life stories of historical and contemporary wise leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet-the authors identify six characteristics of wise leaders and offer a practical framework to help readers develop their own style of wise leadership that is both functional and smart. Authors, Prasad Kaipa and Navi Radjou, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on their new book 'From Smart to Wise: Acting and Leading with Wisdom'.

Sufi music is a journey of life-long devotion: Muzaffar Ali

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:27 +0530

'A Leaf Turns Yellow: The Sufis of Awadh' is a thoroughly researched account of Sufism in Awadh, India. This illustrated volume introduces the reader to its history, traditions, sub-cultures, institutions and poetry. Each essay in this anthology is by a renowned scholar. Together, they explore the ways in which Sufism influenced, and was influenced by, social mores and expressive traditions, emerging as a way of living and thinking unique to the region. In a time of promoted rift and growing divisions, this book invites the reader to join a conversation that encourages, above all, the need to be other-regarding. Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his new book 'A Leaf Turns Yellow: The Sufis of Awadh'.

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.

Explained: 'Is he worthwhile?' Kamasutra as a guide to social life

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:21:24 +0530

Perceived as a byword for sex and appropriated over centuries to sell products and services with sexual implications, the Kama Sutra is shedding its 'closet status' and could soon be mainstream reading, says AND Haksar, whose book on the ancient text in now in paperback.

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.

Attitude towards women in India needs to be changed: Kishwar desai

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:57:58 +0530

Goa, south India. A beautiful holiday hideaway where hippies and backpackers while away the hours. But beneath the clear blue skies lies a dirty secret. Simran Singh is desperate for a break and some time away from her busy job as a social worker-come-crime investigator. And so the unspoilt idyll of Goa seems just the place - white beaches, blue seas and no crime. But when a disturbing video appears on her phone, featuring a young girl being attacked by a group of men, she realises that a darkness festers at the heart of this supposed paradise. And when she discovers out that the girl is Liza Kay, a British teenager who has gone missing, she knows she must act in order to save her. But first Simran must break through the web of lies and dark connections that flourish on these beaches. Everyone, it seems, knows what has happened to the girl but no one is prepared to say. And when more videos appear, and Simran herself is targeted in order to keep her quiet, the paradise soon becomes a living nightmare. The author, Kishwar Desai, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on her new book 'The Sea of Innocence'.

Two authors explain different facets of Modi in their books

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:59:19 +0530

Gujarat Chief Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party's potential prime minister in waiting Narendra Modi is not just the subject of debate in television studios but in the literary world as well. There are two books on the man, both written by journalists that are now out.

'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.

A dialogue between Chinua Achebe and UR Ananthamurthy

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:51:53 +0530

A Kannada version of this dialogue is included in a collection of essays of Prof UR Ananthamurthy.

'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.

Modi has to make himself acceptable to the Muslims: Kingshuk Nag

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:21:03 +0530

One of the truly enigmatic personalities on the contemporary Indian political canvas, Narendra Damodardas Modi is difficult to ignore. From his humble beginnings as a RSS pracharak to his rise in the Hindutva ranks, and from being Bharatiya Janata Party' master planner to one of the its most popular and controversial state chief ministers, Modi's mantra of change and development is gradually finding many takers. Though he evokes vastly different reactions among the citizens for his alleged role during the Godhra aftermath, what is absolutely clear is that he indeed is racing towards the centre stage, making the 2014 General Elections look more like a Presidential system - where, you either vote for him or against him. And that, as they say, is the Modi effect. Kingshuk Nag paints the most vivid portrait of the extraordinary politician who is poised to take on a new role in the coming years. The author, Kingshuk Nag, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'The Namo Story: A Political Life'.

UK: Thatcher memorial library planned in London

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 07:49:30 +0530

Plans to create a mega library-cum-museum and training centre in memory of Margaret Thatcher are being devised in the lead up to the funeral of the former British premier on Wednesday. Supporters of the 'Iron Lady', who died of a stroke aged 87 last week, aim to raise around 15 million pounds in private funds towards the library and museum to celebrate her legacy.

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.

Thayil among 6 Indians in Commonwealth Prizes Shortlist

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 06:10:56 +0530

The Commonwealth Foundation has announced shortlists for the 2013 Commonwealth Book Prize and Commonwealth Short Story Prize.

India's transformation is not orderly but accidental: Shankkar Aiyar

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:27:32 +0530

In 'Accidental India: A History of the Nation's Passage through Crisis and Change', noted journalist-analyst, Shankkar Aiyar, examines India's ascent through the paradigm of seven game changers: the economic liberalization of 1991, the Green Revolution of the sixties, the nationalization of banks in 1969, Operation Flood in the seventies, the mid-day meal scheme of 1982, the software revolution of the nineties, and the passing of the Right to Information Act in 2005. He argues that these turning points in the country's history were not the result of foresight or careful planning but were rather the accidental consequences of major crises that had to be resolved at any cost. The author, Shankkar Aiyar, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Accidental India: A History of the Nation's Passage through Crisis and Change'.

Efficiency, determination are Modi's strengths: Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:58:22 +0530

Author Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times'.

Extract: Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:48:31 +0530

Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times is a definitive biography of a man who may have challenged the basic principles of a sovereign secular nation but emerged as an undisputed and larger-than-life leader.

Booker winning author Ruth Prawer Jhabvala dies at 85

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:44:33 +0530

Writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who won an Oscar as well as Booker prize and lived in India for more than two decades, died today in the US. Jhabvala, 85, breathed her last at her home in Manhattan after a long illness.

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.

If Chanakya were around, corruption would upset him: Pavan K Varma

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:17:40 +0530

What would Chanakya do if confronted with the various crises that beset contemporary India? Using this question as the starting point for his new book, celebrated writer and thinker Pavan K Varma has drawn up a practical and detailed plan, modelled on the Arthashashtra, to bring about reform and change in five key areas that require urgent attention governance, democracy, corruption, security, and the building of an inclusive society. Whether it is laying the foundation for an independent and effective Lokpal, or decriminalizing politics and successfully weeding out the corrupt, the solutions he proposes are substantive, well within the constitutional framework, and can make all the difference between intent and action. 'Chanakya's New Manifesto' is both a call to action as well as a deeply insightful account of the challenges facing the country today.

Was Shakespeare a tax-dodging food hoarder?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:40:16 +0530

Bad Bard! William Shakespeare was repeatedly dragged before the courts and fined for illegally hoarding food during times of shortage, and even threatened with jail for evading his taxes, a new study on the famous English playwright has claimed. "There was another side to Shakespeare besides the brilliant playwright - as a ruthless businessman who did all he could to avoid taxes, maximise profits at others' expense and exploit the vulnerable - while also writing plays about their plight to entertain them," said Jayne Archer, a researcher in Renaissance literature at Aberystwyth University.

My books are a small contribution to Shiva's glory: Amish Tripathi

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:21:47 +0530

Author Amish Tripathi joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Shiva Trilogy 3: The Oath of the Vayuputras'.

I have always been a bit of a lecher: Khushwant Singh

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:29:13 +0530

He writes on subjects as diverse as old age and the fear of death; on the joy of sex, the pleasures of poetry and the importance of laughter; on how to cope with retirement and live a long, happy and healthy life.

Amazon buys book lovers website Goodreads

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:19:06 +0530

Amazon.com Inc said on Thursday it plans to acquire the book recommendation website, Goodreads.

Bihar Breakthrough: The turnaround of a beleaguered state

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 01:37:08 +0530

This book holds important lessons for governments, organizations and policy watchers worldwide.

'Twilight' author swaps vampires for aliens in 'The Host'

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:20:03 +0530

'The Host' is a futuristic apocalyptic romance about alien souls who invade and take over the human race.

Chinua Achebe, celebrated Nigerian novelist, dies

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 08:08:12 +0530

The opening sentence was as simple, declarative and revolutionary as a line out of Hemingway: "Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond," Chinua Achebe wrote in 'Things Fall Apart'.

Chinua Achebe, grandfather of African literature, dies at 82

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:50:53 +0530

Nigerian novelist and poet Chinua Achebe, widely seen as a grandfather of modern African literature, has died at the age of 82, publisher Penguin said on Friday.

'Goblinproofing One's Chicken Coop' is Oddest Book Title of the Year

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:09:49 +0530

A book offering advice on how to protect chicken coops from goblins has won the Oddest Book Title of the Year award, organisers of the contest said on Friday.

Online libraries re-kindle the thrill of reading

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:45:00 +0530

When was the last time you visited a library, browsed through the hundreds of titles, and finally borrowed a book that evoked your interest? Online libraries that promise to offer nearly the same experience have caught the readers' fancy and are rekindling a lost love.

BBC sells Lonely Planet guide business

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:20:50 +0530

BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, says it has agreed to sell its travel guide business, Lonely Planet, for 51.5 million pounds ($77.8 million) to US-based NC2 Media. The BBC said Tuesday the decision follows a review that laid out a strategy to focus on BBC brands.

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.

Vivekananda was the father of political Hinduism: Jyotirmaya Sharma

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 06:05:32 +0530

Author and Professor of Political Science, University of Hyderabad Jyotirmaya Sharma joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Cosmic Love and Human Apathy'.

'Tradition of story-telling will survive in India'

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:49:16 +0530

The writer is in India to launch his new book, 'Best Kept Secret', the third in the Clifton Chronicles series.

Online libraries re-kindle the thrill of reading

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:42:34 +0530

Online libraries that promise to offer nearly the same experience have caught the readers' fancy and are rekindling a lost love.

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.

Penguin India back with their 10-day Spring lit fest

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 01:32:31 +0530

Penguin Books India is organizing it's fourth edition of 'Spring Fever' in New Delhi, a ten day literature festival from 15-24 March 2013.

I'm used to criticism, it doesn't affect me: Chetan Bhagat

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 06:46:46 +0530

Author Chetan Bhagat joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'The 3 Mistakes of my Life' and the movie 'Kai Po Che'.

Random House acquires Eve Ensler's memoir

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:29:48 +0530

Random House India has acquired of activist and author of The Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler's powerful new memoir - In the Body of the World - to be released on 30th April 2013.

To be a successful entrepreneur, you need to have an idea and then act upon it: author Rashmi Bansal

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:25:55 +0530

Meena Bindra did it. Jasu Shilpi did it. Nina Lekhi did it. 'Follow Every Rainbow' is the story of twenty-five enterprising women who took up a challenge. They raised a family as well as a company, with love, laughter and patience. Managing multiple equations - never giving in or giving up. These stories say one thing, loud and clear. Women think and act differently than men, but they can be just as successful. What 'success' means, is something only you can decide. The author, Rashmi Bansal, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on her book on 25 inspirational women entrepreneurs.

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's book 'Lean In' triggers debate

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 01:00:45 +0530

Sheryl Sandberg's 'Lean In' - part feminist manifesto, part how-to career guide - has got a lot of people talking.

The idea behind this book is to look at risk in a different light: author Sonia Golani

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 07:49:11 +0530

Rahul Akerkar has a Masters in Biochemical Engineering from the US but is better known as a celebrity chef and owner of Mumbai's fine dining restaurant, Indigo; Manohar Parikkar went to the prestigious IIT, Bombay but makes headlines as the honorable Chief Minister of Goa; Harsha Bhogle is an alum of IIM Ahmedabad but is a world renowned cricket commentator and Rashmi Uday Singh was once the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax but is widely known today as Indias famous food critic. These and 14 other fascinating stories feature in this book, 'My Life, My Rules: Stories of 18 Unconventional Careers', exploding every conventional myth about professional choices of a cross section of people. From a Doctorate in Environmental Toxicology who chose to be a musician: Rahul Ram of the Indian Ocean; an alumnus of IIM Calcutta with a successful corporate life who was inspired to write and became one of India's bestselling authors with the Shiva Trilogy: Amish Tripathi; to a woman who gave up a highly paid and exciting life in advertising to work with an NGO: Ingrid Srinath. This book seeks to inspire every working individual from young professionals to senior level managers to opt out of the rat race, chase their dreams and pursue a profession of their choice for inner happiness, success and a long term career. The Author, Sonia Golani, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on her new book 'My Life, My Rules: Stories of 18 Unconventional Careers'

Shakespeare's works now in Punjabi

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:29:49 +0530

Eighty-two-year Surjit Hans has finally translated all the works of the 16th century Bard of Avon into Punjabi.

Rahul Pandita On Kashmir and its Stories

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:56:48 +0530

Rahul Pandita talks about why he wrote Our Moon Has Blood Clots, and why more such books should come out of Kashmir.

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.

Author Amish Tripathi signs Rs 5 cr deal for his next series

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:30:56 +0530

Bestselling author Amish Tripathi has just signed a whopping Rs 5 crore deal for his next series. This comes as his final book of the Shiva trilogy releases.

Printing conference held without 'Narendra Modi

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 01:26:50 +0530

An annual conference of printing industry, which ran into controversy after some of the participants pulled out protesting against an invite to Narendra Modi, was held here today, without the Gujarat Chief Minister. A Gujarat Government official said Modi, who is in the national capital for BJP's National Executive Meeting, had not accepted the invitation to be the chief guest and a keynote speaker at the day-long conference.

Kolkata: Author preserves the cultural heritage of the city of joy in his books

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:39:28 +0530

Amit Chaudhuri, an author, has taken it upon himself to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the 'city of joy' Kolkata. The city of joy and teeming millions has been Amit Chaudhuri's muse for his three novels. His love for the city and its neighbourhoods has made him fight for a new heritage law to preserve its history.

'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.

Kashmiri Pandits paid a price for upholding the national flag and religious freedom: Rahul Pandita

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:31:07 +0530

Rahul Pandita was fourteen years old in 1990 when he was forced to leave his home in Srinagar along with his family, who were Kashmiri Pandits: the Hindu minority within a Muslim- majority Kashmir that was becoming increasingly agitated with the cries of Azadi from India. The heartbreaking story of Kashmir has so far been told through the prism of the brutality of the Indian state, and the pro-independence demands of separatists. But there is another part of the story that has remained unrecorded and buried. 'Our Moon Has Blood Clots' is the unspoken chapter in the story of Kashmir, in which it was purged of the Kashmiri Pandit community in a violent ethnic cleansing backed by Islamist militants. Hundreds of people were tortured and killed, and about 3,50,000 Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their homes and spend the rest of their lives in exile in their own country. Rahul Pandita has written a deeply personal, powerful and unforgettable story of history, home and loss. The author, Rahul Pandita, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Our Moon has Blood Clots: The Exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits'.

Rajat Gupta may win his appeal but I think his reputation is tarnished forever: Sandipan Deb

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:18:48 +0530

A tragedy of Greek proportions, this is the story of an Indian icon at the centre of the biggest insider trading case in the history of the United States of America. On 24 October 2012, Rajat Gupta, former head of the worlds most respected management consultancy firm, McKinsey & Co., was sentenced to two years in prison by a New York court for securities fraud and insider trading. Why did this happen? Based on extensive research, including transcripts of FBI-wiretap conversations, Fallen Angel is an insightful account of a remarkable man and the extraordinary events surrounding him: this is the real story of Rajat Gupta, an orphaned immigrant from India who managed to reach dizzying heights in the US corporate sector. Although the verdict is out, the mystery remains: several jury members were in tears after delivering the verdict, and nearly everyone who has known Gupta believes he is innocent so what really happened? With its almost thriller-like cast of real-life characters, Fallen Angel is a page-turner that explores the complex layers of this human drama. The author, Sandipan Deb, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Fallen Angel: The Making and Unmaking of Rajat Gupta'.

Uttam Kumar remains a reference point for Bengali actors even after three decades of his death: ...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 04:56:29 +0530

Oddly, nothing in the form of a biography has been written before about Bengal's most memorable actor, Uttam Kumar, in English. Veteran film critic Swapan Mullick's 'Mahanayak Revisited' goes behind the professional life and public face of Bengal's most idolized actor to reveal little-known details of the stars unconscious power in the film industry for more than thirty years,the dazzling achievements dampened by dud disappointments, the aberrations attendant on a life constantly in the floodlights as well as the human face that was masked by his towering image infront of the camera-all of which have resulted in, for cine lovers,an attachment that survives more than thirty years after his death. Mullick researches the reason for our undying worship of, and emotional links with, Bengal's most enduring screen hero, emerging with a gripping portrait of a true master of his art. The author, Swapan Mullick, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Mahanayak Revisited: The World of Uttam Kumar'.

The growth of English fiction is bad news for Indian languages: Author Ashim Choudhury

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:29:11 +0530

In the late sixties, Sergeant Samar, a minor employee of the air force, his wife Basanti and their four sons move from small-town Barrackpore to Bombay. The four boys grow up in the rapidly changing, cosmopolitan city that is just beginning to recognize its aspirations. Kalu, the third son, dreams of being an artist. But dreams are easily obscured by circumstances. Kalus parents drift apart under the pressure of mutual resentments and casual violence. In school, Kalu cannot keep up with his rich English-speaking friends only art gives him solace. But even as Samar grudgingly accepts his sons artistic aspirations, he is unwilling to support him. Faced with the possibility of joining the air force in his fathers footsteps, Kalu is forced to make an impossible choice. The author, Ashim Choudhury, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'The Sergeant's Son'.

Agra to host SAARC literature festival

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:22:15 +0530

The Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature is organising a SAARC festival of literature in this Taj city March 10-11.

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.

Next James Bond novel out on September 26

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:06:13 +0530

A new James Bond novel, written by Booker Prize nominee William Boyd, will be released on September 26 this year.

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.

Harvard UP to make entire book list available in India

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:35:37 +0530

As part of its centennial celebrations, Harvard University Press intends to make its titles accessible within the Indian market and publish some of the best ideas and scholarship active in the country. "Our specific mission is to publish and disseminate the very best ideas and scholarship from all over the world to the world's readers. We intend to make HUP titles accessible within the Indian market, and to publish some of the very bestideas and scholarship active in India," says Susan Donnelly, assistant director of HUP.

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.

Reader Digest's publisher files for bankruptcy again

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:07:11 +0530

The publisher of iconic magazine Reader's Digest has filed for bankruptcy to cut a $465 million debt. The magazine has been in circulation for 9 decades now and is read by over 25 million people across the world, but has lately felt the pressure of reader's switching from print to electronic media.

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.

Jerry Pinto wins The Hindu Literary Prize

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 07:18:38 +0530

Em and The Big Hoom is Jerry Pinto's first novel published by the Aleph Company.

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.

Excerpt: 'Cell Phone Nation'

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:38:28 +0530

Robin Jeffrey and Assa Doron's book analyses how mobile phones have revolutionised business, politics and ordinary life in India.

Work hard on the content and practise to become an expert public speaker: Derek O'Brien

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 05:19:41 +0530

Are you stumped about what to speak at the upcoming elocution contest? Are you tired of surfing the Internet searching for apiece that is right for you? Are you wondering how you can speak more confidently? Then this handy collection is just what you need. In Speak Up, Speak Out you will find: Poetry, prose and speeches suitable for junior, middle and senior school students. An introduction to each piece by Derek, along with his recommendations on how best to deliver it. Derek's tips on how to become an expert public speaker. Classic and rare writings by masters such as Roald Dahl, Vikram Seth, Ruskin Bond, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama, among many others. Derek O' Brien will take you into a world of literary masterpieces and you will discover that all you need to be a winner is to speak up, and speak it right! The author and TMC MP, Derek O' Brien, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Speak Up, Speak Out: My Favourite Elocution Pieces & How To Deliver Them'.

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.

Footnotes from Jaipur Literature Fest

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:01:08 +0530

In 2012, going by the press coverage, the Jaipur Literature Festival had one guest who couldn't show up thanks to threats from fundamentalist Muslim groups, Salman Rushdie, and another guest, Oprah Winfrey, who did get there. This despite the very tangible presence of luminaries such as Michael Ondaatje, Richard Dawkins, Tom Stoppard, Lionel Shriver, Ben Okri, David Remnick, and a galaxy of others.

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.

There is a bit of the author in every book one pens: Author Sreemoyee Piu Kundu

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 02:30:39 +0530

On a long-haul international flight writer Piya Choudhury tells the one story she hasn't yet told - her own. Loved and indulged by her mother and grandparents, but haunted by the mysterious absence of her father, Piya grows up in Kolkata, a gifted and impetuous child who pursues her studies with the same passion as she does her first few adolescent crushes, until a savage encounter leaves her repulsed. She moves to Mumbai hoping to become a journalist and falls deeply in love with her editor, Abir, but when a controversial story she is working on is stymied, she is forced to choose between the man she loves and her own integrity. Years later, she is settled in New York, married to a renowned artist who helps her find herself creatively. A liberated, successful, and dynamic writer, Piya has everything she's ever wanted, until she is revisited by her past. Sensuous, profound, lyrical and moving, 'Faraway Music' is a story of family, friendship, fame, love and loss - and all that lies in between. The author, Sreemoyee Piu Kundu, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on her book 'Faraway Music'.

Kolkata Book Fair is the Kumbh Mela of bibliophiles: Derek

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:03:02 +0530

Over a fortnight, it is estimated two million people have entered the gates of the Kolkata Book Fair.

Comic Con India's exclusive merchandise a big hit

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 02:21:59 +0530

The three-day event has over 80 participants and several interactive sessions and talks by renowned artists.

Writers, artists live in anxiety in Pakistan: Farooqi

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:32:56 +0530

With political instability and extremism rising in Pakistan, noted Pakistani writer Musharraf Ali Farooqi feels artists and writers in his country live in anxiety and sometimes find it difficult to pen their thoughts. "It is difficult, it is not so easy. In such a volatile atmosphere sometimes it is difficult to pen our thoughts. There is some kind of anxiety," Farooqi, who was here to participate in the Kolkata Book Fair, told PTI.

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.

Penguin debuts a new self-publishing imprint in India

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:09:02 +0530

Here's some great news for upcoming writers in India, Penguin Books India has announced the introduction of its new venture Partridge, a new self-publishing imprint launched in partnership with Author Solutions, Inc. Partridge will provide new opportunities for Indian authors to get published and discovered, both in India and around the world.

Delhi to host literature festival on February 9-10

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:48:31 +0530

The national capital is all set to host its very own literature festival later this week featuring book launches, interaction with authors as well as a music show. Coming close on the heels of the Jaipur Literature Festival, the two-day literary event beginning February 9 will host 10 sessions on different themes at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts.

I worked on 'The Song of Achilles' for ten years: Madeline Miller

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:40:52 +0530

Profoundly moving and breathtakingly original, this rendering of the epic Trojan War is a dazzling feat of the imagination, a devastating love story, and an almighty battle between gods and kings, peace and glory, immortal fame and the human heart. In this stunning re-imagining of Homer's Iliad, Patroclus, an exiled young prince becomes friend and companion to Achilles, prince of Phthia, destined to be Aristos Achaion, best of the Greeks. As the two young men learn the skills that will make Achilles legendary their friendship blossoms into something far deeper, much to the displeasure of Achilles's mother, the cruel sea goddess Thetis. But when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped, Patroclus, motivated by love and fear for his friend, must follow Achilles to Troy, unaware that the long war that follows will test everything they hold dear. The author, Madeline Miller, joined IBNLive readers on her book 'The Song of Achilles'.

I get smarter when I read those who are smarter than I am: author Mridula Koshy

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 02:35:16 +0530

'Not Only the Things That Have Happened' is a novel about the stories that make us and break us and then remake us. The novel takes place over a thirty-six hour period, travelling between far-flung places, characters, the past and the future. Time is a character here, revealing that though the story of our present is always told for us, the story of the past and the future is ours to tell.

'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.

Delhi: World Book Fair begins on Monday, celebrates India's folk, tribal literature

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:54:14 +0530

Book lovers in the national capital can head to Pragati Maidan as the New Delhi World Book Fair begins on Monday. The fair will be inaugurated by Union Minister Shashi Tharoor and is on for the next senven days.

1,100 exhibitors to participate in World Book Fair

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 11:17:41 +0530

More than 1,100 exhibitors from 23 countries will flock to the Pragati Maidan in the capital for the New Delhi World Book Fair 2013 during February 4-10. The fair will be spread across 45,000 square metres of tastefully decorated display space to exhibit and trade in books.

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.

Musharraf spent a night in India before Kargil: Book

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 07:31:36 +0530

There is a new war of words over a war fought 13 years ago. A book by a former Pakistani officer points towards more blunders by General Pervez Musharraf and that he may have actually spent a night on the Indian side after crossing the Line of Control (LoC) ahead of the Kargil war.

Writers, film fraternity criticise Mamata govt over Rushdie

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:51:28 +0530

The literary and film community on February 1 came out in support of controversial author Salman Rushdie and blamed the West Bengal government for cancellation of his visit to the metropolis. "If a world-renowned writer is unable to come to Kolkata, then it is extremely unfortunate," Magsaysay award-winning author Mahasweta Devi said.

Mamata not wrong in blocking Rushdie's visit to Kolkata: TMC leader

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:52:13 +0530

Trinamool Congress leader Sultan Ahmed defended West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee saying she did nothing wrong in blocking author Salman Rushdie's visit to Kolkata. "There is nothing shameful, I am congratulating the state government for taking the right decision," Ahmed said.

Full text: Rushdie's statement on Kolkata visit row

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:55:57 +0530

Author Salman Rushdie hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing her of blocking his visit to Kolkata. Reacting on Twitter, Rushdie blamed Mamata Banerjee for ordering the police to block his arrival. Rushdie's trip to Kolkata on Wednesday was cancelled as the venue for his press conference could not be confirmed.

Rushdie: Mamata Banerjee blocked my Kolkata arrival

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:02:13 +0530

Fringe Muslim groups took to the streets in Kolkata, protesting against his visit to the city.

SC directs police not to arrest Ashis Nandy

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:46:06 +0530

In a major relief, the Supreme Court has directed the Rajasthan police not to arrest sociologist Ashis Nandy. The court has issued notices to the Rajasthan government, Maharashtra government, Bihar government and Chhattisgarh government directing the same.

Literature draws India, Bangladesh closer

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 03:02:20 +0530

A firm advocate of religious tolerance, the 40-something Ghuznavi feels writers, especially in contexts like hers, cannot escape social responsibility.

SC to hear Nandy's plea seeking quashing of FIR tomorrow

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 03:01:23 +0530

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear sociologist Ashis Nandy's plea seeking quashing of FIR against him. Nandy's argument is based on the fact that no offence was mentioned in the FIR.

Ashis Nandy to request SC to quash FIR against him

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:25:20 +0530

A team of the Rajasthan Police will question sociologist Ashis Nandy on Thursday over his controversial comments linking Dalits to corruption. But the sociologist, who will appear in the Supreme Court later on Thursday afternoon, will request the apex court that all FIRs filed against him be quashed. Nandy's argument is based on the fact that no offence was mentioned in the FIR.

World Book Fair: Tribal literature theme of fair

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 05:15:05 +0530

The World Book Fair 2013 beginning February 4 will celebrate indigenous literature with its theme, "Indigenous Voices - Mapping India's Folk and Tribal Literature", and commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda with a special pavilion exhibiting photographs and books from the spiritualist's life. The fair will open at Pragati Maidan in Delhi.

'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.

Salman Rushdie's Kolkata trip cancelled

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:47:27 +0530

Author Salman Rushdie's trip to Kolkata for a promotional event of the movie 'Midnight's Children', the adaptation of his book, has been cancelled, say sources.

Rajasthan Police team leaves for Delhi to question Ashis Nandy

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:11:06 +0530

Sociologist Ashis Nandy faces police questioning over his Dalit corruption remarks made at the Jaipur Literature Festival. A team of the Rajasthan Police is on its way to the capital to question him, say sources.

Is 'The Accidental Apprentice' the next 'Slumdog'?

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 03:41:18 +0530

Vikas Swarup, the author of Q&A, the novel that inspired the Oscar-winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire', has come up with another page turner - 'The Accidental Apprentice'. As character-driven narrations go, 'The Accidental Apprentice' has the hallmarks of a successful screenplay and might just hit pay dirt as 'Slumdog' did in 2009.

Charges against Ashis Nandy and punishment that he faces

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:53:08 +0530

Sociologist Ashis Nandy faces police questioning over his alleged anti-Dalit remarks made at the Jaipur Literature Festival. The Rajasthan police have now summoned Nandy for questioning over his remarks that linked caste and corruption.

My comment was pro-Dalit, I still stand by it: Ashis Nandy

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:35:11 +0530

Sociologist and political psychologist Ashis Nandy defended his statements on Dalits and other backwards classes saying he stood by what he said and that he apologised only to those who were hurt by his statement.

Nandy should be arrested for his remarks: PL Punia

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 02:52:34 +0530

Sharp reactions continued to pour in even two days after sociologist Ashis Nandy made a controversial remark against SC, ST and OBC at the Jaipur Literature Festival. Condemning Nandy's statement, National Commission for Scheduled Caste chairman PL Punia said on Monday that Nandy had committed a crime and should be arrested. He also slammed the Rajasthan government and police for not taking prompt action against him.

Stanley Karnow, reporter-historian, dies at 87

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:07:27 +0530

Karnow, who had congestive heart failure, died in his sleep at his home in Potomac, Maryland.

Media should play positive role in India, Pak ties: JLF panel

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 10:25:08 +0530

While referring to the recent border row between India and Pakistan, a panel at the Jaipur Literature Festival blamed the media for feeding people with "petty prejudices" instead of playing a positive role. The panelists, while holding discussion in the session 'Neighbours: Walls and Bridges', appealed to work on the "commonalities" present in the two countries.

Ashis Nandy leaves JLF, police seek video of his session

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:24:41 +0530

Sociologist Ashis Nandy on Sunday returned to Delhi from Jaipur where he was attending the Literature Festival. Nandy stirred up a controversy on Saturday after he seemingly blamed the Dalits for the corruption menace in the country. Even as he apologised for his remarks and insisted that he had been misquoted, an FIR was filed against him.

Jeet Thayil wins the 2013 DSC prize for literature

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 07:27:30 +0530

The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature celebrates the rich and varied world of literature of the South Asian region.

JLF Day 2: Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi among others to be present today

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:26:27 +0530

It's the second day of the Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday. Film personalities Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi and Sharmila Tagore and UIDAI Chairperson Nandan Nilekani will be among the key personalities attending the festival on Friday.

JLF Day 1: Organisers stand by authors, police ensure security

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:59:24 +0530

The maha kumbh of literature, the 8th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival kicked off to a smooth start despite warnings of protests against Pakistani writers following the recent killings of soldiers at the Line of Control. Except for Mohammed Hanif, who has skipped the festival for personal reasons, the other Pakistani authors kept their date with Jaipur.

2 Pak officials blocked from travelling to Jaipur for Lit Fest

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:51:19 +0530

The government on Friday blocked two Pakistani diplomats from travelling to Jaipur for the ongoing Literature Festival in the city. Sources said that the decision was taken after consulting the Centre. The two officials had applied for permission to travel to Jaipur and Ajmer but will now have to miss it.

'Taliban won't capture power in Afghanistan soon'

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:40:54 +0530

Dismissing the prospect of Taliban gaining control of Afghanistan in the near future as unlikely, journalist-author Jason Burke on Thursday said India should not expect too much warmth in bilateral relations with Kabul.

UR Ananthamurthy in Man Booker Prize shortlist

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:27:10 +0530

UR Ananthamurthy is the only Indian to have made it to the final list of the prestigious prize.

The best tweets from Jaipur Literature Festival

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 03:37:46 +0530

The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2013 is possibly the most high profile gathering of litterateurs in Asia.

There is a cultural emergency in India, says Salman Rushdie

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 01:38:39 +0530

Author Salman Rushdie, who's book Midnight's Children is now a film has said that there is a cultural emergency in India. Speaking to CNN-IBN Deputy Editor Sagarika Ghose, both Rushdie and the film's director, Deepa Mehta said they are deeply worried about repeated attacks on creative freedom in India.

Won't be bullied by terror any kind: Jaipur Lit Fest organiser

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:56:41 +0530

The Jaipur Literature festival began on Thursday under heavy security with Pakistani authors attending the programme as scheduled. Controversy surrounded the festival again this year with the Bharatiya Janata Party's youth-wing protesting against the participation of Pakistani authors following tension at the Line of Control.

Jaipur Lit Fest is South Asia's biggest literature festival: Amrita Tripathi

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:26:22 +0530

CNN-IBN's Amrita Tripathi joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on Jaipur Literature Festival.

i have learnt to stop worrying about critics: author Manil Suri

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 06:14:22 +0530

In the desolate streets of Mumbai, empty after threats of nuclear annihilation, Sarita can only think of one thing. She must buy the last pomegranate that remains in perhaps the entire city for her physicist husband Karun, who has been mysteriously missing for over a fortnight. Jaz - young, cocky and handsome - is also looking for his own lover. 'The Jazter', as he calls himself, is a Muslim, but his true religion has steadfastly been sex with men. Traversing the surreal landscape, always under the pervasive influence of the Bollywood cinema megahit Superdevi that some blame for sparking religious fanaticism, both Sarita and Jaz find themselves drawn to the patron goddess Devi ma, supposed saviour of the city. A wickedly satirical and fiercely provocative tale of individuals balancing on the sharp edge of fate, 'The City of Devi' upsets assumptions of politics, religion and sex in the present day's rising global superpower and demonstrates that, in the fallout of our mass media world, we are left seeking those we love most.

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.

Jaipur Literature Festival: Organisers dismiss threats

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 07:45:54 +0530

Jaipur literature festival, which is set of kick off this week, has been marred by controversy with a group of Islamic clerics protesting the presence of authors who read from Salman Rushdie's banned book 'The Satanic Verses' in the 2012 edition of the festival. The clerics have said they don't want any of the four authors to take part in the annual festival this time.

Won't get bullied by fringe elements: Sanjoy Roy

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 03:58:55 +0530

Amidst reports of threat to the Jaipur Literature Festival by Islamist groups and reportedly by members of the BJP and the RSS, the organiser of the event, Sanjoy Roy has said that the event will be held as per the schedule.

Jaipur Lit Fest: After Islamist groups, event faces threat from RSS, BJP

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:47:20 +0530

After a few Islamist groups threatened the organisers of Jaipur Literature Festival against allowing the four authors who had read out passages from Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses at the event in 2012, sources in the Rajasthan police said that members of the BJP and the RSS in the state were opposing the participation in the event by seven Pakistani authors.

Jaipur Lit Fest: Islamist groups seek ban on 4 authors

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:10:49 +0530

A statement warning the organisers of the Jaipur Literature Festival against allowing authors who had read out passages from Salman Rushdie's 'Satanic Verses' at the event last year was issued by Islamist groups on Sunday.

James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi to collaborate

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:09:06 +0530

Random House UK announced the acquisition of a new collaboration between James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi.

There's far too much pretension and pomposity in Indian writing: Anand Prabhu

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 04:21:45 +0530

Is massage an expression of man's hunger for the human touch? How does the massage experience vary from the West to the East? What are the different services that are on offer for the uninitiated? 'Massage No Boom Boom' answers all these questions. The author, Anand Prabhu, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book and more.

'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.

13 books to add to your reading list

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:38:59 +0530

Dharavi, HarperCollins: Dharavi is arguably Mumbai's largest problem and its greatest opportunity. This collection demands attention as much for its topic as its contributors, who include Jerry Pinto, Sonia Faleiro, Hussain Zaidi and Anne Zaidi.

New Dan Brown novel 'Inferno' out on May 14

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 02:07:17 +0530

'Inferno' will be published in Britain on the same date by Transworld Publishers, a division of The Random House Group.

Digitisation of presidential library high on Pranab's agenda

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 06:48:35 +0530

Briefing the media at an informal interface in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, Mukherjee said the library was big enough for "anybody to spend five years reading".

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.

Small libraries at home inculcates reading habit

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:30:50 +0530

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam suggested that all families should have a small library in their homes with a minimum of 10 books to encourage the reading habit in children.

Reading Shakespeare, Wordsworth can boost morale

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:07:01 +0530

Reading writers like Shakespeare and Wordsworth can give a 'rocket-boost' to your morale and provide better therapy than self-help books, a study of the human brain has found.

Rahul Bhatt came out of the Headley quagmire because of his family background: S Hussain Zaidi

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 04:35:55 +0530

For most of his childhood, Rahul Bhatt did not know a father's unconditional love - a vacuum that the advent of David Coleman Headley filled for a while. David Headley: the dashing, intriguing Pakistani with one brown eye and a green one, a man who could pass himself off as American quite easily, a charmer of men and women alike. Headley inveigled his way into Rahul's simple world and, in no time, swept him off his feet. It is only when ten men made a mockery of Mumbai in a well-planned act of terrorism, that Rahul realized how close he had come to being a part of the careful plotting and the innumerable recces that Headley carried out. This is a complex tale of human relationships and the deceit therein. It is the story of Rahul Bhatt, an aspiring Bollywood actor, and his encounter with David Coleman Headley, the man who was responsible for a ruthlessly executed carnage, in which 166 people were killed and over 300 injured in the fifty-nine hours that brought Mumbai to heel and shook India. A pulse-racing narrative, told in the voices of Bhatt and Headley, 'Headley and I' traces the months leading up to the horrors of 26/11 and the long months of interrogation that followed. The author, S Hussain Zaidi, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Headley and I'.

'Top award-winning writers at Jaipur lit fest'

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 02:12:32 +0530

Beside the international stars, the festival will host literature in 17 Indian languages as well.

40 writers to address feminism at Jaipur lit fest

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 07:38:55 +0530

Women will be a powerful voice at the sixth annual DSC Jaipur Literature Festival Jan 24-28.

'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.

Excerpt: The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:17:09 +0530

Kareena says, "I trusted Yash Raj and when Adi Chopra said I needed to wear a bikini in 'Tashan', I didn't argue."

Jeet Thayil's 'Narcopolis' in Man Asian shortlist

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 04:04:28 +0530

Indian author Jeet Thayil's debut novel Narcopolis featured among five novels showcasing the diversity and depth of writing from Istanbul to Tokyo as the shortlist for the 2012 Man Asian Literary Prize was revealed, listing distinctive and celebrated writers for the first time in a region-wide context.

Man takes reading to rural children with 'Books for all'

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:44:17 +0530

Pravin Bhasin is a man on a mission running libraries under 'Books for all' for poor and marginalised children. With 3,000 books, 25 volunteers, 3 centres across the National Capital Region, Pravin Bhasin goes about to ensure that reading books doesn't die in this digital age. With genrous donations from friends, neighbours and colleagues, 'Books for All' is encouraging literacy, especially amongst marginalised children. Through story telling, interactive toolkits and learning activities, Bhasin is helping 600 children from the neighbouring villages discover the joy of reading and learning.

When the economic conditions of a section of society is broken, the entire rope is cut: Shankar ...

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 04:57:43 +0530

As the fable goes, in the summer when the ants were busy gathering food, grasshoppers lived a carefree life. Come winter, the ants lived off their store, while the grasshoppers were left starving. It appears that this lesson was eventually learnt by humans, who shifted from hunting and gathering to agriculture. The wisdom of ants that they borrowed did not end here but helped to lay the foundation of economics as a distinct discipline. This book takes the reader through the history of economics through the ages and the four major world civilisations: European, Islamic, Indian and Chinese, pointing out the ways in which we think of economics today were formed. In the process, Shankar Jaganathan asks us to question our ideas of the importance of these ideas and their ability to drive the world. Written in a lucid, easy style, with many historical examples, 'The Wisdom of Ants' views economic ideas through an ethical, social and political lens, allowing readers to understand the relevance of this history to their own daily lives.

When the economic conditions of a section of society is broken, the entire rope is cut: Shankar ...

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 04:57:43 +0530

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.

Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival to begin Jan 9

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 08:45:35 +0530

Involving participants from Britain, Turkey, Germany, Pakistan, Bangladesh, France and Malaysia among others, through speeches, dramatised readings and panel discussions at the city's iconic landmarks, the fourth chapter of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) will begin in Kolkata on January 9.

William Dalrymple, Rushdie top authors' reading list

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 06:05:51 +0530

When leading authors like Aravind Adiga, Jeet Thayil and Amit Chaudhuri were not writing in 2012, they were reading a lot be it works of Naresh Fernandes, William Dalrymple or Anjali Joseph. Mumbai-based journalist Fernandes' book "Taj Mahal Foxtrot: The Story of Bombay's Jazz Age" topped the reading list of both 2008 Booker Prize winner Adiga and this year's Booker-nominated writer Thayil.

Oriya novelist Pratibha Ray wins Jnanpith Award

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 06:46:20 +0530

Leading Oriya novelist and academician Pratibha Ray, who has over 40 novels, travelogues and short stories to her credit, was on Thursday named for the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2011. At a meeting chaired by writer and Jnanpith award winner Sitakant Mahapatra, it was decided that Ray, 69, will be the winner of the 2011 Janapith Award.

Spider-Man's alter-ego Peter Parker dies

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:49:03 +0530

Spider-Man's geeky alter-ego, Peter Parker, dies in a major battle with his rival Doctor Octopus.

'Gangnam Style' is Collins dictionary's word of the year

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:17:27 +0530

Korean singer Psy's pop sensation "Gangnam Style" has now booked a place in popular culture with recognition from a renowned British dictionary.

Jeet Thayil among 24 Sahitya Akademi awardees

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:42:39 +0530

K Satchidanandan, Chadrakant Devtale, Jeet Thayil, Chandana Goswami, Subrata Mukhopadhayay and Jayant Pawar are among writers and poets representing 24 languages who have been honoured with this year's Sahitya Akademi awards.

My job as a writer is to over-react to the headlines: Altaf Tyrewala

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 02:36:16 +0530

The author, Altaf Tyrewala, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his new book 'Ministry of Hurt Sentiments'.

'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.

Margaret Atwood is my current literary goddess: Annie Zaidi

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 05:30:28 +0530

The author, Annie Zaidi, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on her book 'Love Stories #1 to 14'.

Rajinikanth gives away half his income to charities: biographer Naman Ramachandran

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 05:30:21 +0530

The author, Naman Ramachandran, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on his book 'Rajinikanth - The Definitive Biography'.

Rajinikanth: The humble coolie who went on to become the God of the silver screen

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 04:41:03 +0530

For his fans, Rajinikanth is God, and for the world, he is a cultural phenomenon transcending the trappings of a mere movie star.

Extract: Love Story # 1 to 14 by Annie Zaidi

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 06:30:24 +0530

Annie Zaidi's stories are at once warm and distant, violent and gentle - and, above all, untroubled by cynicism. This is a look at love, straight in the eye, to understand the alluring nature of the beast.

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.

All historians should attempt to rewrite history as they see it: William Dalrymple

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:54:43 +0530

Using a wide range of new sources from Afghan, Russian, Indian and Pakistani archives, including a series of previously untranslated Afghan epic poems and biographies, "Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan, 1839-1842" is a definitive analysis of the First Anglo-Afghan War, and an important parable of colonial ambition and cultural collision for our times.

6 writers shortlisted for the Tibor Jones prize

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 04:13:40 +0530

The winner will be announced on January 10, 2013 at an award ceremony hosted at The Park Hotel (Kolkata) as part of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival.

Excerpt: 'In Good Faith' by Saba Naqvi

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:20:36 +0530

In an age when the idea of religious community is determined by stereotypes and old fault lines, Saba Naqvi takes a journey across the country in search of her own identity among people, communities and shrines that challenge our pre-determined notions of what makes a Muslim or a Hindu.

Wanted to know the world of GB Road: Mayank Austen Soofi

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 07:19:36 +0530

Mayank Austen Soofi on his latest book 'Nobody Can Love You More' and more.

'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'.

Huston's 'Infrared' wins Bad Sex fiction prize

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 04:36:28 +0530

Award-winning novelist Nancy Huston won Britain's Bad Sex in Fiction award Tuesday for her novel 'Infrared,' whose tale of a photographer who takes pictures of her lovers during sex proved too revealing for the judges.

Digital store Flipkart offers e-books online

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 02:11:38 +0530

ndia's leading e-commerce brand Flipkart.com's digital store Flyte has forayed into selling e-books online to change reading habits of book lovers.

Three Indian writers in Man Asian Prize longlist

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:45:22 +0530

Indian writers Jeet Thayil, Anjali Joseph and Benyamin were on Tuesday named in the Man Asian Literary Prize longlist of 15 authors which also figure Nobel winner Orhan Pamuk. The list for the $30,000 prize, considered Asia's most prestigious, was drawn from 108 published works from nine Asian countries by a jury comprising critic Maya Jaggi, Vietnamese-American novelist Monique Truong and India's Vikram Chandra.

Longlist for Man Asian Literary Prize for 2012 announced

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 05:15:07 +0530

The list also includes an early intricate and stunning book by Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk, now appearing in English for the first time.

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.

'Durbar': The Sonia Gandhi you did not know

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:00:30 +0530

The 'real' Sonia Gandhi, a young mother of two children, that veteran journalist and columnist Tavleen Singh knew from mingling in Delhi's influential social circles in the mid-70s was a woman partial to expensive shahtoosh shawls and fur coats and one who fervently stated that she would rather see her daughter and son beg on the streets than allow them to join politics.

'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.

Bal Thackeray a sitting duck, Headley had said after recce

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 09:51:10 +0530

Mumbai terror attack conspirator David Headley, who had surveyed most of the 26/11 targets, had also conducted a recce of Bal Thackeray's heavily-guarded residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra in 2008, and found that Shiv Sena chief was a "sitting duck".

Upset wife more fearsome than enraged pacer: Tendulkar

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 09:02:59 +0530

He has squared off against the most fearsome of pace attacks all over the world but veteran Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar jokes that it is nothing when compared to facing his wife when she is upset! In the Marathi book 'Samvad Legends Shi' (Conversations with Legends) by Dwarkanath Sanzgiri and published by Majestic Publications, the 39-year-old batsman, who has spent over two decades in international cricket, opens up about things other than cricket that have shaped his life.

Life of Pi: Brazilian story that inspired Martel

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 05:00:38 +0530

As filmmaker Ang Lee's visual wonder 'Life of Pi' creates a new generation of fans of his cinema, it's worth remembering the original "spark of life" or the story that influenced Booker-winning Canadian author Yann Martel's book about an Indian boy adrift in the Pacific ocean on a small boat with a Royal Bengal tiger to keep him company.

'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.

Excerpt: The Adventures of an Intrepid Film Critic

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 05:05:12 +0530

With both humour and pathos, The Adventures of an Intrepid Film Critic gives readers an overview of contemporary Bollywood not attempted so far.

Amitav Ghosh, Jeet Thayil shortlisted for lit prize

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 11:32:01 +0530

Six books including "River of Smoke" by Amitav Ghosh, "Narcopolis" by Jeet Thayil and "The Wandering" by Pakistan-based author Jamil Ahmad, have been shortlisted for the DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013.

Excerpt: A Song for I by Chandrima Pal

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:16:52 +0530

A Song for I is about love lost and found, spiritual music and sensual experiences, of epiphanies in the Himalayas, and relationships.

'Indian English has an identity of its own'

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 03:28:26 +0530

English is fast developing a dynamism all its own in the non-English-speaking world, says former Indian Administrative Service officer, writer and noted theatre personality Bhaskar Ghose, whose first novel is a tale of two bureaucrats.

The ten best books in Sorabh Pant's list

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:51:53 +0530

Comedian and Author of The Wednesday Soul, Sorabh Pant's list of the best words he's read in book form.

Excerpt: The Youngest Suspect by Peggy Mohan

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 03:28:29 +0530

A courtroom thriller and a love story, and a vivid portrait of family and friends ranged against the darkness that is clouding their once-ordinary lives, The Youngest Suspect lays bare the underbelly of a world where 'home' has very little meaning.

Vargas Llosa says he tried '50 Shades' fiction

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 07:21:54 +0530

Mario Vargas Llosa may be a Nobel laureate, but he says he has tried to write erotic novels "without the same success" as EL James, who wrote the best-selling 'Fifty Shades of Grey' trilogy.

Katherine Boo wins national award for Mumbai book

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:31:44 +0530

The National Book Foundation, which administers the awards, nominated five writers in each of four categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young people's literature.

Oxford chooses 'omnishambles' as word of the year

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 06:32:30 +0530

Britain's media are in a meltdown and its government is gaffe-prone, so Oxford Dictionaries has chosen an apt Word of the Year: "omnishambles."

'Ethnic literature can't be ignored any more'

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 05:42:21 +0530

Ethnic literature can no longer be ignored as these reflected the country's rich folk traditions and kept India's diverse languages alive, says acclaimed poet and translator Sitakant Mahapatra who has been honoured for his contribution to give recognition to tribal Santhali literature.

Rabindranath Tagore was a second rate playwright: Karnad

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 05:52:28 +0530

After publicly targeting Nobel laureate VS Naipaul and calling him anti-Muslim, veteran actor and playwright Girish Karnad has created another controversy by calling Rabindranath Tagore a "second rate playwright". "Tagore was a great poet but a second rate playwright," Karnad said.

Dickens calls his father a 'jackass' in letter

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 03:15:29 +0530

English writer Charles Dickens branded his own father a "jackass" for his recklessness with money, according to a newly-discovered letter.

'Bookaroo in the City' celebrating children's literature

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:05:28 +0530

Bookaroo is a unique festival that brings the freedom and excitement of reading for fun into schools.

Excerpt: Lord of Mathura by Ashok Banker

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 02:26:35 +0530

Lord of Mathura is the fourth book of the Krishna Coriolis Series.

Saina Nehwal releases her autobiography

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:27:34 +0530

Ace badminton player and current World No. 3 Saina Nehwal on Wednesday released her autobiography in Hyderabad titled, 'Playing to win, my life on and off court'.

Excerpt: Who Let The Dork Out by Sidin Vadukut

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:34:40 +0530

'Who Let The Dork Out' is the third part of the Dork trilogy. The earlier two books are, Dork and God Save The Dork.

'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.

Britney Spears to write a novel based on her life

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 03:08:44 +0530

Britney Spears will write a roman a clef, a novel in which real persons or actual events figure under the disguise of fiction, in a book deal with It Books, The Hollywood Reporter reported on Tuesday.

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.

I have no regrets for publicly targeting VS Naipaul: Girish Karnad

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 04:38:44 +0530

Playwright Girish Karnad has strongly defended his attack on VS Naipaul saying he has no regrets for publicly targeting the eminent writer. Karnad also went on to say that he didn't mind being called a professional secularist but Mr Naipul had no right to abuse Muslims.

Karnad attacks Naipaul for his views on Muslims

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 09:59:20 +0530

The Mumbai Lit fest on Friday witnessed major drama when veteran actor and theatre artist Girish Karnad slammed Nobel prize laureate VS Naipaul and called him anti-Muslim.

Bookaroo lit fest celebrating children's literature

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 06:49:24 +0530

Bookaroo, a literature festival for children, is set to enter its fifth year of its edition.

Extract: It Takes a Murder by Anu Kumar

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 03:29:54 +0530

It Takes a Murder is a darkly lyrical and slyly ambiguous account of love, loss and fury.

Naipaul is tone-deaf, anti-Muslim: Girish Karnad

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:08:10 +0530

Actor and playwright Girish Karnad took on Nobel laureate and India-origin author VS Naipual at the Mumbai Literature Festival calling him "tone-deaf". "Mr Naipaul has written three books on India, three very big books and if you read them you will find that not one of them contains any reference to music. He has gone through the whole of India without responding to Indian music. Now, I think that this only means that he is tone deaf. That's my reading of the situation but then there's no reason why he shouldn't be tone deaf," he said.

Naipaul says he will not write on India anymore

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 02:21:00 +0530

Nobel laureate and Indian-origin author V S Naipual, known for his caustic writings on the country of his parentage, has said he has written enough about India and will not be writing anything more on it.

Khaled Hosseini's new novel out on May 21

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 01:42:07 +0530

Khaled Hosseini's next novel will be a journey across time and space.

Excerpt: Boats on Land: A Collection of Short Stories

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 06:29:49 +0530

Boats on Land looks at India's northeast 'uniquely' and its people against a larger historical canvas.

Jeet Thayil on Man Booker Prize shortlist and more

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 06:02:10 +0530

He is a poet, musician and writer who has got a huge boost now that his debut novel has made it to the shortlist of this year's Man Booker Prize.

Pearson confirms Penguin and Random House merger

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 01:21:20 +0530

Pearson and Bertelsmann agree consumer publishing partnership: Penguin and Random House to combine, creating the world's leading trade publisher.

'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.

Giving Indian language writers their place under the sun

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 07:15:48 +0530

Come November and Delhi will turn into an intellectual delight for readers who like to immerse their souls into the rustic writings of India and its multiple languages. A festival that celebrates Indian writings and their very own Shakespeares and Spencers is returning to the capital for a second time, a year after it debuted and charmed its way into the hearts of many people.

Longlist for the Tata First Book Award announced

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:07:33 +0530

The winner will be announced on Sunday, November 4, at the Literature Live festival in Mumbai.

Wildings came from imagination: Nilanjana Roy

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:01:17 +0530

Nilanjana Roy on her book, about the endearing cats, her literary inspirations and more.

Pearson in talks over Penguin-Random House merger

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:01:18 +0530

British publishing and education company Pearson PLC says it is in talks with German media group Bertelsmann SE over merging the firms' Penguin and Random House publishing operations.

Satyajit Ray's love life revealed by wife in book

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:53:32 +0530

Culminating in an happy ending but only after some unexpected twists and turns, legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray's real-life love story, revealed now by his wife, was nothing short of a typical Bollywood drama.

Superman alter ego Clark Kent quits newspaper job

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 02:56:45 +0530

In an upcoming issue of the Superman comic series, his mild-mannered alter ego Clark Kent quits his job as a reporter at The Daily Planet.

Wrote a book because wanted to read it: Jimmy Soni

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 03:52:40 +0530

The co-author of 'Rome's Last Citizen: The Life and Legacy of Cato', Jimmy Soni is currently Managing Editor at The Huffington Post spoke about the book with CNN-IBN's Amrita Tripathi, here are excerpts from the conversation.

Bengali writer Sunil Gangopadhyay passes away

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:43:04 +0530

One of India's most eminent writers and a stalwart of Bengali literature, Sunil Gangopadhyay, died of a heart attack in the early hours of Tuesday at his residence in Kolkata. He was 78.

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.

Economist-Crossword Book Award: 'Incredible Banker' wins best popular book

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:37:36 +0530

'The Incredible Banker' by Ravi Subramanian has bagged the 'best popular book' award for 2011, instituted by the Economist-Crossword Book Award. 'The Folded Earth' by Anuraddha Roy won the award in the Indian Fiction category while the Indian Non-Fiction award went to 'A Free Man' by Aman Sethi, '17' by Anita Agnihotri and 'The Araya Women' by Narayan jointly won in Indian language translation category, Crossword said in a statement.

Dear Digital Diary: 'Wimpy Kid' e-books coming

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 04:19:51 +0530

The first six volumes of "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" are coming out October 30 as e-books.

British author Hilary Mantel wins 2012 Man Booker Prize

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:07:51 +0530

British writer Hilary Mantel won the prestigious Booker literary prize for a second time Tuesday with her blood-soaked Tudor saga 'Bring Up the Bodies,' which the head of the judging panel said had "rewritten the book" on historical fiction.

Hilary Mantel favorite to with the Man Booker 2012

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:56:58 +0530

Hilary Mantel is favored to win the 50,000 pound ($82,000) Booker Prize with "Bring Up the Bodies," a tale of Tudor treachery which follows the fates of the king's right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell, and the monarch's second wife, Anne Boleyn. It is the second book in a planned trilogy and a sequel to "Wolf Hall," for which Mantel won the Booker in 2009.

Longlist for DSC Prize for South Asian Lit announced

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 02:53:00 +0530

The 2013 edition of DSC Prize for South Asian Literature looks set to be closely contested, with several acclaimed novels on the 16 book Longlist.

Booker Prize for 2012 to be announced today

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:14:01 +0530

India's Jeet Thayil is also in the running for his debut book Narcopolis.

Random House reissues Nobel laureate Mo Yan's book

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 05:12:46 +0530

Random House India announced it will be reissuing his acclaimed novel Red Shorgum in November.

'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.

Promote Indian literature abroad: President

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 05:41:37 +0530

In his address while presenting the 46th Bharatiya Jnanpith Award to Kambar, the president also said that philanthropists and the private sector must help in nurturing and promoting Indian literature and language.

Author Mo Yan 'surprised' by Nobel Prize win

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 03:17:36 +0530

Having won the Nobel Prize for Literature Thursday, Chinese writer Mo Yan said he was "very surprised" at his win as he felt there were many good writers, much higher ranked than him.

Nobel laureate Mo Yan's books sold out

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:58:37 +0530

Less than half an hour after Chinese writer Mo Yan was announced the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, his books were sold out in China.

Book Extract: Chittagong Summer of 1930, Part 1

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:06:36 +0530

Chittagong: Summer of 1930, Part 1 brings to life the famous Chittagong Armoury Raid, led by Bengali revolutionary Surya Sen.

Chinese writer Mo Yan wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 05:09:55 +0530

Chinese writer Mo Yan won the Nobel Prize in literature on Thursday, a somewhat unexpected choice by a prize committee that has favoured European authors in recent years.

Live discussion: 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 02:37:48 +0530

Read the discussion about the 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature that IBNLive readers had with IBNLive's Arunava Sinha and Tathagata Bhattacharya.

Nobel literature award to be announced on Oct 11

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 06:40:00 +0530

The 8 million kronor ($1.2 million) award is one of the highest recognitions in literature worldwide. Last year's prize went to Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer.

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.

Haruki Murakami leads the 2012 Nobel Literature bets

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 02:24:00 +0530

If betting circles are any indicators, then it's game over and Haruki Murakami is the runaway winner.

'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.

JK Rowling promises her next book will be for kids

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 02:17:21 +0530

Just days after release of her first adult novel, famed author JK Rowling has said her next published book will be for children. "I think probably the next thing I write, or the next thing I publish, will be for children," said Rowling, while talking to an audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in Gloucestershire, England.

Russian woman fined $3,000 over 'Mein Kampf'

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 03:30:52 +0530

A woman staff member of a Russian university has been slapped a fine of 100,000 rubles ($3,000) by a court for posting an online copy of Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" on her personal website.

Extract: Just Married, Please Excuse

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 01:19:24 +0530

Just Married, Please Excuse by Yashodhara Lal is a fresh and honest take on marriage and parenthood.

Kerala: Kovalam Literary Fest begins on Saturday

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:59:14 +0530

The fifth edition of the Kovalam Literary Festival (KLF) starts on Saturday after a stimulating first leg in New Delhi.

Casual Vacancy: Harry's story, had he been muggle

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:19:42 +0530

Imagine a muggle Harry Potter, complete with his decency, sense of justice and considerable insecurities, albeit with a different name, living permanently at Privet Drive attending a muggle school - this is the story of Andrew Price, of Casual Vacancy.

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.

Ukranian teen is a living cartoon character!

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 06:41:19 +0530

A Ukranian teenager has literally transformed herself into a living cartoon character, complete with miniature waist, coloured hair, and a defined pout.

Extract: Jihad or Ijtihad by Irfan Habib

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 06:17:29 +0530

In this book, renowned historian and scholar S. Irfan Habib takes it upon himself to trace the trajectory of 'mainstream' Islam's questioning of modern science.

Legendary Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm dies

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:36:15 +0530

Eric Hobsbawm, one of Britain's most eminent scholars and a leading Marxist historian of the world, has died at the age of 95.

'We write to heal': 'Roll of Honour' author Amandeep Sandhu

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:09:08 +0530

The author says his new book "Roll of Honour" is about a period when "all of us, as a nation, as a society, lost our sense of meaning".

'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 prefers paper books to e-books

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 03:40:08 +0530

Celebrated writer JK Rowling prefers the romance of the printed book rather than e-books even though she has recently acquired a tablet that has a library of over 200 books.

'Fifty Shades of Grey' sparks marketing mania

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 01:32:49 +0530

Wildly popular erotica trilogy 'Fifty Shades of Grey' has inspired publishers, record labels, sex shops, and even crafty parents to submit - to the desire to cash in, that is.

Salman Rushdie: Writers losing influence in West

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 01:22:04 +0530

Salman Rushdie believes literature has lost much of its influence in the West, and movie stars like George Clooney and Angelina Jolie have taken the place of Susan Sontag and Norman Mailer when it comes to addressing the big issues.

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.

JK Rowling's adult novel has an Indian character

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 03:47:01 +0530

The Casual Vacancy published by Hachette sets a new record for sales for an adult hardback in India.

JK Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy' releases today

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:46:32 +0530

In India the book releases under high security at 2.30 pm.

Revealed: Why men are so obsessed with breasts

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:06:41 +0530

Men are the only male mammals fascinated by breasts in a sexual context.

Man Booker Prize travels to India in 2013

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 05:30:43 +0530

Jaipur will play an important role in the Man Booker International Prize 2013 as the judges will announce the list of finalists for the award at the venue of a prestigious literature festival held in the city. The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival, the largest and liveliest literary festival in Asia-Pacific, will host the press conference to announce the judges' list of finalists on January 24, next year.

Rowling's adult novel releases tomorrow

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:49:14 +0530

A big novel about a small town, The Casual Vacancy is JK Rowling's first novel for adults.

Rowling's adult novel Casual Vacancy is worth it

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 02:40:00 +0530

That's what makes this book worth it, despite a slow start and sometimes too much of the descriptions and adjectives that added life to Harry Potter but at times tend to bog Rowling down here. That's what makes the book's ending scenes so heartbreaking - turning the page seems unbearable, but not as much as putting down the book would be.

'Mortality rate of books is very high in India'

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:03:49 +0530

The Shadow Throne displays taut writing and nail-biting suspense in a debut that is chillingly believable. Author Aroon Raman spoke with IBNLive about his book The Shadow Throne and more.

'Mortality rate of books is very high in India'

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:49:50 +0530

Author Aroon Raman spoke with IBNLive about his book The Shadow Throne and more.

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.

Being denied India visa was a deep wound: Rushdie

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 03:42:36 +0530

Describing not being able to visit India for over 12 years as a "long exile," controversial India-born writer Salman Rushdie says that being denied a visa and Indian embassies abroad keeping away from him was a "deep wound" inflicted on him by India.

'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.

Crossword Book Award 2011 shortlist announced

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:28:12 +0530

The Popular award has a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh & the trophy. The winner will be announced on October 18, 2012 at the awards ceremony.

Rushdie says something wrong at heart of Islam

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 01:29:50 +0530

British author Salman Rushdie, who lived in hiding for nine years under a death sentence from Iran's supreme leader, said in an interview published on Thursday that something had gone wrong at the heart of Islam.

Stephen King to release 'The Shining' sequel

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:39:08 +0530

Published in 1977, 'The Shining' formed the basis for Kubrick's horror classic, starring Jack Nicholson.

Rushdie memoir tells of life under Iranian fatwa

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:49:00 +0530

British author Salman Rushdie's memoir of more than nine years in hiding after Iran's supreme leader issued a death sentence against him hits the shelves on Tuesday, ending the wait for his account of a furore that has echoes across the world today.

Rushdie uncensored: Hindu intolerance as bad as Muslims'

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:00:21 +0530

Author Salman Rushdie, in an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN Deputy Editor Sagarika Ghose, has said that his enemies never had a point, and that they were wrong. The noted author feels that in the Muslim world, there has been an attempt to demonise him, and it has been successful.

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.

Iran group raises bounty on Rushdie to $3.3 mn

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 09:49:40 +0530

An Iranian religious foundation has raised its reward for the killing of British writer Salman Rushdie to $3.3 million, a media report said.

Modern Islam has glamorised jihad: Rushdie

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 07:41:05 +0530

Author Salman Rushdie, in an interview with CNN-IBN Deputy Editor Sagarika Ghose, has said that the idea of the holy war seems to be growing popular amongst the youth in economically disadvantaged economies as they are largely unemployed with no means of a good life and jihad gives them a sense of direction. Rushdie's comments come at a time when anti-US protests have rocked the Middle East, and even some parts in south India, over a movie that is purported to be anti-Islam.

'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.

Read the adventures of James Bond on your computer

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 11:18:20 +0530

There will be two editions of each title to reflect the wide audience for the world's best known secret agent.

Marvel kills off Professor X, founder of X-Men

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:41:05 +0530

Professor X, the Marvel comic book character who formed and led the superhero mutant team known as X-Men, has been killed off.

'India banned 'Satanic Verses' without scrutiny'

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 05:01:02 +0530

Salman Rushdie's book 'The Satanic Verses' was banned by India four months before Iran's supreme leader late Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa for his killing without any proper examination or a judicial process, writes the controversial author in his memoirs.

Indian writer Jeet Thayil on Man Booker shortlist

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 05:37:39 +0530

Indian writer Jeet Thayil's first novel 'Narcopolis', described as a compelling tale of Mumbai's hazy world of opium addiction, has made it to the six-author shortlist for the Man Booker Prize 2012 announced today.

Book extract: Yours Sarcastically by Sandeep Das

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 01:35:53 +0530

Written by Sandeep Das 'Yours Sarcastically' is a 'not-so-diplomatic' take on the life of a 20-something person in contemporary India.

Six books shortlisted for Book Prize 2012

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:41:09 +0530

Six books have been shortlisted for 'Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2012' of the Shakti Bhatt Foundation. There were 96 entries.

'Journalism will not teach to write fiction'

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:36:36 +0530

Set in Delhi's Nizamuddin area, Nilanjana Roy's book 'Wildings' revolves around a pack of telepathic stray cats.

Book extract: Toke by Jugal Mody

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:48:10 +0530

Toke revolves around protagonist Nikhil, who has has 72 hours or maybe less to save the world.

18th Delhi Book Fair: E-books, religion and kids

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 03:02:49 +0530

The 18th Delhi Book Fair that kicked off in the capital over the weekend has more than just books to offer to little bookworms. From vocabulary building sessions to interactive books - there are many mind building activities for children this year.

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.

Taslima accuses noted author of sexual harassment

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 01:43:50 +0530

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen accused noted author Sunil Gangopadhyay of sexually harassing her and other women. She also alleged that the President of the Sahitya Akademi was actively involved in banning her novel 'Dwikhandito' and her "banishment" from West Bengal.

WB: Book criticises Mamata, publisher raided

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 01:22:04 +0530

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is courting another controversy. The enforcement branch of the Kolkata Police has raided a renowned publishing house's office and shop at College Street after it published a book 'Musalmander ki Karaniya' (What Muslims Should Do) written by senior police official Dr Nazrul Islam.

Siddhartha Deb wins PEN award for book on India

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 08:58:39 +0530

Indian author Siddhartha Deb has been named among the winners of the 2012 PEN Awards, considered the most comprehensive literary awards programme in the US, for his non-fiction work on India, which is described as a "gripping analysis" of the country and an "important book" of current times.

Reading acts as a tonic for the brain: Study

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:29:51 +0530

Neuroscientist Susan Greenfield suggests that reading helps to expand attention spans in kids.

Paramount and 'Godfather' author heirs clash in NY

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:21:41 +0530

The son of 'The Godfather' creator Mario Puzo wants a judge to end Paramount's rights to make future 'Godfather' films.

Excerpt: Maharani by Ruskin Bond

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:06:20 +0530

Melancholic, wry and full of charm, Maharani is a novella about love, death and friendship by Ruskin Bond.

'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.

Rohinton Mistry wins Neustadt Literature Prize 2012

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:08:46 +0530

Critically acclaimed Indian-Canadian writer Rohinton Mistry has been selected as the winner of the 2012 Neustadt International Prize for Literature.

Wait, Superman and Wonder Woman...did WHAT?

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 04:42:51 +0530

Wonder Woman and Superman are an item, locking lips in a passionate embrace as the pair realize that there's no one out there like them.

India has a great deal of romance: Ruskin Bond

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 12:54:11 +0530

The author whose stories and poems have accompanied all of us says he had a rather lonely childhood himself; his books were his only companions.

Read 'Life and Times of AK Hangal', his autobiography

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 05:21:12 +0530

AK Hangal died at the age of 95 in Mumbai on August 26, 2012. Read excerpts from his autobiography here.

Quotes: Paulo Coelho said...what?

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 03:08:37 +0530

Coelho's 1988 allegorical novel 'The Alchemist' became one of the best-selling books in history.

Navy SEAL commando pens book on Osama killing

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 05:10:20 +0530

A US Navy SEAL commando, involved in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, has written an inside account of the May 2011 mission, raising hackles in the Pentagon and CIA.

'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.

Excerpt: Jack is Back in Corporate Carnival

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 07:06:05 +0530

PG Bhaskar is a private banker. He left India for Dubai in 1992 and what with one thing and the other, stayed put, watching the city grow.

'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.

Chetan Bhagat on whether India's youth is selfish

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:00:17 +0530

After the wild success of his fiction - Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center, The 3 Mistakes of my Life, 2 States and Revolution 2020 - popular author Chetan Bhagat is now trying his hand at non-fiction for the first time with the title 'What Young India Wants'.

'Fifty Shades of Grey', an all time bestseller in UK

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 03:05:43 +0530

Random House (UK) has announced that E L James's Fifty Shades of Grey has sold well in excess of 5.3 million copies.

Young India wants jobs, girls, social status: Bhagat

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 01:24:40 +0530

"Meri Naukri, Meri Chokri (My job, my girl)". Young India's rallying cry is simple. They want love, they want money and they want stature in society, says popular mass fiction writer and media columnist Chetan Bhagat.

'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.

Celebrated author, playwright Gore Vidal dies at 86

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:00:22 +0530

The nephew of Gore Vidal says the author, playwright and commentator has died in Los Angeles.

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'.

Book on Gandhi's leadership to hit stands in China

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 04:26:28 +0530

A book written by veteran Indian diplomat Pascal Alan Nazareth on Mahatma Gandhi's outstanding leadership qualities, which have great relevance in today's world plagued by violence and terrorism, has been translated into Mandarin and will soon hit the stands in China.

'Literathon,' a celebration of books and reading

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:21:13 +0530

Literathon is a nationwide initiative to foster greater interaction between students and the literary world.

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.

Excerpt: Land of the Well by Sampurna Chattarji

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 06:16:32 +0530

Sampurna Chattarji's book walks the line between reality and delusion, between treachery and trust.

Excerpt: Booker long-listed Narcopolis' prologue

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:43:40 +0530

Thayil's book selected for the long-list is titled 'Narcopolis,' the novel starts with a prologue that is one six and half page run-on sentence.

Indians who have won the Man Booker in the past

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 05:44:17 +0530

Indian author and poet Jeet Thayil features among 12 authors long-listed for the 2012 Man Booker Prize for Fiction for his book Narcopolis.

Jeet Thayil on 2012 Man Booker long-list

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:15:45 +0530

Noted Indian poet and writer Jeet Thayil is among 12 authors long-listed for the 2012 Man Booker Prize for Fiction worth 50,000 pounds and an assured spurt in the sales of the prize-winning book.

Book extract: Sex, sweat & Sharon Stone

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:42:15 +0530

Author Jhoomur Bose's book' 'Confessionally Yours' revolves around protagonist Polly.

'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?

'Nehru believed that a better world was possible'

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 02:48:18 +0530

Author Manu Bhagavan's latest book 'The Peacemakers' is a story of India's quest for human rights in the years leading up to its independence.

Excerpt: Bombay Girl by Kavita Daswani

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 04:32:40 +0530

'Bombay Girl' is the first installment of Kavita Daswani's trilogy about a girl named Sohana Badshah.

Fifty Shades of Grey effect: Classics get raunchy

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:02:31 +0530

Beloved classics like Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' are getting a steamy makeover following the success of EL James' erotic novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

Stephen Covey, '7 Habits' author, dies at 79

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:47:25 +0530

The author of the best-selling "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" died at a Idaho hospital on Monday.

'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.

Would an Amul boy be cuter than the Amul girl?

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 03:58:17 +0530

Would an Amul boy have outwitted the cute girl in polka dotted dress and with a blue hair bun? Never, say her creators.

'Kitnay Aadmi Thay...' of Bollywood's 'useless' trivia

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 02:24:55 +0530

If Bollywood questions keep you awake at nights, 'Kitnay Aadmi Thay? - Completely Useless Bollywood Trivia' authored by Diptakirti Chaudhuri is what you want to read.

LTTE tortured, killed while fighting Indians: Book

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:52:41 +0530

The LTTE tortured and killed alleged spies and "traitors" and also looted Tamil shops and homes while fighting the Indian peacekeepers in Sri Lanka, a book by a former woman fighter says.

Amitav Ghosh's 'Sea of Poppies' gets Bhojpuri touch

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:32:55 +0530

The magic of Booker Prize shortlisted Amitav Ghosh's novel, 'The Sea of Poppies,' a gripping tale of the sea journey of indentured labourers during the 1830s, just before the Opium War, is set to be translated on celluloid.

'What Young India Wants' is Chetan Bhagat's next

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 07:13:02 +0530

After the tremendous success of fiction Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center, The 3 Mistakes of my Life, 2 States and Revolution 2020, popular author Chetan Bhagat will try his hand at non-fiction next with the title 'What Young India Wants'.

Chennaivaasi about a Tam-Brahm boy & a Jewish girl

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 06:41:36 +0530

Authored by TS Tirumurti 'Chennaivaasi' is set in the heart of Chennai, the book is a story of a father who disowns his son for going against their traditions.

Excerpt: Shashi Tharoor on India and the world

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 03:26:04 +0530

Shashi Tharoor surveys India's major international relationships in his book 'Pax Indica'.

'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.

Soon, a book on Saina Nehwal's inspirational story

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:54:34 +0530

TS Sudhir's book, 'Saina Nehwal: An Inspirational Biography', is an account of her rise as a champion.

Yuvraj's book to chronicle his cancer battle

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 06:15:41 +0530

Cricketer Yuvraj Singh will talk about the Cs in his life Chandigarh, cricket and cancer.

Jury for DSC Prize for S Asian Literature announced

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 02:16:33 +0530

The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature announced the jury for its 2013 edition. The five-member panel includes Eleanor O'Keeffe, K Satchidanandan, Muneeza Shamsie, Rick Simonson and Suvani Singh.

Mick Jagger pursued Jolie, claims new book

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:37:03 +0530

Actress Angelina Jolie, who appeared in the Rolling Stones' 'Anybody Seen My Baby' music video in 1997, was allegedly pursued by rocker Mick Jagger while he was still married to supermodel Jerry Hall.

'Narasimha Rao prayed when Babri was demolished'

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 05:59:09 +0530

Yet another book has levelled an allegation that P V Narasimha Rao had connived at the demolition of Babri Masjid claiming that the late Prime Minister had sat in a puja when the kar sevaks began pulling it down and rose only when it was over.

Hollywood-Bollywood come together for a cookbook

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 05:32:27 +0530

A host of Bollywood celebrities like Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha and Neha Dhupia, as well as Hollywood biggies are set to share their favourite vegan recipes for a book titled "The Bolly Holly Vegan Cookbook".

The Bogoli Phut Days: Adventures in Assam

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 01:33:13 +0530

Written by Tara Goswami the book is about seven-year-old Pitki's adventures in Assam.

'Bhiwani Junction,' the untold story of boxing

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 12:42:47 +0530

Shamya Dasgupta has authored 'Bhiwani Junction,' a meandering history of boxing in India.

First look of JK Rowling's 'The Casual Vacancy'

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:15:25 +0530

A big novel about a small town, The Casual Vacancy is JK Rowling's first novel for adults.

Now, Mahabharata in contemporary English

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:31:17 +0530

Economist Bibek Debroy is translating the Indian epic Mahabharata into contemporary English.

Erotica '50 Shades' was 'Twilight' fan fiction

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 08:23:56 +0530

At the heart of erotica 'Fifty Shades of Grey' that describes, sometimes in graphic details, the relationship of a submissive and her much older master, is an old fashioned love story of understanding and acceptance.

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.

'The Hot Unconscious,' of travels across India

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 01:35:11 +0530

'The Hot Unconscious' by Charles Foster, is a book about the noise and the echoing silence of India.

'How I Braved Anu Aunty,' for young entrepreneurs

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 07:25:13 +0530

'How I Braved Anu Aunty and Co-founded a Million Dollar Company' by Varun Agarwal is an filled with nuggets of everyday wisdom.

Stories of people with big dreams for Dharavi

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 06:53:24 +0530

Written by Rashmi Bansal, Deepak Gandhi and Dee Gandhi 'Poor Little Rich Slum' is book with stories of little people who make up the big idea of Dharavi.

'Pundits from Pakistan,' of cricket and its greats

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 03:09:19 +0530

An excerpt from Rahul Bhattacharya's cricket classic 'Pundits from Pakistan'.

'Mother Maiden Mistress,' a book on women in hindi cinema

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 01:17:12 +0530

Authors Bhawana Somaaya, Jigna Kothari and Supriya Madangarli sift through six decades of history, bringing to life the women that peopled cinema and the popular imagination, and shaped fashion and culture.

'Dongri to Dubai,' the rise of Dawood Ibrahim

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 04:12:05 +0530

The cinematic adaptation of S Hussain Zaidi's is reportedly 'Shootout At Wadala' by Sanjay Gupta.

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.

Meet the 'chaiwallah' who is also an author

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:19:27 +0530

Laxman Rao is no ordinary chaiwallah (tea vendor). His tea stall at New Delhi's ITO complex offers more than just a hot brew. For a few hundred rupees, you can pick up one of his 24 books, written over 40 years.

'Beautiful Country,' stories from Assam, Meghalaya

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 01:58:07 +0530

Authors Gunjan Veda and Syeda Saiyidain Hameed's book 'Beautiful Country' is a journey towards understanding India.

'Nehru's foreign policy needs to be revisited'

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:34:28 +0530

Jawaharlal Nehru's policies of non-alignment and mixed economy need to be revisited, says author PC Jain.

Erotic novel puts Harry Potter in shade

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:17:19 +0530

The author Erika Mitchell is now reportedly four million pounds ($6.3 million) after signing book deals and a Hollywood movie contract.

Children want to burst into poetry: Ruskin Bond

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:08:59 +0530

Today's youngsters are writing a lot of poetry to put their emotions into words unlike in the past when they liked to read and think, says iconic Indian storyteller of British origin Ruskin Bond.

'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.

On this day: Anne Frank received the famous diary

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:28:06 +0530

Anne Frank became famous posthumously for the diaries she kept while in hiding from the Nazis with her family in Amsterdam during World War Two. First published in 1947 and now translated into more than 70 languages, her diary remains one of the world's best-selling books.

Poetry on stone: Timeless genre in revival across India

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 04:56:45 +0530

Two refreshing initiatives, "Poetry on Monuments" and "Poetry of Cross-Cultures", have taken poetry out of books, conventional readings and literature festivals to form bigger circles of poets and audience in public spaces and across cultures.

Former army chief documents life, views in memoir

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:49:31 +0530

Ethics, morality and corruption are issues that are gaining more relevance particularly with regard to conduct of officers in higher ranks, says former army chief General (retd) Joginder Jaswant Singh in his autobiography.

The Economist Crossword Award's longlist

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:45:53 +0530

The Crossword Book Award recognises and rewards good writing and promotes authors and their books.

All my mistakes and lessons are in my book: Besseling

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 02:10:45 +0530

Author Dave Besseling on his life, writing and his new book 'The Liquid Refuses to Ignite'.

The Meadow: A hostage situation in Kashmir

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 11:42:52 +0530

The Meadow is a book that details a kidnapping of six foreign tourists in Kashmir in the mid-90s, the cover-up, the complicity of Pakistani intelligence, as well as a ploy for world attention, and subsequent strategising by Indian intelligence.

Shehan Karunatilaka wins 2012 Commonwealth Book Prize

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 03:55:16 +0530

The Sri Lankan author won the 10,000 pounds award for his debut novel 'Chinaman'.

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.

The Crossword Book Award's longlist announced

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 05:24:26 +0530

The Economist and Crossword in association with Principal Retirement Advisors & Standard Chartered Bank released the long list for the 'The Economist Crossword Book Award 2011'.

Science fiction writer Ray Bradbury dies at 91

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:30:26 +0530

Ray Bradbury, the science fiction-fantasy master who transformed his childhood dreams and Cold War fears into telepathic Martians, lovesick sea monsters, and, in uncanny detail, the high-tech, book-burning future of 'Fahrenheit 451', has died. He was 91.

'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.

'Things a Little Bird Told Me,' a book on Twitter

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 05:12:08 +0530

Biz Stone, 38, is working on a book about creativity called Things a Little Bird Told Me that will relate stories from his life and career and encourage others to think outside the box, Grand Central Publishing said on Monday.

The Satanic Verses was not for mullahs: Rushdie

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:20:03 +0530

Over two decades after 'Satanic Verses' sparked a never-ending controversy and provoked a 'fatwa' for his head, author Salman Rushdie has only one thing to say to his detractors: 'I did not write it for the mullahs'.

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.

We live in the age of migration: Salman Rushdie

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 03:36:42 +0530

Controversial writer Salman Rushdie, who was born in Mumbai and moved to Britain as a child and now lives in the United States, says his experiences led him to explore the issue of migration in his award-winning books.

'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.

Green Lantern relaunched as brave, mighty and gay

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 05:14:35 +0530

It's also another example of gay and lesbian characters taking more prominent roles in the medium.

Book extract: 'The Peacemakers' by Manu Bhagavan

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:54:55 +0530

Here is an extract from Manu Bhagavan's new book, 'The Peacemakers'.

Stephen King's next book 'Joyland' is a thriller

Wed, 30 May 2012 04:30:54 +0530

'Joyland' will initially come out just as a paperback before being launched on internet.

Stephen King to write another crime novel

Wed, 30 May 2012 01:25:03 +0530

Stephen King will take on crime for a novel coming out next year.

Guru Dutt biography becomes innovative book drama

Wed, 30 May 2012 01:11:51 +0530

Book readings could soon become passe if author Sathya Saran has her way. Hoping to make an instant connect with audiences, the veteran journalist is taking her biography of Bollywood legend Guru Dutt to the masses by enacting the book with a cast of six characters across India.

Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poems translated into German

Mon, 28 May 2012 02:16:55 +0530

A bilingual Urdu-German book of Faiz's poems has been launched by the Goethe Institut in Karachi, Dawn News reported.

Author Markovits explores Jewish sect she left

Mon, 28 May 2012 11:23:08 +0530

Like the characters of her book, Anouk Markovits grew up inside the strict Satmar Hasidic Jewish sect, where reading novels was frowned upon and she was expected to wed in an arranged marriage at a young age.

Story by Pultizer winner serialised on Twitter

Mon, 28 May 2012 11:06:29 +0530

A story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan for the New Yorker is being serialised in 10 installments on Twitter, according to the magazine.

Literary fests new tool of diplomacy in S Asia

Mon, 28 May 2012 10:45:56 +0530

Many Lit fests are mushrooming in South Asia that are discussing and building new bridges across cultures.

'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.

'Highway 39' about complexities in North East India

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:06:46 +0530

Sudeep Chakravarti's latest book gives a detail account of the socio-political complexities and ethnic divisions prevalent in the North East.

Upset Mahasweta Devi quits post given by Mamata

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:34:44 +0530

One of West Bengal's biggest intellectuals Mahasweta Devi has quit as the Chairperson of the Bangla Academy, a post that was given to her by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The author and Magsaysay Award winner Mahasweta Devi decided to quit after her proposal to give the prestigious Vidyasagar Award to a young author was allegedly turned down by the state government.

Great Gatsby book excerpt: Amitabh's character

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:09:01 +0530

Amitabh Bachchan plays the role of Meyer Wolfshiem in Buz Luhrman's film of F Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel, 'The Great Gatsby'. Who was Meyer Wolfshiem, really? Here are the two excerpts from the novel in which Wolfshiem appears.

Marvel Comics plans wedding for gay hero Northstar

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:13 +0530

Wedding bells will ring this summer for Marvel Comics' first openly gay hero, super speedster Northstar, and his longtime boyfriend.

'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.

No humour please, we are Indians!

Fri, 18 May 2012 01:12:13 +0530

In 1923, iconic Bengali humorist Sukumar Ray described a curious race of beings "who were scared to laugh". With the government forced to apologise for a 1949 cartoon on Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar after parliamentarians of all hues raised a massive ruckus, are Indians becoming that humourless race?

Extract: The Householder by Amitabha Bagchi

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:22:18 +0530

Amitabha Bagchi has knit a plot about Indian bureaucracy, corruption and redemption in his new work, 'The Householder'.

A 'Kahaani' of Indian bureaucracy, corruption

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:57:28 +0530

His surname inspired a key character in the hit Bollywood film "Kahaani". Now writer Amitabha Bagchi has knit a plot about Indian bureaucracy, corruption and redemption in his new work, "The Householder".

Michelle contemplated divorcing Obama in 2000: Book

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:31:35 +0530

Michelle Obama contemplated divorcing Barack Obama in 2000 after he ignored her advice not to run for a House seat in Chicago, making him so "depressed" that friends feared he might commit suicide, says a new book.

New Indian novels mirror contemporary relationships

Wed, 16 May 2012 01:54:54 +0530

Contemporary Indian popular fiction that narrates "desi" cosmopolitan stories has been mirroring the changing man-woman relationship in a more open and accepting urban India, a leading literary agent says.

Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes is dead

Wed, 16 May 2012 01:46:20 +0530

Carlos Fuentes, a towering literary figure in the Spanish-speaking world, died on Tuesday at a hospital in the Mexican capital. He was 83.

Extract: 'The Source - A Manual of Everyday Magic'

Wed, 16 May 2012 01:22:20 +0530

Ursula James is a premier hypnotherapy practitioner and teacher in the UK and has written extensively on related subjects. 'The Source' is her latest work.

India encouraged LTTE in the 1980s: Book

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:54:17 +0530

The Indian policy on Sri Lanka in the 1980s, the formative years of the LTTE, provided encouragement to the separatist group, a new book has claimed. The book, 'Gota's War', talks about India's "covert" role in LTTE's growth as the outfit carried out frequent terrorist strikes in the island.

Why I wrote a book on the 1995 Kashmir abductions

Tue, 15 May 2012 02:50:53 +0530

The author outlines the research and motivation that went into "The Meadow", a book on the 1995 Kashmir kidnappings.

'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.

Goa CM Parrikar to pen a 'hilarious' memoir

Mon, 14 May 2012 03:26:08 +0530

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is planning to pen down a memoir on his political life and the 56-year-old claims he has enough fodder to make it to the bestseller list.

Indian books on spirituality a big draw: NBT chief

Mon, 14 May 2012 01:31:02 +0530

Books on Indian spiritualism are in great demand in foreign countries, and even the Chinese are impressed, said the National Book Trust (NBT) director MA Sikander.

When cricket became a saviour in Afghanistan

Mon, 14 May 2012 01:20:02 +0530

Literary fiction explores unimaginable possibilities for peace in Afghanistan and escape from the daily acts of subversion.

JK Rowling's 'Pottermore' now open for all

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:54:04 +0530

Pottermore, an online hub developed by author JK Rowling for fans of the boy wizard Harry Potter is now open for all. The free site promises to be an exciting world full of new activities and information on Harry Potter and others from the hit book series.

Free Potter e-books to be offered through Kindle

Sun, 13 May 2012 11:30:39 +0530

Harry Potter has joined the Kindle lending library. Amazon.com announced on Thursday that on June 19, the e-book editions of JK Rowling's seven Potter novels will become part of the Kindle service available to Amazon Prime subscribers. Members can download a book for free once a month. Amazon's library has more than 145,000 books.

Remembering Pakistani writer Saadat Hasan Manto

Fri, 11 May 2012 06:03:11 +0530

Saadat Hasan Manto, the celebrated Urdu writer, is best known for highlighting hypocrisy and evils of the society through his short stories. Saadat Manto is known to have written more than 200 stories in a span of not more than 2 decades. Toba Tek Singh, the story that captured the aftermath of the partition, is perhaps one of his most popular works even today.

Manto now: Irrelevant for young, icon for others

Fri, 11 May 2012 05:56:51 +0530

Literary icon Saadat Hasan Manto finds few takers among young readers because the stories are dark, disturbing and reflect a time they cannot relate to.

'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.

Years later, Mumbai digs up Manto's memories

Fri, 11 May 2012 01:25:12 +0530

100 years after Saadat Hasan Manto's birth, Mumbai is gearing up to remember the eventful time that the legendary Urdu writer spent in the city.

Nupur Talwar writing book on Aarushi's death

Fri, 11 May 2012 03:39:22 +0530

Nupur Talwar, accused in the 2008 twin murder of her teenaged daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj, is writing a book on the mystery behind her daughter's death in Dasna jail where she is lodged, prison officials said.

Extract: 'Black Bread White Beer' by Niven Govinden

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:20:23 +0530

'Black Bread White Beer' casts a critical eye on a society in which, despite never-ending advances in social media communications, the young still find it difficult to communicate.

'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.

'Escape from Camp 14' unbelievable yet compelling

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:44:57 +0530

Veteran journalist Blaine Harden's latest book 'Escape from Camp 14' has been hailed by the media worldwide.

Kolkata celebrates Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:52:37 +0530

It's been 151 years since the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore was born in Kolkata at Jorasanko thakurbari, perhaps the most prominent centre of the Bengal renaissance. As we remember one of the tallest figures of Bengal's history, the city of Kolkata truly turns into a Tagore city.

Nupur Talwar writing a book on Aarushi's murder

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:29:16 +0530

Murdered teenager Aarushi Talwar's mother Nupur Talwar is writing a book titled 'Mystery behind Aarushi's death - story by an unfortunate mother' inside the Dasna Jail. The jailor of Dasna Jail said that she wanted to bring out the real story.

Rabindranath Tagore centre launched at Edinburgh

Wed, 09 May 2012 01:41:46 +0530

A centre dedicated to the life and work of Rabindranath Tagore has been launched in Edinburgh, said to be the first UK hub of its kind dedicated to the Nobel laureate.

'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.

How Tagore inspired Sri Lanka's national anthem

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:24:53 +0530

Ananda Samarakoon, Rabindranath Tagore's student at Shantiniketan, composed "Sri Lanka Matha."

Rs 150 cr to Visva Bharati on Tagore's birthday

Tue, 08 May 2012 02:00:25 +0530

As a tribute to Rabindranath Tagore on the ocassion of his 150th birth anniversary, the government on Monday announced a grant of Rs 150 crore to the Nobel Laureate's abode -- Visva Bharati University -- for restoring it to its old glory.

Rabindranath Tagore songs by band not taboo: Sankho

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:23:06 +0530

Eminent Bengali poet Sankho Ghosh says that launching Rabindranath Tagore's songs by bands can not be a taboo if it conforms to the spirit and basics. For instance "The Tagore song in Bangla band Dohar's 'Sahasro Dotara' album, rendered by 'bauls' (mystic minstrels from Bengal) have been a unique initiative," Ghosh told on Saturday evening.

WB: Rabindranath Tagore's home to be a museum

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:57:47 +0530

To preserve Jorasanko Thakurbari, the ancestral house of Rabindranath Tagore in north Kolkata, the West Bengal government is planning to convert it into a museum.

WB: Musical programmes to celebrate Tagore's birthday

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:51:53 +0530

With a number of musical programs to be held all over the state and a handicraft fair in the city, West Bengal on Monday geared up to celebrate the 151st birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore on Tuesday.

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.

Excerpt: The Edge of Desire by Tuhin Sinha

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:38:05 +0530

Tuhin A Sinha is an author, scriptwriter and columnist based in Mumbai. Tuhin is best known for his novels, 'Of Love And Politics', 'That Thing Called Love' and '22 Yards'.

Book Talk: Steve Coll on Exxon Mobil's oil empire

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:03:11 +0530

Exxon Mobil's vast size and massive profits have often put the oil giant in the crosshairs of critics, and its strict adherence to company protocols and philosophy has created an image of the company as impervious to outside pressure.

'Osama went out not with a bang but with a whimper'

Thu, 03 May 2012 02:45:03 +0530

Slain al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who all his life boasted that he would go down fighting and would ask his bodyguards to shoot him if ever he came near Americans, offered no resistance when US commandos cornered him in his Abbottabad hideout a year ago, claims a new book.

'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.

Hundreds flock to meet '50 Shades of Grey' author

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:00:08 +0530

Young school teachers, middle-aged nurses and even the elderly flocked to a Miami book store Sunday for a chance to meet the author of the bestselling erotic romance 'Fifty Shades of Grey' in the launch of her US book tour.

Excerpt: Business Etiquette by Shital Mehra

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:20:50 +0530

Shital Kakkar Mehra is one of the most experienced practitioners of corporate etiquette and international protocol in India.

'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.

Joseph Anton: Rushdie's memoir of hiding days

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:15:00 +0530

Salman Rushdie has written a memoir based on the time he spent hiding while under a fatwa that sentenced him to death in 1989.

Archie comics gender swap: Archie becomes Archina

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:54:21 +0530

The main three characters will become Archina, Billy and Ronnie thanks to a magical spell cast by two special visitors to Riverdale - Sabrina the Teenage Witch and her cat Salem.

Extract: Between Clay and Dust by Musharraf Ali Farooqi

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:12:26 +0530

While the world continues to raise a toast to contemporary Pakistani authors, the latest author to enter the literary marathon is a genius of sorts who translates Urdu tomes and works on his own tales of fiction with equal ease.

'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.

Sharad Pawar releases book on Yashwantrao Chavan

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:11:34 +0530

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Sunday remembered Maharashtra's first chief minister and veteran Congress leader Yashwantrao Chavan as a visionary economist who had the ability to explain the finer points of economics to the common man in simple language.

A 200-page pocketbook on Akhilesh - in 10 languages

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:54:52 +0530

The book has 14 chapters on topics such as Akhilesh Yadav's childhood, college days, political grooming, connection with the next generation, relationship with his father, the Kranti Rath Yatra and his ascent to the chief minister's post.

Noted poet, Booker judge on DSC literature prize panel

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:00:39 +0530

The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature Friday announced the induction of five new members to its advisory committee for the 2013 and 2014 editions of the $50,000 prize.

'Che' comic inspired by his most famous portrait

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:27:57 +0530

The most famous photo ever taken of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was shot by Alberto Korda in 1960, an image so endlessly reproduced it became not only a political icon but a marketing and advertising asset. That photo is the point of departure for the new graphic novel about the "Comandante" now being published in Spanish.

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.

Bill Gates to become comic book hero

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:27:23 +0530

Bill Gates is set to become the next comic book hero. The Microsoft founder's life will now be made into a graphic novel releasing by the end of the month. It will also be available on Nook and Kindle.

Manning Marable wins history Pulitzer posthumously

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:15:22 +0530

The late Manning Marable won the Pulitzer Prize for history on Monday, honoured for a Malcolm X book he worked on for decades but did not live to see published. For the first time in 35 years, no fiction prize was given.

1992-93 Mumbai riots chronicled in a book

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:25:02 +0530

Khatun Bi is one of the many real-life protagonists of the recently launched book 'Riots and After in Mumbai: Chronicles of Truth and Reconciliation'. The 65-year-old victim of 1992-93 Bombay riots might have a foggy memory about everything else but she clearly remembers the day when she had to hide neck-deep in a gutter as rioters violently raided the streets of Mumbai. Dipped in muck and her own fear, that day will always remain a living nightmare for Khatun Bi.

Kashmir to have first ever international literary fest

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:10:31 +0530

The first ever international Kashmir literary festival, on the lines of the Jaipur Literary Festival, is to be organized in the Valley this year, an official said in Srinagar on Monday.

Rowling working on a Harry Potter encyclopedia

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:04:16 +0530

Author JK Rowling is working on a Harry Potter encyclopedia, and will donate the royalties to charity, she has said on her website.

Govt of India values freedom of expression: Heehs

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:43:21 +0530

Reacting to his visa extension, controversial US historian Peter Heehs has thanked the Home Ministry saying the Indian government values freedom of expression. In a statement, Heehs said, "I'm grateful to the Home Ministry for reviewing my case, and for arriving at a decision that shows that the government values freedom of expression."

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.

Author Peter Hees gets 1-year visa extension

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:31:02 +0530

In a reprieve for controversial US historian Peter Heehs who faced deportation from India, the Union Home Ministry on Friday extended his visa by one more year with effect from April 15.

Author Peter Heehs may have to leave India

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:56:48 +0530

Controversial US historian Peter Heehs may have to leave India on Sunday as the Home Ministry is unlikely to intervene in the immigration authorities' decision not to extend his visa.