BOOKS WE RECOMMEND THIS WEEK

Compiled by: Chirdeep Malhotra

1) “Festivals - A Ray of Hope”, compiled by Lakshmi Valluri and Ravi Valluri

(Anthology | Format: Paperback/Kindle | MRP: 189 INR)

BLURB: This book has a compilation of 23 poems, 8 stories and 5 articles, written in English and Hindi language, by 23 authors. The stories, poems and articles revolve around celebrating festivals during the pandemic, but some also go beyond this initial scope. Some noted contributors and some first-timers, some peppy themes and some really serious musings have found their way into this anthology. The contents of the book are sure to evoke myriad feelings in the reader, as this anthology is sensitive and hard-hitting, but also comes across as a harbinger of hope. This is a book not only to rejoice and uplift our spirits, but to introspect too.



2) “Garden of Fragility” by Neelam Saxena Chandra

(Poetry | Format: Paperback/Kindle | MRP: 175 INR)

BLURB: What’s life? It’s a garden of fragility. Nothing is permanent – be it murkiness, nothingness or happiness. Life is meant to take you through various paths during its journey, and you are ultimately meant to enjoy treading on them – for it is after all a garden and gardens are known for their fragrance. “The Garden of Fragility” is a collection of fifty poems written by Limca Book of Records Holder, Neelam Saxena, that make you understand the different facets of life.



3) “Sahyadri Adventure: Anirudh's Dream” by Deepak Dalal

(YA Fiction | Format: Paperback/Kindle | MRP: 239 INR)

BLURB: This book is the first part of the “Sahyadri Adventure” duology. Once upon a time, there were fields in the city of Mumbai. Panthers roamed the forests of Malabar Hill and the occasional tiger could still be spotted, swimming the harbour or prowling the fringes of the city. The sea flooded the channels that separated the seven islands of the city. And on one of the islands stood a Fort, guarded by cannons that bristled from black ramparts. Vikram, Aditya, and their friends Anirudh and Chitra had no idea of the existence of this Fort. But in a cave, on a windswept mountain in the Sahaydris, Anirudh has a dream. He dreams of a boy named Irfan who once lived in this Fort. He dreams of a city long lost and a friendship both transformative and life-affirming. In this YA fiction, read how the story pans out.



4) “Sahyadri Adventure: Koleshwar's Secret” by Deepak Dalal

(YA Fiction | Format: Paperback/Kindle | MRP: 264 INR)

BLURB: This is the concluding instalment of the “Sahyadri Adventure” duology, a riveting tale where history meets adventure in one of the most beautiful locales of India. Far out in the Sahyadris rises a mountain called Koleshwar. Amidst its caves and rumbling streams lie many secrets, secrets that Anirudh discovers when he wakes from a strange dream. Vikram, Aditya, Chitra and Anirudh are now tasked with trying to make sense of his dream. How does Anirudh inexplicably recognize not just every contour and ridge of the lush, monsooned hills but also know every minute detail of the vanished Fort of Mumbai? Will this group of budding adventurers decode the forgotten legacy, buried in the ancient slopes of the Sahyadris, before tips goes over the edge? Read this book to find out.