Together We Build Our World - Sreelekha Chatterjee, p18
Monthly Horoscope: August 2025 - Himani Goyal, p62
From the Editor's Bookshelf - Saurabh Chawla, p26
Fusion Fiction S3E1, Naayika - Madhulika Ra Chauhan, p28
Co–Creating Culture For The Future - Neha Jain p22
We are Signing off from Earth - Sumita Shoam, p30
Moonbound - Vidya Shankar, p58
Peace - Neelakshi Banerjee, p60
Book Reviews (by Swapna Peri and Kiran K Adharapuram)
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, p34
Candle in the Wind by Sharmishtha Shenoy, p34
Daisies in the Wild by Stuti Agarwal, p35
Dark Star by Gautam Chintamani, p35
Everything All at Once by Rajiv Kumar and Ishan Joshi, p36
From Frontier to the Heartland by Rouhin Deb and Nabaarun Barooah, p36
It Has No Name by Payal Dhar, p37
Hot Off the Press, p16
Make Me Famous by Maud Ventura, p37
Manifest Your Infinite Riches by Pushkar Anand, p38
Mastering Personal Investments by Prasanna Chandra and Savita Shrimal, p38
Never Flinch by Stephen King, p39
On the Brink of Belief by Kazim Ali, p40
Once Upon A Summer by Manjul Bajaj, p40
Presence Perfect by Rita Bhimani, p41
Radiant Fugitives by Nawaaz Ahmed, p41
Book Reviews (by Swapna Peri and Kiran Adharapuram)
Rules to Rule by Prashant Anand, p42
Shattered Lands by Sam Dalyrmple, p42
Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins, p43
Speed Reading Faster by Jan Cisek and Susan Norman, p44
Stories of Words and Phrases by Sumanto Chattopadhyay, p44
The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan, p45
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"Culture is not just inherited—it's created, together." — Anonymous
Welcome to the July 2025 edition of Storizen Magazine! This month, we look ahead with purpose and imagination as we explore our theme: "Co-Creating Cultures for the Future." In a rapidly changing world, this theme invites us to reimagine how art, literature, innovation, and shared values shape the communities we wish to build together.
Our cover story, "The Boldest Twist Yet, " features the phenomenal Cara Hunter, bestselling author of the DI Adam Fawley series In a gripping interview, she takes us behind the scenes of her latest psychological thriller, unraveling the art of the perfect twist and how her characters reflect the evolving complexity of human behavior.
This issue also brings you an exciting spread of 38 book reviews, covering everything from intense crime thrillers to soul-stirring memoirs. Whether you’re in the mood for fast-paced fiction or deeply reflective nonfiction, there's something in these pages for every kind of reader.
As we imagine tomorrow, let this issue be your invitation to reflect, dream, and engage with the stories that inspire collective growth and change.
Storizen Magazine July 2025 Issue is Live Now!
Saurabh Chawla, Editor in Chief editor@storizen.com
By Pria Raiyani and Swapna Peri
Cara Hunter
In the ever-evolving world of crime fiction, few authors have managed to blur the lines between psychological depth and procedural grit as seamlessly as Cara Hunter Best known for her chart-topping DI Adam Fawley series, Hunter returns to one of her most haunting narratives in Making a Killing, a bold sequel to her debut Close to Home In this exclusive interview, she opens up about why she felt compelled to revisit the Daisy Mason case, how she crafted the book’s chilling new psychological layers, and what’s next for both Fawley and her storytelling With her signature fragmented style, immersive character work, and chilling narrative innovations, Hunter continues to push the genre forward one twist at a time.
"Making a Killing" boldly reopens the Daisy Mason case, peeling back emotional and investigative layers with a psychological edge. What inspired you to return to this haunting case, and how did you approach it differently to reflect both the time that has passed and Fawley's personal evolution?
I never originally intended to revisit this case, but I did find the characters really compelling and –as anyone who’s read it will know – the epilogue leaves us with some tantalising questions So much so that there has always been quite a debate about whether the book has a ‘happy ending’ or is actually a looming disaster just waiting to happen (I’m in the latter camp, for the record!) And I’ve had so many requests from readers to go back to the story! ‘We want to know what happened next!’
So I decided I would, indeed, write a sequel. The only issue (and I’m trying to avoid spoilers for Close to Home here) is that I needed sufficient time to elapse so that all the characters would have full agency. But writing my standalone,Murder in the Family, gave me exactly the opportunity I needed: the previous Fawley, Hope to Die, had ended with him in 2018, but the intervening book gave me the chance to bring Adam up to date and set Making a Killing in 2024, eight years after the original case
Eight years is a long time, and some of those
years I was glad to omit (lockdown, for example!), but there were other things I knew my readers would want to know – what’s happened in the lives of the police characters in that time? Especially those, like Erica Somer, who was last seen facing a personal and professional crisis And what about Adam himself, his career, his new fatherhood, his marriage? All of that was a joy to explore, and in fact there’s a separate short story accompanying the book, which fills out more of Adam’s personal evolution, which I think readers will really enjoy
Your signature fragmented narrative—mixing transcripts, emails, headlines, and the eerie 'Shadow Journal'—makes readers feel like detectives themselves. How do you craft this intricate puzzle while still ensuring readers remain emotionally connected to the characters and the case?
As your readers will probably know, this is the part of the writing process that I enjoy the most! As you rightly say, it’s all contrived to give the reader a chance to solve the case themselves (and I took it even further in Murder in the Family, where there is no authorial voice at all)
The technical question about maintaining empathy within a structure like this is a very insightful one I can’t pretend I sat down and asked myself that question before I started - it was far more instinctive than that But the answer, I think, is that I write all the narrative sections first So, in essence, I write a ‘conventional’ crime story, including all the sections where we see Adam and his colleagues in their personal lives It’s only then, with that draft complete, that I go back and interweave all the mixed media items, so that those documents and narratives bring something richer to the mix in plot terms, but don’t substitute for good old-fashioned character development. The exception to that, in Making a Killing, was the Shadow Journal. Now that I did plan as I went along…
Crime fiction, in particular, is incredibly crowded! So many fabulous writers, a lot of them women (which is fantastic), and so many great books.
Pic: Cara Hunter (Source: Instagram)
The ‘Shadow Self’ voice adds a chilling psychological depth, almost inviting readers into the mind of a manipulative presence. What challenges or surprises did you face in developing this dual perspective, and how did you ensure it heightened the suspense without giving too much away?
Again, I’m going to have to be careful about spoilers here! I always knew that if I was going to revisit this case there would be one character who would have to appear in the first person, and speak in their own words. Readers were always going to want to get inside the mind of this character, and to be honest I did as well! The challenge, though, was that Adam already speaks to us directly, in his own voice So I needed an approach or a vehicle that would be sufficiently distinctive to avoid any confusion in the reader’s mind, and, ideally, add something new of its own And then, out of the blue, serendipity: I saw an ad on Instagram for The Shadow Work Journal, by Keila Shaheen
I’d never heard of Shadow Work before but just that title had me clicking through to learn more It turned out that it was a self-help manual based on the psychological theories of the early twentiethcentury psychiatrist Carl Jung He believed that each human psyche has its own ‘shadow’ which harbours the dark aspects of ourselves: characteristics we dislike, experiences we have repressed, pain we have not resolved, impulses that cause us guilt or shame. Jung contended that it is only by bringing this dark shadow into conscious thought and confronting it that we can achieve a whole and healthy self. That’s what ‘shadow work’ is: a structured approach designed to help people address and reintegrate their dark side, and there are many apps, books and websites out there offering ways to do this
And there it was – the answer to my narrative conundrum I could create my own fake ‘shadow work app’, which would not only look and feel entirely different from Adam’s narrative but give my readers a chilly insight into the mind and motivation of a psychopath I’m really proud of this aspect of the book, I think it’s genuinely new and innovative, and I managed to thoroughly creep myself out writing it!
The DI Adam Fawley series has captivated readers and topped bestseller charts with each book. What sparked the idea behind the gripping storyline of Making a Killing—and can fans expect another twist-laden case on the horizon after this one?
The story came to me – as so many do – as a visual image of an almost cinematic intensity: a gloomy woodland, an old and twisted and almost human-looking tree, and beneath it a shallow grave. A grave where the police discover the impossible: the recently deposited DNA of a child who’s been dead for over eight years…
As for what’s next, another standalone! Similar in format to Murder in the Family, but not exactly the same But as with that book there’s no authorial voice in the next one, just transcripts, documents, photos, maps, and the same challenge to the reader to get in and solve it first!
What’s your take on today’s generation of writers and the evolving landscape of storytelling? If you could offer one piece of advice to emerging authors navigating this space, what would it be?
Crime fiction, in particular, is incredibly crowded! So many fabulous writers, a lot of them women (which is fantastic), and so many great books. Some are not so good, of course, but the sheer volume of crime books being published makes it a really competitive landscape where it’s near-nigh impossible to get your book noticed, however brilliant/well-written/creative/original it might be.
I don’t have any magic advice to give to new authors embarking on this journey – I wish I did! –but my own experience has been that an environment like this makes the role your publisher plays even more important You can write the best book in the world, but it will only get noticed if you have great PR, excellent marketing, and significant visibility, not only online but, crucially, for your physical book That’s all about having the support of a really professional sales operation, alongside efficient distribution and great relationships with book retailers I’ve been really lucky to have that, all across the world, with all my different publishers
Pic: Cara Hunter (Source: Instagram)
From Sunday Times bestselling author Cara Hunter, creator of the viral hit Murder in the Family and the DI Adam Fawley series, comes a gripping new thriller that reopens the haunting mystery of Daisy Mason — the eight-year-old girl who vanished in 2016. Her mother was convicted of her murder, yet Daisy’s body was never found. Years later, fresh evidence at a new crime scene casts doubt on everything the police thought they knew. As Fawley and his team are pulled back into the case that never truly closed, one chilling question resurfaces: what really happened to Daisy Mason and is she still out there?
Some Other Books by Cara Hunter!
Is there a core philosophy or guiding belief that shapes both your writing and the way you approach life? How has it influenced the stories you choose to tell?
One thing I have always believed is that you make your own luck, and the way you do that is by working hard. There’s a saying which I love, which is that the reason most people miss opportunities is because those opportunities turn up wearing overalls and looking like work. Well, I’ve never been afraid of hard work! Everything I’ve achieved in life has been down to my own efforts, and the luck I’ve had – like being selected for the Richard & Judy Book Club for Close to Home – could only have happened because I’d worked hard to be in that place at that time So, to go back to your last question and my advice to emerging writers – yes, this publishing environment is really tough and you definitely will need a lot of luck, so roll your selves up and make sure you’re in the best possible place to seize that luck when it does come
You can write the best book in the world, but it will only get noticed if you have great PR, excellent marketing, and significant visibility, not only online but, crucially, for your physical book.
About Pria - Young mesmerizing freelance blogger, social enthusiast, and an economics graduate from Jharkhand University with a Master's in Child Psychology She is hardworking yet crazy, a passionate reader, an ardent music fanatic, an avid caffeine lover, and a maniacal animal lover too She has been a part of numerous anthologies, articles, and write-ups for newspapers and magazines which are multi-linguistic She has also written screenplays for YouTube series Contact: pria@storizen com
Swapna Peri is a Freelance blogger, book reviewer, narrator, and copy editor
Contact: swapna.peri@storizen.com
HOT OFFthe press
From Rhonda Byrne, bestselling author of The Secret and The Greatest Secret, comes Countdown to Riches—a transformative 21-day journey designed to shift your mindset and unlock true financial freedom. Byrne reveals that the root of financial struggle lies in our thoughts, and to live a rich life, we must first rewire the mind that’s been blocking abundance. This book offers simple, practical daily practices to dissolve scarcity thinking and build lasting wealth from within. Through powerful insights and easy-to-follow habits, Countdown to Riches helps you align your thoughts with prosperity, so that wealth isn’t just something you chase it becomes who you are.
In On the Banks of the Pampa, award-winning author Volga reimagines the story of Sabari—the forestdwelling woman who became Rama’s devoted follower —in a powerful, lyrical novel of resistance and awakening. Once enslaved and later reunited with her guru, Matanga Muni, Sabari’s journey unfolds through the forests along the Pampa river, where she finds spiritual truth and a voice for the oppressed. As the final book in Volga’s acclaimed feminist trilogy, this bold retelling challenges dominant ideas of dharma and human supremacy, offering a moving, timely reflection on harmony, dissent, and the enduring wisdom of nature.
HOT OFFthe press
In this captivating new mystery, amateur detective Kaveri Murthy is drawn back into sleuthing when a woman is murdered after seeking her help—despite Kaveri’s vow to step back while pregnant and under her mother-in-law’s watch. Her investigation takes her from 1920s Bangalore to the misty hills of Coorg, where she unravels a web of secrets involving ghostly sightings, estate feuds, and the powerful Coffee King, Colonel Boyd. As the murders mount and two children plead for help, Kaveri must race to stop a cunning killer before they strike again.
In Daniel Silva’s gripping new thriller, legendary art restorer and spy Gabriel Allon is pulled into a deadly mystery when a woman’s body surfaces in the Venetian Lagoon and a lost Leonardo da Vinci painting vanishes from the Vatican during a blackout. What begins as a routine restoration in Venice spirals into a high-stakes hunt through the shadows of art, power, and organized crime. As Gabriel races to recover the stolen masterpiece, he uncovers a web of corruption and secrets tied to a nameless woman and a painting the world was never meant to see.
Together We Build Our World
by Sreelekha Chaterjee
y Mexican daughter-in-law,Juana, and my son, Kunal,who live in the US, have come over for the first time after marriage to our ancestral home in Kolkata, India Following the age-old practice, Juanais is supposed to cook and serve food to the family members and close relatives in a private ceremony Perhaps such a custom was introduced with the thought that food brought people together, connected them, bridging the differencesbetween cultures, nationalities, geographies, and generations
Culture is like a pearl that is formed layer by layer, shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and values, undergoing a process of refinement Juana and I intend to create our own through our joint efforts and understanding of one another We eat different varieties of food based on our cultural familiarity and behavioral patterns Each type of food receives unbelievable energy and phenomenal attributes from Mother Nature warmth and vitality from the Sun, comfort and strength from the Earth, soothing and fulfilling vivacity from the Rain, and evolving energy from the Wind.
I notice Juana’s hesitation evident in the beads of perspiration on her forehead and agitations reflected inher tense features in taking up the Indian cooking activity in my kitchen.
“Food unites us all Let’s connect with Nature through cooking It is meditative and a source of pure joy ” I say, while Juana’s taut face shows signs of relaxation
She is wearing a yellow frock made of silk, which is finely cut with laced borders Her brown curls fall up to her shoulders, and her face is charming, though petrified on account of taking up the preparation of the unknown, untried cuisine, which would certainly have been the case if I was driven toward such a situation
I narrate the Indian mythological story of goddess Annapurna (“Anna” meaning food/grains and “purna” meaning filled completely) the goddess of food, who is an incarnation of goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva (who creates, protects, and transforms the universe) Once Shiva mentioned the food that we eat to be an illusion, to which goddess Parvati disagreed In order to teach Shiva a lesson, she vanished saying that she wished to see how the world survived without food. On her disappearance, Nature came to a standstill, there were no changes in seasons, land became barren, infertile, halting growth and development. Consequently, there was a severe
drought and a huge shortage of food. Hungry and emaciated, the gods, humans, and demons started praying for food. Moved by their pleas, goddess Parvati initiated food distribution to the famished population. Lord Shiva emerged apologetically before her with a begging bowl in his hand, recognizing food as an integral part of our existence
The body needs to be rejuvenated, which is unachievable without the comfort of food, and in turn nourishes, enlightens the inner soul Since then,goddess Parvati has been revered as goddess Annapurna
All the living beings, including humans, are part of the natural world We are one with Nature The vigor of life is transformed from the Universe to Nature It flows from the Earth to the vegetables, to the grains, and ultimately into our body through the food that is gifted by Nature, providing the necessary energy to attain knowledge and wisdom A common belief is that the food, which is prepared with pure mind, love, and care becomes sacred as it receives the blessings of the goddess, eliminating the dearth of food in the household
“India and Mexico are distanced by seven oceans, thousands of miles apart, but the food has many striking affinities in terms of taste and flavor ” I tell Juana, realizing that both the countries have rich, vibrant cultures, while my glance enwraps her smiling, loving, reassuring.“I’ve already decided the menu and have prepared the dishes. You’ll only cook rice kheer, that is, pudding, for everybody.” I continue, trying to ease her anxiety.
Accustomed to the rules of my kitchen. Wiping her hands upon her apron, she gets ready for the activity.
On the table, the food lies in covered bowls of sparkling-white bone china I remove the lid from the first one,and wafts of a savoryaroma, mostly of clarified butter, reach our olfactory lobes
“It’s pulao,” I declare, “one-pot rice dish steamed with vegetables like green peas, carrots, beans, spiced up with garam masala a spice blend mainly of cumin, coriander, cardamom Mexican rice is very similar to it, with flavors of corn, garlic, onion, tomato, and jalapeno ”
Juana tastes a spoonful of pulao and says, “Yes, it’s just like our rice ”
Next, we move on to the aloo paratha (Indian flatbread stuffed with potato and spices cumin, coriander, and red chili powder)
“This resembles our quesadilla,” says the attentive observer, hosting a tender smile
“Yes, it’s basically a tortilla made up of corn flour or wheat flour, filled with cheese, spices, and meat.” I reply, observing
the streams of wintry-afternoon sunlight waver on the windowsill “It’s a lot like our paratha that I have prepared with wheat flour, the staple over here, often filled with vegetables like cauliflowers; herbs like coriander, fenugreek; and spices to add the Indian flavor, and is also cooked on a griddle ”
I have also made three different types of chutneys coriander, tomato, and green chilies known as salsa in Mexican cuisine, to be used as a dip for parathas
Juana tries the coriander chutney
“Isn’t it like chimichurri, ma?” whispers her reddened lips, feeling the heat of chilies added in the chutney
“Yes!A piquant sauce combining parsley, garlic, onion, oregano, and olive oil. Our main ingredient is coriander.
We don’t use oregano and olive oil. Maybe next time we can add those ones to create a new flavor.”
Henceforth, our food will be based on our syncretic beliefs of our food culture and tried-and-tested cuisines, where the classics will intelligently intermingle with the contemporary
Following that is our vibrant-yellow pedas comprised of khoa (condensed milk), sugar, and additives like cardamom seeds, saffron, almonds, and pistachios The rich, deep aroma of spices and clarified butter feels tempting Pedas are identical to the Mexican jamoncillos essentially milk fudge with vanilla extract available in bright colors, astoundingly similar in taste, with experimental flavors of coffee extract and coconut oil
Juana is taken by surprise at the astonishing alikeness that exists between the two cuisines
Adhering to my advice, she takes one liter of full-cream milk in an aluminum saucepan, places it on the gas stove, and continues stirring for some time (so that the cream doesn’t stick to the bottom) till it simmers
“Rice kheer is a sweet delicacy made with milk, rice, and sugar.” I say while handing her the container of sugar, seeing the initial swelling in the liquid.
A momentary hesitation before Juana adds the sugar and raw, white rice to the boiling milk, continues moving the ladle, while a drop of milk escapes the pan and lands on her green apron, creating a solitary wet spot.
In a separate bowl, we add a few strands of saffron and milk, mix them, and then the resultant golden yellowish liquid, similar to the bright sunshine poured into the saucepan On sprinkling a tiny amount of cardamom powder that instantly mingles with the pudding, we find ourselves surrounded by a heavenly, sweet fragrance that permeates the kitchen, and our attention is distracted by it for an instant
“Just like our arroz con leche, where we include cinnamon instead of saffron.” Juana says with warmth and discreet elegance, her hazel eyes brightening with enthusiasm.
Once the rice softens and the milk becomes thick, creamy, we turn off the gas stove, and garnish with raisins, slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, and cashews.
Amidst the mouth-watering, intoxicating flavors enveloping our senses, we have come closer to each other almost imperceptibly
I feel warmed to the marrow on seeing our relatives welcome the new bride with open arms, as they relish the scrumptious food An absolute silence reigns when they eat the food, totally absorbed in savoring the delicious culinary creations, specially the rice kheer comforted and soothed by the efforts that lay in their preparations
I peck Juana on the cheek, and say lovingly, “You’re our Annapurna ” I am notsure whether it is her eyes or mine, or perhaps both bedecked in profound happiness that glisten with tears of joy
Sreelekha Chatterjee’s short stories have been published in various national, and international magazines and journals like Indian Periodical, Femina, Indian Short Fiction, eFiction India, The Criterion, The Literary Voyage, World of Words, Writer’s Ezine, and Estuary, and have been included in numerous print and online anthologies such as Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul series (Westland Ltd, India), Wisdom of Our Mothers (Familia Books, USA), and several others She lives in New Delhi, India
You can connect with her on Facebook at facebook.com/sreelekha.chatterjee.1/,
Twitter -@sreelekha001, and Instagram @sreelekha2023.
BY NEHA JAIN
ducation is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world – NELSON MANDELA
Our Indian culture attracts the whole world, but we Indians are moving away from our culture
The most important thing is to protect our cultural values Truth, respect, sacrifice, non–violence, spirituality, all these are the identity of our culture
GOOD VALUES FROM CHILDHOOD
Right from childhood, children should be taught good manners and human values in the family
We should teach children to speak the truth always and to respect elders and teachers, because children build and create new innovations in the future Children can preserve the heritage of their culture
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
Physical and mental health are both connected to our future Our new generation is moving towards Western culture They are taking too much stress and eating junk food, late night parties alcohol consumption, and all these are increasing in our generation. Due to which our physical and mental health gets affected badly. We should not forget our culture and tradition; only then can we create a better future.
SAVE OUR CULTURE AND SPIRITUALITY
Our traditions and spirituality are the identity of our culture Now days everyone lives in a nuclear family, and due to this, there is a lot of stress among them
This stress gives many medical conditions when we cannot keep ourselves fit, then how will we create our future, and because we are not living with our family, we are getting further from spirituality Yoga is deeply rooted in Indian culture Yoga is not just a physical practice but also a spiritual and philosophical tradition in Indian society Many people from foreign countries come to India to learn yoga, but Indian people do not like yoga in their daily lives
I believe that this is a part of our Indian culture, that whatever we want to do in our life, we need to be grateful and start that journey with the blessings of the Almighty – HARNAZ SANDHU
SOME WAYS TO CREATE OUR CULTURE
1) Art And Architecture
2) Philosophy
3) Festivals
Neha Jain lives in Kota She is a homemaker and a finance enthusiast
Fromtheeditor’s bookshelf
by saurabh chawla
Book Title: Everything Is Spiritual: Finding Your Way in a Turbulent World
Author: Rob Bell
Publisher: Yellow Kite
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1529340259
Date Published: March 31, 2022
Price: INR 825
There are books that you read, and then there are books that read you. Rob Bell’s Everything is Spiritual belongs to the latter category.
I picked it up on a quiet evening, expecting a light philosophical detour What I got instead was an unflinching, deeply personal unraveling of life itself told through the lens of someone who has walked through the fire of doubt, creativity, faith, and identity, and emerged with the kind of wisdom that doesn’t preach it whispers
Bell doesn't offer a linear narrative The book flows like memory itself fragmented, poetic, spiraling, and deeply alive He speaks of his childhood, the rigid religious systems he outgrew, and the ache of reinventing oneself when the world no longer makes space for the person you're becoming Every page pulses with honesty, and every paragraph feels like a quiet permission slip to be fully human
As someone constantly surrounded by stories submissions, manuscripts, pitches this book reminded me that we are our first story And like Bell, we’re constantly revising, reshaping, re-narrating His voice at once tender, humorous, and unapologetically raw lingers long after the final page.
What I loved most was how Everything is Spiritual blurs the boundary between the sacred and the everyday. A family dinner, a conversation with a stranger, the silence of being alone with one’s thoughts Bell weaves it all into a spiritual experience He doesn’t demand belief; he invites curiosity
If you’re looking for a book that won’t just speak to your mind but also sit quietly with your soul, Everything is Spiritual is a must-read Not for the answers it gives, but for the questions it lets you hold with reverence
Get it here:
Close Your Eyes and Let Your Ears be the Canvas
Stories written and narrated by Madhulika Ra Chauhan, await you where the magic of narrative will carry you away, episode by episode.
Watch the Story ‘Naayika’ on YouTube
“In
life and in art, we don’t just perform roles, we become them.” Meet the Naayika within you. Do listen.
Listen ‘Naayika’ on Spotify
Scan the above QR Code to listen ‘Naayika’ on Spotify
Scan the above QR Code to listen ‘Naayika’ on YouTube
WE ARE SIGNING OFF FROM EARTH
by Sumita Dutta Shoam
ystopian literature abounds. Why? Because everyone knows we are all destroying Earth Pollution is rising - air pollution, I mean That means, if I have children and they have children, somewhere down the future, we are giving birth to people who will suffocate to death! Or grow tumors in their bodies because of the very air they breathe Not to forget, the polluted water they will drink, and the produce grown in polluted soil, that they will eat! Is there anything that I, as the father of my progeny, can do to change the situation – to make the world a healthy, beautiful place for my children to grow and flourish? No! Not enough!
I know there are people who are making a difference People who have single handedly grown forests, transformed deserts to lush greenery And yet, the bulldozer keeps moving forward, razing Earth – that bulldozer, made up of giant factories, big pharmaceutical companies, big businesses that need to churn out big profits Their tall chimneys keep bellowing out gusts of poisonous air. They filter it, you say? I still see smoke in varied shades of grey being emitted! Nothing much has changed from the time Lowry painted England’s industrial landscapes with humans as stick figures in the foreground. Only the list of artists has lengthened – those who have painted industrial landscapes trying to find beauty in billowing smoke
But when Covid happened and those stick figures disappeared from the foreground, and from the factories which consequently stopped emitting their noxious gases, there was a period when Earth could breathe clean air The wild reclaimed their lands Greenery flourished The skies were so clear, mountain ranges that had never been seen by towns that were latitudes away, could suddenly see them amazingly rising above the skyline What an unbelievable moment
Yes, just a moment It didn’t last Covid passed and humans, those frail stick figures, swarmed all over the foreground Their businesses in the background again polluted the earth, seas and skies
My wife and I have decided that we will not have children We shall take care of our two sets of parents as they grow old. And we shall be pet parents – a cat’s parents to be exact. They are pretty self-sufficient and do not need as much time and care as dogs. Yes, people think us selfcentered, and as they are wont to
do, dish-out their opinions freely, whether we are interested or not. Especially people who are not related to us at all. When my parents can accept a cat as their grandchild, why do we bother about what a third person says? Because this one was an interesting hypothesis that had us mulling for a while It is based upon the theory of rebirth Our Hindu Sanathan Dharma states that as certified truth, and I, having grown up as a Hindu, know it as a long-ingrained belief My prosaic, practical mind accepts it just as easily as it understands E = mc2
The opinionated gentleman’s peeve was about the fate of our Hindu souls, which are part of the cycle of death and rebirth until our actions balance our karmas, and our souls attain moksha/salvation Those who have attained moksha, like Gautam Buddha or Sri Ramkrishna Paramhans, have achieved it through enquiring into the self by going deep into meditation, or something I read somewhere, Sri Ramkrishna found moksha in six or seven different ways Didn’t he say, there are many paths to God?
Anyway, coming back to the point, the rest of us poor ordinary folks, who will never find moksha even if God came down and pointed us to the path with a lit torch, are doomed to go through the cycle of life, death and rebirth forever
2
E = mc . Energy never dies. It can transform into mass, or something beyond my ken, but it never dies. And the Hindu soul too never dies. But for rebirth, parents are required. And if more and more young folks, like my wife and I, decide to remain childless, then how will the souls waiting for rebirth continue their journey?
Hence, our concerned pontifical gentleman’s premise is that every human, or at least Hindu human’s first duty of life is to procreate Just as it is wrong to commit suicide, it is wrong to choose to remain childless
It’s illegal to commit suicide Even euthanasia is illegal in most parts of the world If a horse or dog is sick and dying in pain, euthanasia is acceptable, even the right thing to do even if you are drowning in pain at the thought of having to kill your pet You are considered brave and humane when you choose to let an animal have a dignified end
But the same felicity does not exist for humans Even if they are suffering for years, they cannot be euthanized They have to live through their pain and work out their karma, aided only by painkillers, and those have limitations of efficacy Not just Hindu, this is a universal philosophy
Well, even though the choice of euthanasia, or suicide, is not ours to make, so far, the choice to remain childless, to choose not to procreate, is not yet illegal By making that choice, if we are not allowing the rebirth of a soul or two, are we doing anything that would impact our world? The world where E = mc and the energy of souls need an avenue to transform?
2
What exactly are we doing? We are definitely putting a full stop to the genetic code that my wife and I carry But we do have siblings and cousins, who are procreating happily, so the loss of the combination of our genes will not send Earth into a depression It does feel like the end of the line, like we are killing something, almost like suicide Except that we shall live out our lives, hopefully in good health, while contributing meaningfully to society in our small way
And perhaps, our choice will have a bigger impact on Earth, if more people choose to remain childless like us Maybe that mountain range will be visible again from latitudes away, for a fewer number of humanity, who will flourish and not remain stick figures in the foreground Hmm! Yes, we like that thought. Therefore, we are sticking to our decision to sign off from Earth and leave her healthier and happier.
Sumita Dutta Shoam enjoys themost creative mediums of expression A lifelong reader, she did her degree in fine Arts from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore She has worn several hats over the years: high school English teacher, teaching AS and O level English, editor, photographer, and publisher, amongst other designations
Her debut novel, The Heart of Donna Rai (2018), received complimentary reviews Her poetry, prose, photography, and art can be found at https://zippythoughts wordpress com/, other websites, and printed anthologies. She founded Adisakrit, a publishing house that publishes a variety of genres. She has co-written two full length feature films and one documentary the last, Game of Change, is expected to be released on OTT soon.
As you turn the page, let the adventure begin –our book reviews await, promising literary delights and captivating tales!
Pic: Swapna Peri
Taylor Jenkins Reid's new novel, titled "Atmosphere" is a stirring story that blends the grandeur of space exploration with the intimate complexities of human connection, set against the vivid backdrop of NASA’s 1980s Space Shuttle program At its heart is Joan Goodwin, a reserved physics professor whose lifelong fascination with the stars propels her into the gruelling yet exhilarating world of astronaut training Surrounded by a cast of vividly drawn colleagues each grappling with their own ambitions and secrets Joan’s journey is as much about confronting societal expectations and personal identity as it is about reaching for the cosmos. Reid’s meticulous research into NASA’s inner workings lends the novel a palpable authenticity, immersing readers in the physical and emotional rigors of astronaut life. Yet, what truly sets *Atmosphere* apart is its nuanced exploration of relationships: Joan’s tender, evolving bond with her precocious niece Frances grounds her, while her clandestine romance with fellow astronaut Vanessa Ford crackles with tension and tenderness Their love story, fraught with the necessity of secrecy in a less accepting era, is rendered with rare sensitivity, capturing both the exhilaration of first love and the ache of hidden longing Through Joan and Vanessa, Reid deftly examines themes of self-discovery, bravery, and the courage it takes to live authentically even when the world demands otherwise The novel’s pacing is expertly calibrated, balancing scenes of high-stakes space missions with quieter, deeply human moments shared takeout meals, whispered confidences, the mundane made meaningful Reid’s prose is accessible yet evocative, drawing readers into Joan’s internal world without sacrificing the thrill of her external adventures. As the story builds toward a devastating, emotionally resonant climax, Joan is forced to reconcile her dreams with the realities of love and loss, leaving readers both shattered and hopeful. "Atmosphere" is more than a space thriller or a love story it’s a testament to the transformative power of connection, in all its messy, glorious forms. While the novel’s feminist and political themes are sometimes overt, they are rooted in the lived experiences of its characters, making their struggles and triumphs feel immediate and real For fans of Reid’s previous work, "Atmosphere" delivers everything they’ve come to expect: empathetic, flawed protagonists; immersive historical settings; and a story that lingers long after the final page It is, quite simply, Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best a novel that soars as high as its characters’ ambitions, and lands with the weight of genuine emotion.
Sharmishtha Shenoy’s "Candle in the WindStories of True Crime against Women and Children" is a searing collection of true crime narratives that shine a light on the lived experiences of women who have faced unimaginable adversity and violence Drawing from real cases, Shenoy crafts stories that are as empathetic as they are unflinching, refusing to sanitize the harsh realities of gendered violence in contemporary India The book opens with a heartfelt foreword by Shikha Goel, IPS, Head of the Women’s Safety Wing, Telangana Police, which sets the tone for the collection one of compassion, urgency, and a call for societal introspection. The first story, "The Kidnapping of Baby Ishitha," exemplifies Shenoy’s narrative strength. Through the eyes of Naina, a young woman living with disability, the reader is introduced to the layered realities of rural life, the weight of tradition, and the consequences of patriarchal decisions. Shenoy’s portrayal of female friendship particularly between Naina and Poonam offers a rare tenderness amidst the surrounding trauma The author skillfully weaves in themes of resilience, the importance of education, and the often invisible bonds that sustain women through hardship The authenticity of the dialogue and the evocative descriptions of village life ground the narrative in a palpable reality What sets "Candle in the Wind" apart from other true crime works is its refusal to sensationalize Instead, Shenoy foregrounds the voices and agency of her subjects, granting them dignity and complexity Each story is not merely a recounting of crime but an exploration of the social structures patriarchy, poverty, and systemic neglect that enable such tragedies The stories are interspersed with moments of hope and solidarity, reminding readers that even in the darkest circumstances, the human spirit can persist and inspire change. The author powerfully conveys the emotional toll of crime on victims' families in the book through intimate, empathetic storytelling that highlights their anxiety, guilt, and helplessness. Ultimately, "Candle in the Wind" is both an indictment of societal apathy and a tribute to the courage of women who refuse to be silenced. Shenoy’s meticulous research and honest storytelling make this book essential reading for anyone interested in gender justice, social reform, or the power of narrative to effect change
It is a book that demands to be read with an open mind and a compassionate heart, leaving readers not only more informed but also more determined to advocate for a world where no woman’s voice goes unheard.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Candle in the Wind by Sharmishtha Shenoy
Daisies in the Wild by Stuti Agarwal
"Daisies in the Wild" by Stuti Agarwal is a tender yet unflinching exploration of adolescence, set against the turbulent backdrop of a rioting Darjeeling The novel centers on three girls Inayat, Pema, and Nidra whose lives intersect within the cloistered world of St Mary’s school, where the desire to belong wrestles with the ache of isolation Stuti Agarwal’s prose captures the raw chaos of growing up: the quiet rebellions, the yearning for acceptance, and the friendships that both wound and heal The author, herself from Darjeeling, suffuses the narrative with an intimate sense of place, where every glance and whispered secret reverberates against a world that feels both magical and menacing Through the eyes of her protagonists, the author deftly navigates the complexities of faith, love, and internal conflict, weaving together personal and political tensions as seamlessly as the daisies that punctuate the story’s landscape The girls’ struggles are as much about navigating schoolyard politics as they are about confronting the larger uncertainties of a community in upheaval Their friendship is a fragile lifeline, tested by miscommunication, envy, and the ever-present fear of being left behind. The narrative is punctuated by moments of aching vulnerability like the memory of a grandmother’s painted daisies, or the sting of being forever outside the inner circle that lend the story its emotional heft. The book also refuses to offer the familiar sheen of coming-of-age tales. Stuti Agarwal leans into the messy, in-between spaces of adolescence, allowing her characters to falter and flare without judgment. There’s no heroism here just honest, aching lives unfolding in real time The girls speak with a raw immediacy, their words tinged with longing, dry humor, and the quiet terror of growing up Rather than dramatizing their defiance, the novel finds strength in subtle resistance in the way a gaze lingers, a silence holds, or a truth slips out uninvited It's in these understated ruptures that the story pulses with life Ultimately, "Daisies in the Wild" is a testament to the resilience of friendship and the bittersweet process of finding one’s voice amid the noise of the world It is a story of summers remembered and futures imagined, of holding on and letting go, and of the small, persistent hope that tomorrow might be kinder
Stuti Agarwal’s novel is a poignant reminder that growing up is never easy, but it is in the wild, uncharted spaces between friends that we often discover who we truly are.
Star by Gautam
"Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna" by Gautam Chintamani is a meticulously researched and evocatively written biography that seeks to unravel the enigma of India’s first superstar. Gautam approaches his subject with a blend of reverence and
critical distance, steering clear of tabloid sensationalism and instead focusing on Khanna’s cinematic journey and the cultural phenomenon he embodied The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to contextualize Khanna’s meteoric rise and precipitous fall within the broader currents of Hindi cinema and Indian society, offering readers both a portrait of the man and a chronicle of an era The narrative is structured with care, moving from Khanna’s early struggles and unprecedented stardom to his eventual marginalization and solitude Gautam’s prose is lucid and elegant, and he draws on a wide array of interviews, anecdotes, and film analyses to bring Khanna’s story to life The foreword by Sharmila Tagore sets the tone, blending personal reminiscence with sharp insight into Khanna’s appeal and contradictions. Gautam’s decision to focus on the actor’s work rather than his personal scandals is both refreshing and justified, allowing the reader to appreciate the artistry and charisma that made Khanna a household name. However, the book is not without its limitations. Gautam’s reluctance to delve deeply into Khanna’s personal life, while understandable, sometimes leaves the psychological portrait incomplete The reader is left yearning for a more nuanced understanding of the vulnerabilities and insecurities that haunted Khanna, especially as his stardom waned At times, the exhaustive synopses of lesser-known films can feel redundant, detracting from the narrative’s momentum Nevertheless, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engrossing account that is as much about the fragility of fame as it is about its intoxicating power
To sum up, "Dark Star" stands out as a significant contribution to the literature on Indian cinema Gautam’s sympathetic yet unsparing gaze captures both the magic and melancholy of Rajesh Khanna’s life, making the book essential reading for cinephiles and anyone interested in the cultural history of modern India
In celebrating Khanna’s achievements while acknowledging his flaws, Gautam Chintamani restores to the actor a dignity that the fickle tides of fame and public memory had threatened to erase.
Chintamani
Everything All at Once by Rajiv Kumar and Ishan Joshi
In "Everything All at Once - India and the Six Simultaneous Global Transitions", Rajiv Kumar and Ishan Joshi offer a sweeping, lucid, and urgent analysis of the six seismic transitions currently reshaping the global order and, crucially, what they mean for India. The book’s central thesis is
as bold as it is timely: never before have so many profound global shifts geopolitical, geographical, geoeconomic, technological, ecological, and ideological unfolded simultaneously, and never has the need for strategic foresight been greater for a country with India’s aspirations The authors, both seasoned policy thinkers, lament the absence of a “meta-narrative” in Indian strategic discourse They set out to fill this gap, not by offering piecemeal analyses, but by connecting the dots between disparate transitions: the crumbling of Pax Americana, the shift of economic and political gravity to Asia, the rise of the Global South, the disruptive potential of AI and digital technologies, the narrowing window for climate action, and the ideological fragmentation of the international system. The book’s structure each chapter devoted to one transition, culminating in an epilogue on turning crisis into catalyst makes for a logical, accessible, and compelling read. Rajiv Kumar and Ishan Joshi are clear-eyed about India’s predicament. Unlike the OECD countries or even China, India must simultaneously lift hundreds of millions out of poverty and reduce its carbon footprint The authors argue that India cannot afford the luxury of linear, single-minded growth; it must craft a development paradigm that is both economically ambitious and ecologically sustainable This is not only a moral imperative but a matter of national security The refusal to indulge in either alarmism or fatalism makes the book different While the authors do not shy away from describing the “crumbling certitudes” of the old order be it the rise of neo-nationalism, the retreat of globalization, or the transactionalism of a second Trump presidency they also see opportunity India, they argue, is uniquely positioned to shape, not just adapt to, the new global order provided it acts with strategic agility, invests in human capital, and forges new coalitions across the Global South. “Everything All at Once” is essential reading for policymakers, business leaders, scholars, and any citizen concerned with India’s future.
It’s a blend of rigorous analysis, accessible prose, and actionable recommendations that makes it as useful to the lay reader as to the expert.
From Frontier to the Heartland by Rouhin Deb and Nabaarun Barooah
"From Frontier to the Heartland - A Century Of Sangh Parivar In The Northeast" is a bold and extensively researched account that sheds new light on the century-long engagement of the Sangh Parivar in India’s Northeast Rouhin Deb and Nabaarun Barooah take readers on an illuminating journey
through decades of cultural resistance, socio-political evolution, and organizational perseverance in one of India's most complex and diverse regions From the dark days of colonial marginalization to modern challenges of insurgency and identity, the authors position the Sangh Parivar not as an outsider imposing ideology, but as a network gradually embedding itself within indigenous contexts through seva (service) and cultural assimilation The book excels in confronting dominant academic narratives with grounded counterpoints based on interviews, oral histories, and anecdotal insights from pracharaks and karyakartas It reveals how the Sangh’s affiliates adapted to the unique religious and linguistic landscape of the Northeast not by enforcing a monolithic vision of Hinduism but by embracing and safeguarding native traditions like Donyi-Polo, Sanamahism, and Seng Khasi Particularly compelling is the portrayal of RSS workers who, despite facing violence and deep-seated suspicion, returned in times of crisis (like the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown) to provide humanitarian relief to the very communities that had previously opposed them. Authors Deb and Barooah go further by detailing the geopolitical and religious pressures in the region from British policies like the Inner Line Permit to widespread Christian proselytization and Muslim immigration which created an ideological battleground In this context, the Sangh’s long-term strategy of grassroots engagement, education, and cultural revival appears less like a political incursion and more like an organic movement for civilizational preservation The narrative is both sympathetic and critical, offering a fresh lens through which to view the Northeast's integration into the Indian political fold Overall, this work stands out for its unapologetic voice, scholarly diligence, and timely relevance For anyone seeking to understand not just the Sangh’s role, but the evolving sociopolitical contours of Northeast India, this book is essential reading
It doesn’t merely inform; it invites deeper debate on identity, nationalism, and the meaning of cultural belonging in a region long misunderstood.
It Has No Name by Payal Dhar
"It Has No Name" by Payal Dhar is a young adult novel that centers on Sami, a 16-yearold navigating gender identity, queerness, and self-acceptance in contemporary India. Sami’s discomfort with traditional femininity is immediate and visceral: she wears gender-
neutral clothing, sports short hair, and actively resists the labels and expectations that society and even peers impose on her Relocating to the small hill town of Chandnisarai with her mother only amplifies Sami’s sense of alienation, as she faces persistent misgendering and ignorance from nearly everyone around her The novel’s title signals its core concern: resisting reductive categorization and exploring what it means to simply exist outside the binaries of gender and sexuality Payal Dhar’s prose is vivid and emotionally acute, capturing the anxiety, frustration, and occasional solace that Sami feels as she navigates daily life The book excels in depicting the pervasive, often subtle gender policing that queer and gender-nonconforming youth endure, from casual slights to outright harassment. While Sami’s parents are notably accepting, the absence of support elsewhere school, town, peers casts her isolation in sharp relief. Despite the hardships, there are glimpses of hope: friendships, the comfort of sports, and the discovery of affirming queer media. These moments show how joy and resilience can coexist with alienation and confusion, a balance Dhar handles with sensitivity. However, the novel does not escape criticism Some reviewers find that *It Has No Name* falters in fully exploring the complexities of Sami’s identity as a “tomboy” and a gay teenager, arguing that the author tries to address too many themes at once and sometimes loses narrative focus The internal contradictions of the protagonist her simultaneous resistance to and search for acceptance are noted, but these are not always resolved with satisfying depth The vocabulary and discourse often feel contemporary and internet-influenced, which, while authentic to some teen experiences, can sometimes feel at odds with the lived realities of small-town India, potentially limiting the book’s ability to reflect the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences in the region To sum up,"It Has No Name" is a bold and necessary addition to Indian YA literature, offering a rare, nuanced portrait of a queer teen’s life outside urban centers. Dhar succeeds in highlighting the emotional toll of constant misgendering and the quest for self-definition, even if the narrative occasionally feels overcrowded with issues.
While critical of its missed opportunities for deeper exploration, the novel remains an important read for its empathy, relatability, and unflinching honesty about the challenges of growing up queer in a society steeped in tradition.
Maud Ventura’s "Make Me Famous" offers a gripping and unsettling portrait of the intoxicating and corrosive pursuit of celebrity. The novel centers on Cléo Louvent, a French-American pop star, whose lifelong ambition to achieve fame propels her on a ruthless, selfdestructive path. The story unfolds from
the perspective of Cléo herself, who, at age 33, isolates on a remote island to work on her latest album and reflect on her turbulent rise to stardom Ventura brilliantly exposes the emotional toll and moral compromises that underpin celebrity, portraying Cléo as a deeply flawed, narcissistic woman whose craving for attention and power is as fascinating as it is repellent Structurally, the novel cleverly charts Cléo’s journey in three parts Faith, Ascension, and Glory symbolizing both her rise and unraveling The author introduces a chilling element early on when Cléo realizes her name means “glory” in Greek, framing her ambition as a dark destiny. Ventura’s sharp, incisive writing delves into the protagonist’s psyche with startling psychological depth. Cléo’s early innocent desire transforms into an obsession so consuming it breeds cruelty and manipulation. From stealing classmates’ belongings to self-harming as punishment for artistic failures, her spiraling behavior is portrayed with a disturbing rationale that elicits uncomfortable empathy despite her atrocious actions What makes “Make Me Famous” particularly compelling is Ventura’s skill in rendering Cléo not only as a predator of others but a tormented being caught in a vicious cycle of self-loathing and relentless selfpromotion The narrative highlights the paradox of fame as both a glamorous prize and a corrosive force that deepens isolation rather than fills the internal void The novel’s biting social commentary lays bare the brutal machinery of the attention economy and the psychological cost of living life as a public spectacle Readers are challenged to consider what is sacrificed and what is lost in the name of celebrity Though Cléo is decidedly unlikeable and the story includes moments of unsettling cruelty, Ventura’s "Make Me Famous" is an addictive read that explores the dark heart of ambition with compelling precision. The novel may not shy away from Cléo’s toxic behavior, but it rewards those who persist with sharp climaxes and provocative insights about identity, power, and the price of glory.
Venturing beyond the usual glam veneer, Maud Ventura crafts a trenchant, morally murky character study that will resonate with anyone fascinated by the tangled realities behind the spectacle of fame.
Make Me Famous by Maud Ventura
Manifest Your Infinite Riches by Pushkar Anand former banker, combines cutting-edge neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and ancient wisdom to argue that authentic wealth stems from inner fulfillment, mindfulness, and living in alignment with one’s purpose not just stacking up material possessions The book challenges readers to move beyond superficial notions of success and instead cultivate a deeper, more sustainable richness rooted in clarity, courage, and conscious living. Structured as an evolutionary, four-part journey, the book offers both conceptual depth and practical utility. Anand introduces frameworks like 'The Six Statutes of Money™' for attracting material abundance and the 'MultiPronged Model To Manifest Your Infinite Riches™' for integrating spiritual and emotional fulfillment. What sets this guide apart is its emphasis on actionable exercises, real-life examples, and daily rituals tools designed not just to inspire, but to effect lasting, internal change Unlike many self-help books that rely on quick fixes or motivational platitudes, Anand’s approach is clear-headed and grounded: he focuses on how inner beliefs shape outcomes and encourages readers to “embody” the content, not just consume it The book has earned glowing endorsements from thought leaders like Jack Canfield and Blaine Bartlett, and has resonated with readers worldwide as a #1 international bestseller Its greatest strength lies in its invitation to “come home to yourself” to question limiting beliefs, reconnect with your soul’s calling, and design a life of intention and resilience
"Manifest Your Infinite Riches - Manifest the art of living an abundant life" by Pushkar Anand is not just another entry in the crowded self-help genre it is a thoughtful, holistic framework for personal transformation that redefines what it means to be truly rich Anand, a Cambridge and LSE-educated global philosopher and
Mastering Personal Investments by Prasanna Chandra and Savita Shrimal
"Mastering Personal Investments: 20 Steps to Financial Independence" by Prasanna Chandra and Savita Shrimal is an exemplary guide for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape especially within the Indian context The book stands out for its structured approach, distilling the journey
For anyone seeking to rise into their true potential, unlock prosperity on all levels, and live richly from the inside out, this book is both a blueprint and a compassionate companion on the journey.
to financial independence into 20 actionable steps, each building a foundation of knowledge that is both accessible and practical Drawing on decades of academic and industry expertise, the authors present investment concepts in clear, jargon-free language, making the content approachable even for beginners What distinguishes this book is its emphasis on real-life examples and scenarios, which not only illustrate abstract ideas but also encourage the reader to apply these lessons in their own lives. The book excels by going beyond mere investment mechanics, weaving in modern financial theories and the insights of distinguished practitioners, while grounding them in India’s unique institutional, legal, and cultural realities. A notable strength is its dual focus: “Know the Market” and “Know Yourself.” This approach underscores the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence alongside technical understanding a holistic view often missing from traditional finance texts The authors make a compelling case for discipline, patience, and long-term thinking, advocating an investment philosophy that favors steady growth over speculative gains Throughout, the text is peppered with memorable analogies such as likening human capital to “an undiversified bond portfolio” that enhance both comprehension and retention "Mastering Personal Investments" is more than a manual; it is a comprehensive companion for every stage of the investment journey Its practical toolkit and time-invariant guidelines make it a valuable resource for both newcomers and seasoned investors seeking to refine their approach By demystifying the investment process and fostering confidence, Dr. Chandra and Ms. Shrimal empower readers to craft thoughtful, informed strategies toward financial independence. For those committed to building wealth through knowledge and discipline, this book will prove an indispensable guide.
Never Flinch by Stephen King
Ace writer Stephen King’s "Never Flinch" is a tightly wound psychological thriller that demonstrates his command over the slowburn narrative. Departing from his more supernatural tales, King constructs a world rooted firmly in reality, where evil wears alltoo-human faces The plot is a braided tapestry of storylines a serial killer with a
moralistic edge, a feminist activist being pursued by an obsessive admirer, and a network of supporting characters drawn into a chilling climax Structurally ambitious but grounded, the novel recalls the narrative scope of 'The Stand' or '11/22/63', yet it zeroes in on the gritty, emotional terrain of modern crime The absence of the paranormal allows dread to build more intimately, giving the horror a sharper, more immediate sting At the heart of the novel lies Holly Gibney, a character whose evolution has unfolded across multiple books In "Never Flinch", her inner conflict and quiet courage remain compelling, though not without inconsistencies Holly’s decisions like abruptly taking a cross-country trip armed for danger may jar long-time readers familiar with her anxieties Still, her persistent bravery, shaped by vulnerability rather than invincibility, anchors the novel in emotional truth King himself admits in the afterword that Holly’s arc might not have reached its full potential here, a confession that reflects the novel’s occasional struggles with character continuity. Yet for fans invested in her since 'Mr. Mercedes', this latest chapter still offers satisfying if sometimes strained growth. Beyond the suspense, "Never Flinch" is also a sobering meditation on silence, complicity, and moral paralysis. The title becomes both a command and a moral inquiry: what happens when people flinch from the hard truths or fail to act in the face of injustice? King interrogates performative morality, urging a more courageous confrontation with everyday evil Thematically, it resonates with his more introspective novels like 'Bag of Bones' and 'Revival', shifting the horror from the supernatural to the psychological Through ordinary cruelty and quiet violence, the book mirrors contemporary anxieties, where the true monsters may not come from another realm, but from next door
Stephen King’s writing in "Never Flinch" is leaner, more distilled showing the steady hand of a master who knows exactly when to tighten the screws. While not every secondary character is fully fleshed out, the dialogue remains sharp and believable, drawing readers deeper into the emotional and moral stakes. This isn’t King’s most shocking or grandiose novel, but it’s one of his more thought-provoking ones especially for readers drawn to suspense over spectacle In the landscape of his crime fiction, it may not surpass 'The Outsider' or 'Mr Mercedes', but it more than earns its place
With its social resonance and raw tension, "Never Flinch" reminds us that the scariest terrors are often the ones we choose not to face.
Kazim Ali’s "On the Brink of Belief" is a stirring, genre-defying anthology that gathers the voices of 24 queer writers from across South Asia and its diaspora. At its heart lies a rich exploration of the entangled relationship between queerness and faith subjects often kept apart or placed in opposition Here, belief becomes a dynamic space, shaped not
only by religion but also by memory, magic, love, and trauma. Through poetry, flash fiction, memoir, and fragmentary forms, this collection doesn’t just speak it breathes, pulses, and resists. What makes the anthology exceptional is its commitment to multiplicity. From the spectral presence of djinns and the haunting shadows of shaitans to whispered kitchen conversations and heartfelt emails, these stories occupy many registers. Each piece refuses to be reduced to a single truth Some voices come cloaked in myth, others raw with confessional urgency, yet all of them contribute to a textured, kaleidoscopic vision of queer South Asian life The diversity of styles and perspectives turns the book into a constellation where each story is its own star, yet still part of a shared sky This literary achievement is also a product of collaborative community-building Born from The Queer Writers’ Room, an initiative by The Queer Muslim Project in collaboration with the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program, the anthology offers space for emerging and marginalized writers Under Ali’s sensitive curation, these voices are not polished into neat narratives for mainstream comfort they are allowed to be defiant, fragmented, intimate, and real It's a collection that doesn’t ask for permission It simply exists, fully and unapologetically. Ultimately, "On the Brink of Belief" is both sanctuary and provocation. It asks readers to sit with discomfort, contradiction, and beauty all at once. It breaks silences, challenges borders be they national, spiritual, or linguistic and offers a literary refuge to those seeking belonging beyond binaries.
For anyone interested in the evolving landscape of queer literature, particularly within the South Asian context, this book isn’t just recommended it’s necessary.
Set in 1906 against the lush backdrop of colonial Nainital, Manjul Bajaj’s "Once Upon A Summer" is a delicately crafted historical romance story. It follows the forbidden love between Madeline, a spirited young Englishwoman, and Azeem, her talented but socially marginalized Indian horse groom Bajaj’s storytelling brings vibrancy to their world,
infusing scenes with lyrical prose as horseback rides through pine forests and clandestine lessons under pear trees allow affection to blossom despite the rigid barriers of race and class The novel’s inspiration from a true story lends an intimate authenticity to the romance, making it more than a mere period piece Beyond its central love story, the novel distinguishes itself by weaving together timelines and geographies Bajaj deftly moves the narrative from colonial India to 1950s New York, where memories of Madeline and Azeem linger for characters a generation later This multigenerational scope explores the ripple effects of love and longing, as well as the tenacity of memory Secondary characters, such as Mariam originally Meera, who converts from Hinduism to Christianity while serving as Madeline’s nanny add intricate layers to the narrative, addressing issues of caste, conversion, and the status of women The book is notable for its restraint and quiet, observational tone. Bajaj’s writing never feels abrupt or overly dramatic, instead allowing the gentle passage of time and subtle shifts in relationships to carry the story. The nuanced portrayal of social divisions under colonial rule, including the fraught connections between British colonists and their Indian subjects, is handled with empathy and skill, providing both historical insight and emotional depth. Readers are transported fluidly through eras and continents with a narrative that never loses its coherence or emotional core "Once Upon A Summer" is ultimately a meditation on the enduring power of love and the memory of its reach across generations While it offers the comfort of a timeless romance, it also dares to ask how far love can trespass the boundaries society sets Bajaj’s sensitive prose and the novel’s complex, interwoven stories make it a moving tribute to forbidden love and to the echoes it leaves behind, long after a summer has ended Not to forget the beautiful cover page that is soothing!
On the Brink of Belief by Kazim Ali
Once Upon A Summer by Manjul Bajaj
Rita Bhimani’s "Presence Perfect: Your Protein Boost for a Positive Image In 24 Doses" is a vibrant mosaic of anecdotes, aphorisms, and advice that offers a personal and professional roadmap for mastering the art of self-presentation Drawing on decades of experience in public relations, event
curation, and corporate communication, Bhimani stitches together a 24-chapter guide each one branded with a whimsical “-age” suffix that blends philosophy with practicality From “Amperage” to “Webpage,” the book reflects a wide-ranging curiosity about life, leadership, language, and legacy, with its strongest moments shining through interviews and lived wisdom Where Presence Perfect excels is in its unapologetically eclectic tone The writing oscillates between poetic musings, punchy one-liners, and candid reflections, making it accessible and intimate, if at times overwhelming in its density Bhimani is at her best when she humanizes success especially through conversations with figures like Usha Uthup and Apurva Purohit and when she emphasizes the importance of visibility not as vanity, but as a tool for impact Her insistence on the "Preen Quotient" as an essential life skill is both refreshing and thought-provoking, inviting readers to balance substance with style in a world obsessed with optics. Yet, the book occasionally suffers from its indulgent prose and sprawling structure. The use of neologisms, poetic detours, and long-winded analogies can feel ornamental rather than purposeful. The central argument that self-presentation is pivotal in shaping careers and confidence gets diluted by chapter titles that prioritize cleverness over clarity. A tighter editorial hand and a more thematic grouping of chapters would have elevated the narrative flow and allowed for deeper engagement with each concept Nevertheless, Presence Perfect is a timely nudge to recalibrate how we show up in the world especially in a postpandemic landscape where digital presence often precedes physical one Readers in leadership, branding, education, or simply those curious about personal growth will find plenty to reflect upon
It’s not a how-to manual; it’s a why-you-must manifesto— bold in its ambition, rooted in real-life relevance, and imperfectly perfect in its presence.
Fugitives by Nawaaz Ahmed "Radiant Fugitives" by Nawaaz Ahmed is far more than a family saga it is a searing interrogation of identity, faith, and the political currents that both divide and unite us in the Obama era of American history. At its heart is a fractured Muslim Indian family: Seema, a lesbian political consultant
estranged from her conservative father and devout sister Tahera; her exiled mother Nafeesa, attempting a fragile reunion; and Seema’s unborn son, Ishraaq, who narrates much of the story from the womb. This innovative narrative choice life recounted from the precipice of its own beginning gives the novel both a sense of immediacy and an unsettling distance, as the child grapples with a past he will never fully know and a mother he will never meet. Ahmed’s prose is lush and impressionistic, evoking the complexity of his characters’ inner lives and the charged spaces between them between queerness and Islam, between immigrant dream and American reality, between personal desire and familial duty The novel is steeped in granular historical detail, from the shockwaves of 9/11 to the cautious optimism of Obama’s early presidency, mapping the emotional topography of a nation and a family in flux Seema’s journey from hope in political change to disillusion, from exile to a tentative homecoming mirrors the cyclical, rather than linear, nature of progress, both personal and national Ahmed is particularly deft at revealing how cultural expectations, religious dogma, and political strife entangle individual lives, refusing easy resolutions or comforting answers What emerges is a “systems novel” more than a strictly domestic one: Ahmed is less interested in contained family dramas than in how these lives refract and are refracted by the broader society around them. The Hussein women’s reunion is tense, brittle, haunted by unspoken grievances and the specter of Seema’s impending death in childbirth. Their interactions are charged with the weight of history colonial, national, and familial showing how identity is always a negotiation between the self and the myriad forces that seek to define it. The novel’s structure, with its shifting points of view and leaps across time, mimics the dislocations of the immigrant experience and the fragmentation of modern life Ultimately, "Radiant Fugitives" is a fearless, ambitious debut one that does not flinch from the messiness of love, the sting of betrayal, or the ache for belonging It asks urgent questions about faith, honour, and the possibility of reconciliation, not only within the family but in the fractured body politic itself While the novel’s ending is tragic and its conflicts largely unresolved, Ahmed’s achievement lies in his unflinching honesty and the sheer beauty of his language, offering readers not comfort, but a deeper understanding of the distances we must cross—and the bridges we might build—to truly see one another
Presence Perfect by Rita Bhimani
Radiant
Rules to Rule by Prashant Anand
In "Rules to Rule - Ancient History, Modern Lessons", debut author and IPS officer
Prashant Anand boldly reimagines leadership through the lens of India’s most iconic rulers Rather than offering a dry historical chronology, Anand curates stories of emperors like Chandragupta Maurya,
Ashoka, Samudragupta, and Rajaraja Chola, distilling from their lives a timeless guidebook for modern leaders It is a rare blend deeply rooted in history yet refreshingly relevant to today’s business, political, and civic spheres Each chapter unpacks key leadership decisions ranging from war tactics to welfare reforms and ties them to clear, memorable rules like “Flanking is the best strategy against a centralized enemy” or “Idealism survives only where realism is not abandoned.” These rules are not just philosophical musings; they are tools sharpened by the grind of governance and battle, meant to challenge modern readers to think beyond charisma and embrace vision, adaptability, and ethics. Leadership, in Rules to Rule, isn’t portrayed as a solitary act of heroism it’s seen as the art of building systems that last. Anand draws attention to this through compelling examples: Ashoka’s compassionate governance and focus on public welfare, and Samudragupta’s ability to manage a vast, diverse empire through thoughtful decentralization These rulers weren’t just conquerors; they were master planners who shaped institutions with care and foresight Anand reframes governance not as a static title but as a living, evolving practice one that requires vision, adaptability, and deep cultural awareness With lucid writing and a purposeful tone, Rules to Rule avoids romanticizing the past Instead, it honors historical context while urging readers to borrow from it thoughtfully and critically Whether you're a corporate strategist, a public servant, or a young changemaker, this book is a call to lead not with dominance, but with clarity, courage, and continuity
In a time of short-term thinking, Anand’s work is a blueprint for enduring impact.
"Shattered Lands - Five partitions and the making of modern Asia" by Sam Dalyrmple is an Ambitious and panoramic reassessment of the birth pains of modern South Asia, challenging the simplified national chronicles that often dominate public memory. Sam Dalrymple, a scholar fluent in both the regional languages and the grand sweep of imperial ambition, JULY 2025
reconstructs half a century of upheaval not just Partition, but five major partitions, from Burma’s separation in 1937 to Bangladesh’s violent genesis in 1971. The result is a history that stitches together forgotten memoirs, oral testimony, and lost archives to reveal how a single, sprawling Indian Empire stretching from the Red Sea to the jungles of Burma and home to a mind-boggling array of ethnic, linguistic, and religious communities fragmented into a dozen new nations, each with its own tangled narrative of identity, belonging, and exclusion Dalrymple’s narrative is unflinching in its portrayal of how borders were redrawn not only by colonial fiat, but by the messy interplay of local elites, revolutionaries, soldiers, and civilians caught in the crossfire He avoids easy myths of triumph or tragedy, instead underscoring the lingering traces of violence civil wars in Burma and Sri Lanka, ongoing insurgencies in Kashmir and Baluchistan, the Rohingya crisis each a living legacy of decisions taken in boardrooms and battlefields, often at tremendous human cost The book is especially attuned to the voices of those displaced: Dalrymple’s background with Project Dastaan, a refugee reunification initiative, informs his empathetic, intimate storytelling, whether he is revisiting how the Indian rupee once circulated in Dubai or how Yemeni Jews held passports stamped ‘Indian Empire’. The result is a history that feels both panoramic and personal a rare feat for so sprawling a canvas. The book’s real achievement, though, is not just in the breadth of its research (spanning English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, Konyak, Arabic, and Burmese sources), but in how it reframes the making of modern Asia as a collective, continental story rather than a series of parochial national myths. Yet, for all its ambition, the book’s attempts to balance depth and breadth can sometimes leave the reader wanting more the sheer scale means individual stories are occasionally overwhelmed by the broader political machinery, and Dalrymple, for all his empathy, sometimes underplays the agency of local actors in favor of the more visible scripts of imperial and post-imperial machinations Still, in a field crowded with reductive narratives, "Shattered Lands" stands out as a vital antidote, a reminder that the aftershocks of empire and the making of nation-states are not merely commemorative, but ongoing, unfolding process a challenge, not a closure It is, in short, the kind of history we need more of: honest, complex, humane, and devastatingly relevant
Shattered Lands by Sam Dalyrmple
Jeanine Cummins’s "Speak to Me of Home" is a sweeping, multigenerational family saga that intimately traces the lives of three Puerto Rican women as they grapple with displacement, identity, and the enduring question of where or whether they truly belong The novel opens on Rafaela Acuña
y Daubón’s wedding day in 1968 San Juan, a moment of hope shadowed by quiet uncertainty, as she later relocates with her American husband to the Midwest, only to face isolation and prejudice Through the eyes of Rafaela, her daughter Ruth, and her granddaughter Daisy, Cummins maps the complex terrain of cultural adaptation, the struggle to fit in, and the painful distance that can grow between generations who share blood but not necessarily a sense of home Cummins, drawing from her own family’s history, grounds the novel in the specific experiences of Puerto Rican migration and American assimilation, enriching her narrative with authentic historical detail and a keen sense of cultural context. The story spans decades and geographies, moving from the sociopolitical shifts of Puerto Rico and the tumult of 1960s and 70s America to a present-day crisis: a hurricane that draws Rafaela and Ruth back to San Juan as Daisy fights for her life. At each turn, Cummins avoids heavy-handed moralizing in favor of subtle, character-driven storytelling, allowing universal questions about heritage, memory, and legacy to emerge organically through the family’s evolving relationships and buried secrets The novel is particularly compelling in its nuanced depiction of women contending with the pressures of marriage, motherhood, and mixed cultural identity Ruth’s eagerness to assimilate, at the cost of her ancestral language and memories, contrasts with Daisy’s journey of rediscovery as she returns to Puerto Rico, unearthing family truths that challenge the women to reconsider their past choices These internal and interpersonal tensions are rendered with both emotional depth and restraint, as the characters’ quiet epiphanies and understated courage take center stage over dramatic plot twist The result is a resonant meditation on how geography, genetics, and history shape but do not determine a family’s sense of self. In the end, "Speak to Me of Home" stands out for its lyrical prose and its sensitive, unflinching portrait of the immigrant experience and the generational transmission of both trauma and resilience. While some
readers may find the novel’s pacing deliberate even slow at times its insights into the meaning of home, the bonds between mothers and daughters, and the possibility of reconciliation across divides make it a memorable and affecting read. Cummins cements her reputation as a gifted chronicler of displacement and belonging, offering a story that is both deeply personal and expansively universal.
Speak to Me of Home by Jeanine Cummins
Speed Reading Faster by Jan Cisek and Susan Norman
"Speed Reading Faster: Maximize Your Success in Business and Study" by Jan Cisek and Susan Norman is a methodologically robust and practically grounded guide designed to enhance reading efficiency for learners and professionals alike The authors, drawing upon two decades of combined expertise,
present a systematic approach that integrates techniques such as previewing texts, reading in chunks, expanding peripheral vision, and refining eye movement patterns to increase both speed and comprehension. The book's format is notably interactive, featuring practical exercises, comprehension assessments, and applied examples that support experiential learning and enable readers to implement strategies immediately A distinguishing feature of the book lies in its emphasis on purpose-driven reading Rather than focusing solely on pace, Cisek and Norman advocate for critical engagement with text encouraging readers to prioritize retention, relevance, and insight Advanced methods such as “thin slicing,” “rhizomapping,” and “syntopic processing” are introduced with clarity and grounded in research, offering tools for both quick information retrieval and deep analytical reading The text also addresses common cognitive and behavioral challenges, such as habit formation and reader fatigue, through the authors’ candid reflections and practical advice, ensuring a realistic pathway toward sustainable reading improvement. In terms of design and pedagogical structure, Speed Reading Faster succeeds in balancing accessibility with intellectual depth. The book’s layout and typography are intentionally crafted to facilitate navigation and ease of learning, reflecting a deep understanding of how visual presentation affects cognitive processing. This attention to detail, coupled with the authors’ clear instructional voice and research-informed strategies, positions the book as a valuable resource for individuals aiming to enhance their academic performance or professional productivity
It is equally applicable for educators and learning specialists seeking to incorporate speed reading techniques into broader literacy and study skills programs.
If you’ve ever wondered why a “blockbuster” sounds like an explosion or how the moon got dragged into madness with the word “lunatic,” Sumanto Chattopadhyay’s "Stories of Words and Phrases: Discover the fascinating stories behind everyday expressions" has just the ticket This isn't
your average etymology book it’s a time-traveling, globetrotting, curiosity-igniting adventure packed into 80 witty chapters. With the style of a word-loving detective and the flair of a seasoned storyteller, Sumanto explores the secret histories of everyday words and idioms, turning the mundane into the marvelous. From medieval rings that birthed the word “phoney” to war documentaries and peach baskets that made “blockbuster” and “basketball” household names, the stories here are delightfully unpredictable The author’s quirky sense of humor and sharp eye for historical detail create a read that’s equal parts enlightening and entertaining You’ll come for the facts, but stay for the playful anecdotes like Spielberg pouring milk powder into a pool for shark footage or Victorians thinking “abracadabra” cured malaria! What truly sets this book apart is its unpretentious tone and celebration of linguistic oddities without elitism The influence of The English Nut Sumanto’s social media alter ego is strong, bringing a conversational, companionable voice to topics that could easily become dry in less nimble hands This book isn’t just for grammar nerds or crossword fiends; it’s for anyone who’s ever paused mid-sentence to say, “Huh, I wonder where that word came from?” In sum, "Stories of Words and Phrases" is a charming linguistic joyride, perfect for readers who love words and want to see them not just as tools, but as tiny time capsules. Read it slowly, savor it often and don’t be surprised if you start quoting etymologies at dinner parties.
After all, every word has a story, and thanks to Sumanto, now you know just how wild those stories can get.
Stories of Words and Phrases by Sumanto Chattopadhyay
The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan
"The Bookshop Ladies" by Faith Hogan is a warm, uplifting novel that deftly weaves together themes of friendship, family, and second chances against the charming backdrop of a small Irish bookshop The story centers on three women whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined: Joy
Blackwood, a widow who arrives in Ballycove from Paris to uncover why her late husband left a valuable painting to Robyn Tessier, the shy owner of a struggling bookstore; Fern, Robyn’s internationally renowned artist mother, who arrives with her own emotional baggage; and Robyn herself, a book lover who lacks the confidence to turn her chaotic shop into a success. These richly drawn characters each carry visible scars mistakes, regrets, unspoken hopes and Hogan’s sensitive storytelling makes it easy to empathize with their individual journeys, showing that imperfection is universal but recovery possible There’s something irresistible about the setting a cozy, modest Irish town where gossip is as pervasive as the Atlantic breeze and new beginnings beckon around every corner The bookshop itself becomes a character, a place not just for books but for community healing, where Joy initially a stranger and soon a confidant discovers that helping others is also a balm for her own grief As the women collaborate to revive the shop, the narrative deftly balances gentle humor and poignant moments, never losing sight of the emotional stakes or the secrets each is hiding The gradual unfolding of these truths keeps the pages turning, especially as Joy’s reason for visiting Ballycove looms ever larger, threatening to fracture the fragile bonds that have formed. Hogan’s prose sparkles with warmth and authenticity. The novel stands out for its generosity of spirit readers will find themselves rooting for Robyn’s quiet courage, Fern’s artistic rebirth, and Joy’s quest for closure. Supporting characters, particularly the wise and kindly Albie, add depth and humor, reminding us that real salvation often comes from accepting help as well as offering it Although the story explores betrayal and loss, its overall tone is hopeful, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness and the unexpected ways in which life can knit together disparate threads into a satisfying whole Ultimately, "The Bookshop Ladies" is a perfect escape for fans of women’s fiction, books about books, and stories set in scenic,
close-knit communities with a message that lingers: that true connection is about showing up, being honest, and embracing imperfection.
Expect to turn the final page with a smile, a grateful heart, and maybe even the urge to book a trip to rural Ireland where secrets, sea air, and stories still have the power to change lives.
The Call of Music by
Priya Purushothaman
Priya Purushothaman’s "The Call of Music: 8 Stories of Hindustani Musicians" offers an intimate and insightful journey into the lives of eight practitioners of Hindustani classical music, ranging from celebrated performers to devoted but lesser-known torchbearers Priya, herself an accomplished Hindustani
vocalist, approaches her subjects with warmth and deep understanding, drawing from both her professional expertise and personal familiarity with some of the featured musicians. The book is structured as a series of in-depth conversations, each revealing not just the technical and philosophical facets of the art, but also the broader human dimensions parenting, resilience, acceptance, and even moments of doubt that shape these artists’ lives Rather than presenting a dry chronicle of achievements, Priya delves into what it means to live for music, especially in a world that is often indifferent or chaotic For example, the chapter on Rumi Harish explores themes of gender and identity in classical music, while the two-part profile of Sudhindra Bhaumik (Priya Purushothaman’s own guru) invites readers to reflect on simplicity and introspection amid the clamor of modern life Other profiles such as those of Suhail Yusuf Khan and Shubha Joshi explore struggles, reinventions, and the process of finding one’s voice, both literally and metaphorically. The inclusion of a curated playlist featuring these artists’ music adds an experiential layer, allowing readers to hear the voices behind the stories. Thus, "The Call of Music" is both a tribute and a guide, appealing to anyone with an interest in Hindustani music, as well as those seeking stories of devotion, discipline, and transformation. Priya’s sensitive prose and keen eye for detail ensure that even readers unfamiliar with classical Indian music will find universal lessons in passion and perseverance
The book stands out not only for its musical insights but for its celebration of quiet, consistent dedication a quality at the heart of the tradition it honors.
In a world wired for speed and distraction, "The Calm Prescription: 75 Scientific Ways to Create Better Health, Longevity, and Happiness" by Luke Coutinho feels like a gentle but urgent pause button With the authority of a seasoned holistic lifestyle coach and over 14 years of clinical wisdom behind him, Coutinho
reminds us that calm isn’t a luxury we earn once we’ve ticked off our to-do lists it’s a biological baseline our bodies need to heal, to function, to live well His message is both radical and refreshingly obvious: we can’t talk about health, happiness, or longevity without first talking about our nervous system Through a blend of scientific insight and real-life stories, he makes a deeply convincing case for why emotional well-being belongs at the very heart of healthcare. This isn’t a book filled with theory that leaves you wondering where to start. Coutinho’s approach is refreshingly practical. The 75 tools he offers each rooted in science are meant to fit seamlessly into real lives. No gimmicks, no expensive gear. Just small, thoughtful shifts you can make today: a breath, a walk, a moment of stillness. Whether you’re navigating burnout, sleeplessness, chronic illness, or just the noise of everyday life, these practices are designed to bring you back to a calmer, more centered self And Coutinho is clear no supplement or fitness regimen can outpace the damage of chronic stress if your nervous system is stuck in overdrive "The Calm Prescription" looks great and unique for its deep sense of empathy Coutinho doesn’t ignore the value of good food, exercise, or sleep but he insists they can only take root in a body that feels safe, regulated, and emotionally nourished He invites us and the wider medical community to treat calm not as an afterthought, but as a frontline intervention
For anyone feeling stretched thin by modern life, this book is both a reminder and a roadmap: you don’t have to chase wellness, you can return to it. It’s already within you free, accessible, and waiting to be reclaimed.
The Calm Prescription by Luke Coutinho
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
"The Emperor of Gladness" is Ocean Vuong’s second novel, and it is a moving exploration of despair, tenderness, and the fragile bonds that sustain us in a world that often feels indifferent. Set in the fictional post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, the story centers on Hai, a
nineteen-year-old Vietnamese-American on the verge of suicide, and Grazina, an eighty-one-year-old Lithuanian widow grappling with dementia Their unlikely meeting Hai, literally and figuratively at the edge, and Grazina, who offers him shelter in exchange for help with her care sets the stage for a profound meditation on what it means to endure and to care for one another when all other options have been exhausted Vuong’s narrative is unflinching in its portrayal of the brutal realities facing those on America’s margins: deadend jobs, the grind of capitalism, and the long shadow of war and displacement Hai’s life is marked by addiction, fractured family ties, and the daily humiliations of low-wage labor, while Grazina’s fading memory serves as a metaphor for the collective amnesia that plagues society. The novel’s supporting cast co-workers at a fast-food chain are similarly tethered by struggle, their camaraderie a lifeline amid economic and emotional precarity. These relationships, built on empathy and necessity, form a “circumstantial family” that becomes central to the story’s sense of hope. Stylistically, "The Emperor of Gladness" is a masterclass in poetic precision Vuong’s prose is spare yet intensely layered, capable of conveying complex emotions in deceptively simple phrases His writing does not seek to redeem sadness but to acknowledge its presence, allowing characters to exist in their vulnerability without demanding transformation The novel’s title, drawn from Shakespeare and Wallace Stevens, underscores its existential inquiry: What does it mean to live a good life when beauty and gladness seem perpetually out of reach? Finally, The Emperor of Gladness" is neither a story of heroic redemption nor of despair without relief It is a testament to the quiet dignity of showing up, of choosing to care in a world that often feels too harsh to bear
In focusing on the “second chances” found in everyday acts of kindness, Vuong crafts a brave, bighearted epic that lingers long after the final page a reminder that the most fleeting mercies can also be the most transformative.
The
"The Enemy’s Daughter" is Melissa Poett’s bold, genre-bending debut that reads like a post-apocalyptic fairytale mashed up with a spy thriller Imagine medieval clans squabbling over territory while, just over the hills, a slick, tech-laced city called Kingsland hums with gadgets and secrets But don’t be fooled that’s
just the curtain. Behind it lies a crumbling world where rusted-out cars are practically sacred, old bombs are the stuff of bedtime stories, and every crumbling ruin whispers hints of a vanished civilization. Poett doesn’t spoon-feed her world-building; she lets you wander through it wide-eyed, piecing things together one delightful, dusty breadcrumb at a time Enter Isadora, a sharp-edged healer with a heart of gold and dead-aim with a throwing knife She's the kind of character who'll stitch up your wound and then tell you exactly why it was your fault Then there’s Tristan mysterious, dangerous, trained to kill, and inconveniently heroic When he saves Isadora instead of eliminating her, a magical bond snaps into place, the kind neither of them asked for but now can’t shake And just like that, our sworn enemies are stuck sharing memories, secrets, and more emotional baggage than a dragon hoarding burned love letters Their chemistry? Off the charts But this isn’t your typical love-at-first-glance kind of tale The romance sizzles slowly, built on barbed conversations, reluctant admiration, and the realization that maybe just maybe the enemy understands you better than anyone else ever has. It’s banter with a body count, and Poett writes it all with a wink, a blade, and just enough vulnerability to make you care deeply. With its crackling dialogue, layered mysteries, and just the right balance of grit and charm, "The Enemy’s Daughter" is a wild ride through a world that’s equal parts broken and beautiful
Poett proves she knows how to keep the stakes high and the reader hooked one magical twist, tense alliance, and reluctant kiss at a time.
Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett
The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson
"The First Gentleman" by Bill Clinton and James Patterson is a taut political and legal thriller that centers on America’s first female president, Madeline Parson Wright, and her husband Cole Wright, a former NFL player and now the first-ever First
Gentleman accused of a decades-old murder When the remains of a cheerleader, Suzanne Bonanno, are found buried on property linked to Cole, the scandal threatens to destabilize the presidency just as Madeline prepares to launch a landmark economic plan The plot juggles investigation, courtroom drama, and the intense media spotlight, weaving together multiple timelines from Cole’s football past to the present-day crisis to create an intricate narrative that is as much about the personal toll of scandal as it is about political survival Clinton and Patterson’s collaboration shines in their portrayal of the corridors of power, bringing genuine insider insight to the White House scenes and grounding even the most sensational twists in a plausible reality. Madeline Wright emerges as a nuanced, compelling president, her loyalty to her husband clashing with the demands of her office and the looming threat to her legacy. The journalists Brea Cooke and Garrett Wilson serve as tenacious truth-seekers whose own arcs of ambition and disillusionment prevent the story from devolving into mere procedural. Cole, the titular First Gentleman, is neither an obvious villain nor a simple martyr; his ambiguity keeps readers guessing until the final chapters Stylistically, the novel relies on Patterson’s signature short, punchy chapters to propel the story forward at a breakneck pace, intercutting between police investigation, legal maneuvers, and political brinkmanship While the twists are plentiful and the stakes continually escalate, some turns feel slightly contrived, relying on coincidences that test credibility, and some secondary characters remain underdeveloped Overall, though, the plot’s momentum rarely falters, and the courtroom sequences in particular are gripping The authors resist offering a tidy moral resolution, instead embracing the messiness of realworld politics and the blurred lines between legal guilt and actual innocence
Far from being just high-concept escapism, "The First Gentleman" succeeds in balancing pulse-quickening suspense with thoughtful commentary on power, privilege, and the media’s role in shaping public judgment It stands out among political thrillers for its willingness to explore moral complexity, its authentic depiction of leadership, and its refusal to offer easy answers for today’s polarized climate
Readers seeking both entertainment and insight into the pressures at the highest levels of government will find much to admire in this ambitious, engaging novel.
Author Allison King’s debut book, titled "The Phoenix Pencil Company", is a novel that intertwines the magical with the achingly real, weaving together the lives of two women across generations and continents At the center is Monica Tsai, a young woman
whose world of code and digital distance is disrupted by the hidden life of her grandmother, Yun. King’s prose is both precise and lyrical, drawing readers into a world where the act of writing is not just communication, but a kind of alchemy a family’s secret practice called “Reforging,” which lets them absorb, relive, and even transfer memories using specially crafted pencils. This premise is original and evocative, providing a fresh lens through which to examine themes of heritage, identity, and the stories we choose to keep or let fade The emotional weight of this novel lies in the intergenerational bond between Monica and Yun King's depiction of Yun's fading memory due to Alzheimer's is rendered with delicate grief, mirrored by Monica’s fierce devotion to her grandmother Their relationship, and the pain carried by generations through silence and sacrifice, is skillfully captured; scenes of tenderness ring especially true for those who have watched a loved one slip away The warmth and heartbreak in these passages anchor the novel, making the more fantastical aspects like Reforging feel all the more poignant and believable Critically, The Phoenix Pencil Company dazzles in its interplay between analog and digital: Monica’s journey through a tech project called EMBRS mirrors Yun's handwritten recollections, drawing a striking contrast between modern and bygone ways of preserving the self. However, the novel’s ambitious dual structure is both strength and weakness. While Monica’s present-day voice is vivid and authentic, Yun’s historical chapters rich with details of wartime Shanghai and family sacrifice sometimes feel rushed, their richness compressed into pencil-length memories The historical dialogue occasionally wavers, and the plot’s resolution, though cathartic, may feel overly tidy given the messy nature of real trauma and reunion Yet, for all its minor missteps, "The Phoenix Pencil Company" is a deeply affecting debut King’s blending of magical realism, historical fiction, and contemporary narrative results in a story that lingers long after the final page The novel’s exploration of memory how we carry it, distort it, and sometimes lose it resonates in an era increasingly defined by digital overload and cultural amnesia
It is a book about what it means to remember, to forgive, and to pass on the stories that define us—a reminder that even the simplest object, like a pencil, can be a vessel for the most profound human experiences.
"The Rose Bargain" by Sasha Peyton Smith is a 'romantic fantasy' set in an alternate 19th-century England, where an immortal fae queen, Moryen (“Queen Mor”), has ruled for centuries following a cunning bargain that placed her on the throne after the War of the Roses As part of her reign, every citizen is allowed one
magical deal with the queen in exchange for a personal price often something deeply personal and intangible, like a treasured memory or sense[1][3] For high society debutantes, these bargains are a rite of passage, expected to secure desirable traits to attract suitors, but the true cost is hidden in the fine print, as every deal comes with devastating consequences The novel centers on 'Ivy Benton', a young woman whose family teeters on the brink of ruin: their fortune is fading, their reputation damaged, and her sister Lydia returned from a bargain with the queen broken and unable to remember what she traded As Ivy approaches her debut season, Queen Mor announces a shocking twist: her fae son, 'Prince Bram', will choose a bride through a brutal competition The prize? A crown and the power to potentially undo her sister’s curse Ivy throws herself into the contest, desperate to save her family, but quickly realizes the glittering balls and trials are a facade for the queen’s vicious manipulation each challenge more dangerous than the last, with lives and futures on the line. Amid the competition, Ivy finds herself entangled in a 'love triangle' that complicates her mission. While outwardly vying for the affections of the golden Prince Bram, she is drawn to his brooding, forbidden half-brother, 'Prince Emmett'. Emmett, with his own hidden agenda and rebellion against the queen, offers Ivy a dangerous alliance helping her win Bram’s heart in exchange for her assistance in a plot to overthrow Mor and end the tyranny of fae bargains The slow-burning romance between Ivy and Emmett is filled with yearning and tension, as Ivy wrestles with her growing feelings and the everpresent risks to her family and herself "The Rose Bargain" delivers a 'dark, twisting tale' that blends lush world-building, political intrigue, and high-stakes romance, drawing apt comparisons to books like 'The Cruel Prince' and 'The Selection' The novel does not shy away from the true cost of magic and ambition every bargain exacts a price, and the final revelations are as shocking as they are tragic, leaving no easy happily-ever-afters
With its rich character dynamics, complex moral dilemmas, and haunting ending, the book sets the stage for a sequel, promising even more peril and passion in Ivy’s fight against the fae queen’s reign.
The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
In the quiet, rural Dutch province of the 1960s, "The Safekeep" by Yael van der Wouden whispers its presence before gripping the reader with a story both chilling and tender At its heart is Isabel, a woman whose meticulous world marked by the precise placement of every object in her late
mother's house borders on the obsessive, her solitude a fragile armour against a past brimming with loss and the unspoken legacies of war. Isabel is no conventional protagonist; she is prickly, dismissive, and deeply unlikeable in her rigidity, yet her journey is rendered with such emotional precision that it becomes impossible to look away. The house itself emerges as a character, its creaking floors and sepia-tinged memories pulsing with secrets, echoing a nation’s struggle to reckon with its own history in a world still raw from the aftershocks of World War II. When Eva, her brother Louis’s carefree girlfriend, invades this fortress of order, Isabel's irritation is volcanic, her resentment sharpened by each of Eva’s careless transgressions sleeping late, walking loudly, touching things she shouldn't What begins as simmering animosity, however, slowly transforms into an electric, unanticipated intimacy Van der Wouden navigates the push-and-pull of desire and repulsion with a restraint that crackles with tension, exploring sexual repression and awakening with a rare honesty The emotional stakes are amplified by Isabel’s growing paranoia over missing objects, a plot device that serves as metaphor and catalyst, unraveling both Isabel’s carefully curated identity and the house's buried truths Beneath the surface of this psychological drama pulses the weight of history, its tendrils wrapped around every teacup and photograph. "The Safekeep" is not merely a story of personal discovery but a meditation on collective memory, on the thefts and erasures that make a home and a nation endure, even as they betray those who believe they are the rightful keepers[9]. Van der Wouden’s prose is taut and deliberate, her metaphors unsentimental yet brimming with emotional power, as she exposes the “convenient amnesia” that allows both individuals and societies to preserve comfort at the expense of truth The revelation of the house’s true provenance forces Isabel, and by extension the reader, to confront how easily we accept the comfortable lies that prop up our identities The novel’s brilliance lies in its refusal to offer easy resolutions or redemption Isabel’s transformation is gradual, messy, and incomplete; her discovery of desire and self is as much a fracture as an awakening Shortlisted for the Women's Prize under fiction category and acclaimed by eminent authors like Maggie O'Farrell and Rachel Joyce, through its atmospheric,
immersive writing, "The Safekeep" reminds us that history is never truly silent, that homes are built as much on secrets as on bricks, and that connection however clumsily forged can shatter even the fiercest defenses
Van der Wouden’s debut is a quiet storm, haunting and indelible, leaving the reader to ponder what it means to truly belong, and what we risk when we choose to finally let the past speak.
In the world of startup literature, "The Startup Spirit: A New-Age Blueprint for Entrepreneurs" is a resounding battle cry for every dreamer on the cusp of bold action
Written by two veteran founders who’ve not only weathered the storms of
entrepreneurship but turned their scars into a blueprint, this book isn’t another theoretical manual it’s a kinetic, highvoltage mentor in print. Sridhar Seshadri and Shreeram Iyer pour decades of hard-won experience into these pages, guiding readers through the real, raw, and often gritty path from idea to execution with razor-sharp insight and infectious optimism. Through vivid storytelling ranging from war room bug fixes to investor demo near-misses the authors capture the highs and lows of startup life with visceral honesty You don’t just learn what to build, but why, when, and how to test it before you waste time* With frameworks like MVP thinking, the “problem not product” mindset, and validation-driven execution, the book offers not just inspiration but a battletested playbook for action But perhaps the most empowering takeaway is its emphasis on mindset Patience, passion, and perseverance form the holy trinity that powers this guide and it's delivered with such conviction that you can’t help but absorb its urgency Whether you're a first-time founder, a corporate rebel eyeing your escape, or a policymaker wanting to build ecosystems, “The Startup Spirit” doesn’t just teach you how to win it challenges you to deserve it You’ll walk away emboldened, more aware of the stakes, and more equipped to play for keeps. In a time when everyone wants to be an entrepreneur but few understand what it 'really' takes, "The Startup Spirit" offers clarity and courage. It's a rallying point for those who believe in the power of creation over comfort.
If you're ready to show up, put in the work, and learn fast from failure, this book will be your flashlight through the fog. It doesn’t promise unicorns but it helps you build the stamina to become one.
In a landscape crowded with cookie-cutter productivity manuals, "The Time Energy Toolkit - Design your life, one day at a time" by Apekshit Khare stands out for its refreshingly local flavor and practical sensibility Khare’s work isn’t just a rehash of familiar platitudes it’s a handbook steeped in the rhythms of Indian corporate
life, packed with relatable scenarios that strike a chord for readers navigating the daily juggle of deadlines, meetings, and burnout The book’s real strength lies in its actionable frameworks and worksheets, all accessible via a handy QR code at the end, ensuring that readers don’t just passively consume advice but actively redesign their routines If you’ve ever felt that bestselling self-help books miss the mark by ignoring the realities of your context, this toolkit might just be the reset button you’ve been searching for Khare’s approach is deceptively simple yet deeply resonant: rather than fixating on squeezing more tasks into fewer hours, he encourages readers to pay attention to the 'quality' of their energy throughout the day Drawing on over a decade of HR leadership, he introduces the concepts of 'Bright Energy' (fueling creativity and joy) and 'Dark Energy' (draining motivation through stress and disconnection), urging a shift from autopilot to mindful presence. The book doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions: Why are passion projects perpetually on hold? Are your rituals aligned with your natural energy cycles, or are they depleting you? Khare’s writing is at once empathetic and incisive, turning what could be another dry business manual into an invitation to feel “more focused, more present, more alive” in both work and life beyond the office. Ultimately, "The Time Energy Toolkit" is less about hacking productivity and more about reclaiming intention your days don’t have to be a blur of busyness Khare’s accessible style and Indian workplace insights make this a must-read for professionals seeking balance in a culture that often equates exhaustion with achievement
It’s a guide for those ready to trade burnout for clarity, and chaos for deliberate, energizing choices one day at a time.
The Startup Spirit by Sridhar Seshadri and Shreeram Iyer
The Time Energy Toolkit by Apekshit Khare
Think
and Win Like Virat by Sfurti
Sahare
"Think and Win Like Virat - 5 Success Secrets" by Sfurti Sahare isn’t just a tribute to one of India’s greatest cricketers it’s a call to action for anyone who wants to rise above mediocrity and embrace a champion’s mindset In this concise yet impactful guide, Sahare unpacks the five
core principles that fuel Virat Kohli’s relentless drive: consistency, goal-setting, resilience, adaptability, and the elusive state of flow Each lesson is grounded in real stories and personal quotes from Kohli, transforming the myth of greatness into a practical, learnable mindset This is not theory for theory’s sake every chapter invites readers to reflect, rewire, and take action. What makes this book deeply empowering is its belief in the universality of success habits. Sahare translates Kohli’s fierce determination and unshakable focus into lessons that apply far beyond cricket into boardrooms, classrooms, and everyday life. Whether you're battling self-doubt, trying to level up in your career, or navigating personal transitions, the book equips you with simple yet powerful tools You learn how to thrive under pressure, harness discipline as a superpower, and shift your focus from outcome to effort The writing is clear, motivational, and deeply human designed to energize rather than intimidate In the end, "Think and Win Like Vira"t isn’t about becoming someone else it’s about becoming the best version of yourself Sahare reminds us that greatness doesn’t come from talent alone, but from daily intention, grit, and mental clarity This book is your companion on that journey It urges you to stop playing small, to build resilience like a muscle, and to chase mastery like it matters because it does
If you’re ready to show up for your dreams with the same passion Virat brings to the pitch, this book will show you how to win—from the inside out.
Trust Your Mind by Jenara Nerenberg
"Trust Your Mind: Embracing Nuance in a World of Self-Silencing" by Jenara Nerenberg is an incisive and timely exploration of how modern society’s tendency toward 'groupthink' and 'selfcensorship' is eroding authentic dialogue and deepening polarization. Drawing on her background in journalism, psychology,
and public health, Nerenberg dissects the roots of the “selfsilencing” phenomenon, where individuals withhold their true thoughts for fear of social or professional backlash a dynamic compounded by the internet’s echo chambers and the rise of so-called “cancel culture” She asks why harmful groupthink is so readily accepted and demonstrates how this culture fosters loneliness, isolation, and societal fragmentation, affecting everyone from students and professionals to families and broader communities. Nerenberg’s analysis is as practical as it is penetrating, offering readers 'tools to identify' and resist pressures to conform, while providing actionable insights on how to reclaim individuality and engage in more authentic, empathetic communication[1][2][3]. Rather than merely diagnosing the problem, she charts a hopeful path forward: by transforming fear into empathy, individuals can create spaces where differences are acknowledged and respected, not silenced or punished The book is praised for its courage “brave” and “smart” in equal measure as it challenges readers to step out of ideological cul-de-sacs and embrace the complexity of real, nuanced conversation What sets this work apart is its 'blend of sharp research, personal reflection, and accessible guidance' qualities that have distinguished Nerenberg’s previous writing, including 'Divergent Mind' Reviewers and scholars alike commend the book for its thoughtful approach to a polarized age, making it a mustread for anyone seeking to navigate contemporary discourse with clarity and humanity
"Trust Your Mind" is ultimately a call to rebuild the fabric of society by valuing genuine dialogue over dogma, and by trusting our capacity for reason, empathy, and connection.
Voices in the Waiting Room by Mayank Gupta
“Voices in the Waiting Room” by Mayank Gupta is less a book of short stories and more a quiet reckoning with the world around us With the insight of a psychiatrist who has practiced in Mumbai, London, and New York, Gupta offers not just tales, but entry points
into the tangled intersections of pain, identity, and complexity. The stories don’t aim to resolve they aim to reveal. What they offer, above all, is a kind of truth that lingers long after the page is turned. This isn’t your usual book about medicine. Each chapter takes you into the minds of doctors, patients, immigrants, and insiders-turned-outsiders. From the psychological tug-of-war of an elite plastic surgeon to the cultural tightrope walked by a young Indian doctor in America, the stories navigate themes of power, privilege, race, and moral fatigue Gupta's writing carries an emotional depth that doesn't shout, but quietly lingers long after the final page What really makes this book sing is its refusal to simplify Gupta doesn’t clean up the chaos of modern medicine or offer comforting platitudes Instead, he gives us raw, layered characters trying (and often failing) to do the right thing The result is unsettling, but also cathartic Whether it’s a Diwali party in New York or a gut-wrenching ER case in Mumbai, the author finds a way to pull readers right into the psychological heartbeat of each scene “Voices in the Waiting Room” is perfect for anyone interested in what really happens behind the curtain in hospitals and in the minds of those who walk their hallways. It’s a must-read for medical professionals, yes, but also for anyone who’s ever questioned the systems they’re part of.
At once literary and grounded, reflective and sharp, Gupta has created a book that doesn’t just tell stories it invites you to feel them.
Tahereh Mafi’s "Watch Me - A shatter me novel" marks a suspenseful return to the world of the bestselling Shatter Me series, launching a new era with 'The New Republic' Set a decade after the collapse of The Reestablishment, the novel introduces James Anderson now grown from minor character to protagonist who
attempts the impossible: infiltrating Ark Island, the last stronghold of the fallen regime The other lead, Rosabelle Wolff, is a fierce and emotionally guarded assassin, whose every move is monitored by an all-seeing synthetic intelligence. Their collision sparks an explosive narrative that’s a blend of high-stakes infiltration, romance, and personal reckoning. The author crafts a dystopian setting rich in technological paranoia and political intrigue. Ark Island’s oppressive atmosphere, where even emotions must be suppressed, creates a backdrop that feels both claustrophobic and urgent The omnipresent surveillance and ruthless social order echo classic dystopian themes but are reimagined with fresh, contemporary anxieties Mafi’s vivid prose and immersive imagery drive home the perils and possibilities of a world where privacy has all but vanished The dual perspectives of James and Rosabelle bring emotional complexity and depth, allowing readers to navigate the tension between loyalty, survival, and the longing for freedom Rosabelle’s internal battles, especially her desperate devotion to her ailing sister, add a layer of vulnerability beneath her lethal exterior The budding, enemies-to-lovers romance between her and James simmers against a backdrop of danger and deception, balancing slow-burn passion with sharply drawn trauma and distrust. Critically, "Watch Me" delivers both adrenaline and introspection, maintaining Mafi’s signature lyrical flair. Some fans celebrate its return to beloved characters and highoctane storytelling, while others note issues with pacing or find the introduction of new leads less resonant. Nonetheless, the novel stands out for its exploration of moral ambiguity, resilience, and the complicated intersection of hope and fear. Whether you are a dedicated Shatter Me reader or a newcomer intrigued by dystopian thrillers, *Watch Me* is a compelling and sometimes haunting testament to the themes of survival and transformation
Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi
The First Connect by Pooja Misra Khaitan W
"The First Connect: Moment of Magic Waves of Whisper" by
Pooja Misra Khaitan
W is a debut novel that weaves a rich, multilayered story of love, longing, and the haunting question of how our first connections shape our future At the heart of the narrative is Kareena, whose life is
upended when her first love re-enters her world after eighteen years, sparking both nostalgia and turmoil as she is torn between the security of her present and the passion of her past The arrival of an intriguing stranger further complicates her emotional landscape, pressing Kareena to confront the boundaries between loyalty and desire, memory and reality. Running parallel to Kareena’s journey is the perspective of Mouni, a teenager observing the raw complexities of love from a distance. Mouni’s storyline a coming-of-age tale provides a fresh counterpoint, exploring the innocence, confusion, and idealism of first love, and offering the reader a mirror to the more jaded, emotionally fraught world of the adults. Khaitan W’s narrative structure is initially opaque, gradually revealing the connection between these two protagonists, a tactic that builds suspense and keeps the reader engaged This dual perspective not only highlights the cyclical nature of love but also underscores how differently it is experienced at various stages of life Khaitan W’s prose is frequently praised as lyrical and evocative, rich with sensory detail that draws the reader into the story’s most intimate moments The novel’s tone fluctuates between melodrama and introspection, occasionally tipping into the cinematic, as though the story is ready for the silver screen While this style may appeal more to readers who enjoy romantic idealism and grand gestures reminiscent of Bollywood love stories others may find the drama slightly overdone, with some themes, such as infidelity and marital breakdown, feeling abrupt or not fully integrated into the book’s youthful, dreamy core. Still, those who seek emotional complexity and a meditation on the “what ifs” of life will find much to savour. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its exploration of timeless questions: Is love a fateful destiny or the product of conscious choice? Can the magic of a first connection be recaptured, or is it destined to remain a memory? Khaitan W does not offer easy answers, instead inviting readers to reflect on the unpredictability of love, its power to both heal and disrupt, and the quiet battles we fight within ourselves as we navigate its uncertain waters The characters, though sometimes numerous and entangled, are drawn with empathy, and their inner conflicts feel genuine, if occasionally overwrought
For readers who enjoy sentimental journeys, poetic language, and the bittersweet ache of love lost and found, "The First Connect" is a resonant, evocative debut It is particularly suited for those who appreciate romantic idealism and dramatic, emotionally charged storytelling
While the novel’s melodrama and large cast may distance readers seeking realism or mature, grounded relationships, its blend of youthful yearning and midlife reflection offers a unique, if occasionally uneven, exploration of the heart’s elusive truths.
The One-Way Ships by Uma Lohray
In "The One-Way Ships", Uma Lohray delivers an evocative, sharply observed debut novel that weaves personal ambition, historical erasure, and intergenerational storytelling into a taut narrative Set against the contrasting backdrops of modern-day
London and the enduring echoes of the British Empire, the story follows Rashmi Rao, an ambitious Indian journalist who is forced to pivot from a career-defining interview with a political rising star to a seemingly insignificant fluff piece about an elderly ayah living in a sleepy English town. What begins as a reluctant detour evolves into a compelling excavation of forgotten history and buried resilience. The author's prose is nimble and richly textured, stitching together past and present with fluid grace Through Rashmi’s eyes, the reader first encounters Marlow, Buckinghamshire a postcard-perfect town that soon reveals an untold narrative beneath its manicured lawns While the initial setup is rooted in Rashmi’s professional frustration and urban cynicism, Lohray gradually peels back the layers, allowing emotional complexity and historical intrigue to take center stage The framing of Asha’s life as a ‘minor’ story slowly dissolves, replaced by a deeper recognition of her lived legacy and its broader colonial implications The novel’s greatest strength lies in its interrogation of who gets to tell stories and which stories are deemed worth telling Rashmi’s initial contempt for covering “a baai” gives way to fascination and empathy, mirroring the reader’s journey. Asha’s quiet yet stirring experiences as a “baby ayah” in pre-Independence India and post-World War II Britain are brought to life not just as footnotes in colonial history, but as testaments of courage and agency. Lohray skillfully avoids didacticism, instead using character-driven narrative to explore the structural inequalities between India and Britain and between different classes and generations of women. Uma Lohray also excels at sharply drawn characterizations Rashmi is fiercely intelligent but imperfect, a woman caught between familial expectations and the ruthless career ladder in contemporary journalism Her transformation is gradual and believable, as is her growing connection with Asha, whose quiet dignity and subversive commitment to the forgotten ayahs she once lived among are deeply moving Lohray’s background as a lawyer and media professional lends authenticity to the newsroom
politics and the gendered skirmishes that Rashmi navigates In the end, "The One-Way Ships" It is a story about reclamation: of voice, of agency, and of legacy As Rashmi discovers, some of the most powerful narratives do not shout; they endure quietly, waiting to be heard
This is a novel that will resonate long after its final page, marking Lohray as a fearless new voice in contemporary Indian fiction.
When the Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain
"When the Bones Sing" by Ginny Myers
Sain is a haunting, atmospheric Southern Gothic thriller that unsettles as much as it enthralls Set in the fictional town of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, the novel seamlessly blends the haunting beauty of the Ozark Mountains with the grittiness of small-town
secrets and supernatural unease. At the center is seventeen-year-old Dovie Warner, who harbors an eerie ability: she can hear the bones of the dead sing, guiding her to their hidden graves scattered across the rugged hills Though Dovie refuses to believe in magic, her “gift” persists insistent, unsettling, and impossible to ignore as she becomes the unlikely key to uncovering dozens of disappearances The story unfolds with a sense of creeping dread, as Dovie and her best friend, Lo, navigate a town trapped by superstition, fear, and whispered legends of the monstrous Ozark Howler While Dovie is practical and skeptical, Lo is haunted by shadows manifestations of the restless dead who demand not only to be found, but also for their stories to be heard Sain’s prose is visceral and evocative, painting a landscape steeped in folklore where the boundaries between the living and the dead are perilously thin The town itself emerges as a living, breathing entity, its sulfurous creeks and ancient hills a backdrop for secrets that refuse to stay buried. The book turns the supernatural into a mirror, reflecting the quiet ache of grief and the weight of what’s left unsaid.. Dovie’s gift is both a burden and a conduit for healing, forcing her to confront not only the darkness outside but also the pain she carries within[11]. The evolving bond between Dovie and Lo is the novel’s emotional core a relationship built on trust, shared vulnerability, and the desperate hope for peace in a town that has known too much loss Their journey to uncover the truth is as much about solving a murder mystery as it is about facing the monsters of memory and regret For fans of atmospheric thrillers, "When the Bones Sing" is a standout a novel that lingers in the mind like a half-remembered nightmare Sain’s narrative is rich with Southern Gothic staples family lore, rural isolation, and the weight of the past but it is her nuanced characters and unflinching exploration of grief that resonate most deeply The book’s chilling premise, unsettling setting, and thoughtful reflections on loss make it a gripping read, one that reminds us that sometimes the scariest shadows are the ones we carry inside ourselves
This is a story not just of bones that sing, but of hearts that refuse to stay silent.
MOONBOUND
by Vidya Shankar
Sharad Poornima Our car glides along the ChennaiPondicherry highway Across the landscape to our right, and ahead of us, dusk settles ever so quietly Across the landscape to our left, a generous suffusion of dreamy light. Glorious in full bloom, the orb leads us on.
Three women. Swathed in grief. I wear mine like a jacket. They drape theirs, a saree. Every now and then, something about our losses. We speak, yet don’t speak about it. But we know. So, we laugh. As if all is well. And we sing. As if all is well.
Nilaveennidamnerungathe … Don’t come near me, Moon! It’s just a song, we don’t really mean it. Yet, the moon moves behind dark clouds. We change our song. Nilavevaasellathevaa… O Moon, please come to me, don’t go away, but come to me …There’s light again. All is well.
Sharad Poornima, the night of Raas Leela. Some years back, a crashed laptoptook with it my poem on this divine dance. The contents of the hard disk unretrievable. I remember this loss tonight. I don’t talk about it but look out at the autumn moon.
Later, at the resort, we sit by the poolside with other poets, revelling in the ambrosia of poetry The moon, glorious in full bloom, continues to lead us on To find safety in joy
Vidya Shankar, Associate Editor for haikuKATHA journal, is author of two poetry books, writing coach, freelance copy editor, and an English Language teacher A widely-published poet, her work has appeared in prestigious collections such as the Yearbook of Indian Poetry in English and the Poetry Marathon anthologies, and her haiku longlisted for the Touchstone 2023 awards Featured in a unique coffee table book on 50 inspiring women of Chennai, Vidya finds meaning to her life through yoga and mandalas
Facebook: Vidya Shankar
Instagram: @vidya shankar author
PEACE
by Neelakshi Banerjee
Peace is like the daffodils swaying by the lake
Or the grassy meadows under the goldstreaked grey
Like the sunflowers on a bright yellow morning
Or a lilting melody off a happy peasant boy’s face
Peace is content in the situation present
A feel of mellowed warm in the chest
A joy abiding even when reasons delude
A glow that no face can fake.
Peace is knowing the path is tree-crusted
Providing shade and still drops of sun
The wending comes with a joyful shanty
When the blue sky heralds the destination in the run.
Peace is revering Nature in her glory
The mighty hand that courses our way
A love that’s pure and divine
And no matter what is going to stay.
My name is Neelakshi Banerjee Recently I have developed a budding interest to delve through the subtle beauty of art and articulate my imagination with the help of words Music holds a pivotal place in my life Though am an engineer by profession I believe both science and arts are equally imperative to make this world a more beautiful place
ARIES MOON SIGN: KNIGHT OF SWORDS
You're in action mode, eager to chase goals. Be bold but avoid rushing decisions. Speak honestly in love, but with care. Finances need thoughtful action. Avoid burnout pace yourself
TAURUS MOON SIGN: THREE OF CUPS
Taurus, August brings happiness, celebration, and emotional bonding In Career: Teamwork brings success celebrate small wins at work In Love: Enjoy romantic moments or reunions with loved ones.Finance: Stable and positive treat yourself a little.Health: Uplifted mood boosts health just avoid overindulgence.
GEMINI MOON SIGN: TEN OF PENTACLES
Gemini this month Stability, family support, and long-term goals shine brightly this month.Career: Great time for building a solid foundation or long-term project.Love: Strong family vibes commitments or deep bonding possible.Finance: Financial security improves investments or ancestral gains likely Health: Family care brings peace of mind take rest when needed
CANCER MOON SIGN: DEATH
Cancer this month, A powerful transformation is coming let go of the old to welcome the new Career: A job change or shift in role may surprise you trust the process Love: Endings can lead to better emotional beginnings. Heal and grow.Finance: Time to release old money habits and start fresh budgeting.Health: Focus on emotional healing; avoid stress and get proper rest.
LEO MOON SIGN: SEVEN OF
PENTACLES
Leo, this is the month This month is all about patience and watching your hard work slowly pay off.Career: You’ve put in the effort now wait for results and don’t give up Love: Relationships need nurturing slow progress is still progress Finance: Time to plan, save, and think longterm Avoid quick returns Health: Focus on routine and consistency small efforts bring lasting health
VIRGO MOON SIGN: NINE OF PENTACLES
Virgo, this month, is the month of independence, self-love, and enjoying the rewards of your efforts Career: You shine solo your skills and confidence bring success Love: Enjoy your own space or attract someone who values your worth.Finance: Financial comfort and smart savings make you feel secure.Health: Good health through self-care treat yourself to peace and rest.
LIBRA MOON SIGN: MAGICIAN
Libra,this is your power month manifest, create, and shine with confidence!Career: Your skills and ideas can bring big success use your full potential.Love: Charm is high new beginning or magical moments in love.Finance: You have what it takes to attract abundance be smart and focused Health: Energy is high channel it wisely and avoid burnout
SCORPIO MOON SIGN: THE HIGH PRIESTESS
This month, your intuition is your superpower trust it fully Career: Quiet observation and inner wisdom will guide your next steps Love: Deep emotional connection or secret feelings may surface Finance: Not the time to act fast wait, observe, and save Health: Focus on mental and emotional healing meditation will help
SAGITTARIUS MOON SIGN: KING OF SWORDS
Sagittarius, this month calls for clear thinking, strong decisions, and wise communication.Career: Use logic and leadership your ideas will gain respect.Love: Speak honestly but be kind clarity is better than confusion.Finance: Plan smart, think long-term, and avoid emotional spending.Health: Focus on mental clarity good sleep and routine help a lot
CAPRICORN MOON SIGN: SEVEN OF CUPS
Capricorn, this month, Too many choices this month stay grounded and avoid illusions.Career: Opportunities may confuse you choose with logic, not fantasy Love: Daydreaming is fun, but clarity is key avoid mixed signals Finance: Don’t fall for quick-money schemes think twice before investing Health: Avoid overthinking practice mindfulness to stay balanced
AQUARIUS MOON SIGN: EIGHT OF CUPS
Aquarius! This month, this month is about walking away from what no longer serves your soul Career: You may feel unfulfilled consider what truly makes you happy Love: Emotional distance or a break might help you heal and reflect Finance: Let go of draining habits focus on long-term security Health: Emotional healing is key spend time in peaceful solitude
PISCES MOON SIGN: TWO OF CUPS
Pisces, this month, is month of harmony, love, and emotional connection is here.Career: Strong partnerships or collaborations bring success.Love: Deep bonding, new love, or relationship healing is likely Finance: Shared goals or joint finances work well now Health: Emotional balance improves overall well-being nurture your heart
I am Himani Goyal, By profession, I am an HR Manager working in Banglore Reading is my hobby which led me to write reviews for my readers I have read and reviewed numerous books so far I am also a practicing Tarot consultant and would be sharing daily, weekly, monthly horoscopes for you all here.
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