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Lessons in sexual freedom from Taslima Nasreen

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:09:36 +0530

On Twitter, Nasreen has been a champion of causes that affect women and often her scathing posts have upset celebrities opposed to her outspoken stance.

Extract: 'Emerging India' by Bimal Jalan

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:35:12 +0530

Bimal Jalan as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1997 to 2003.

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

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

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

Grassroots Comics: New voice for rural issues

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:14:26 +0530

Comics have long been considered a medium of entertainment, but soon the caricatures may become a powerful medium for campaigning and spreading awareness about various social issues that abound in rural India.

Kapil Sibal, the poet, back with his second book

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:30:53 +0530

From a politician and a lawyer Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal is also a poet. Sibal's second anthology of poems will be released in Delhi this week. Four years after releasing his first anthology of poems, he's back with his second, 'My World Within', published by Roli Books.

Delhi celebrates its love for comics at Comic Con

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:21:45 +0530

Delhi's annual comic convention's second edition in the capital saw a sea of comic-lovers thronging the venue.

It's a myth that comics are fading: Comic Con organiser

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:02:24 +0530

Organiser Jatin Verma while speaking to IBNLive said that the comic scene in India is still alive but the market needs more investors.

2nd Annual Comic Convention kicks off in Delhi

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:36:37 +0530

The seemingly fading world of comics is set to come alive again as Indian comic book aficionados relive their favourite comic moments at the second edition of the Annual Indian Comic Convention. The Comic Con starts on February 17 at Dilli Haat, New Delhi.

Sahitya Akademi turns spotlight on poetry, nature

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:28:41 +0530

The prestigious Samvatsar lecture turned the spotlight on poetry this year to keep the Sahitya Akademi's commitment to promotion of poetry alive.

'Homesick' has a unique and original voice

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

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

Israeli library uploads Newton's theological texts

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:32:14 +0530

Isaac Newton was also an influential theologian who applied a scientific approach to the study of scripture, Hebrew and Jewish mysticism.

Boy genius' book reveals life in college at age 8

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:28:27 +0530

Moshe Kai Cavalin was enroll in college at the age of 8 and earn his first of two Associate of Arts degrees from East Los Angeles Community College at age 9, graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Guha among 22 awarded Sahitya Akademi Awards

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:11:13 +0530

Eight books of poetry, seven novels, three essays and one each short story, narrative history, biography and play were selected for this year's awards.

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

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

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

'Dynasty rooted in Indian political tradition'

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:20:56 +0530

Zareer Masani, who courted controversy with a biography of Indira Gandhi, feels dynasty is deeply rooted in the Indian political tradition.

Book extract: Curse of the Godman

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:12:02 +0530

Biddu's 'Curse of the Godman' weaves together romance and deceit, mysticism and bigotry to bring to life the magic of Darjeeling's scenic tea plantations and tells an enthralling story.

New sensibilities emerging in literary translation

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:18:39 +0530

Translations of popular fictions, non-fictions and classics are much in demand in India and adorn bookshelves in many urban homes like status tags.

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

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

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

Book review: Storming the World Stage

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

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

A peek into loss and darkness with Dan Chaon

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:18:22 +0530

In the world of Dan Chaon's stories, nothing is quite what it should be - or perhaps it's the way it always was, and nobody saw it clearly before.

Lahore's Hira Mandi: a love affair

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:37:50 +0530

Claudine Le Tourneur d'lson has authored 12 books and is planning to pen a chronicle of her journeys in Pakistan.

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

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

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

Book extract: Bali and the Ocean of Milk

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:36:08 +0530

The book reimagines the eternal conflict between the gods and the asuras in a whacky thriller littered with bad jokes and corpses.

India celebrates 200 years of Charles Dickens

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:20:44 +0530

As the world celebrates 200 years of Charles Dickens, so does India despite the intense debate on the relevance of Dickensian pedagogy in the 21st century.

Taslima row unfortunate, shameful: Mahasweta Devi

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:33:31 +0530

Magsaysay Award winning author Mahasweta Devi strongly criticised the cancellation of the release of controversial writer Taslima Nasreen's book following objections from fundamentalists.

Is mob violence fuelling intolerance?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:19:50 +0530

Tasleema Nasreen's book launch in Kolkata was cancelled at a book fest after protests by Muslim groups.

BJP, Cong in war of words over Taslima's book

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:46:19 +0530

A war of words ensued between the BJP and the Congress today over the cancellation of the official release of controversial author Taslima Nasreen's book in Kolkata with the former accusing Congress of driving the country towards a dangerous mindset and the latter saying fanaticism was intrinsic to the Opposition party's DNA.

Leading without licence: Leadership the Anna way

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:34:36 +0530

Authors Satheesh Namasivayam and Sivaram Bandhakavi illustrate how Anna Hazare is masterfully practising a set of principles, proven to be effective over the ages, in exercising leadership.

Taslima's book launched despite protests

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:43:10 +0530

Defying protests by 'religious fanatics' on Wednesday, the publisher of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's autobiography, Dey's Publishing, launched her book in front of a stall at the Kolkata Book Fair. This came as a protest against the guild's decision to cancel the book launch.

Kolkata: Taslima's book launch cancelled

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:32:31 +0530

After Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, religious fanatics have targeted Bangladeshi author Tasleema Nasreen. Taslima Nasreen's book launch at the Kolkata Book Fair has been cancelled with sources saying that her book launch was cancelled following objections from some religious extremists groups.

Madhulika Liddle's writing has come of age

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

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

Rajiv leader of hearts, Pranab like brother: Mamata

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:58:31 +0530

Although she felt 'betrayed' by the Congress leadership many a time, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee describes the late Rajiv Gandhi as "the leader of our hearts" and Pranab Mukherjee as her brother.

'The Reluctant Detective' fast, well paced book

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

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

'The Wednesday Soul' is too experimental

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

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

Rushdie's writings painful for Muslims: Imran

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:21:08 +0530

Describing the writings of Salman Rushdie as "painful" for the Muslim community, Pakistani politician and former cricket captain Imran Khan on Monday said no one had a right to humiliate someone's belief.

'Sensationalism in 'Satanic Verses' has hurt Muslims'

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:26:18 +0530

Attacking Salman Rushdie, Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman Markandey Katju today said the "sensationalism" depicted by his book 'Satanic Verses' has deeply hurt Muslim sensitivities and that an individual's freedom of speech has to harmonised with the public interest.

Sentiments vs freedom: Rushdie issue festers

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:26:39 +0530

Days after Salman Rushdie was not allowed to speak at the Jaipur Literature Festival, the issue continues to touch a raw nerve among Muslim clerics and intellectuals even as liberals excoriate the brazen violation of a writer's freedom of creative expression.

We cannot let them break the pen: Vikram Seth

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:23:09 +0530

God and the prophets do not need bullies to defend themselves, says the famous author.

Banning books is a sin: Chetan Bhagat

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:05:58 +0530

Opining that banning books is a sin, popular novelist Chetan Bhagat on Saturday said that the people should appreciate the diversity of opinion in our society. "Different people have different views. We must appreciate that. Nothing is absolute in this world," Bhagat said at the Kolkata Literary Meet.

Police stood by us on Rushdie: JLF Organiser

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:46:27 +0530

Jaipur literature Festival organiser Sanjoy Roy has claimed that JLF organisers chose to call off controversial author Salman Rushdie's video link even after the Rajasthan police promised protection. While speaking exclusively to Karan Thapar on Devil's Advocate, he admitted that it was the festival organisers who decided to call off the video conference with the author at the last minute despite the assurances of security given by the police.

Once Mamata mistook lip balm for lipstick!

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:08:54 +0530

In life as in politics, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is known to have unconventional ways, like when she used saucepans for taking bath during her trip to New York in 1998 or bought lip balms mistaking them for lipsticks.

New book to feature Satyajit Ray's lost articles

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:51:55 +0530

It not only reveals Ray's engagement with cinema, but also provides an invaluable insight into the mind of a genius.

Rushdie row: Religion misused, says Vikram Seth

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:12:12 +0530

Criticising the government for the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie's visit to the Jaipur Literature Festival, novelist Vikram Seth on Thursday said the affair was whipped up because of "power", "politics" and "misuse of religion".

Mamata was 'back stabbed' in childhood

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:11:11 +0530

She had summoned all her political astuteness and understanding to single-handedly unseat the Left Front from power in West Bengal, but when she was a child, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was so innocent that she was often back stabbed by her friends.

'Inventive Indians,' stories of raw intelligence

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

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

'Tamasha in Bandargaon' won't disappoint

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

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

Rushdie is 'poor', 'sub-standard' writer: Katju

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:25:21 +0530

Salman Rushdie is a "poor" and "sub-standard writer" who would have remained largely unknown but for his controversial book 'Satanic Verses', according to Markandey Katju, till recently a judge of the Supreme Court.

JLF: Did the Rajasthan govt fail to protect artistic freedom?

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:05:15 +0530

CNN-IBN's Sagarika Ghose and writer Anurag Anand discuss the row over Salman Rushdie's video link cancellation.

Know the real Mamata Banerjee in her new book

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:25:52 +0530

She's made history by toppling the 34-year-old Left regime in the West Bengal but there's more to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Not many people know that she's written 33 books also. The latest is 'My Unforgettable Memories'.

Rushdie blames politics for his gagging at JLF

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:27:20 +0530

Gagged not once but twice from participating in the Jaipur Literature Festival, controversial author Salman Rushdie says he won't back down and will keep coming back to India. He also blamed the government for bowing to, who he called, religious gangsters.

Rushdie video cancellation: How the day unfolded

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:37:03 +0530

The planned video address by celebrated author Salman Rushdie at the Jaipur Literature Festival was scrapped at the last minute on Tuesday because of security fears. Expressing regret over a situation that he described as 'fairly idiotic', The festival producer Sanjoy Roy said "We are having to step down in a fight for the freedom of expression", before breaking down on stage.

Editor's take: The Rushdie video cancellation row

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:50:38 +0530

Booker winning author Salman Rushdie's video conference was cancelled amidst high drama and following protests by Muslim groups at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Tuesday. The cancellation raises questions on not just the state government, but also the organisers and the freedom of expression.

JLF: Has the state of Rajasthan bowed down to protestors?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:04:17 +0530

Lawyer Akhil Sibal, AIMPLB member-lawyer Zafaryab Jilani and social activist Shabnam Hashmi discuss the Salman Rushdie video conference row.

I'll keep coming to India, deal with it: Rushdie

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:34:06 +0530

Booker winning author Salman Rushdie on Tuesday made it clear that he will keep coming to India despite the events that unfolded in the recent past. In an interview with the television news channel NDTV, Rushdie said, "It's a personal disappointment, but I will keep coming back to India, deal with it."

Rushdie video cancellation not a big issue: Singhvi

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:21:56 +0530

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said on Tuesday that the media was losing a sense of proportion and balance in the Salman Rushdie video conference issue. "We are losing a sense of proportion and balance in this issue. It is not such a great issue for us to exercise over minds over. The government of India never banned his (Rushdie's) visit. Video-link was stopped by the organisers of the festival."

JLF: Activist Kavita Srivastava slams Milli Council

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:09:33 +0530

Human rights activist Kavita Srivastava on Tuesday condemned the organisations which disrupted Salman Rushdie's video link that was supposed to take place at 3.45 PM. Slamming the Jaipur-based Milli Council, she said the threat to the author and the Lit Fest was very disturbing.

Freedom of speech needs a re-look: Rahul Bose

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:52:32 +0530

In the ongoing Rushdie row at the Jaipur Literature Festival, actor Rahul Bose drew attention to the limitations in the Constitution concerning freedom of speech in the country. "We need to take a look at 'Freedom of Speech' under the constitution of India. We need to campaign for change," he said.

Rushdie is welcome to visit Delhi: Sheila Dikshit

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:51:09 +0530

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said she did not want to get into a controversy and that Delhi welcomes everyone.

'Scammed' is readable, holds your attention

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

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

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

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

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

'Hot Tea across India' is delightfully lighthearted

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

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

Scrapping video at Jaipur Lit Fest awful: Rushdie

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:49:57 +0530

Disappointed over the cancellation of his video conference at the Jaipur Literature Festival, Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie called the decision 'awful'. "#JLF Videolink cancellation: awful...," Rushdie tweeted on Tuesday.

Rushdie should have been allowed to come: Jaitley

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:05:25 +0530

Slamming the government for "bowing to fundamentalists", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said controversial author Salman Rushdie should have been allowed to come to India.

I don't believe in the idea of banning books: Konkona Sen

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:59:32 +0530

Actress Konkona Sen said that she was disappointed, but not surprised by the cancellation of Rushdie's video link.

Do we need to redefine democracy, people at JLF question

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:31:20 +0530

People at the festival, who had come for Salman Rushdie's video conference were angry over the cancellation of the link.

Rushdie link cancellation not a govt decision: Raj Home Secy

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:09:18 +0530

Rajasthan Home Secretary GS Sandhu said that the government had given clearance and had no role in the cancellation of Rushdie's video link.

Rushdie video cancelled despite assurance: Police

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:07:39 +0530

Jaipur Police Commissioner BL Soni on Tuesday said that Salman Rushdie's live video conference at the Jaipur Literature Festival has been cancelled despite Rajasthan Police's assurance to the organisers to provide security.

'Freedom of speech not an absolute right'

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:02:38 +0530

Pavan Kumar Varma, writer and diplomat from New Delhi, said on Tuesday that the Freedom of Speech was not an absolute right. "If one criticizes Salman Rushdie, it does not mean that you are criticizing the freedom of expression," he said.

Govt not coming clean on Rushdie: Mark Tully

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:54:58 +0530

Writer Mark Tully on Tuesday slammed the government for not coming clean on the Salman Rushdie issue, saying if someone has offended religion sentiments then there is law to deal with it.

Author Sukumar Azhikode: a man of the masses

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:37:03 +0530

Veteran Malayalam writer and orator Sukumar Azhikode has on Tuesday breathed his last but his razor-sharp tongue and hard-hitting speeches interlaced with characteristic humour will remain in the memories of many who have heard him at least once.

Rushdie has hurt religious sentiments: AIMPLB

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:32:39 +0530

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) supported the cancellation of Booker prize winner Salman Rushdie's video link at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Tuesday, saying Rushdie had hurt religious sentiments in his book 'The Satanic Verses'.

Rushdie gagged, mob forces Fest to cancel video

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:50:03 +0530

Celebrated author Salman Rushdie's live video conference at Jaipur Literature Festival has been cancelled following protests by Jaipur-based Milli Council.

Rushdie welcome in Delhi, says Sheila Dikshit

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:31:38 +0530

Amid protests by Muslim groups against hosting Salman Rushdie in Jaipur, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday said one may have differences with what he writes but the "very, very eminent" writer is welcome in the capital.

Rushdie's video link: Rajasthan offers support

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:21:31 +0530

Rajasthan government have come to the rescue of the Jaipur Literature Festival. The Festiva; organisers and Rajasthan police are holding consultations with Milli Council activists over Salman Rushdie's video conferencing at the Festival.

Threat to Rushdie makes us look like cowards: Shekhar Kapur

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:17:24 +0530

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur says that if at all there is a threat, we should think about everyone at the venue, not just an individual.

Call off Rushdie's video link: Milli Council

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:47:04 +0530

Milli Council activists on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Jaipur Literature Festival venue and demanded that Salman Rushdie's video conference be called off.

Malayalam writer Sukumar Azhikode dead

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:01:08 +0530

Malayalam writer Sukumar Azhikode died at a private hospital here on Tuesday morning, family sources said. He was 85.

Rushdie will not break law with his address: JLF

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:53:49 +0530

Noted author and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie will not break any law with his video address at the Jaipur Literature Festival, organisers said on Tuesday.

Best of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:16:07 +0530

In this special CNN-IBN show, we bring to you the best moments and personalities of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2012.

Video allowed: Rushdie won't bring up Verses

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:07:28 +0530

In a new twist to the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie's video confernce at the Jaipur Literature Festival, sources on Tuesday said the state authorities will allow him to speak but with certain conditions.

Question mark over Rushdie's video link at JLF

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:14:17 +0530

First it was the suspense over whether he will attend the Jaipur Literature Festival, now it\'s whether Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie will be addressing the festival via videoconferencing.

'Had received inputs of SIMI threat to Rushdie'

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:42:43 +0530

Dismissing Salman Rushdie's charge that the state police had invented a 'plot' to keep him away from the Literature Festival, the Rajasthan government on Monday night said it had received intelligence inputs that the banned SIMI was planning to target him during the festival.

I don't regret reading from Rushdie's book: Joshi

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:40:27 +0530

Author Ruchir Joshi on Monday said that he does not regret reading out extracts from Salman Rushdie's banned book 'The Satanic Verses' at the Jaipur Literature Festival. Talking to IBN18 Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai on Talking Point, Joshi said that he was even ready to do it again if required.

JLF: Suspense prevails over Rushdie video address

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:29:49 +0530

The Rushdie controversy continues to cloud Jaipur's Literature Festival. The author is unlikely to be given permission to mark his presence through video conferencing at the festival tomorrow. According to sources, the police may reject the organiser's request for Rushdie's video conference session citing law and order concerns. A police complaint was, meanwhile, filed against organisers and the 4 authors who read from the banned book Satanic Verses.

JLF: Suspense over Rushdie's video address

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:31:58 +0530

Amidst reports that the Rajasthan police planned to deny permission to author Salman Rushdie for his video conference on Tuesday at 3:45 PM at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival, festival producer Sanjoy Roy said that he had no information about the whole issue.

Not illegal if I read from Rushdie's book: Jeet Thayil

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:45:26 +0530

The four writers who read excerpts from 'The Satanic Verses' left the Jaipur Fest amidst speculation that they may be arrested.

Rushdie issue has been politicised: Anupam Kher

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:27:43 +0530

As the Salman Rushdie episode looms large on the Jaipur Literature Festival, actor Anupam Kher said the issue has been 'politicised'.

Anupam Kher's lessons from life at Lit Fest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:50:50 +0530

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher donned a new hat of a self-help guru with the launch of his inspirational book 'The Best Thing About You is...You' at the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival Sunday evening.

Salman Rushdie to attend Jaipur Lit Fest via video

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:21:07 +0530

Booker Prize winning author Salman Rushdie will address the Jaipur Literature Festival via video conference on Tuesday. Rushdie will address the Jaipur Festival at 3.45 pm on Tuesday.

Arrest threat forces authors to leave Jaipur Fest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:14:14 +0530

Famous writer and one of the organisers of Jaipur Literature Festival, William Dalrymple on Monday said that the four authors who read excerpts from Salman Rushdie's banned 'The Satanic Verses' were asked to leave as there was a threat that they would be arrested. Dalrymple said that the organisers didn't know that reading from the 'The Satanic Verses' is an arrestable offence.

Rushdie row: 4 authors asked to leave Jaipur Fest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:50:44 +0530

The Salman Rushdie row refuses to die down as the four authors who read excerpts from Rusdhie's 'The Satanic Verses' have already left the Jaipur Literature Festival amidst speculation that they may be arrested if they had stayed on.

Campaign to lift ban on 'Satanic Verses' launched

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:39:48 +0530

In what could further stoke the Salman Rushdie controversy, a section of authors at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Sunday launched a campaign demanding immediate lifting of the 23-year-old ban on the controversial writer's book 'The Satanic Verses'.

WB: Mamata Banerjee writes a book on her career

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:23:08 +0530

Chronicling her meteoric rise from a grassroots worker to the highest echelons of power in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written a book which has a photographic description of all the important landmarks of her remarkable political career.

'Cong backs Rahul but BJP distrustful of Varun'

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:11:18 +0530

A new book on Rahul Gandhi makes a comparison between him and his cousin who, it feels, is "practically isolated" in his party BJP.

Rushdie slams police, says life threat invented

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:02:41 +0530

Two days after he decided to skip the Jaipur Literature Festival citing threats from a Mumbai don, celebrated author Salman Rushdie on Sunday slammed the Rajasthan police for allegedly inventing a plot to keep him away.

Chetan Bhagat says banned writers not 'heroes'

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:31:17 +0530

Best-selling Indian writer Chetan Bhagat on Saturday criticised the support leant to authors whose books are banned for offending religious communities, a day after Salman Rushdie cancelled his trip to Jaipur citing death threat warning.

Amy Chua on her book 'Tiger Mother'

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:16:03 +0530

Amy Chua, author of 'Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,' the book which focuses on parenting was published in 2011 evoked positive as well as negative reactions.

'Satanic Verses' reading blasphemous: Owaisi

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:28:17 +0530

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday lashed out at the authors who read from the The Satanic Verses at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival, condemning the act as blasphemous. Authors Hari Kunzru and Amitava Kumar had on Friday read out passages from the book as a way of registering their protest over Rushdie's absence from the Festival before the organisers stopped them. An hour later, writer Ruchir Joshi and poet Jeet Thayil repeated the act of defiance.

Author of 'Chinaman' wins the DSC Lit Prize

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:32:01 +0530

Shehan Karunatilaka, Sri Lankan author of 'Chinaman' wins the DSC Literature Prize for South Asia worth 50 thousand dollars.

Joseph Lelyveld on his controversial book on Gandhi

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:21:14 +0530

Pulitzer award winning writer and journalist, Joseph Lelyveld had come under fire in India for 2011 his book 'Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle With India.'

Purity of expression is most important: Prasoon Joshi

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:16:54 +0530

Writer and lyricist Prasoon Joshi spoke in reaction to the Rushdie episode.

We shouldn't ape the West: Writer-diplomat Pavan Varma

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:11:28 +0530

Writer-diplomat Pavan Varma talks about Rushdie's absence from the festival and why we need to look at this from a different perspective, especially as compared to the MF Husain case.

Ban on any creative person is not acceptable: Deepti Naval

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:41:20 +0530

Bollywood actress and author Deepti Naval who is present at the Jaipur Literature Festival said a ban of any kind on any creative person is not acceptable.

'Shocked that Rushdie is not attending the Lit Fest'

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:23:26 +0530

Noted writer Namita Devidayal expressed deep shock at Rushdie not being able to attend the festival.

Expected Rushdie to skip the Lit Fest: Jaishree Misra

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:18:19 +0530

Writer Jaishree Misra says she expected Salman Rushdie to not attend the Jaipur Literature Festival.

William Dalrymple on Salman Rushdie's works

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:07:34 +0530

William Dalrymple, co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival talks about Rushdie's work and expresses his desire to see Rushdie attend the festival in the coming years.

Rushdie row a blot on democracy: David Remnick

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:37:37 +0530

Pulitzer prize winner David Remnick speaks about Barack Obama's biography and Salman Rushdie's absence from the Jaipur Literature Festival.

MP demands arrest of writers for reading 'Satanic Verses'

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:37:11 +0530

Member of Parliament and president of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded the immediate arrest of the writers who Friday read Salman Rushdie's banned book 'Satanic Verses' at the Jaipur Literature Festival.

No info of threat to Rushdie: Police sources

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:23:48 +0530

Adding a new twist to the controversy over Salman Rushdie's participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival, sources in Mumbai Police denied getting any inputs about paid assassins.

Rushdie row: authors protest, organisers defend

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:55:23 +0530

The controversy over celebrated author Salman Rushdie's participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival has refused to die down. The organisers have now distanced themselves from authors who read Rushdie's banned book 'Satanic Verses' as a mark of protest on Friday.

No Rushdie at JLF: Authors blame politics

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:27:50 +0530

The suspense over Salman Rushdie's participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival ended on Friday, but the row over his absence didn't. Authors Hari Kunzru and Amitava Kumar read out a passage from his banned book the 'Satanic Verses' to lodge their protest over Rushdie's absence before they were stopped by the organisers of the festival.

Oprah to attend Jaipur Literature Fest today

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:08:54 +0530

Salman Rushdie may have decided to give Jaipur Literature Festival a miss but those already at Jaipur are getting ready to catch a glimpse of talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey.

'The Satanic Verses' read at Jaipur Literature Fest

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:01:42 +0530

After days of uncertainty over his presence, and threats from fringe groups, controversial author Salman Rushdie decided to stay away from the Jaipur Literature Festival this year.

Oprah to don green Sabyasachi sari in Jaipur

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:26:33 +0530

An apple green sari with an embroidered black choli is what celebrity talk show host Oprah Winfrey will wear to a dinner at the City Palace as part of the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival.

How one Egyptian sold a revolution on the Web

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:21:14 +0530

Wael Ghonim doesn't like being called an activist. The 31-year-old Google employee says he's no different than other Egyptians who took part in the 2011 protests spurred by a Facebook page he created that forced then-president Hosni Mubarak to step down.

Salman Rushdie skips Jaipur Literature Festival

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:11:00 +0530

Celebrated author Salman Rushdie will not attend the Jaipur Literature Festival, which began in Rajasthan's capital on Friday. Rushdie issued a statement through the organisers of the festival saying that he will not be coming to the event.

Jaipur Literature Fest begins without Rushdie

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:43:42 +0530

The Jaipur Literature Festival began on Friday with an impressive line-up of Indian and international authors. However, uncertainty prevailed over the visit of controversial author Salman Rushdie.

Ground report: Jaipur Literature Festival

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:44:09 +0530

There is a heavy security cover although there is uncertainity whether Salman Rushdie will visit the fest or not.

Jaipur Literature Festival kicks off today

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:54:17 +0530

While mystery still surrounds the visit of Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, the Jaipur Literature Festival will kick off on Friday with an array of international and Indian writers and global celebrities including TV mogul Oprah Winfrey.

Book Watch 2012: Rajinikanth, Obama biographies

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:28:34 +0530

Several interesting titles including biographies of Barack Obama, Rajnikanth and Aung San Suu Kyi and fictional works by the likes of Jeffrey Archer and Shobhaa De have been lined up for 2012.

Hitler stole Beetle idea from Jew engineer: book

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:18:40 +0530

Adolf Hitler stole the idea for the iconic Volkswagen Beetle car from a Jewish engineer and had his name written out of history, a historian has said in a new book.

British award for two Indian novelists

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:13:04 +0530

Cultural ties between India and Britain received a new boost with leading London-based literary agency Tibor Jones and the prestigious Foyles Bookstore honouring two emerging south Asian fiction writers, Sri Kumar Sen and Rohit Manchanda, with the maiden Tibor Jones South Asia Prize.

Penguin India to mark 2012 as silver jubilee year

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:01:08 +0530

Penguin India, known for publishing the best writing from the Indian subcontinent, will mark its silver jubilee celebrations in 2012 with a series of initiatives, including the launch of a list comprising some of the best loved titles in its 25 years.

Rushdie may visit Jaipur after all: reports

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:43:01 +0530

According to different reports, author Salman Rushdie may not actually be asked to stay away from India during the Jaipur Literature Festival. Although the Rajasthan government has raised concerns over security in the wake of the Darul Uloom Deoband's demand that Rushdie be banned from India as he had hurt sentiments of Muslims in the past, the Central Government may not be inclined towards making an actual request to Rushdie to not to visit India.

Salman Rushdie asked to skip Jaipur Lit fest?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:09:01 +0530

Jaipur Literature Festival issued a statement saying, "Salman Rushdie will not be in India on January 20 due to a change in his schedule. The festival stands by its invitation to Mr Rushdie."

Rushdie visit row: Gehlot cites security concerns

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:00:48 +0530

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed security concerns over Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie's visit to the Jaipur Literature festival from January 20 to 24. Gehlot met Home Minister P Chidambaram over the issue and acknowledges that there are security implications, saying they hope to come to an understanding with the festival organisers.

Simon & Schuster's 3-book deal with Kishwar Desai

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:29:10 +0530

Kishwar Desai, author and wife of economist Meghnad Desai, signed a three-book deal with Simon & Schuster UK.

The giant chronicles: Two books worth reading

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

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

Political intolerance limits authors: Nagarkar

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:22:43 +0530

Kiran Nagarkar, best known for his seminal English novel, 'Ravan and Eddie', is out with a sequel called 'The Extras', once again starring Ravan Pawar and Eddie Coutinho.

'The Mine' is a diabolically smart thriller

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

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

Hisar to Kashmir: A journalist's autobiography

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

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

A dialogue between India, Bhutan through fiction

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:10:50 +0530

Diplomat and writer Pavan K Varma, the author of 16 books, is campaigning for literature in the mother tongue. And his debut fiction, set in India and Bhutan, also offers a dialogue between Hinduism and Buddhism.

Lit fests popularise books: Naseeruddin Shah

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:03:57 +0530

Actor Naseeruddin Shah feels that literary festivals play an important role in spreading awareness about books among the new generation.

Feldman to write a book on Hollywood paedophiles

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:55:03 +0530

Former child star Corey Feldman claims to have been sexually abused by paedophiles when he was a teenager and says he will reveal their names in a book.

Mrs Obama: Some give her 'angry black woman' image

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:40:27 +0530

First lady Michelle Obama is challenging assertions she has forcefully imposed her will on White House aides and says people have inaccurately tried to portray her as "some kind of angry black woman."

'Overwinter' a read which stays with you for long

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

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

'Yellow Emperor's Cure' is layered but bland

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

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

Three Indian writers shortlisted for literary honour

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:50:12 +0530

Works of three Indian writers - Amitav Ghosh, Rahul Bhattacharya and Jahnavi Barua - have been shortlisted for the 2011 Man Asian Literary Prize.

'For women, love comes from vulnerability'

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:39:26 +0530

Writer and novelist Namita Gokhale runs her readers through a roller-coaster of emotions in her first ever collection of short stories, 'The Habit of Love'.

Elton John turns author, to pen stories about AIDS

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:53:38 +0530

Legendary singer Elton John is all set to share his experiences of the global AIDS epidemic in his first book.

Excerpt: To Kill a Snow Dragonfly by Sharad Paul

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:05:12 +0530

Seen though the eyes of Lobsang, 'To Kill a Snow Dragonfly' is an evocative journey through revolutions and disruptions, desires and memories, friendships and exile, as the narrative moves from a tranquil Tibetan village to a boarding school in south India and eventually to Bombay

Cancel Salman Rushdie's visa: Islamic seminary

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:47:23 +0530

Salman Rushdie's proposed visit to Jaipur for the Literary Festival has come under cloud as Islamic Seminary the Darul Uloom Deoband wants the government to cancel Rushdie's visa for hurting the sentiments of Muslims in the past.

Tom Stoppard in India Jan 23 to talk about adaptations

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:57:10 +0530

Tom Stoppard will team up with leading playwrights Girish Karnad, David Hare and Annie Proulx at the Jaipur Literature Festival Jan 23 to address a session, Adaptation.

Cancel Salman Rushdie's visa: Deoband

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:05:11 +0530

Salman Rushdie is set to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival this month.

First ever gay wedding on Archie Comics cover

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:48:34 +0530

After introducing its first gay character, Archie Comics has now featured the same-sex wedding between Kevin Keller and partner Clay Walker on its front cover for the first time.

Book fair to celebrate 100 years of Indian films

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:09:00 +0530

The NBT Friday unveiled a calendar, 'Literature and Indian Cinema', as a thematic prelude to the book fair.

'The Last Nude,' story of an enigmatic model, lover

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:15:37 +0530

Author Ellis Avery talks about 'The Last Nude,' a 120-page novel set mainly in 1920s Paris .

James Franco set to release his debut novel

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:04:08 +0530

His debut novel is not his first book, he previously released a collection of short stories entitled 'Palo Alto'.

Handbook of Modernity in South Asia is pathbreaking

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

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

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

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

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

'Narcopolis' is an intense, disturbing read

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

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

Jimmy Carter's latest book offers lessons in faith

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

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

Anupam Kher launches his book 'The Best Thing...'

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:07:16 +0530

Anupam Kher released his book 'The Best Thing About You Is You' in the presence of superstar Amitabh Bachchan and wife Kirron Kher in Mumbai.

Rushdie to attend Jaipur Lit Fest Jan 20-22

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:55:39 +0530

Breaking a minor jinx in India which began with last September'a failed Harud Festival in Kashmir, celebrated writer Salman Rushdie will attend the DSC Jaipur Literature Festival Jan 20-24, the organisers said on Tuesday.

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

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

The travelogue could have been substantiated with pictures.

'Jerusalem: The Biography' is a true masterpiece

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

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

'The Muddy River' is a mirror of political fiction

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

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

The mystery behind Shimla's 'Scandal Point'

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:08:37 +0530

Manju Jaidka in her historical fiction has tried to get to the bottom of the mystery of Shimla's Scandal Point.

Book excerpt: Delirious Delhi by Dave Prager

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:58:13 +0530

'Delirious Delhi' is a full-length portrait from an outsider's perspective that helps expats demystify Delhi - and helps Delhiites demystify expats.

'The Best Thing About You is You' can motivate

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

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

Stephen King's 11.22.63 is rather mediocre

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

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

What the Adigas and the Khairs read in 2011!

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:37:47 +0530

The year 2011 saw a lot on the writing front but prominent writers like Aravind Adiga, Tabish Khair and Manu Joseph, who were also reading a lot.

'Death in Mumbai' is not for the faint hearted

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

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

Jaiput Litfest 2012: The programme

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:41:03 +0530

On view: Tom Stoppard, Richard Dawkin,s Annie Proulx, Hisham Matar, Jamaia Kincaid, Teju Cole, Michael Ondaatje...

Scrapbook tells how Rudolph went down in history

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:26:13 +0530

Curious to know more about how Rudolph really went down in history? It's all in the pages of a long-overlooked scrapbook compiled by the story's author, Robert L May.

Lonely Tagore was haunted by depression: Biography

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 02:01:45 +0530

Famed for his literary, artistic and intellectual capabilities the world over, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore led a very lonely life and even suffered from frequent bouts of depression, says his new biography.

Spider-Man creator to make a superhero for India

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:25:06 +0530

Stan Lee, co-creator of some of the world's leading superhero characters like Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Daredevil, Hulk and Thor will be launching an original superhero for the Indian market.

2012 will be game changer for Indian publishing

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:13:06 +0530

Shobit Arya, the founder and publisher of Wisdom Tree writes about what we can expect from the Indian publishing next year.

Shefaie first Kashmiri woman to get Akademi awards

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:49:43 +0530

Noted Kashmiri poetess Naseem Shafaie has been chosen for this year's Sahitya Akademi awards for her poetic collection, becoming the first Kashmiri woman to get the prestigious literary award.

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

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

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

Recipes of dead celebrities featured in new book

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:04:13 +0530

Comedian Frank DeCaro is best known for his stint on 'The Daily Show with John Stewart' but the comedian and talk radio host is now dishing out recipes.

Film comic book 'Don: The Origin' comes to India

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:46:29 +0530

The novel, conceived and scripted by director Farhan Akhtar of 'Don' (2006) and its sequel 'Don 2' which is set to release on Friday, has been published by Om Books.

Book Extract: Dance of Govinda by Ashok Banker

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:38:06 +0530

Ashok Banker's 'Dance of Govinda,' published by Harper Collins, was released recently. Here's an extract from the work.

Yana Gupta talks about the struggle to eat right

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:31:01 +0530

Model turned actress Yana Gupta has written about the difficult relation with food in her new book.

Yana Gupta turns author, writes book on health

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:47:51 +0530

Model turned actress Yana Gupta talks about her book 'How to Love Your Body and Get The Body You Love'.

British author Christopher Hitchens dies at 62

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:18:05 +0530

Christopher Hitchens, the author, essayist and polemicist who waged verbal and occasional physical battle on behalf of causes left and right and wrote the provocative best-seller 'God is Not Great', died on Thursday night after a long battle with cancer. He was 62.

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

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

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

Cyrus delivers what he promises, a funny book

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

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

Tagore's notebook sold for US $ 170,500

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:57:25 +0530

The notebook, estimated to fetch US $ 150,000-250,000, was finally sold for US $ 170,500.

Book extract: 'The Mine' by Arnab 'Great Bong' Ray

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:47:51 +0530

'The Mine', written by popular blogger Arnab Ray is a horror-psychological-thriller published by Westland.

New Holmes sequel: edgy and extraordinary

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

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

Red Fort to Raisina: a book on Delhi

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:37:23 +0530

The book traces the development of Delhi from the period of Shah Jahan to the British Delhi.

Tagore's notebook to be auctioned in US today

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:20:47 +0530

Rabindranath Tagore's 83-year-old notebook will be auctioned in New York on Tuesday.

Shah Rukh's 800-page biography to weigh 37 kgs!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:43:45 +0530

'King Khan - The Official Opus of Shah Rukh Khan' is likely to be released next year.

Mediascope launches luxury magazine BlackBook

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:57:13 +0530

Mediascope Publicitas has launched BlackBook, a monthly magazine that will chronicle the ups and downs, the triumphs and struggles of the country's nascent luxury industry.

A brave comeback for comic book hero Bahadur

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:01:37 +0530

It is said that Chambal is the valley where the lions breed.' This is the opening line from The Red Brick House, the first Bahadur comic which was released by Indrajal comics on December 1, 1976. The comic was an instant hit during those days because it was a realistic portrayal of the situation in India. The presence of dacoits, the absence of individuality and the general atmosphere of the country was ripe for the birth of a superhero. Abid Surti did that with style. He created Bahadur, the reformed son of a dacoit, who initially wants to avenge the death of his father, but eventually converts; sides with the police to fight evil for the rest of his life.

Mario Miranda, a chronicler of his times

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:05:55 +0530

Like most cartoonists, Mario de Miranda appeared to be a serious, shy, no-nonsense but soft-spoken person to a first-time acquaintance, but gradually warmed up.

Graphic novel app brings Dickensian London to life

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:02:53 +0530

Stroll the grimy backstreets of Dickensian London and experience for yourself the sights and sounds which inspired one of the greatest writers in English literature.

Sheen 'nourished' by narrating Dalai Lama's book

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:50:37 +0530

For more than 40 years actor Martin Sheen has inhabited complex characters from the troubled Capt. Willard in the Vietnam film 'Apocalypse Now' to US President Josiah Bartlet on the hit TV drama 'The West Wing.'

Satyajit links finance with popular culture

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:02:44 +0530

I started this book in 2005. During the past six years, the entire financial crisis played out. A chunk of the book is first hand reporting. I did not want to write about the global financial crisis and preferred going back 40 years. Finance has become a different beat during these years. I have observed the growth of the hedge fund industry, derivatives and securitisation and private equity. I have seen people do financial manipulation and use finance as a driver of profits. In that sense, this is a very personal history.

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

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

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

Amazon to buy over 450 children's book titles

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:33:16 +0530

Amazon.com Inc will acquire more than 450 children's book titles in the US from publisher Marshall Cavendish.

Neeraj Grover murder: Maria and the real story

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:56:46 +0530

Meenal Baghel, editor of the Mumbai Mirror, uncovers the true story of the sensational Neeraj Grover murder case in her book 'Death in Mumbai'.

Jobs biography Amazon's best-selling book of 2011

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:54:52 +0530

'Steve Jobs', the only authorised biography of the late Apple co-founder, has climbed to the top of Amazon.com's best-selling books for 2011.

'A Suitable Girl' might become 'An Unsuitable Boy'

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:23:12 +0530

Novelist Vikram Seth, who is writing a sequel to 'A Suitable Boy', may not name his new book 'A Suitable Girl' as everyone was led to believe. It could even be named 'An Unsuitable Boy'.

Katju pushes for Bharat Ratna for Sarat Chandra

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:40:23 +0530

Press Council of India chairman Markandey Katju on Tuesday strongly advocated awarding 'Bharat Ratna' to late Bengali novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, describing him as one of the greatest writers of the world.

'Pakistan - Identity and Destiny' a peep into Pakistan

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

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

'Death Comes to Pemberley' lacks magic

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

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

Dalai Lama to speak of happiness at Penguin Lecture

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 01:50:41 +0530

The Dalai Lama will outline his idea of human well-being on Dec 3 at the fifth edition of the annual Penguin Lecture.

Ferrari unveils diamond-encrusted biography

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:32:36 +0530

Ferrari unveiled its official biography 'The Ferrari Official Opus' -- the diamond-encrusted volume is priced at $250,000.

India born doctor wins Guardian First Book Award

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:18:16 +0530

India born doctor Siddhartha Mukherjee has bagged the 10 thousand pound Guardian First Book Award for his book on cancer.

Siddhartha Mukherjee scoops Guardian first book award

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:51:14 +0530

A history of cancer, 'The Emperor of All Maladies', won the 2011 Guardian First Book Award on Thursday, beating four works of fiction also on the shortlist.

Pulitzer journalism entries to be submitted online

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:01:43 +0530

The Pulitzer Prize board is changing how news organizations can enter its competition and says all submissions must now be done online.

Beatles legend Harrison's sister plans tell-all book

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:40:57 +0530

Louise Harrison is the older sister of the late guitarist - who died of lung cancer ten years ago on November 29 - at the age of 58.

I still have a long way to go: Ruskin Bond

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:06:10 +0530

Ruskin Bond, one of the best known English writers in India, once said that 'pen, in honest and gifted hands, is mightier than the grave'. The author, now 77, lives by this philosophy and says he has many more stories to tell.

Doctor by day, musician and writer by night

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:57:33 +0530

Samir K Gupta runs an orthopaedic clinic, is a devoted doctor during the day and spends long hours of his nights composing music and writing books.

Rainbow bookshelf: The queer story, now in print

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:08:52 +0530

Gay literature has arrived in India, the boy actually meets a boy, they fall in love and unlike in the movies - it's not supposed to be funny.

Action Comics 1 sells for $2.16 million in auction

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:50:21 +0530

A rare and pristine copy of the first issue of Action Comics, famed for the first appearance of Superman, has set a record on Wednesday for the most money paid for a single comic book: $2.16 million.

Action Comics Superman debut copy sells for $ 2.16 mn

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:27:57 +0530

A copy of the first issue of Action Comics, featuring Superman's debut, has become the world's most expensive comic, fetching $2.16 million.

Kids' book project marries tech with storytelling

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:58:37 +0530

A project 'Write & Read: By Us For Us' - a compilation of short stories - has turned the portable computer printer into a creative device by using computer printing technology to put together an anthology of short stories.

Book excerpt: Bunny Suraiya's 'Calcutta Exile'

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:25:36 +0530

Bunny Suraiya's 'Calcutta Exile' evokes a bygone era of one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

'Instant City' chronicles the life of Karachi

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

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

'Essential Tagore' nominated best book of year

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:48:10 +0530

'The Essential Tagore', a new anthology of Rabindranath Tagore's translated literature and art works, has been nominated the 'book of the year-2011' by eminent American philosopher, writer and critic Martha Nussbaum.

Assamese writer Indira Goswami dies

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:45:16 +0530

Ailing Assamese writer and Jnanpith award winning litterateur Indira Goswami died on Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. The former Delhi University professor was admitted to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital following lung infection and breathing problems.

'Wandering Falcon' wins Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:29:40 +0530

Jamil Ahmad's The Wandering Falcon has won the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2011.

'Sita's Ramayana' brings out Sita's angst

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:49:24 +0530

The docile and soft Sita of Ramayana may not be a role model for most women today, however, author Samhita Arni in a new graphic novel has brought out the bolder colours of the epic character.

Rafa's story a fascinating tale of self realisation

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

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

'Never thought Mao's biography would be an expose'

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:40:54 +0530

Jung Chang's book was described as a "bombshell of a devastating work" by the British media.

Fascinating post-mortem of Indian Left

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

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

Book Excerpt: 'Experiencing Tarot' by Roopa Patel

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:46:18 +0530

The book is first of its kind as there is no known book on Tarot written by an Indian Tarotologist.

'A book should feel like a real life experience'

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:52:05 +0530

Rahul Bhattacharya, author of 'The Sly Company of People Who Care' talks about his book, his literary inspiration and more.

Indians are now socially aspirational: Suhel Seth

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:07:24 +0530

Suhel Seth on his recently released book 'Get to the Top' and social skills.

Professionals will love 'Saint in the Board Room'

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

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

Book excerpt: When Indira's birth drew long faces!

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:43:25 +0530

An excerpt from 24 Rasheed Kidwai's 'Akbar Road' published by Hachette India.

US: Tagore's 83-year-old notebook to be auctioned

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:44:32 +0530

A notebook belonging to legendary Indian poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, containing poems and drafts of his work, will go under the hammer in New York at a Sotheby's auction next month.

Kerala: Second edition of Hay festival kicked off

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:32:21 +0530

The eagerly awaited second edition of the annual Hay Festival kicked off in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The festival for all those who love stories, big ideas and good company started on Thursday and will go on till Saturday.

'Non Stop India' explores beyond the obvious

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

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

Tharoor to write book on India's role in new world

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:30:47 +0530

After a hiatus of two years, politician-writer Shashi Tharoor is back to writing a book. And this time, it's about India's place in the new balanced world.

Kerala set for second edition of the Hay Festival

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:21:47 +0530

A three-day cultural fete featuring poets, authors, journalists and filmmakers, begins on 17th November.

'The Sly Company' lives up to its evocative title

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

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

Booker winner, poet laureate vie for UK Costa prize

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:30:12 +0530

Julian Barnes, who won this year's Man Booker Prize for Fiction, and Carol Ann Duffy, Britain's poet laureate, were among the nominees for the 2011 Costa Book Awards announced on Tuesday.

'Through the Lens...' with love, from Bhutan King

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:56:28 +0530

A compilation of photographs on Bhutan, 'Through the Lens of the King' is published by Roli Books.

I do not write for the critics: Amish Tripathi

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:39:12 +0530

After the success of 'Immortals of Meluha' and 'Secret of Nagas', Amish Tripathi is set to write his third book.

Salman Rushdie wins 'battle of name' with Facebook

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:53:18 +0530

India-born British novelist Salman Rushdie has reportedly won a conflict with the popular social networking site, Facebook, which deactivated his account over a confusion about his real name.

Ronnie Biggs apologises for Great Train Robbery

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:54:09 +0530

Biggs, now 82, who has never before shown remorse for the robbery, has, however, said sorry to Mills' family in an updated version of his autobiography.

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

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

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

New Indira Gandhi bio narrates her personal story

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:03:38 +0530

Uma Vasudev has authored three political biographies of Indira Gandhi, exploring a wide range from history to fiction.

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

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

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

Alzheimer's murder mystery wins medical lit prize

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

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

For cancer survivor, sun shines in heart

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

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

Shoaib Akhtar's memoirs fall short on controversy

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

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

Deepti Naval's short stories look at real India

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

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

Off to new boom town, with Mark Tully

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

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

Steve Jobs' bio is a fitting tribute to a genius

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

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

Zawahiri set up Osama bin Laden: Book

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:35:43 +0530

Eager to become the leader of al Qaeda, the then number two Aymen Zawahiri set up Osama bin Laden by repeatedly sending a courier to his hiding place in Abbottabad who had been interrogated by the CIA, a new book by a former SEAL has claimed.

Diplomat delights with poetry of promise

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

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

'The Dancing Boy' is a waltz of emotions

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

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

Siddhartha, Mahashweta Devi awarded at Lit Live

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:23:33 +0530

Mahashweta Devi won the lifetime achievement award at Mumbai's Literature Live and Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' won best first book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sex manual banned in Malaysia

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 04:30:41 +0530

The ban slaps the equivalent of a $1,600 fine and up to three years in jail for anybody who publishes the book.

Steve Jobs' pirated biography sold in Shanghai

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 04:15:54 +0530

The pirated version of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' biography is being sold in Shanghai as bookstores have run out of the authorised copies, a media report said.

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

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

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

Boosted by relaunch, DC overtakes Marvel

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:44:17 +0530

DC Comics overtook long-time rival Marvel for the first time since 2002 after figures for October sales of comic books showed the publisher of relaunched versions of Superman, Batman, the Flash and others, gathering 51 per cent of the market share for the month compared with nearly 30.3 per cent for Marvel.

Obama is truly USA's hybrid president: biographer

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:28:36 +0530

Barack Obama is America's "truly hybrid" president who represents many continents, races, cultures and histories, his first Indian-American biographer has said.

Clinton offers job creation policies in new book

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:11:30 +0530

In his book, 'Back to Work,' Bill Clinton analyses the factors that contributed to US' economic woes.

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

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

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

Amitav Ghosh's 'The Shadow Lines' to be filmed

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:31:50 +0530

is convinced he could make a gripping script out of the story about the narrator's family in Kolkata and Dhaka and their connection with an English family in London.

DU's south campus to host 'book bazaar'

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:00:17 +0530

For the book worms of Delhi, this weekend will offer a new avenue to immerse in the culture of readings, with Delhi University's south campus hosting a three-day 'book bazaar'.

Common ground is not impossible: Rohini Nilekani

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:42:15 +0530

Well known philanthropist and writer Rohini Nilekani's book 'Uncommon Ground' is out. It is a compilation of interviews she did for a TV channel. Rohini Nilekani spoke to CNN-IBN's D P Satish about her book and more.

'Calcutta Exile' captures the pulse of the city

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

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

Chronicle of Indian business' iron women

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

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

Belgian court's adviser says Tintin book not racist

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:56:28 +0530

The court case comes at a time when Tintin's popularity is on a comeback with a new Hollywood film from director Stephen Spielberg about the intrepid Belgian boy journalist on an adventure alongside Snowy, Captain Haddock and Inspector Thompson.

Ragnarok: A savory slice of Norse mythology

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

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

Crime authors competing for UK morgue honour

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:37:30 +0530

Ten leading crime writers are competing for the honour of having a morgue named after them.

'Literature Live!' Mumbai Lit Fest is back

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:59:31 +0530

The 2011 TATA Literature Live! Mumbai Literature Fest will be held from November 3 to 6 in Mumbai.

Get that book out - self-publish!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:28:36 +0530

A popular concept in the US, the self-publishing industry in India is on a rapid rise.

WSJ best-seller lists to include e-books

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:55:04 +0530

The Wall Street Journal has an agreement with Nielsen BookScan to publish best-seller lists that include both physical books and e-sales.

Dracula author's first vampire sketch found

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:16:06 +0530

The private journal of author Bram Stoker, in which he sketched his first thoughts about his legendary creation 'Dracula', has been unearthed after more than 100 years.

Debut novelist wins 'The Hindu Literary Prize'

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:50:45 +0530

Rahul Bhattacharya bagged the 'The Hindu Literary Prize for Best Fiction 2011' for his 'The Sly Company of People Who Care'.

Man Asian Literary Awards: 5 Indians in long-list

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 07:01:41 +0530

The forthcoming books of five Indian authors - 'Rebirth' by Jahnavi Barua, 'River of Smoke' by Amitav Ghosh, 'The Sly Company of People Who Care' by Rahul Bhattacharya, 'The Folded Earth' by Anuradha Roy and 'The Valley of Masks' by Tarun J Tejpal - have made their place in the illustrious list of literary honour.

Hay lit fest returns to Kerala for second time

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:46:35 +0530

One of the biggest literary events in the world, the Hay Festival makes its way again into India this November.

Book excerpt: Rakhshanda Jalil's 'A Mighty Heart'

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:27:44 +0530

An excerpt from Rakhshanda Jalil's book 'A Mighty Heart'.

Enigma called Sonia Gandhi revealed in new bio

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

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

How Apple changed the world: author of Jobs' biography

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:26:24 +0530

Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs' biography, has opened up about the Apple creator in his first interview.

DSC Prize for South Asian Lit shortlist announced

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 03:31:53 +0530

HM Naqvi won the inaugural DSC Prize last year for his novel 'Home Boy'.

Breast cancer survivor's book a moving tale

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:30:37 +0530

Minakshi Chaudhry, a breast cancer survivor has penned a book narrating her innate struggle and eventual triumph.

'King's Speech' to be now published as a book

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:59:26 +0530

Rights to the published scripts and tie-in books for many films have been acquired by HarperCollins.

Jobs bio delves deep into complex man's life

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

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

Steve Jobs biography on track to be a bestseller

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

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

No one knew me before Beijing: Abhinav Bindra

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:36:31 +0530

Olympic gold medalist-turned-writer Abhinav Bindra, whose shots have rarely missed the bull's eye, says India does not have a long-range sports policy and culture that encourage children to take up sports as a vocation.

Gulzar to open Goa literary festival

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:34:40 +0530

Legendary lyricist and poet Gulzar will be inaugurating the second edition of Goa Art Literary festival.

Jobs questioned authority all his life: Book

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:25:29 +0530

A new biography portrays Steve Jobs as a sceptic all his life - giving up religion because he was troubled by starving children, calling executives who took over Apple "corrupt" and delaying cancer surgery in favour of cleansings and herbal medicine.

Book extract: 'Satin: A Stitch in Time'

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:59:56 +0530

'Satin: A Stitch in Time' by Payal Dhar is published by Harper Collins India.

Exposing corruption: Man who started it all

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

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

'Gods without Men' a book with a big heart

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

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

'When Rama met Hanuman' is short and delightful

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

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

Biography on Sonia Gandhi hits book shelves

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:33:17 +0530

A new biography of the UPA chairperson - 'Sonia Gandhi: An Extraordinary Life, An Indian Destiny' - has hit book shelves in India.

Julian Barnes wins prestigious Booker Prize

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:23:28 +0530

It was fourth time lucky for British writer Julian Barnes, who won literature's Booker Prize on Tuesday after a contest that had as many insults, rivalries and bitter accusations as a paperback potboiler.

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

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

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

Author Barnes backed for Booker amid literary spat

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:47:58 +0530

English author and four-time nominee Julian Barnes, who once dismissed the Man Booker Prize for fiction as "posh bingo," is favored to win it on Tuesday with his novel "The Sense of an Ending."

Stan Lee's got a new universe, and it's for kids

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:46:39 +0530

Stan Lee's had a hand in creating many memorable heroes and villains that have jumped from the pages of comic books to popular culture.

More than 100 authors support Wall Street protests

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:35:29 +0530

Salman Rushdie, Neil Gaiman and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelists Jennifer Egan and Michael Cunningham are among more than 100 authors who in an online petition are declaring their support for Occupy Wall Street.

Mao's Great Famine: Dikotter does a Jasper Becker

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

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

'The Service of the State' is lucidly written

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

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

Chetan Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020' disappoints

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

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

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

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

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

My book is on corruption in education: Chetan

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:08:24 +0530

Author Chetan Bhagat says the idea of his latest work 'Revolution 2020' emerged because of the rampant corruption in the education sector which affects millions of youth.

'Silhouettes Unravelled' an honest attempt

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

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

Gift in Green: poem of land, beauty and pain

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

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

James writes sequel to Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:08:46 +0530

The 91-year-old detective novelist said on Wednesday she was glad to finally complete a long-desired project - a sequel to Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice.'

Mohammed Hanif on 'Alice Bhatti', Pakistan and more

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:15:45 +0530

Pakistani writer Mohammed Hanif talks about his book 'Our Lady of Alice Bhatti', life and more.

Third World icon or crazed despot?

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

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

Coming soon: Biography on Sonia Gandhi

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:15:17 +0530

A new biography of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, written by a non-resident Indian and with a foreword by Mikhail Gorbachev, casts new and intimate light on her life through exclusive interviews with members of the Congress party, political opponents and family friends.

Italian wins free-speech prize for mafia expose

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:02:14 +0530

Italian writer Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection since penning 2006 bestseller 'Gomorrah' about Naples' mafia, has won the PEN/Pinter International Writer of Courage Award.

Indian language literature goes to Frankfurt Book Fair

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:58:06 +0530

The literary panorama, initiated by the union culture ministry under the 'ILA: Indian Literature Abroad' project, will be held on Oct 12-16.

Jataka tales add to Buddhist books in Poland

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:31:09 +0530

Polish interest in Buddhist literature has been growing due to the popularity of the Dalai Lama.

My book not inspired by Anna: Chetan Bhagat

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 02:03:00 +0530

For author Chetan Bhagat, who has explored themes like love, life in call centres and higher education in his novels, the ability to pick the pulse of the youth makes a bestseller.

Karachi violence politically orchestrated: Fatima Bhutto

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:50:23 +0530

Pakistani writer Fatima Bhutto talks about her new book 'Songs of Blood and Sword' and how her childhood influenced her writing.

I don't advertise my work loudly: Chetan Bhagat

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 12:13:51 +0530

Noted author Chetan Bhagat's latest work 'Revolution 2020' has just hit the stands.

Jobs authorised biography so his kids can know him

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:48:10 +0530

Steve Jobs, in pain and too weak to climb stairs a few weeks before his death, wanted his children to understand why he wasn't always there for them, according to the author of his highly anticipated biography.

My father always asked me to write: Fatima Bhutto

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 03:50:41 +0530

Pakistani writer Fatima Bhutto speaks about her father who was assassinated when she was just 14.

Nobel laureate Transtromer's work out of stock

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:43:48 +0530

The work of the 80-year-old Transtromer has been released by several US publishers and reissues are planned.

Steve Jobs biography pushed up for release

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:24:05 +0530

The release date for a Steve Jobs biography has been pushed up to October 24, according to a spokesman for Simon & Schuster, the publishing house behind the long-awaited book.

Literature Nobel for Swedish poet Transtromer

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:42:37 +0530

The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2011 is awarded to the Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer.

Rajasthan's 'Shakespeare' elated over Nobel chance

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:46:38 +0530

Author of folk tales Vijaydan Detha, also called Rajasthan's Shakespeare, is elated that his name is doing the rounds for the Nobel prize for literature this year.

Quercus snaps up Oxford student in two-book deal

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:02:26 +0530

Quercus, a young, vibrant, internationally successful and award-winning publisher of fiction, non-fiction and children's books has acquired two books by debut author Prajwal Parajuly.

Kerala poet happy to figure in Nobel speculation

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:25:18 +0530

K Satchidanandan is a leading poet and critic with works in both Malayalam and English.

Test cricket here to stay: Lankan cricket novelist

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:52:02 +0530

Shehan Karunatilaka, the author of 'Chinaman' says Test cricket is here to stay despite the swing in its fortunes.

'Empire of the Moghul' is an epic adventure

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

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

Nobel Literature winner to be announced Oct 6

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:04:29 +0530

This year's Nobel Prize for Literature will be announced on Thursday, the Swedish Academy, which hands out the 10 million Swedish crown ($ 1.46 million) award, said on Monday.

Bhopal and books - a forever affair

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:56:58 +0530

After the royal era, not only professional writers but even administrators, professors, doctors, officers of state services and journalists have penned their memoirs or done creative writing in the city.

Courtney Love memoir to 'set the record straight'

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:52:17 +0530

The hard-living rock star and actress known for her band Hole and for her brief marriage to Kurt Cobain has a book deal with William Morrow.

'Americastan' will make you laugh out loud

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

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

A ready reckoner to save cricket's soul

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

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

Reliance MediaWorks to provide digital video library

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 02:52:40 +0530

Reliance MediaWorks has tied up with video management and licensing service provider Thought Equity Motion, Inc to offer integrated "smart content" to players in advertising, film, television, publishing and interactive media.

Not many takers for Assange's autobiography

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:04:32 +0530

The Unauthorised Autobiography of WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange could not drum up interest of readers, as the first three days of its arrival in the market have seen sales of just over 600 copies.

Harry Potter e-book sales postponed until 2012

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 09:50:26 +0530

Harry Potter fans will have to wait a bit longer to buy the magic tales in electronic form. The creators of the online Potter portal said on Friday that the launch of an e-book store has been pushed back to next year.

'Easy to write about a country from the outside'

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:44 +0530

Dipika Mukherjee's 'Thunder Demons' is based in contemporary Malaysia and address the issues of a multi-cultural scenario in Asia.

Tribal areas come alive in 80-year-old's debut

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:58:15 +0530

It took more than three decades for Pakistan's Jamil Ahmad to get published.

On bookshelf this week: Water, food, love and secrets

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:35:21 +0530

A study of the murky water politics in Asia, a compilation of gastronomic delights, Pakistani author Mohammed Hanif's story of a Catholic choohra and a short-story collection by Ruskin Bond -- the book-cart this week is excitingly distinct.

Bloomsbury venture to bring books 'back from dead'

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:28:46 +0530

The publisher is focusing on books which are out of print and where all English-language rights have reverted back to the author or the author's estate.

Photo book of quake-hit city to be published

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:23:37 +0530

'The Town that Vanished in 4 Minutes' is a collection of photos showing glimpses of a city in north-eastern Japan flattened by the March tsunami.

'Men' producer writing tell-all book on Sheen

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:51:19 +0530

Charlie Sheen's former boss Chuck Lorre is writing a tell-all book on the open hostility between the two.

Palin threatens to sue author of 'Rogue' book

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:44:48 +0530

'The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin' is written by veteran political writer Joe McGinniss.

Assange moans about unofficial autobiography

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:23:11 +0530

An 'unauthorized' version of Assange's autobiography has prompted him to make public some of his own secrets.

Pak author cleared for India visit after visa glitch

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:52:33 +0530

Best-selling Pakistani writer Mohammed Hanif, whose visa file was reportedly misplaced by the home ministry, has been given the go-ahead to attend a literature festival in India, the event organisers said on Wednesday.

Al Qaeda isn't near defeat, it's winning: Author

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:16:33 +0530

Even after the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the terror outfit is not going away, in fact it is winning, says Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, the author of 'Bin Laden's Legacy'.

Mamata Banerjee promises to start writing again

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:02:19 +0530

Mamata Banerjee will write a regular column in the party's weekly mouthpiece, Jaago Bangla.

Pak author latest victim of Indo-Pak visa issues?

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:46:49 +0530

Pakistani author Mohammed Hanif waited for visa for four weeks, but is now told his file is lost.

When Mahatma threatened to throw out wife

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:44:36 +0530

The heroes of modern India have come alive in their human avatars in a new anthology of biographical sketches by noted writer and former governor of West Bengal Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

A tale of two writers: A waiter and chaiwala

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:20:35 +0530

Nandkishore Kushwaha, a waiter and Kuwar Dheer Bahadur Singh, a cook are writers, with several of their novels already in the market.

'1888 Dial India' about India and its follies

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

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

Politics, cinema at Delhi literature fest

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:40:07 +0530

Politics, Anna Hazare, new wave cinema and changing trends in contemporary writing will be on offer at the daylong 'The Hindu Lit for Life' festival on Sunday.

Colin Powell advises 'get mad' in new book

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:19:28 +0530

Former US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell has penned a book on leadership skills with the advice "get mad, then get over it".

'The Google Guys' has a high PageRank

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

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

Amitav Ghosh shortlisted for Hindu prize

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:49:07 +0530

Seven writers, including Amitav Ghosh, Sunil Gangopadhyay and UR Ananthamurthy, are in the fray for the Hindu Best Fiction Award 2011.

Now chug into Mysore on 'Malgudi Express'

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:06:52 +0530

In a tribute to RK Narayan, who created Malgudi in his mind the railways have decided to run the 'Malgudi Express'.

'Secrets' by Ruskin Bond has a classic touch

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

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

Schwarzenegger to write 'unbelievably true' memoir

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:16:41 +0530

Arnold Schwarzenegger is writing a memoir about his rise to fame and unlikely transition from Austrian-born champion bodybuilder to Hollywood action star to California governor, his publisher said on Thursday.

Massachusetts library lifts ban on Mark Twain book

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:13:10 +0530

A Mark Twain book with nude illustrations, added to a Massachusetts public library after a century-old ban was lifted, was plucked from the shelf within hours on Thursday.

Sachin, Dravid were not match winners: Shoaib

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 02:50:13 +0530

Shoaib Akhtar made some startling revelations about his autobiography 'Controversially Yours'.

Gulzar translating Tagore's poems for children

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:09:21 +0530

The veteran lyricist also says that the collection will be released within a year.

'Inside Central Asia' is very well researched

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

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

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

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

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

Hard work is always energising: Jaishree Misra

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:44:28 +0530

Excerpts from Devapriya Roy's conversation with the author of 'Secrets trilogy' Jaishree Misra.

'A Scandalous Secret' a veritable page-turner

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

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

PM's daughter to capture parents' life in a book

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 05:47:04 +0530

Writer Daman Singh, daughter of Manmohan Singh, says she is recreating her parents' life story for her new book through the memories of those who saw the prime minister and his wife maturing as a power couple over the decades.

German playwright to open Kovalam Literary Fest

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:04:16 +0530

The first edition of Kovalam Literary Festival kicking off in Delhi on September 29.

'The Dhamma Man' an easy yet captivating read

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

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

Torres' dark 'We the Animals' wows book world

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:59:52 +0530

He has been praised by Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cunningham, and 'We the Animals' sits at No. 26 on the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list.

Is it the real Salman Rushdie, asks Twitterati

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:59:30 +0530

Days after author Salman Rushdie took to Twitter, he was accosted by users of the micro-blogging website in Pakistan keen on finding out whether he was the real deal or just someone operating a spoof account.

Bhagat's 'pre-Revolution 2020' letter to fans

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:04:09 +0530

With less than twenty days left for the release Chetan Bhagat reaches out to his fans through his blog.

Emma Thompson writing new 'Peter Rabbit' book

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:10:51 +0530

The book is to be published by Penguin in September 2012.

Anita Desai's new characters search for wholeness

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

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

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

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

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

Small is big in publishing now

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:36:00 +0530

The likes of Chetan Bhagat and Amish Tripathi might be making waves in the literary scene of the country, but in Kerala too, young writes and first-timers are not far behind.

Why didn't the bomb explode? Afzal Guru wonders

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 05:22:10 +0530

Why didn't the bomb, planted in the car used during the 2001 Parliament attack, not explode? This question still puzzles convicted terrorist Afzal Guru, claims a 180-page manuscript by a Tihar jail superintendent.

Book chronicling Bengali identity released

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:38:07 +0530

'Land of two rivers: a history of Bengal from the Mahabharata to Mujib', authored by former member secretary of Planning Commission Nitish Sengupta, gives a vivid account of the development of Bengal on either side.

Judge extends time for Google digital books talks

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:37:02 +0530

Google Inc and authors and publishers groups have about nine more months to untangle their six-year-old legal dispute over plans to create the world's largest digital library, a federal judge said on Thursday.

Comic Convention in Mumbai

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:41:07 +0530

Mumbai is all set to host its first Comic Convention in October. And going by the fact that 15,000 fans attended the first of these annual meets in Delhi last year, expectations are high.

S&S plans a unique marketing strategy for India

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:10:59 +0530

Simon & Schuster Director of Sales and Marketing speaks about the company, its future course of plan in India.

DSC Prize for South Asian Lit longlist announced

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:37:33 +0530

The longlist for the prestigious $ 50,000 prize, which selects the finest writing from or focusing on South Asia. This includes both established and debut writers, as well as three translated works.

Dahl family seeks $800,000 to save writing hut

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:45:57 +0530

Roald Dahl's family has launched an $ 800,000 campaign to relocate the garden hut where the British children's author created classics.

Book Review: Noon

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

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

Manipal University's new course of action

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:19:33 +0530

Ranjan Pai first met Mohandas Pai in the late 1990s at the Infosys campus in Electronic City, Bangalore. Ranjan's father Ramdas Pai was impressed by the bright chief financial officer (CFO) of a promising IT company and wanted his son to meet him. At first Ranjan didn't quite take to him. But on his father's insistence, kept in touch with Mohandas.

Booker review: 'Sisters Brothers' not a pretty novel

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

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

Booker review: 'Pigeon English' full of contrasts

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

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

Booker review: 'Sense of an Ending' is beautiful

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

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

Booker review: 'Snowdrops' an addictive pleasure

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

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

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

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

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

Amish Tripathi leads with two bestsellers

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:16:06 +0530

"Poor Economics" by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo rules the non-fiction set of the bestseller list yet again, while Amish Tripathi takes the first two spots in the fiction list with "The Secret of The Nagas" and "The Immortals of Meluha".

Nostalgia, homeopathy, advertising on shelves

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:11:27 +0530

book shelves this week are stocked with varied options - nostalgia, the good life, homeopathy and advertising. Take your pick off the shelves.

Kashmir alienation too deep: Habibullah

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:57:03 +0530

A placid summer and a peaceful Ramzan should have been the endgame of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir but the sense of "alienation is too deep", says former bureaucrat and now author Wajahat Habibullah, advocating creative policies from the central and state governments.

Poetry makes sense of madness: Fatima Bhutto

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:43:55 +0530

Blood, sword and suffering are the heartbeat of Fatima Bhutto's literary soul. And it was fear that propelled her poetry, says the heir to Pakistan's tragedy-scarred Bhutto family. An accomplished poet, Fatima, 29, captures love, loss and the solitude of her circumstances in her verses.

Captain Jihad: Ex-terrorist is now comic book hero

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:10:59 +0530

The real life adventures of former al-Qaeda-linked terrorist Nasir Abas have become a new comic book in Indonesia, chronicling his transformation from militant to invaluable ally in the fight against terrorism.

Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize shortlist announced

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:40:53 +0530

A 78-year-old goes up against five other writers for a prize for the first book by an author.

9/11 triggers cascade of books

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:36:16 +0530

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 has unleashed a cascade of books, tributes and new editions of old books.

Book review: 'Hello, Bastar'

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

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

Writers take time to absorb 9/11 impact

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:02:27 +0530

As the world marks a decade since the attacks, literary circles are still waiting for a definitive work on the topic.

Barnes shortlisted for Man Booker Prize for Fiction

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 06:08:17 +0530

The English author is said to be bookmakers' favourite to win the award.

New entrants to list of lit fests as season kicks off

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:01:53 +0530

The Hindu is bringing its three-day festival, starting Sep 25.

'Revolution 2020' not political: Chetan Bhagat

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:55:05 +0530

Chetan Bhagat's columns on education and corruption inspired him to write 'Revolution 2020', but the author clarifies that the book is not a political novel and that there is no political agenda either.

Classic Le Carre spy novel gets movie makeover

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:23:34 +0530

Author John Le Carre's 1974 espionage classic 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' finally gets the big screen treatment, with Gary Oldman as George Smiley charged with rooting out a mole in British intelligence.

'Girl in the Garden' a perfect long flight read

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

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

Aatish Taseer talks about his new book 'Noon'

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 06:42:20 +0530

In an exclusive interview, author Aatish Taseer talks about experiences that inspired him to write his book 'Noon'.

Anna mania grips Delhi Book Fair

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:26:04 +0530

The epicentre of attraction has shifted from Ramlila Maidan to Pragati Maidan where the Delhi Book Fair is on and books on Anna Hazare are quite a hit. The hot-selling 150-page biography of the new age Gandhian is called 'Krantidoot'. Over 50,000 copies of the book have already been sold since the book fair started in the capital last week.

Vodafone Crossword book awards announced

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:08:14 +0530

The Annual Vodafone Crossword Books Awards were announced on Friday. The brainchild of R Sriram, the founder of the Crossword chain, the awards were given out for Fiction, Non-Fiction, Translated Books (Fiction and Non-Fiction), Children's Books and Popular Books. The first four was decided by separate juries - whose identity is always kept secret till the presentation - while the fifth was through online voting alone.

Crossword Book Awards to be announced Friday

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:35:29 +0530

Awards will be given out in five categories, four of them chosen by separate juries and one by popular vote.

China honours Indian with highest literary award

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:12:58 +0530

China has conferred its highest literary award on Prof BR Deepak for his book, which is a translation of 88 classical Chinese poems into Hindi.

Werewolf doesn't distract author from core themes

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:01:24 +0530

British author Glen Duncan has published seven critically acclaimed novels, often exploring touchy topics such as violence and perversity as well as love and morality.

China launches first book on marine life

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:25:40 +0530

China on Tuesday published its first "systematic" textbook on marine life.

Westland, Niyogi bag best publishing awards

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:30:53 +0530

A biography, "JS & The Times of My Life" by Jug Suraiya, published by Westland Limited and "Middle Time", published by Niyogi Books were awarded for "excellence in book production 2011" by the Federation of Indian Publishers at the ongoing Delhi Book Fair 2011.

Srinagar autumn lit fest 'Harud' cancelled

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:57:56 +0530

The festival was scheduled to be held on the Kashmir University premises.

Tete-a-Tete with author Amish Tripathi

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:57:03 +0530

CNN-IBN's Preeti Singh in conversation with the author of 'Immortals of Meluha' and 'The Secret of the Nagas'.

Mukherjee delighted his book among TIME's top 100

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:39:19 +0530

Siddhartha Mukherjee's book on cancer is 75th among Time magazine's 'All-Time 100 Best Non-fiction Books'.

'Indian Aircraft Industry' full of unknown gems

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

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

Virtual book club brings author into homes

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:32:32 +0530

The traditional book club has gone virtual, thanks to technology that spans geographic boundaries and can bring authors into readers' living rooms.

'Sufis of Punjab' building bridges across borders

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

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

'Notting Hill' bookstore may be forced to shut down

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:11:03 +0530

A Group of writers has launched a last-ditch appeal to save the bookshop, volunteering their time to work in the store and find a buyer.

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

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

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

Controversy brews over Srinagar lit fest

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:04:41 +0530

Harud - The Autumn Literature Festival, is scheduled to be held in Srinagar Sep 24-26.

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

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

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

Antony's latest is about complex relationships

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

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

'Truly Madly Deeply' a coming-of-age romcom

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:23:02 +0530

Faraaz Kazi's debut novel is about a boy who from a careless, fun-loving boy turns into an obsessed maniac.

Shah Rukh Khan launches Deanne Pandey's book

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:53:07 +0530

Shah Rukh Khan on Friday launched celebrity fitness instructor Deanne Pandey's book 'I'm Not Stressed' in Mumbai.

Frankfurt Book Fair launches training campaigns

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 02:40:07 +0530

'Jumpstart', a programme under the 'Litcam - Competence for Life' programme, is part of the fair's three-pronged outreach programme to tap into the exploding readers' and publishing market, bring the marginalised sections of readership to the mainstream and combat functional illiteracy.

To pull tourists, Himachal books its legends

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:11:17 +0530

To grab more tourists for rural areas, the state has decided to publish a book about its popular local tales.

'Dead Reckoning' tells the truth about 1971 War

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

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

Want to be a Mills & Boon model?

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:25:40 +0530

Yes you read that right. The romance novels that now have Indian authors spinning amorous love tales will soon be featuring Indian models on the covers of their upcoming titles.

Penguin launches free browsing mobile app

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:55:44 +0530

A mobile phone application will now enable readers and book lovers to log on to the Penguin database to browse through its bookshelf for latest titles and news related to publishing.

'Best of Khushwant Singh' returns in new avatar

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:45:06 +0530

First published 20 years ago with 30 of Singh's selected works, has been revised to include 18 more of his essays, short stories and opinions.

Anna inspires sale of Vivekananda's books

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:40:34 +0530

Books on Swami Vivekanada are flying off the shelves in Himachal Pradesh after Anna Hazare repeatedly referred to the philosopher-saint as the guiding light of his life.

Chetan Bhagat's next novel 'Revolution 2020'

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:40:31 +0530

Chetan Bhagat's next book hits stores this October. The book talks about love, corruption and ambition.

DSC Lit Prize Longlist to be announced in Sep

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:07:53 +0530

The longlist for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2012 will be announced on September 14, 2011 in New Delhi. The event is expected to be attended by eminent literary personalities and patrons of the DSC Prize.

It needs more than love to write about India

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:28:46 +0530

Dirk Collier, who made at least 50 trips to India over 10 years and took seven years to write a book.

Teenage novelist inspired by Chetan Bhagat

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:22:51 +0530

Midway through a Chetan Bhagat book, 19-year-old engineering student Anshul Sharma had a sudden thought - that he could do a better job at writing.

James Patterson tops highest paid authors

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 01:53:45 +0530

American author James Patterson has topped Forbes magazine's list of the world's highest paid authors.

History meets writing in Sankaran's 'Watermark'

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

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

Biography claims Coco Chanel was a Nazi spy

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:43:39 +0530

The book claims the French designer collaborated with the Nazis during World War II as a spy code-named "Westminster."

'Desperate in Dubai' not just chick lit

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

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

Rishi Kapoor gets nostalgic at book launch

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:25:10 +0530

Rishi Kapoor launched the book, 'An Evening in Lucknow', written by the late KA Abbas, comprising seventeen of his best known stories.

E-Book about Jullian Assange on sale

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:34:20 +0530

'Assange Agonistes' can be downloaded for $ 1.99 through Amazon.com's Kindle Single program.

Tarun Tejpal's 'Valley of Masks' is disturbing

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

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

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

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

Paolo Bacigalupi has written an exceptionally intelligent book which explores.

'Soulmates' makes you look at things differently

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

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

'There but for the' is compelling in parts

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

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

Bookshelf: New books and news about writers

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 07:11:42 +0530

Here's all the news and views and juice from the world of books and publishing in India. New books, author movements, behind-the-scenes information, festival gossip, and some quick reviews: we have it all.

'The Tejas Story' is not an easy read

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

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

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

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

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

'The Company RED' is vicious yet humane

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

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

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

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

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

'Edge of Reason' is science as a road movie

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

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

'Empire of Silver' about people who reshaped history

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

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

Book Excerpt: Tarun Tejpal's 'The Valley of Masks'

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 03:09:40 +0530

Tejpal's latest book examines the pathologies of power, purity and dogma to give a vision of the future.

Heathrow Airport gets writer-in-residence

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:04:14 +0530

British novelist Tony Parsons is gearing up to tell tales from the terminal, as he assumes the role of writer-in-residence at London's Heathrow Airport.

New Spider-Man is half-Latino

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:04:05 +0530

Marvel Comics revealed on Tuesday that the heir to the Spider-Man costume following the death of Peter Parker will be Miles Morales, a teenager of half-Hispanic and half-black origin who will protect New York from the bad guys starting Wednesday, when "Ultimate Comics Fallout #4" hits the magazine racks.

Ibne Safi's stories the stuff movies are made of

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

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

'Deadly Embrace' a gripping read but has gaps

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

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

'A Scandalous Secret' about choices and chances

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:53:37 +0530

The story revolves around a married couple, whose lives change after a secret from past resurfaces.

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

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

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

'Tigers Realm': tiger tails by Priyanka Gandhi

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 07:40:00 +0530

You have heard of Priyanka Gandhi the politician but have you ever heard of Priyanka Gandhi as a writer and photographer? Well she has authored a book expressing her love for wildlife and the tiger.

Marvel artist Kirby's heirs lose copyright claim

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:10:41 +0530

A federal judge ruled on Thursday that influential comic book artist Jack Kirby's creations such as the Fantastic Four and the Hulk belong to Marvel Entertainment, and not his heirs.

Lady GaGa collaborates on photo book

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:48:09 +0530

A photo book showing pop star Lady GaGa's life on the road and in the recording studio will be released this year, the book's publisher said on Thursday.

Prince Harry set to become comic book hero

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:10:04 +0530

Britain's Prince Harry can add comic book character to his list of accolades as a new comic based on his life is set to be released in August, publisher Bluewater Productions said on Thursday.

Moving beyond mere travellers' tales

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 03:09:27 +0530

The core of travel writing may not have changed much over the centuries, but an emerging breed of travel writers, both Indians and others, are bringing in a vital change - focussing more on people and less on places.

Crossword Book Award shortlist announced

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 01:40:51 +0530

The shortlists for the Vodafone Crossword Books Award was announced across five categories in New Delhi on Wednesday. The categories are: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Translations, Children's Books and Popular Choice. The last of these has been revamped, with the top 5 fiction and top 5 non-fiction bestsellers at Crossword stores across the country being shortlisted.

Pirate novelist avoids romance, magic, monsters

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:41:04 +0530

Mark Keating could never find pirate novels he liked to read so he decided to write his own.

No Indian writers on Man Booker Prize longlist

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:17:11 +0530

The longlist for the 2011 Man Booker Prize for Fiction - the 'Man Booker Dozen' - is announced. The 13 books on the list include: one former Man Booker Prize winner; two previously shortlisted writers and one longlisted author; four first time novelists and three Canadian writers. The list also includes three new publishers to the prize - Oneworld, Sandstone Press and Seren Books.

First Day First Show: Dope for Bollywood junkies

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

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

Murdoch scandal reporter gets book deal

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:41:49 +0530

The Guardian reporter Nick Davies has been signed to write an authoritative account of the News Corp. scandal for Faber and Faber Inc. Financial compensation wasn't disclosed.

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

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

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

High school girl accurately predicts exam papers: Book

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:59:06 +0530

'But Era Said', is a humour-laced account of the twists and turns Mumbai-based little girl Shreya Mathur's life witnesses when people discover her special ability.

Nation must accept Netaji's death: Biographer

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:10:02 +0530

Contrary to doubts raised about his death, historical evidence indicates that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose died in an air crash Aug 18, 1945.

Broken Republic: India's war with its poor

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

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

Poor Economics: Heartburn for Indian planners

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

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

God's an invention to suit society's needs: Arun Shourie

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:19:13 +0530

In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN, Arun Shourie talks about his book 'Does He Know a Mother's Heart'.

'Miss Timmins' has fascinating characters

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

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

Ex-Pentagon chief Robert Gates to author two books

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:14:19 +0530

ForThe memoir will look at the key events during Gates' tenure, including US strategy in Afghanistan.

Arun Shourie: Threshold of pain

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 06:25:48 +0530

Journalist-politician-writer Arun Shourie, recalls the trauma of bringing up his disabled son and taking care of his ailing wife in his new book.

Magic, vampires stir India's young adult literature

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 04:31:37 +0530

Till the late 1990s, the young adult readership was traditionally served by books imported from the West.

'Last Man in Tower' a dark tale of stereotypes

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

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

'Miss Timmins' School...' journey of a teacher

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 06:14:01 +0530

An excerpt from Nayana Currimbhoy's book 'Miss Timmins' School for Girls'.

How IM spearheads India's jihadist movement

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 02:39:20 +0530

Shishir Gupta's 'Indian Mujahideen: the enemy within' focuses on the rise of indigenous terror groups in India, now spearheaded by the Indian Mujahideen.

Comic book business gets serious in India

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:19:06 +0530

The comic book industry is expected to grow into a Rs.300-400 crore industry in the next decade.

10 best status messages Pablo Neruda never wrote

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:37:36 +0530

We pay tribute to some of the best works of Nobel literature laureate Pablo Neruda on his 107th birth anniversary.

Shekhar Kapur launches Rajal's 'Starstruck'

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:17:31 +0530

Sam Pitroda's daughter Rajal's book 'Starstruck' was released in the capital by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

'Breaking Dawn' and 'Dexter' kick off Comic-Con

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:01:14 +0530

Comic-Con 2011 will get off to a rousing start later this month, with vampires, werewolves and sword-swinging warriors dominating the agenda on the first full day of the convention.

'Last man in Tower' outlines contemporary Mumbai

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 02:15:25 +0530

Booker Prize winner Aravind Adiga's latest book 'Last man in Tower' tells the story of contemporary Mumbai.

'Mills and Boon causes unwanted pregnancies'

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:33:59 +0530

Romantic novels like Mills and Boon are a danger to relationships and sexual health, a British medical journal has said.

Book Excerpt: Starstruck by Rajal Pitroda

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:25:04 +0530

Rajal Pitroda's debut novel is about a girl named Sapna Shah, who is a starry eyed Bollywood fan.

Bollywood comes alive in fine print

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:34:51 +0530

Writings on Bollywood films and film stars is a new literary genre in making.

Writers unite for crime thriller 'No Rest For the Dead'

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:32:54 +0530

In In 26 authors with combined sales of millions of books have joined forces to write a thriller.

Spiderman creator eyes Chinese comic fans

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:05:26 +0530

Stan Lee wants to see the likes of Spiderman and the X-Men weaving between skyscrapers in Shanghai and battling enemies on the Great Wall.

Indian publishers get new top editors

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:00:42 +0530

Most of the major Indian publishing firms are seeing editorial changes at the top.

Book extract: The Book of Answers by CY Gopinath

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 02:30:24 +0530

An excerpt from CY Gopinath's The Book of Answers.

JK Rowling dumps her literary agent of 16 years

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:57:01 +0530

Harry Potter's creator JK Rowling has dumped her literary agent of 16 years, who's said to have single-handedly turned her famous novels into a multi-million -pound industry, a media report said.

Parsi community important to India: Amitav Ghosh

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 06:16:10 +0530

The Parsi community is an amazing pool of talent, having created modern India as we know it.

Nikki Haley publishing her memoir

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 06:01:51 +0530

South Carolina's Indian-American Governor Nikki Haley is all set to publish her memoir just shy of her 40th birthday.

Pakistani writer HM Naqvi to tour India

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 05:55:11 +0530

HM Naqvi, the Pakistan-based novelist whose book 'Home Boy' won the first DSC South Asian prize for literature, will tour Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai July 5-7 to promote awareness about contemporary South Asian literature.

British writer risks death in the afternoon

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:03:15 +0530

Fiske-Harrison's book 'Into the Arena' sets out to explain the world of the Spanish bullfight and to examine its moral dilemma.

'The 6 pm slot' highlights absurdity of Indian TV

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:57:47 +0530

Naomi Datta's debut novel takes an irreverent look at India's ratings-hungry television industry and gives insight into its inner workings

Graphic novel outlines raid to capture bin Laden

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:33:36 +0530

The daring secret mission to get Osama bin Laden by elite US forces will be told in the pages of a new graphic novel that aims to shed more light - with a bit of creative license - on the event.

Tagore's 'Muktadhara' retold and still relevant

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 01:26:33 +0530

Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's emblematic play 'Muktadhara' (The Waterfall) has come alive in a retelling by noted director-playwright Bhanu Bharti whose production 'Tamasha Na Hua' (There was no Fun) is timed to coincide with the poet's 150th birth anniversary this year.

Author Anjali Joseph bags two global awards

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 02:30:11 +0530

Mumbai-born author Anjali Joseph, whose debut novel "Swarasati Park" created a splash in the literary circles by winning the Betty Trask award, has won the Desmond Elliot Prize.

Madonna's life story now a comic book

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:10:15 +0530

The star will have her life story told in 32 pages by Bluewater Productions Inc.

Pottermore.com: Harry's adventures now digitised

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:07:35 +0530

Author JK Rowling announced on Thursday that her seven Potter novels will be sold as ebooks October onwards.

JK Rowling to reveal secret of 'Pottermore'

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:22:35 +0530

Harry Potter fans are holding their collective breath as author JK Rowling gets set to reveal her latest project involving the boy wizard.

Pining for Loveswept novels? They're coming back

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:10:39 +0530

A romance imprint that helped started the careers of such writers as Janet Evanovich and Tami Hoag is being revived.

Marvel Comics to kill off 'Ultimate' Spiderman

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:32:57 +0530

The lights are going out for Peter Parker, the high school student bitten by a radioactive spider whose wall-crawling and web-slinging antics have made him a touchstone of Marvel Comics' universe of heroes and villains.