BOOKS WE RECOMMEND THIS WEEK

Compiled by: Chirdeep Malhotra

1) “The Chiseled World” by Neelam Saxena Chandra

(Short Stories| Format: Paperback/Kindle | MRP: 249 INR)

BLURB: There are circumstances beyond our control that often make us feel helpless, vulnerable and marooned. The protagonists in the collection “The Chiseled World” are also victims of these situations and feel lost. However, following different paths, these characters also come face to face with their inner lighthouse and an infinite quantum of light begins to shine in their souls. Their ultimate goal in life might change as per their situations, but they find peace which emanates from their heart, mind and soul. The stories of “The Chiseled World” have been cleverly weaved by the best-selling author Neelam Saxena Chandra around relationships and the journey which these characters undertake.



2) “Art of War to Art of Living” by Ravi Valluri

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

BLURB: “In midst of chaos, there is also opportunity,” were the inspiring words of Sun Tzu, the ancient military strategist of China.
Art of War to Art of Living is a riveting tale inspired by the true story of an exceedingly bright and successful technocrat in China.
The protagonist, a young woman, gains unprecedented success before things take a dramatic turn. She decides to follow in the footsteps of Xuan Zang, the ancient Chinese traveller who came to India in quest of pristine Buddhism and Buddhist texts.
Fourteen hundred years later, with highly improved logistics, in an interconnected, webbed world, why does Xiao Ming decide to follow the arduous path of the ancient monk? Is it Buddhism or something else?
“Every hurt is trying to shake you, to see whether you are strong or not. It tests your strength. It is to make you stronger.” -Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar



3) “The Counterfeiter: Abdul Karim Telgi and the Stamp Scam” by Bhaswar Mukherjee

(Non-Fiction | Format: Paperback/Kindle | MRP: 284 INR)

BLURB: Telgi and the stamp scam? Didn’t that happen a quarter of a century ago? Why now? Because the complete story of the counterfeiter and scamster has never been told before. Because the story of the sheer innovation and audacity of an underdog needs to be told. Because the complex web of corruption involving lawmakers and law-keepers continues. Because the crime has all the overtones of a Bollywood potboiler, replete with chases, corrupt government officials and policemen, political chicanery, bar dancers and yes, a murder too! Because of the many unanswered questions that remain, so many years after the crime and the death of Abdul Karim Ladsaab Telgi in 2017. How was it possible for a man like Telgi to establish a pan-India ‘business’ in 74 cities and reach such dizzying heights of power and pelf, amassing a personal wealth of over Rs 17,000 crore while swindling the economy to the tune of Rs 25,000 crore? How did he manage to undermine the hallowed institutions of India? What was the size of the scam? How did CBI peg the figure at a mere fraction of the guesstimated amount? The Counterfeiter... chronicles the audacious swindle by the flamboyant mastermind in a blow-by-blow account of its execution, investigation, charge sheets, legal developments, Telgi’s incarceration, trial, death – and finally exoneration. An unputdownable true-crime dossier!



4) “Birds of the Snows” by Tarannum Riyaz, translated by the author from the Urdu

(Fiction | Format: Paperback | MRP: 599 INR)

BLURB: Originally published in Urdu as Barf Aashna Parindey, this sensitively written novel traces the journey of a family in Kashmir and primarily the life of their daughter, Sheba, as she studies and discovers her own path. Sheba wishes to be free, just as the birds that she likes observing, but understands the need to live within social conventions and accept life’s responsibilities.
Exploring women’s freedom, the mother-daughter relationship and social mores, the author skilfully interweaves several poignant narratives. While studying at university, Sheba takes on the compassionate task of looking after her professor, when he is afflicted by a stroke. She engages in this humanitarian role with her college batch-mates and continues alone after they move on, in pursuit of their professional and personal goals.
This deftly translated novel depicts the changing times in Kashmir, from a rural to a more urban life, the impact of modern thinking, and through its portrayal of female characters explores their compassion and resolve, as well as their search for self-fulfilment.