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Drama wins over history on bookshelf
Cart your books away from our pile of super titles this weekend.
Khushwant Singh wants out, and for good
Khushwant Singh, the grand old man of Indian journalism, wants out. At 98, it is time to hang up his boots, look back and ready for the final journey ahead, he says. But life refuses to let him off the hook.
Delhiites throng Pragati Maidan on last day of book fair
It was a packed house at Pragati Maidan here as crowds thronged the venue on the last day of the 18th Delhi Book Fair with books on spiritualism, religion, fashion designing and novels selling like hot cakes.
Six books shortlisted for Book Prize 2012
Six books have been shortlisted for 'Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2012' of the Shakti Bhatt Foundation. There were 96 entries.
Delhi Book Fair begins: e-books the flavour this time
The 18th Delhi Book Fair began in New Delhi on Saturday with e-books and e-publishing the focus of the nine-day event that will see more than 200 publishers, including from abroad, participating.
Delhi book fair begins
The 18th annual Delhi Book Fair began at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from Saturday.
Shashi Tharoor's 'Pax Indica' at top spot
An elected member of parliament and prize-winning author Shashi Tharoor's 'Pax Indica' was at the top spot in the non-fiction category this week, as was E.L. James' 'Fifty Shades of Grey' in the fiction category.
Habib Tanvir's contribution to Indian theatre now in a book
'Habib Tanvir: Towards an Inclusive Theatre', a book on the life of the late veteran playwright and director and his contribution to the Indian theatre industry, was launched here Friday on the eve of his 89th birth anniversary.
Now, read about Bengali detective Byomkesh in English
Book: 'The Rhythm of Riddles: Three Byomkesh Mystery Stories'; Author: Saradindu Bandopadhyay; Publisher: Penguin Books India; Pages: 196; Price: Rs.199
English mass-market books tap Hindi speakers
Popular books in English are cutting through the language barrier to reach Hindi speaking readers in north India.
A touch of the world on the weekend bookshelf
Browse through a gripping book cart this week with us.
An Indian-American love dream in Chennai
Title: 'Chennaivaasi'; Author: T.S. Tirumurti; Publishers: Harper Collins; Pages 268; Price: Rs.299
A blend of history, reality on bookshelf
Please go through the book cart this week with a mix of history, contemporary drama and reality checks.
A weekend of fiction for bookworms
Browse with us through the pile of gripping titles, this weekend.
Kalam's 'Turning Points' retains top spot on bestsellers list
Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's 'Turning Points' retains top spot in the non-fiction category this week, while E.L. James' 'Fifty Shades of Grey' continues to dominate the fiction category
Kalam's 'Turning Points' tops the booklist
Former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's 'Turning Points' takes up from where 'Wings of Fire' had left off. The book has gained the top spot in the the non-fiction category this week, while E.L. James' 'Fifty Shades of Grey' dominated the fiction category again.
'Fifty Shades Of Grey' tops again
E.L. James's 'Fifty Shades of Grey', about a young female virgin and her rich older lover, dominated the fiction category again this week, while Ruchir Sharma's 'Breakout Nations' topped the non-fiction section.
'Fifty Shades Of Grey' tops again
E.L. James's 'Fifty Shades of Grey', about a young female virgin and her rich older lover, dominated the fiction category again this week, while Ruchir Sharma's 'Breakout Nations' topped the non-fiction section.
India's first art fiction captures world of contemporary colours
Writer Geoff Dyer had spun the heady glamour of the Venice Biennale with the magic of the holy temple town of Varanasi into 'Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi' in 2009.
India, Myanmar & Medicine on bookshelf
The book cart this week is substantive, diverse and cerebral. Browse with us.
E.L. James, Ruchir Sharma top authors this week
E.L. James's 'Fifty Shades of Grey', about a young female virgin and her rich older lover, dominated the fiction category again this week, while Ruchir Sharma's 'Breakout Nations' topped the non-fiction section.
Untold stories, rare pictures in Dilip Kumar's new biography
Uday Tara Nayar has written Dilip Kumar's biography, set to be launched on the legendary actor's 90th birthday in December. The author says the two-part book focuses on the actor's nine-decade long journey, his love story with Saira Banu, some untold stories as well as rare pictures of the thespian and his family members.
'Fifty Shades Of Grey' tops again
E.L. James's 'Fifty Shades of Grey', about a young female virgin and her rich older lover, dominated the fiction category again this week, while Ruchir Sharma's 'Breakout Nations' topped the non-fiction section.
Ruchir Sharma and E.L. James top authors this week
Ruchir Sharma's 'Breakout Nations' dominates the non-fiction category again in the bestsellers list this week, while E.L. James's 'Fifty Shades Of Grey (Trilogy)' is at the top spot in the fiction section.
Buddha and thrills on bookshelf
The bookcart this week is thought-provoking and colourful. Browse with us.
Amul's India: The 50-year-campaign in fine print
The Onida devil has died and so has the Liril girl and Air India's Maharaja, but the Amul girl has made it to 50 and is still dispensing with her signature 'Utterly, Butterly, Delicious' one-liners to an ever-growing brood in the land of butter, milk and honey.
A folk song for every occasion in colourful North India
Book: Unearthing Gender: Folk Songs of North India; Author: Smita Tiwari Jassal;
Publisher: Duke University Press (2012); Pages 328; Price: $26.61
'Gold melts at the goldsmith's.
Sister burns away at her in-laws.
Iron smelts at the ironsmith's.
Sister wastes away at her in-laws.
Brother, don't speak of this grief to father.
In the assembly, he'll be filled with remorse.
Brother, don't speak of this to mother.
Beating her breast, she'll die of grief.'
- Sings Urmila Maurya and friends from Chachakpur in Jaunpur.
Drama, innocence & creativity on bookshelf
The bookshelf this week is pure innocence and drama - from children's cult writer Ruskin Bond to one of the greatest story-tellers of our times Toni Morrison... Browse with us.
Guru Dutt biography becomes innovative book drama
Book readings could soon become passe if author Sathya Saran has her way. Hoping to make an instant connect with audiences, the veteran journalist is taking her biography of Bollywood legend Guru Dutt to the masses by enacting the book with a cast of six characters across India.
Poignant tales from an innocent past
Book: 'Whispers in the Classroom, Voices on the Field - Stories of School, Friends and Life'; Authors: Subhadra Sen Gupta, Bulbul Sharma, Paro Anand, Jerry Pinto, Ranjit Lal, Gautam Benegal, Anupa Lal and Trisha Ray; Publisher: Wisdom Tree; Pages: 358; Price: Rs.345
Alex Rutherford and Ruchir Sharma top authors this week
Ruchir Sharma's 'Breakout Nations' dominates the non-fiction category in the bestseller list this week, while Alex Rutherford's 'Empire Of The Moghul: The Tainted Throne' is at the top spot in the fiction section.
Indian books on spirituality a big draw
Books on Indian spiritualism are in great demand in foreign countries, and even the Chinese are impressed, National Book Trust (NBT) director M.A. Sikander said Saturday.
A tale of survival in a North Korean jail
Twenty-six-year-old Shin Dong-hyuk may not be as famous Dith Pran, the Cambodian labour camp survivor in the 1984 screen drama, 'The Killing Fields', but his true survival story as a condemned political prisoner in North Korea who escaped is as powerful as it is unbelievable.
Tagore as India's peace envoy: book project by ICWA
He is revered the world over for his prodigious literary output, including thousands of poems and songs. But what the world will now get to know about Rabindranath Tagore is that through his travels to over 30 countries he became India's peace envoy and outlined a vision of humanism and unity of mankind.
John Grisham, Ruchir Sharma top authors this week
Ruchir Sharma's 'Breakout Nations' dominates the non-fiction category in the bestseller list this week, while John Grisham's 'Calico Joe' is at the top spot in the fiction section.
Drama, humour and myth on bookshelf
The book cart this weekend beckons the reader, who loves a good story.
Madan Mohan Malaviya: As secular as Gandhi
Book: 'Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya: A Valiant Visionary'; Author: Madhuker Upadhyay; Publisher: All India Congress Committee; Pages: 180, Price: Rs.300
Story of an unsung hero from Uttarakhand
Book: 'Johaar Kinkar: Babu Ram Singh'; Author: Gajendra Singh Pangti; Publisher: Dolka Innovations, New Delhi; Pages: 128; Price: Rs.150
Coming up, a pocketbook on Akhilesh - in 10 languages
If you're curious about Uttar Pradesh's new, youngest chief minister, wait till a 200-page multi-language pocketbook on Akhilesh Yadav hits the stands next week.
Rhonda Byrne, John Grisham top authors this week
Rhonda Byrne's 'The Magic' dominates the non-fiction category in the bestseller list this week, while John Grisham's 'Calico Joe' maintains the top spot in the fiction section.
Noted poet, Booker judge on DSC literature prize panel
The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature Friday announced the induction of five new members to its advisory committee for the 2013 and 2014 editions of the $50,000 prize.
Jeffrey Archer's book tops fiction again
Sir Jeffrey Archer's 'The Sins of the Father' occupies the top spot in the fiction section again in the bestseller list this week, while Rhonda Byrne's 'The Magic' dominates non-fiction.
Inspiration, self-help and India on book shelves
The weekend book cart fires the mind with inspiration, knowledge and life tips. Browse with IANS...
Taking poetry to India's young readers - with Kamala Das
Prose has for long edged poetry to the margins of contemporary Indian literature. It is only natural that the new reader is not familiar with the late Kamala Das or her bold feminist oeuvre of poetry and short story that gave her cult status in India like Sylvia Plath in the West.
Rhonda Byrne's book tops non-fiction
New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) Rhonda Byrne's 'The Magic' occupies the top spot in the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week while Sir Jeffrey Archer's 'The Sins of the Father' dominates fiction.
Now, a peek into secretive Nobel selection process
The Nobel prize-awarding institutions, known for their secrecy, are making public the process of nomination and selection of this year's laureates.
An Indian who longs for India
Book: 'The Reverse Journey'; Author: Vivek Kumar Singh; Publisher: Frog Books, Mumbai;
Spirituality, fiction and business on bookshelf
This weekend, the bookshelf explores some profound truths of life. Read below:
Sir Jeffrey Archer's book tops fiction
Rhonda Byrne's 'The Magic' occupies top spot in the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week, while Sir Jeffrey Archer's 'The Sins of the Father' dominates fiction.
Book catches fascinating flight of Indian aviation
Did you know that as many as 10 private airlines were operating in India in 1948? Or that the air ticket between Calcutta and Delhi cost Rs.126 at that time? Or that the Indian Airlines got its first woman pilot in 1956?
'Meditation Made Simple': A classic on meditation
Book: Meditation Made Simple; Author: Shri Nimishananda; Publishers: Konark Publishers
On bookshelf, India blooms in all its colours
This weekend, the book shelf is a portrait of India in all its mysterious - yet realistic - shades. Flip through the must-read titles.
Sir Jeffrey Archer's book tops fiction
Daniel Kahneman's 'Thinking Fast and Slow' occupies the top spot in the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week, while Sir Jeffrey Archer's 'The Sins of the Father' dominates fiction.
Book fair concludes, sees over 700,000 visitors
Focused on youth and children, the biennial World Book Fair New Delhi, organized by the National Book Trust (NBT), concluded on Sunday, after registering over 700,000 visitors.
Tagore, spirituality and Islam on bookshelf
The book shelf this week is loaded with exciting titles that tease the brain and broaden the horizons with words on Tagore, Islam and the trials of the Indian diaspora under Idi Amin.
Ravinder Singh's book tops fiction
Daniel Kahneman's 'Thinking Fast and Slow' occupies the top spot in the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week, while Ravinder Singh's 'I Too Had a Love Story' dominates fiction.
Diana Hayden to launch fitness book
Model-turned-actress Diana Hayden is set to launch her own book 'A Beautiful Truth', which will offer tips for perfect grooming.
Languages are assimilating many influences: Amol Palekar
Languages and fine sensibilities are extensions of one another in the world of appreciation of modern cinema and stage -- one has to have a feel and flair for the two to enjoy the mediums, said actor-filmmaker Amol Palekar in a literary forum at the ongoing 20th World Book Fair in New Delhi.
Lost Charlotte Bronte story published for the first time
A long-lost short story written by Charlotte Bronte for a married man with whom she had fallen in love was published online in London for the first time and comes out in print on Thursday.
India yet to see French style niche publishing
The status of a bestselling Indian author is often decided by the publisher chosen. It is usually a conglomerate with a wide portfolio - unlike in France where publishing is still a niche affair with small independent firms catering to specific subjects.
Gul Panag unveils Sachin Garg's novel, says it's for all
Bollywood celebrity and activist Gul Panag Tuesday unveiled young novelist Sachin Garg's latest book 'Never Let Me Go' at the ongoing World Book Fair (WBF) and said it will strike a chord with readers of all age groups.
New website for audio books launched at World Book Fair
Reado, a website of one of India's biggest audio books company, Think Ink Media Inc, was launched at the World Book Fair 2012 with 100-plus leading book titles which have been converted into downloadable audio books.
Code Red: Of emotional vampires and Bollywood musings
Move over Dracula and 'kaala shaitan' - a new vampire is set to step into Bollywood. Director Satish Kaushik has bought the rights of young writer Shantanu Dhar's new ovel 'The Company Red' to make an American-style thriller about corporate and social vampires with a crossover Indo-American cast.
'Cinema, literature on a par, building new synergy'
Cinema adaptations of novels is a challenge and helps forge new synergy between the screen and literature, speakers at a forum at the World Book Fair said.
Author Amish Tripathi rules fiction
Daniel Kahneman's 'Thinking Fast and Slow' has yielded its first place to Katherine Boo's 'Behind the Beautiful Flowers' in the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week, while Amish Tripathi's 'Immortals of Meluha' is the top choice in fiction.
Amish rules fiction roost, Steve Job bio falls a spot
Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' biography yielded its first place to Daniel Kahneman's 'Thinking Fast and Slow' in the non-fiction section of the bestseller list, while Amish Tripathi's 'Immortals of Meluha' was the top choice in fiction and its sequel, 'The Secret of the Nagas' occupied the second slot.
Translations, young India & health on book shelf
This weekend, the bookcart wheels a medley of thoughtful titles on a diverse range of subjects.
Special 'Gitanjali' to mark Tagore's 150th birth anniversary
A special edition of 'Gitanjali', the Nobel Prize-winning anthology of Rabindranath Tagore's poems, was Saturday launched by union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as part of the bard's 150th birth anniversary celebrations.
Book launched on coastal Maharashtrian cuisine
A mouth-watering ensemble of dishes from the coastal villages of Maharashtra, exquisite wines, and a winter evening - it was the perfect ambience for the launch of chef Michael Swamy's new book 'The East Indian Kitchen' here Wednesday.
Steve Jobs' bio bestseller again
Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' biography continues to lead the non-fiction section of the bestseller list while Chetan Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020' is back on top of the fiction charts.
Thriller captures Bihar's wild, feudal days
Bihar is a goldmine of drama. A ruthless 'thakur', a landowner with vendetta in his blood and an unarmed man with a fortune to his name are chasing a rare diamond -- each for different reasons.
Damien Hirst logs on to India with affordable prints
British contemporary artist Damien Hirst, a cult name in new art, has jumped the price barrier to reach out to the masses with prints of his work at the India Art Fair in New Delhi.
Wisdom indeed for modern times
Book: 'Amma's Advice: Traditional Wisdom for Modern Times'; Author: Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi; Konark Publishers; Pages 209, Price: Rs.3,500
Anupam Kher's lessons from life at Jaipur Literature Festival
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.
Steve Jobs bio still tops bestsellers
Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' biography continues to lead the non-fiction section of the bestseller list while Chetan Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020' yields the top spot in fiction to Ravinder Singh's 'Can Love Happen Twice'.
Renewed interest in de Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex'
More than six decades after celebrated French feminist Simone de Beauvoir wrote 'The Second Sex', feminists are sifting through her interpretations of women's emancipation in their quest for solutions to new gender posers.
Hitler stole Beetle idea from Jewish engineer: Book
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.
Divorce, India, partition on bookshelf this week
The book case this weekend is lighthearted and peppy - matching the mood as a new year begins.
Vinod Mehta, Chetan Bhagat on bestseller list
Journalist Vinod Mehta's 'Lucknow Boy' and Chetan Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020' continue their stint on the top of the non-fiction and fiction sections of the bestseller list respectively this week.
Kashmiri poetess Naseem Shafaie to get Sahitya Akademi award
Noted Kashmiri poetess Naseem Shafaie has been chosen for this year's Sahitya Akademi Award for her poetic collection, becoming the first Kashmiri woman to get the prestigious literary award.
Comic book on movies comes to India with 'Don: The Origin'
A graphic novel 'Don: The Origin' narrating the genesis and story of 'Don' and 'Don 2' starring Shah Rukh Khan, is expected to draw new segments of younger audiences to reading -- at a time when cinema is pushing books to the edge.
Mills & Boon's 'desi' romance - with Indian faces
The world's oldest series of romantic fiction, Harlequin Mills & Boon, has broken the cultural barrier to publish its first 'made-in-India-with-Indian faces' book after inducting its first writer from the country last year.
Underworld, Tagore and charity on book shelf
The book cart this week is a reflection of the diversity of new Indian writing.
Vinod Mehta, Chetan Bhagat top bestseller list
Noted editor Vinod Mehta's 'Lucknow Boy' tops the non-fiction section this week and Chetan Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020' dominates the fiction category on the bestseller list.
Colonial India's treasures live in a Delhi home
The grandeur of Mughal and colonial India lives in a spacious library-cum-gallery and a boutique shop at a home in a Delhi neighbourhood where antique art collector and dealer Rajiv Jain and his daughter Rashi struggle to add to the family inheritance.
The British healer who fought tumour with meditation
Alternative therapist Brandon Bays, known across the Western world for her energy medicine, has brought her book, 'The Journey', a life-healing guide and the story of her battle with tumour, to India, the country which had started her on the spiritual path in the 1970s.
Flames that would flicker more - you wish
At the heart of 'Flickering Flames' is a love story, a love so unspoken, unexpressed and understated that you start doubting if it really exists. But in the very last chapter of the book - on the second last page to be precise - the romance again comes alive, leaving the readers with a happy open-ending that seems as good as a closure.
'A Suitable Girl' might become 'An Unsuitable Boy'
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'.
US scriptwriter makes India debut with Bollywood kid books
New York-based screenplay writer, musician, storyteller and artist Nico Raposo is surfing the Hindi film industry for stories. He has debuted in India with young adult fiction, 'Bollywood Knights', a serial detective saga from Mumbai's filmdom.
A peep into Pakistan, specially for Indians
Here's a three-time former Pakistani minister trying to help Indian readers better understand his country. The intent is laudable, but 'Pakistan - Identity and Destiny', by Javed Jabbar, meanders through too many reasons to justify why Pakistan is Pakistan.
Tagore's 'Chitra' holds audiences spellbound in T&T
Audiences in Trinidad and Tobago sat entranced watching 'Chitra', a rendition of Rabindranath Tagore's poem presented through the medium of Manipuri dance, staged in the Caribbean nation as part of celebrations of the Indian Nobel laureate's 150th birth anniversary.
5,000 years of Indian art in pictorial text
Indian art has travelled an energetic course in the last 5,000 years, peaking in aesthetic excellence during the Hindu and Buddhist periods. But this mammoth journey has been sequestered from the Western world for want of comprehensive documentation.
Rainbow bookshelf: The queer story, now in print
Boy meets girl, they fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. The end. But for queers, the story doesn't end there. It merely kicks off the internal questions and turmoil before they secretly alter the gender of one of the characters in their mind to make sense of the staple hetro-romance. But not any more.
'Essential Tagore' nominated best book of year
New Delhi, Nov 29: '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.
Nepal, cinema, Bihar, motivation on bookshelf
New Delhi, November 24 Look for a book to burrow in with from a colourful cart this weekend.
Fascinating post-mortem of Indian Left
In 254 crisp and scholarly pages (including a rich bibliography), this 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. These were the decades when Indian Communists could have made all the difference to Indian history; instead they failed, and miserably at that.
Time travel with fairies and dollmakers
In 'The Stone Raft', Portuguese author Jose Saramago writes about the Iberian peninsula breaking off from the European continent and going adrift on the Atlantic. The promise of a similar, albeit Indian, setting is what drew me to Anuradha Kumar's novel. Hardly a few pages into the story, 'The Dollmakers' Island' turns out to be quite a different kettle of fish with its own quirky charms.
Queers, self-help, Delhi on book shelf
New Delhi, November 18 The book cart is an exciting mix of fun, practical knowledge and visual delight this weekend.
What the soul tells the capitalist
'A Saint in the Board Room' is a book unlike any other, a fictional cocktail of economics and ethics, religion and spirituality, success and failure. Authors R. Durgadoss and B. Yerram Raju, with decades of exposure to business and industry, use timeless wisdom from ancient India to weave a great story.
New Indira Gandhi biography on her life, politics
New Delhi, November 14 A new biography of India's late prime minister Indira Gandhi tries to throw candid light on her personality against the backdrop of her family and politics.
For cancer survivor, sun shines in heart
Here's a deeply personal account by middle-aged Shimla-based Minakshi Chaudhry, who beat the ghost of breast cancer. Now the sun is shining again for her.
Off to new boom town, with Mark Tully
It is a muddle of a new kind. An anti-corruption crusade which has united Indians as a single soul after 65 years and a resurgent nation that pines for salvation through its economic policy of vigorous privatisation and lowering of barriers could seem incompatible. Yet they co-exist in chaotic bliss.
Deepti Naval's short stories look at real India
New Delhi, November 9 Actress Deepti Naval has joined the legion of Indian writers with her maiden collection of short stories.
Diplomat delights with poetry of promise
'Candling the Light', an anthology of verses by young poet, diplomat and artist Abhay K., shows the pressures of diplomacy - which does not give the bureaucrat enough time to explore the details of a narrative, but filter its essence through the verse.
Book review: When Rama met Hanuman
When a story told a million times and a mythology tale one has heard over and over again since childhood is still written with a flair and style that make it exciting and gripping at the same time, then you have a great read in your hands. 'Valmiki Ramayana: The Book of Wilderness' (translated and abridged by Arshia Sattar and published by Penguin) is one such book.
Iron women of business empires
In the corridors of Indian politics and in the high-performance business sweat shops the gender order is slowly shifting in favour of power divas - the women achievers.
Rumi, myth and cricket on bookshelf
New Delhi, October 20 The bookshelf this weekend is mostly meditative and spiritual.
Satire, Quran and quiz on bookshelf
New Delhi, Oct 13 A meltdown tale of loss and battle, stories of India’s three heroines, a compilation of over 1,000 questions and essays arguing for equitable globalization, the books this week are meaningful and thought provoking.
New biography throws intimate light on Sonia
New Delhi, October 10 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.
Business, sports, tarot on book shelf
New Delhi, October 6 The books on the shelf this week are serious, informative and fun.
Gandhi for children
New Delhi, October 2 “Gandhi — The Path to Greatness”, a short biography that promises to enlighten kids about Mahatma Gandhi in a “matter of minutes” with its simple and uncluttered language, was launched on the eve of the Father of the Nation’s 142nd birth anniversary on October 1.
‘Cuisines give Indians distinct regional identities’
New Delhi, September 27 Cuisines give India’s diverse communities the one thing they need most — regional identity, says noted Indian Jewish writer and Sahitya Akademi Award winner Esther David.
‘Cuisines give Indians distinct regional identities’
New Delhi, September 27 Cuisines give India’s diverse communities the one thing they need most — regional identity, says noted Indian Jewish writer and Sahitya Akademi Award winner Esther David.
Amish Tripathi on top again
New Delhi, September 22 'Where China Meets India' by Thant Myint-U tops the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week, while Amish Tripathi still rules fiction with 'The Secret of The Nagas' and 'The Immortals of Meluha' as the top two books.
A wasted man with a not-so-wasted life
Baru is a bastard, the book cover tells you. The reason why it’s told is that you don’t feel deceived when you find that out yourself. But you still feel deceived. In the course of the book, you’ll more than once think bastard is an understatement; you’ll also less than once think he’s not.
Punjab, industry, social drama on bookshelf
New Delhi, September 15 Browse through the bookshelf of thought-provoking new titles that blend gripping narratives with hard facts...
Tagore gala begins in Spain with book, culture blitz
New Delhi, September 13 Perhaps a historic wrong was set right when Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore reconnected to thousands of admirers in Spain — one of the few countries in Europe to which he had called off his visit — with a new book.
Amish Tripathi leads with two bestsellers
New Delhi, September 8 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.
‘Sufis of Punjab’ — building bridges across borders
New Delhi, August 30 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.
Kashmir, Mao, free spirit, join forces on bookshelf
New Delhi, August 25 The books on the shelf this week are mercurial: serious and thought provoking, yet fun.
To pull tourists, Himachal publishes its legends
Shimla, August 24 Locals trust the seat of deity Kotlu Devta for disposing of domestic, social and criminal disputes. They believe the complainant just has to hammer a nail into the pillar of the temple and the offender confesses his crime.
Stuff that make Mumbai fabled
New Delhi, August 23 As described in an earlier work, Mumbai once again comes across as maximum city in Mumbai Fables, a new release that traces the evolution of India’s commercial hub from a trading port and a bastion of Parsis to an icon of India’s new economic muscle.
‘...Best of Khushwant Singh’ returns in new avatar
New Delhi, August 21 Khushwant Singh, the grand old man of contemporary Indo-Anglian literature, has returned in a new avatar with an updated edition of his signature anthology, Not a Nice Man to Know: The Best of Khushwant Singh.
It needs more than love to write about India
New Delhi, August 18 Stepping into the soul of India is not easy for a foreign writer; the journey needs more than mere love for the country. The process requires identification with history, facts at fingertips and an uncanny nose for immediate socio-political context, show landmark books written over the years.
Books on economics, Nagas rule the charts
New Delhi, August 18 Poor Economics by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, and The Secret of The Nagas by Amish Tripathi have positioned themselves on top of the non-fiction and fiction sections of the bestseller list this week.
‘Second book in Shiva trilogy makes many revelations’
Mumbai, August 11 He calls himself an atheist, but author Amish Tripathi, author of the bestseller, The Immortals of Meluha, says Lord Shiva himself blesses him. Now its sequel promises to make many revelations.
Arun Shourie, Amitav Ghosh top bestselling chart
New Delhi, August 4 Arun Shourie’s Does He Know a Mother's Heart? has quickly climbed up to the top slot among the non-fiction books and Amitav Ghosh’s River of Smoke still maintains its reign as the bestseller in the fiction category this week.
Amul to Manipal, expat Goan documents Indian success
Panaji, July 29 India’s growing potential is the subject of admiration for Eugenio Viassa Monteiro, a Goan based in Portugal, who has just authored a book focusing on India’s rise as an economic power.
Ruskin Bond’s book to get Vodafone-Crossword award
New Delhi, July 28 Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi, Ruskin Bond’s Mr Oliver’s Diary and Upamanyu Chatterjee’s Way to Go are amongst the 30 books shortlisted for the Vodafone-Crossword Book Awards for 2010.
Kissinger, Ghosh still reign over book charts
New Delhi, July 28 Maintaining their top positions for another week, Henry Kissinger’s On China and Amitav Ghosh’s River of Smoke reign supreme in the non-fiction and fiction categories, respectively, on the bestseller list.
Kashmir, Bengal, love and loss in the pile (IANS Books This Week)
New Delhi, July 21 The bookshelf this week is a blend of drama and realizations -- facts mingled with fictions.
Harper Collins India wins Asia Publishing Award
New Delhi, July 8 Publisher HarperCollins India has won the Asian Publishing Award for its campaign to promote the dark human comedy, 'Johnny Gone Down' by Karan Bajaj.
Ordinary man who becomes catalyst of change
Book: 'The Book of Answers'; Author: C.Y. Gopinath ; Publisher: Harper Collins; Price: Rs.499
Booking Bollywood: A new genre in making
New Delhi, July 6 Bollywood is coming alive in fine print. A spate of innovative books is not only documenting Indian moviedom for posterity but also throwing meaningful light on the evolution of mainstream cinema.
Amitav Ghosh tops fiction charts — again
New Delhi, July 7 Amitav Ghosh continues to rule the fiction category with his sequel 'River of Smoke' while Henry Kissinger's 'On China' is the bestseller in the non-fiction list this week.
Indian student leader gets Oz award
Melbourne, July 2 The leader of the association of Indian-origin students in Australia who protested attacks against Indians in Melbourne has been given the 2011 Young Victorian of the Year award.
‘Energy, style, intensity make Shah Rukh Khan’
New Delhi, June 30 The hero to anti-hero — Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has changed the idiom of the leading man onscreen, says veteran Bollywood writer, columnist and industry trend analyst Anupama Chopra.
Syed Shahzad's book new bestseller
New Delhi, June 30 Slain Pakistani journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad's 'Inside Al-Qaeda and the Taliban' is the new bestseller in the non-fiction category this week while Amitav Ghosh's 'River of Smoke' retains its top berth in the fiction charts.
Rabindranath Tagore's 'Muktadhara' retold
New Delhi, June 29 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.
UAE keen on cultural, economic ties with India: Book
New Delhi, June 27 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is eager to keep all channels of communication and cooperation open with India, especially in the cultural, humanitarian and economic field, says a limited Indian edition book by a former Indian envoy to the Emirates.
‘Team India imparts best leadership lessons’
New Delhi, June 26 The Indian cricket team has imparted great leadership lessons to millions of cricket-struck fans as well as business leaders because sports and the corporate world share striking similarities, say commentator, analyst Harsha Bhogle and his wife Anita, an advertising whiz, in their recent book.
Anjali Joseph wins yet another award
New Delhi, June 26 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.
Harry Potter becomes experiential in digital space
New Delhi, June 24 J.K. Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter, has launched Pottermore — a website which builds an exciting online experience around the reading of successful Harry Potter books — in partnership with her worldwide publishers, Bloomsbury, a statement said on Friday.
Jatin Das, Moraes capture Sweden's summer
New Delhi, June 23 Word compositions by one of India's top poets, Dom Moraes, and lyrical lines by Jatin Das have come together to showcase 'a summer in Sweden' at the embassy of Sweden in the capital.
Indian writer wins Betty Trask award
New Delhi, June 23 Mumbai-based Anjali Joseph has won this year's Betty Trask Award for her first novel 'Saraswati Park'. The award carries a cash prize of 10,000 pounds, a statement by her publishers HarperCollins India said on Thursday.
Economy, food on weekend book cart
New Delhi, June 23 A look at the Telangana movement, a cookbook compiling over 150 original recipes, a critique of India's consumer-driven economic policy and a tale of an India-born Britain-based 21-year-old, the bookshelf this week serves varied readers.
Amitav Ghosh's 'River of Smoke' new bestseller
New Delhi, June 23 Amitav Ghosh's 'River of Smoke' is the new bestseller in the fiction category this week while former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's 'On China' continues to rule the non- fiction charts.
Health, Laden and Rafi on book cart
New Delhi, June 16 A wealth of books that excites and touches the intellect.
Henry Kissinger's 'On China' the new bestseller
New Delhi, June 16 Former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger's 'On China' occupies the top slot in the non-fiction section this week while Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' continues to rule the fiction set in the bestseller list.
An American scribe's sideways glance at India
Washington, June 13 'Sideways on a Scooter', a new book on India by an American journalist who lived in New Delhi for some years, is billed as a 'deft cultural examination' that peels back the 'stereotypical image of India as a land of call centres, yoginis, and Bollywood'.
Archie goes desi, dances to Bollywood songs
New Delhi, June 9 The iconic red-haired Archie, a comic book heartthrob with a perpetually hassled look and two girlfriends, will soon be dancing to Bollywood numbers in the book's Indian avatar published in Hindi and Malayalam. Seventy years after its birth in the US, 12 titles of the popular Archie comics will be published in 2011 by Variety Book Depot and distributed by EuroBooks, a leading publisher of children's books in India, a release by the publisher said late on Monday.
In fine print: Adventure, Mumbai, faith and drama
New Delhi, June 9 The bookshelf this weekend is exciting with new titles by the Turks of story-telling.
Jeffrey Archer still rules bookcharts
New Delhi, June 9 Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' continues its stint at the top of the fiction section in the bestseller list while 'Deadly Embrace' by Bruce Riedel is the new number one on the non-fiction list.
Pages from life of Bollywood baddie Bob Christo
New Delhi, June 3 He was the bald foreign baddie who would get beaten to pulp by Bollywood heroes. Bob Christo's life was perhaps as daring as his stunts on screen — he once cut off a vulture's head and drank its blood in a fit of rage on home turf in Australia. In a memoir published posthumously, he turns the pages of his life.
Movies, business, fitness, feminism on bookshelf
New Delhi, June 2 One of the best ways to chill out in summer is with a book and here is a pile that provokes and excites:
Jeffrey Archer, Siddhartha Mukherjee bestsellers again
New Delhi, June 2 Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' and Indian American Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' continue their bestseller run in the fiction and non-fiction categories this week.
In fine print: China, Kashmir, Islam and life
New Delhi, May 26 Former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger's take on China, Kashmir's street protests, a woman trying to cope with ghosts from her past and a lottery win that changed a teenager's life. Cool off this weekend in the mid-summer heat with an arm load of books that looks beyond the obvious.
Archer, Mukherjee perched atop bestseller lists
New Delhi, May 26 Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' and Indian American Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' continue to rule the fiction and non-fiction categories this week.
Anarkali, shaken not stirred - cocktail wisdom
New Delhi, May 20 A good cocktail, whether an Anarkali or James Bond's Classic Dry Martini, is worth a million on the summer menu. If you want to get high on cocktail wisdom, here's a new manual to leaf through. 'To shake or to stir, Ian Fleming's super spy James Bond worked wonders in taking the Classic Dry Martini to the tables of the discerning the world over,' says 'The Tulleeho Book of Cocktails' (Westland Ltd).
New book from Ruskin Bond on his birthday
New Delhi, May 19 Novelist Ruskin Bond, who celebrated his 77th birthday on Thursday, gifted his fans a brand new collection of stories about one of his most endearing characters — the eccentric, bumbling Uncle Ken.
Of wars, tsunami, republic and Satyajit Ray
New Delhi, May 19 A war story set in the summer of 1545, a tale of love in the times of tsunami, a compilation of three essays by Arundhati Roy and a book on one of India's finest filmmakers Satyajit Ray, the bookshelf this week displays an eclectic mix of writings.1. 'Heartstone'; Written by C.J. Sansom; Published by Pan Macmillan; Priced at Rs.299.
Archer, Mukherjee bestsellers again
New Delhi, May 19 Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' and Indian American Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' again rule the fiction and non-fiction categories this week, while a book on corporate lobbyist Niira Radia makes a grand entry in the bestseller list. Non-fiction
Scandinavian master of suspense finds inspiration from India
New Delhi, May 17 Raconteurs, the lifeline of the frozen Scandinavian winters, keep the entertainment mill running with storytelling when the fjords sink beneath mountains of ice.
Tagore in spotlight at Indo-Bhutan literature fest
New Delhi, May 17 Literatures of the Himalayan country of Bhutan and India and the legacy of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore will be the focus of a three-day festival at Bhutanese capital Thimpu, beginning on Friday.
Movie buff? Here's what cinema does to writers
Book: 'The Popcorn Essayists - What Movies do to Writers'; Compiled and edited by Jai Arjun Singh; Publisher: Tranquebar Press; Price: Rs.395, Pages: 227
'Realty boom coming in smaller cities'
New Delhi, May 13 The population in India's big cities is exploding and in the next five years, the housing boom will reach the smaller urban centres to target new segments of customers, says realty finance expert and author Sitaraman.
Tagore, Sufi... thought-provoking book stack
New Delhi, May 12 An account of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's China visit, a take on nuclear diplomacy, an astonishing tale of 12 murders in a day and spiritual truths in the form of comic strips... a serious book pile exercises the intellect this week.
Jeffrey Archer continues bestseller run
New Delhi, May 12 Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' again rules the fiction list this week while Indian American Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' is placed atop the non-fiction charts.
'Realty boom coming in smaller cities'
New Delhi, May 13 The population in India's big cities is exploding and in the next five years, the housing boom will reach the smaller urban centres to target new segments of customers, says realty finance expert and author Sitaraman.
Tagore, Sufi... thought-provoking book stack
New Delhi, May 12 An account of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's China visit, a take on nuclear diplomacy, an astonishing tale of 12 murders in a day and spiritual truths in the form of comic strips... a serious book pile exercises the intellect this week.
Jeffrey Archer continues bestseller run
New Delhi, May 12 Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' again rules the fiction list this week while Indian American Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' is placed atop the non-fiction charts.
'City of Djinns' now unrecognisably different: William Dalrymple
New Delhi, May 11 The national capital is unrecognisably different from what it was three decades ago when writer William Dalrymple came to the metropolis as a freshman in 1989 to sample the sights and sounds of India. His 'City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi', which was inspired by the colours of Delhi, will complete 20 years in 2012.
Life of Rabindranath Tagore at a glance
New Delhi, May 9 Here are milestones from Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore's life as his 150th birth anniversary is celebrated on Monday:
Sub-continental writing very metropolitan: Ira Pande
New Delhi, May 9 Literature from the sub-continent is very metropolitan and is being produced by a certain kind of writers who have great felicity with the language but little natural spontaneity, says award-winning writer Ira Pande.
First Nepali 'Gitanjali' to be re-launched
Kathmandu, May 6 When Ashesh Malla's father died two years ago, he observed the traditional memorial rite the following year, offering food and worship. But this year, the Nepali professor who also runs an alternative theatre group here has an unusual memorial — Rabindranath Tagore's 'Gitanjali'. 'Gitanjali', the collection of poems and songs that brought Tagore public reverence as well as the Nobel prize for literature in 1913, was first translated into Nepali 50 years ago by Malla's father, Khagendra Pradhananga.
A book case of life stories, dramas and inspiration
New Delhi, May 5 The first couple of the Birla empire, a teasingly written handbook for 'vague' women, the tale of the most shocking first day at work, a candid autobiography of a politician... the bookshelf this week is full of surprises and information.
Siddhartha Mukherjee 'emperor' of non-fiction
New Delhi, May 5 Indian American Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' topped the non-fiction charts for the second straight week while Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' continued its relentless rule over the fiction list.
Akbar was a colourful man: Belgian historian
New Delhi, May 4 His harem boasted of 5,000 women, 300 of whom were his real companions. His secular outlook is a lesson for contemporary times and he understood, much before any Muslim ruler of India, that the country could be strong only if its inhabitants were united. Mughal emperor Akbar was fundamentally 'an eclectic, a rationalist as well as a mystic', says Belgian historian and writer Dirk Collier.
Leading Marathi litterateur passes away
Kolhapur (Maharashtra), May 3 Renowned Marathi poet, lyricist and writer Jagdish Khebudkar passed away in a private hospital here Tuesday following a kidney ailment, an aide said. He was 79.
A book on Indian maharajas and their cars
New Delhi, April 29 A glimpse into the life of former Indian maharajas and the magnificent limousines they drove can be had in a new book that was launched here at the French embassy.
Zoom through royal cars and real business
New Delhi, April 28 This week's booty on the bookshelf is serious and informative. If there is a book on the cars of kings, then there is another that walks the reader through the Indian business mind... Read on.
Pulitzer winner's tome tops bestseller list
New Delhi, April 28 Indian American Pulitzer winner Siddhartha Mukherjee's 'The Emperor of All Maladies' tops the non-fiction list this time while Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' continues its domination over the fiction charts.
Thrills, frills, poetry and history
New Delhi, April 21 This week's book shelf is a bohemian medley of adventure, spirituality, poetic sorties into nature, mythology and history.1. 'Those in Peril'; Written by Wilbur Smith; Published by Pan Macmillan-India; Price: Rs.325
Book on Gandhi stays on top
New Delhi, April 21 The controversial book by Joseph Lelyveld, 'Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India', tops the non-fiction list again this week. Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' also continues to rule the fiction charts.
Thrills, frills, poetry and history
New Delhi, April 21 This week's book shelf is a bohemian medley of adventure, spirituality, poetic sorties into nature, mythology and history.1. 'Those in Peril'; Written by Wilbur Smith; Published by Pan Macmillan-India; Price: Rs.325
Book on Gandhi stays on top
New Delhi, April 21 The controversial book by Joseph Lelyveld, 'Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India', tops the non-fiction list again this week. Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' also continues to rule the fiction charts.
Thrills, frills, poetry and history
New Delhi, April 21 This week's book shelf is a bohemian medley of adventure, spirituality, poetic sorties into nature, mythology and history.1. 'Those in Peril'; Written by Wilbur Smith; Published by Pan Macmillan-India; Price: Rs.325
Book on Gandhi stays on top
New Delhi, April 21 The controversial book by Joseph Lelyveld, 'Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India', tops the non-fiction list again this week. Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' also continues to rule the fiction charts.
Thrills, frills, poetry and history
New Delhi, April 21 This week's book shelf is a bohemian medley of adventure, spirituality, poetic sorties into nature, mythology and history.1. 'Those in Peril'; Written by Wilbur Smith; Published by Pan Macmillan-India; Price: Rs.325
Book on Gandhi stays on top
New Delhi, April 21 The controversial book by Joseph Lelyveld, 'Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India', tops the non-fiction list again this week. Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' also continues to rule the fiction charts.
Nairobi-born author pens tale of women in Goa
Panaji, April 18 Mayola is an expatriate who has returned from Africa. Succorina is a village girl. Donna has been brought up in affluence in Britain. The three meet in Nairobi-born Belinda Viegas' new novel, which raises crucial issues that confront today's Goa in the midst of change.
Carnival of beauty, nostalgia and history
New Delhi, April 14 The weekend book shelf is a mix of nostalgia, history, drama and good health.
Archer’s book continues to rule the fiction chart
New Delhi, April 14 'Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle with India' by Joseph Lelyveld is the new bestseller on the non-fiction list. Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' continues to rule the fiction charts. The top 10 in each category this week are:
Little-known 'Pancham': New biography tells endearing tales
New Delhi, April 12 His hit songs flooded the box office; he was the quintessential romantic hero with heartaches, longings and beach-side philosophies. Yet celebrated musician-composer and song-writer Rahul Dev Burman took time to flower into a Bollywood phenomenon. The oft-repeated question: Why?
R.D. Burman died on January 4, 1994. Tagore anthology in Polish released
Warsaw, April 10 A Polish anthology of Nobel laureate Rabrindranath Tagore, translated from the original Bengali instead of from English, was released here by the Indian ambassador to Poland. 'I speak more than ten languages. In none of them can I find words to describe the genius of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, an outstanding son of India and eminent citizen of the world. His powerful writings, paintings and music have inspired generation across the globe,' said Ambassador Deepak Vohra, while releasing the book Saturday.
Custody battles come alive in this absorbing novel
Book: 'Custody'; Author: Manju Kapur; Publisher: Random House; Price: Rs.450, Pages: 415.
Founder of northeast India's first archive dead
Agartala, April 7 Ramprasad Datta, researcher, historian and founder custodian of northeast India's oldest archive, died here on Thursday. He was 85.
Of history, curries and Mumbai soaps
New Delhi, April 7 The book case this week is a delight for those who love a good story.
Jeffrey Archer atop bestseller list again
New Delhi, April 7 Indian American Anand Giridharadas' 'India Calling' and Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' continued their undisputed rule over the bestselling non-fiction and fiction charts respectively for the fifth straight week.
‘Swami Vivekananda was fond of dal, ice-cream’
New Delhi, April 4 Swami Vivekananda, the 20th century visionary and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission, loved lentils, especially the 'kalai', a traditional Bengali variety cooked with fennel, salt, slit green chillies and a pinch of turmeric. Many a time, he appealed to those who were close to him to cook 'kalaier dal' for him, says one of West Bengal's top contemporary writers Sankar, or Manisankar Mukherjee, in his new non-fiction 'The Monk as Man: The Unknown Life of Swami Vivekananda'. However, the monk advised 'his followers to eat the watery part of the 'dal' like the way South Indians do'. The lentils were difficult to digest, Vivekananda observed.
Read of courage, karma, radio and economics
New Delhi, March 31 Serious and heavy, the books this weekend tease the intellect.
Rohinton shortlisted for Man Booker Prize
New Delhi, March 30 Rohinton Mistry, the Indian Canadian author of three acclaimed books, has been shortlisted for the 60,000 pound (around $96,000) Man Booker International Prize 2011.Mistry, whose 1991 book 'Such a Long Journey' was withdrawn from the Mumbai University syllabus last year amidst a heated debate between the Shiv Sena and the writer, is also the author of 'A Fine Balance' (1996) and 'Family Matters' (2002).
Jeffrey Archer rules fiction charts
New Delhi, March 31 'India Calling' by Indian American Anand Giridharadas and Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' continue to lead the best-selling non-fiction and fiction lists respectively for the fourth week. The top 10 in each category this week are:
Looking for books? Try online
New Delhi, March 27 If you can't find a particular book at your favourite bookshop, join the growing league of net savvy Indians who buy their reading stuff on the internet and get discount and free delivery right at their doorstep.
A medley of spirituality, tolerance, trees
New Delhi, March 26 Non-fiction calls the shots on the weekend book cart. Pick up the gems as you read on.
Jeffrey Archer is still reigning fiction king
New Delhi, March 24 'India Calling' by Indian-American Anand Giridharadas is still perched on top of the non-fiction list, while Jeffrey Archer's 'Only Time Will Tell' tops the fiction list.The top 10 in each category this week are:
For your reading pleasure, business and history
New Delhi, March 10 Tease your brains with a serious book cart this week:
The bitter-sweet story of sugar
Book: 'Sugar Changed The World - A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science'; Author: Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos; Publisher: Clarion Books; Pages: 166; Price: $20.
Jeffery Archer rules fiction set
New Delhi, March 10 'India Calling' by young author Anand Giridharadas is on top of the non-fiction chart this week and the veteran Jeffery Archer dominates the fiction section of the bestseller list with 'Only Time Will Tell'.
Women writers spice up thriller scene
New Delhi, March 8 The world loves Agatha Christie, Ruth Rendell and P.D. James. And now a tiny tribe of women writers in India is striving to break new ground in thrillers with homegrown whodunits. Perhaps the foremost among them is Mumbai-based Kalpana Swaminathan, whose Lalli detective series has found readers among single working women in the metros. Swaminathan is the author of three books, 'The Page Three Murders', 'The Gardener's Song' and 'The Monochrome Madonna'.
The forgotten heroines of India from crypts of history
New Delhi, March 8 History has been biased towards women. Some have been put on pedestals and some brushed to the margins of forgetfulness — slipping off the collective consciousness. Award-winning writer and social activist Bilkees I. Latif's new book 'Forgotten' resurrects six brave women who lived and died for India from the crypts of history to the mainstream, putting their names on the women's roll of honour.
History, drama, culture valour on bookshelf
New Delhi, March 5 The bookcase sweeps back on a time machine to history to unearth old classics, sensibilities, edgy stories, slices of history and supernatural. Soak in the classical flavours of India this week.
US-based writer documents India's reinvention
New Delhi, March 5 India, a country grounded in tradition, has begun to reinvent itself in a relatively small period, says US-based Indian origin writer-columnist Anand Giridharadas who has authored the book 'India Calling: an intimate portrait of a nation's remaking'.
Books on Pakistan top bestseller lists
New Delhi, March 5 Indian journalist M.J. Akbar's 'Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan' continues on top of the non-fiction section of the bestseller list for the seventh week. 'Tender Hooks' by Pakistani writer Moni Mohsin rules the fiction chart. The top 10 in each category this week are:
'Uncle' Pai popularised Indian culture through comics
Mumbai, Feb 26 Anant V. Pai, a chemical engineer who taught Indian culture, tradition and ethos through Amar Chitra Katha comics to millions of his countrymen, passed away here on Thursday evening.
Read on: Parenting, ladies, India's democracy
New Delhi, Feb 26 This weekend, browse through a pile of thought-provoking tomes.
Booker biased against crime thrillers: British author
New Delhi, Feb 26 Best-selling British author and movie producer Peter James has made it his mission to eliminate the stigma of trash associated with crime fiction in his capacity as chairperson of the prestigious Crime Writers' Association of the United Kingdom. And if that means taking on the Booker Prize, so be it.
M.J. Akbar, H.M. Naqvi top selling authors of week
New Delhi, Feb 24 Indian journalist M.J. Akbar's 'Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan' continues to rule the non-fiction section of the bestseller list for the sixth week. 'Home Boy' by H.M. Naqvi leads the fiction chart.
New-age fare at India's first comics convention
New Delhi, Feb 22 The seemingly fading world of comics came alive in the capital, but with a difference — as comics on tablets and on iPads to reach out to the widest possible audience.
On bookshelf: History, movies, and a window to India
New Delhi, Feb 18 The book shelf this week is a peppy combination of facts, fictions and human triumph.
M.J. Akbar's book tops bestseller list for fifth time
New Delhi, Feb 18 Indian journalist M.J. Akbar's 'Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan' and 'Tender Hooks' by Pakistani writer Moni Mohsin continue to top for the fifth week the non-fiction and fiction charts, respectively, of the bestseller list.
Women's writing power coming into own in Africa
New Delhi, Feb 15 Women writers are coming into their own in African contemporary literature, dominating the shortlist, with nine out of 12 for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2011 for best book and best first book from Africa.
48 books and counting - Malayali's love affair with Kolkata
Kolkata, Feb 15 If Kolkata can be compared to a beautiful woman, then Parmeshwaran Thankkapan Nair, a Malayali, would arguably be her most ardent lover. Known as the 'Chronicler of Calcutta', he has dedicated his life researching and documenting various facets of the eastern metropolis.
Sometimes I too face a writer's block: Gulzar
Mumbai, Feb 11 Clad in a crisp white kurta-pyjama, Gulzar, with over five decades of work and songs as diverse as 'Mora gora rang layle' and 'Kajra re', might give the impression that he can write anything instantly. But the 74-year-old lyricist says he too sometimes faces a writer's block.
M.J. Akbar's book still rules the bestseller list
New Delhi, Feb 11 Indian journalist M.J. Akbar's 'Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan' and 'Tender Hooks' by Pakistani writer Moni Mohsin continue to dominate for the fourth week the non-fiction and fiction sections, respectively, of the bestseller list.
Cricket blends with nation, Kashmir and art
New Delhi, Feb 10 The bookshelf this week combines a mix of facts and fiction.
Cadbury's: An epic chocolate saga
New Delhi, Feb 9 Ever wondered what went on behind that sinful brown bar of Cadbury's chocolate to make it a gastronomic legion and a cult in itself for millions of chocolate lovers in India and the world?
‘Time to experiment with Tagore works’
New Delhi, Feb 9 The rendition of Rabindrasangeet, the 3,000 odd oeuvre of songs composed by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is often 'too sugary' and should be open to experimentation to make them more contemporary, says German scholar and India expert Martin Kaempchen who has also been educating tribals in Santiniketan.
Going Places — Small town cricketers making it big
Book: 'Going Places: India's small town cricket Heroes'; Author: K.R. Guruprasad; Publisher: Penguin; Pages: 166; Price: Rs.199.
Chitravali: Compiling Tagore's art
New Delhi, Feb 7 The spotlight is on the lesser known aspects of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his 150th birth anniversary — his numerous art works, his contribution to gender issues and environment among other things.
I love Tagore, R.K. Narayan: Pulitzer winner
New Delhi, Feb 5 Pulitzer prize-winning American novelist and short-story writer Richard Ford, known as the master of contemporary 'dirty realism' where the marginalised becomes the glorified, loves to read Rabindranath Tagore and R.K. Narayan.
Tagore, Ramayana, faith - Indian flavours to spice up bookshelf
New Delhi, Feb 4 The bookshelf this week is essentially Indian in flavour, showcasing the country's soul.
More Indian voices at Jaipur lit fest next year
New Delhi, Feb 3 Over 60,000 visitors, 225 speakers, 140 sessions, four halls, over 9,000 books sold... the show is barely over at the sixth Jaipur Literature Festival and plans are already afoot to make it hi-tech and get more Indian voices next year.
Youngsters take to books on Gandhi big-time!
Mumbai, Feb 3 Youngsters thronged the exhibition-cum-sale of books organised to commemorate the 63rd death anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Over 12,000 books were sold at the six-day exhibition, an official said.
M.J. Akbar tops again with book on Pakistan
New Delhi, Feb 3 Indian journalist M.J. Akbar's 'Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan' and 'Tender Hooks' by Pakistani writer Moni Mohsin continue to be on top in the non-fiction and fiction sections of the bestseller list for the third week.
I've achieved balance between naivete, sentimentality: Pamuk
New Delhi, Jan 28 Leading Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk, often considered the stormy petrel of the literary world, says he has found an equilibrium between childlike naivete and the reflective state of a sentimental mind to hone his craft after 35 years of writing novels Pamuk said there was a time in his youth when he 'completely dedicated himself to novels'.
Captured in print: Kashmir, cancer, and Buddha
New Delhi, Jan 28 The book cache this week is a mix of tomes that is thought provoking as well as fun.
Walking through history in bylanes of Agra
Agra, Jan 28 On an exceptionally cold January morning, when people were struggling to venture out of their cosy comforts, five of us braved the chill and experimented with a heritage walk through the old city of Agra.
Indian writers added diversity to English Litt: British novelist
Jaipur, Jan 27 Colonial writing has added colour and diversity to contemporary English literature, says British novelist Martin Loius Amis, the author of contemporary British literary classics like 'Money' and 'London Fields'.
'Tagore never wanted experiments on his compositions'
Kolkata, Jan 27 Eminent singer Dwijen Mukherjee, who was named for Padma Bhushan award, Wednesday said Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore never wanted experimentations on his composition.
M.J. Akbar's book about Pakistan on top again
New Delhi, Jan 27 Indian journalist M.J. Akbar's 'Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan' and 'Tender Hooks' by Pakistani writer Moni Mohsin continue to lead the non-fiction and fiction sections, respectively, of the bestseller list for the second week.
In fine print: Delhi, relationships and thrill
New Delhi, Jan 20 Fact, fiction, fun and adventure sprinkle excitement on the bookshelf this week.
M.J. Akbar's book about Pakistan is bestseller
New Delhi, Jan 20 Indian journalist M.J. Akbar's 'Tinderbox: The Past and Future of Pakistan' leads the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week while
Adventure, identity and Africa on bookshelf
New Delhi, Jan 14 Warm up this week with a pile of exciting and diverse books ranging from history and identity to magic realism.
Read, sketch, buy, sell, at India's first Comic Con
New Delhi, Jan 13 Remember pacing through your favourite comic book with a torch tucked inside a blanket? Indian comic book aficionados can now relive those moments at the country's First Annual Indian Comic Convention here next month.
Guha, Khushwant Singh on top again
New Delhi, Jan 13 For the 11th time in a row, historian Ramachandra Guha's 'Makers of Modern India' dominates the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week. 'The Sunset Club' by Khushwant Singh continues to lead the fiction set for the seventh week.
Story of Indian indenture migration forgotten: S African playwright
New Delhi, Jan 12 South African playwright-director Rajesh Gopie has returned to India with his new production, 'Coolie Odyssey', about Indian indenture migration to Natal in the 19th century. He says it is a forgotten part of history and so there is a need to tell the story.
Noted writer explores lives of Indians in South Africa
New Delhi, Jan 11 South Africa is a rainbow nation with complexities of colours and strands of life, says noted vernacular writer Kusum Ansal, who has come out with her new book 'Beyond Silence'.
Book bazaars to mark Delhi's 100 years as capital
New Delhi, Jan 8 Weekend book bazaars that feed the literary appetite of book lovers will soon be organised in the city in celebration of the hundred years since the shifting of India's capital from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911.
'Makers of Modern India' is bestseller for tenth time
New Delhi, Jan 7 Historian Ramachandra Guha continued to dominate the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week with his 'Makers of Modern India' being at the top for the tenth time. 'The Sunset Club' by Khushwant Singh dominated the fiction category for the sixth time.
Begin 2011 with politics, terror on bookshelf
New Delhi, Jan 7 The year begins with hard-hitting tales of politics, terror and mind-numbing Punjabi short stories on partition. Here are five books that stimulate the mind:
'Mari' — engrossing tale of romance in times of war
Book: 'Mari'; Author: Easterine Kire; Publisher: Harper Collins; Pages: 171; Price: Rs.250
Guha, Khushwant Singh top selling authors
New Delhi, Dec 30 Historian Ramachandra Guha continued to dominate the non-fiction section of the bestseller list this week with his 'Makers of Modern India' being at the top for the ninth time. 'The Sunset Club' by Khushwant Singh dominated the fiction category for the fifth time.
Holiday book pile: Power women, Gandhi
New Delhi, Dec 30 Enjoy an exciting mix of fact and fiction in your book cart this holiday weekend, whether it's about power women, Pakistani terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab or recreating Mahatma Gandhi through his grandchildren.
Journeying beyond Indian stereotypes
Book: 'Beyond the Office Window'; Author: A.K. Pande; Publisher: Konark Publishers Pvt Ltd; Pages: 178; Price: Rs.400
Documenting the history of Asian cinema
New Delhi, Dec 10 The semantics of Asian cinema has got a new archive — a comprehensive anthology 'Asian Film Journey: Selections From Cinemaya' that has compiled 93 best articles published in the capital's erstwhile mouthpiece of serious cinema between 1998 and 2004.
Banking to ethics — books have powerful tales to tell
New Delhi, Dec 10 Beat the chill with a load of exciting books this weekend.
Surendran's new book a comical critique of society
New Delhi, Dec 9 Gripping drama, satire and 'Kerala neuroses' — these are the main ingredients of poet-turned-novelist C.P. Surendran's latest book 'Lost and Found'.
Guha rules the non-fiction chart with two books
New Delhi, Dec 9 Historian Ramachandra Guha dominates the non-fiction list this week with his 'Makers of Modern India' and 'How Much Should A Person Consume' the top two sellers of the week. Khushwant Singh's 'The Sunset Club' is number one in the fiction list.
Books to celebrate India's spirituality
New Delhi, Dec 8 India's ancient wisdom, culture and knowledge will be documented in Ananda, a new imprint of books on spirituality and heritage by the publisher, Penguin-India.
Books to celebrate India's spirituality
New Delhi, Dec 7 India's ancient wisdom, culture and knowledge will be documented in Ananda, a new imprint of books on spirituality and heritage by the publisher, Penguin-India.
Indian vision on ophthalmic front chronicled in book
Panaji, Dec 6 Fifty years after entering the field, the once small Indian ophthalmic family-run firm called GKB has built its skills, spread its wings, taken on challenges and marketed its product to over a hundred countries worldwide.
Deepak Chopra launches graphic novel on Buddha's life
Washington, Dec 6 New age guru Deepak Chopra is all set to publish a graphic adaptation of his New York Times best-selling novel 'Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment' in collaboration with Liquid Comics and Dynamite Entertainment.
'Ghost writer' back to her spooky ways
Shimla, Dec 6 Less than six years after she came out with her first book of ghost stories, writer Minakshi Chaudhry is penning another collection of spooky tales based on this hill town.
Indian-American's book on cancer on NYT bestsellers' list
Washington, Dec 3 Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee's book 'The Emperor of All Maladies' on the history of cancer and its treatment has made it to the New York Times list of Best Sellers.
In fine print: Twilight, India, vampire, mountains
New Delhi, Dec 2 This weekend, enjoy the winter sun with books, which stimulate the mind.
'Makers of Modern India' bestseller again
New Delhi, Dec 2 Historian Ramachandra Guha's 'Makers of Modern India' continues to be the number one book on the bestseller list for the fifth week while 'The Sunset Club' by Khushwant Singh tops the fiction section.
On Dominique Lapierre's mind - Sundarban and Africa
New Delhi, Dec 1 The Sundarban mangrove forests of West Bengal and Africa are bound by a thread in eminent French writer-humanitarian Dominique Lapierre's literary landscape — they are his work stations.
Khushwant Singh plays to the gallery at book's release
New Delhi, Dec 1 Writer-columnist Khushwant Singh, 96, on Tuesday played to the gallery, gently ribbing Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's wife Gursharan Kaur, who released his new novel, 'Sunset Club'.
I wanted to know Indian writers: Horowitz
New Delhi, Dec 1 International bestselling children's author Anthony Horowitz, who wrote his first book at eight and is the creator of teen spy sensation Alex Rider, says the reason for visiting India was to 'know Indian literature and find myself'.
A moving account of fighting breast cancer
Book: The Red Devil — To Hell With Cancer — and Back; Author: Katherine Russell Rich; Category: Non fiction; Publisher: Tranquebar; Price: Rs.275
Bookaroo: Kids discover the joy of books
New Delhi, Nov 29 The sprawling lawns of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) here are abuzz with children who are on a single-minded mission — books.
Eat, workout, sleep, bond to remain fit
New Delhi, Nov 29 What are the four secrets that keep women fit and healthy? According to nutritionist Rujuta Diwakar, who has often been described as the mastermind behind actress Kareena Kapoor's famed size zero, it is nutrition, exercise, sleep and relationships.
I believe in ghosts: Bengali children's writer
New Delhi, Nov 29 He is the Ruskin Bond of Bengali literature and has written more than 100 stories and books for children, most of them on ghosts. But acclaimed writer Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay says in real life, ghosts are not as funny as in his books!
At 96, Khushwant Singh pens new book
New Delhi, Nov 27 Ninety six, and still going strong. Writer-columnist Khushwant Singh has brought to life the stories of three old friends — Pandit Preetam Sharma, Nawab Barkatullah, Sardar Boota Singh — in his new book, 'The Sunset Club' that will be released here on November 30 by Gursharan Kaur, wife of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Read about economic crisis, health secrets and business
New Delhi, Nov 26 The books we chose this weekend reflect the tide of the times... a carefree mix of substance and entertainment.
Ramachandra Guha's book rules charts yet again
New Delhi, Nov 26 Historian Ramachandra Guha's 'Makers of Modern India' is No.1 for the fourth time on the non-fiction section of bestsellers while 'Room' by Emma Donoghue has topped the fiction list this week.
Lapierre's new book to be released next year
Bhangar (West Bengal), Nov 23 A new book named 'India My Love' by Dominique Lapierre — the author of bestsellers 'The City Of Joy' and 'Freedom at Midnight' — is scheduled to hit the stands early next year.
Films on my books increase my reach: Bhagat
Mumbai, Nov 22 Two of his books have been made into films, one of them the superhit '3 Idiots', while a producer is interested in his third book. Author Chetan Bhagat promises a fourth one next year and is happy that his work can be adapted to reach more people.
Indian novel 'Untouchable' launched on Apple iPad
New York, Nov 22 Liquid Comics, an entertainment company founded by three Indians, has announced the digital iPad release of 'Untouchable', an original graphic novel exploring various themes of racial prejudice during the British Raj with a supernatural horror twist.
For A to Z of Hinduism, pick up this gem
Book: 'Hinduism — An Alphabetical Guide'; Author: Roshen Dalal; Publisher: Penguin; Price: Rs.999; Pages: 483
Of urban angst, riots, mutiny and epic love
New Delhi, Nov 19 Relax with a cache of stimulating books this weekend.
India's youngest Everest hero now an author
Kathmandu, Nov 19 Delhi schoolboy Arjun Vajpai, who added a new chapter to mountaineering history six months ago by becoming the youngest Indian to summit Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, is now set to join the ranks of his iconic mountaineer-authors by becoming an author himself.
Henrik Ibsen comes in Indian folk format
New Delhi, Nov 19 The capital's culture enthusiasts can look forward to a delightful interplay of Eastern and Western traditions when Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's plays are interpreted by Indian folk artists.
Guha's book third time lucky on charts
New Delhi, Nov 18 Historian Ramachandra Guha's 'Makers of Modern India' and 'The Finkler Question' by Howard Jacobson have topped the non-fiction and fiction sections of the bestseller list, respectively, for the third straight week.
‘Obama is genuinely committed to India’
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 U.S. President Barack Obama is keen to reinvent ties between America and India, says eminent historian, political analyst and writer Simon Schama.
Excitement on bookshelf with new writers
New Delhi, Nov 12 Spend the weekend with a load of exciting and profound books.
Mumbai gets its first open literature fest
Mumbai, Nov 11 The country's business and movie capital is ready for a brush with contemporary literature Nov 12-15 when it flags off its first-ever fine print fest, hosting many emerging writers and even performer Anupam Kher.
Ramachandra Guha's book tops charts once again
New Delhi, Nov 11 Historian Ramachandra Guha's 'Makers of Modern India' tops the non-fiction section of the bestseller list once again while 'The Finkler Question' by Howard Jacobson is at number one in the fiction section.
Children get set, book a date with Bookaroo fest
New Delhi, Nov 10 Thousands of young readers will connect to their favourite writers like Ruskin Bond and Anthony Horowitz during more than 70 interactive literary sessions at Bookaroo, one of the biggest children's book festivals here.
Obama high on Indian bookseller lists
New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) US President Barack Obama has found pride of place on Indian bookshelves. 'Obama's Wars', which arrived in the country last week, is climbing the popularity charts fast and furious and also fuelling interest in previous works by and on the man.
Book by PM's economic advisor wins award
New Delhi, Oct 30 'Fault Lines: How Hidden Fractures Still Threaten the World Economy', by Raghuraman Rajan, an economic advisor to Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, won the Financial Times and the Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award 2010.
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THE 63rd REPUBLIC DAY
R-DAY IN PICTURES
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