Reading The Battle for Baramulla, I was instantly struck by how history and fiction were woven together to create a narrative that felt both urgent anReading The Battle for Baramulla, I was instantly struck by how history and fiction were woven together to create a narrative that felt both urgent and deeply human. The setting—Baramulla in 1947—wasn’t just a backdrop; it became a living, breathing character in itself, shaped by fear, uncertainty, and shifting loyalties. As someone who had always been fascinated by how stories captured pivotal moments in time, I found the premise gripping: what did it mean for ordinary people, especially children like Zooni, to navigate chaos when entire nations were being carved out?
What stood out was the way the beginning promised action while holding onto emotion. The mention of Maqbool Sherwani added historical authenticity, while Zooni’s uncertainty made the narrative relatable. The writing style was taut and evocative—it hinted at danger (“truckloads of tribesmen bearing grenades and guns”) but also at resilience.
For me, the most compelling aspect was how the story placed a child at the centre of such turmoil. That choice itself suggested a tone of innocence clashing with brutality, which made the story not only engaging but hauntingly memorable. It felt like a book that left me reflecting on both history and humanity long after the last page....more
A New History of India for Children turned out to be an engaging and refreshing read, presenting India’s vast history with clarity and simplicity. WhaA New History of India for Children turned out to be an engaging and refreshing read, presenting India’s vast history with clarity and simplicity. What I appreciated most was how the book managed to strike a balance between depth and accessibility—it never felt like a dry textbook, but rather a vivid journey through time. Beginning with the Harappan Civilization and moving through the Maurya and Gupta empires, the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal era, and eventually the struggle for Independence, the narrative unfolded seamlessly and chronologically.
The language was crisp, yet never patronising, making complex events easy to follow without losing their significance. I particularly admired the way the book connected ancient history with the modern—drawing lines from dinosaurs and lost cities to the metro lines of contemporary India. The use of maps, photographs, and illustrations enhanced the reading experience, grounding the historical accounts in visuals that brought the past to life.
For me, the highlight was its ability to engage both the intellect and imagination. It offered not just a timeline of events but a sense of India’s evolving identity. This is a book I’d recommend for young readers and adults alike—an accessible, captivating overview of India’s vibrant and eventful past....more
The Division is a richly imagined fable that surprised me with both its poignancy and sharp social commentary. At first glance, it's about talking aniThe Division is a richly imagined fable that surprised me with both its poignancy and sharp social commentary. At first glance, it's about talking animals in a meadow overtaken by a mysterious fog—but don’t be fooled by the pastoral setting. This is an allegory that bites.
The premise—a toxic fog called The Division that creeps into the lives of animals and causes disharmony—is deceptively simple. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the “fog” is no mere weather pattern. It’s a metaphor for systemic manipulation, fearmongering, and the politics of blame, echoing our world with uncomfortable precision.
I found The Remnants of Rebellion to be a richly layered and emotionally resonant read. The setting—Kerala’s rubber plantations—is evocatively describI found The Remnants of Rebellion to be a richly layered and emotionally resonant read. The setting—Kerala’s rubber plantations—is evocatively described, and I could almost feel the dense, green air of Puthuloor wrap around the characters. The plot skilfully weaves personal grief with political unrest, making the narrative both intimate and historically grounded. I appreciated how the story spans three generations, giving it a sense of depth and continuity. The writing style is lyrical without being overwrought, which worked well for the themes of memory and loss. However, at times, I felt that the pace faltered, especially when transitioning between timelines. A few characters, particularly from the present, could have been more fleshed out—they occasionally felt like vessels for the plot rather than fully formed individuals. That said, Aleyamma’s emotional turmoil felt authentic, and her journey of reconciliation was genuinely compelling.
Candle in the Wind is not a comfortable read—and rightly so. Sharmishtha Shenoy, known for her work in crime fiction, delivers a gut-wrenching antholoCandle in the Wind is not a comfortable read—and rightly so. Sharmishtha Shenoy, known for her work in crime fiction, delivers a gut-wrenching anthology that exposes the brutal, often silenced realities of crimes against women and young girls in India. Inspired by true incidents, each story pierces through the illusion of safety, revealing a society where patriarchy, privilege, and apathy breed unimaginable horrors.
The narratives are stark and unflinching: a six-year-old child assaulted by a trusted adult, a gifted orphan betrayed by the very system that promised her protection, a young woman stalked and murdered, and a desperate wife manipulated by her circumstances into moral collapse. These are not just stories; they are echoes of lived pain and institutional failure.
I dived back into Butterfingers with the enthusiasm of someone fully prepared to embrace chaos—and I wasn’t disappointed. Amar Kishen, aka ButterfingeI dived back into Butterfingers with the enthusiasm of someone fully prepared to embrace chaos—and I wasn’t disappointed. Amar Kishen, aka Butterfingers, is a lovable magnet for mishaps, and this jumbo comic edition delivers a triple scoop of trouble, hilarity, and accidental heroism. From honeybee rescues to haunted house mysteries, each story packs its own zany punch. And somehow, amidst all the stumbles, Butterfingers always manages to land on... well, not his feet, but close enough.
What I enjoy most about this series is that it never tries too hard to be funny—it just is. The humour is clean but clever, and the situations are absurd in the best way. That said, the plotlines are a bit outlandish (a bee rescue? a bank robbery? a Halloween heist?), so if you’re looking for realism, you may want to recheck your ticket. But if you’re in it for a lighthearted laugh and nostalgia-laced storytelling, this comic hits the sweet spot. It's silly, smart, and exactly the kind of reading escape that both kids and adults (with a sense of humour) can enjoy....more
India in Triangles is one of those rare non-fiction books that reads like an adventure novel. I found myself completely engrossed in the story of how
India in Triangles is one of those rare non-fiction books that reads like an adventure novel. I found myself completely engrossed in the story of how India was mapped—not just through numbers and coordinates, but through sheer human grit. The idea that a group of surveyors, armed with rudimentary tools and an astonishing method of triangulation, set out to chart an entire subcontinent is mind-blowing. What struck me most was how these men walked thousands of kilometers, often barefoot, braving swamps, mountains, malaria, and even political tensions, all for the sake of precision. The book balances the technical and the personal really well. It doesn’t overload the reader with jargon but explains the science behind triangulation in a way that feels accessible and even thrilling. There’s something incredibly humbling about reading how the height of Mount Everest was calculated decades before anyone ever climbed it. It made me look at maps and measurements—things I usually take for granted—with a whole new respect. Overall, India in Triangles is both informative and inspiring. It celebrates unsung heroes of science who didn’t crave fame, but whose contributions changed how we see the world. For readers who love history, geography, or just a well-told tale of determination, this book is an absolute gem.
There’s something utterly charming about a book that starts by telling you not to say “SQU—”. I picked this one up with minimal expectations and walkeThere’s something utterly charming about a book that starts by telling you not to say “SQU—”. I picked this one up with minimal expectations and walked away with a grin and a pleasantly tickled imagination. Set on the delightfully peculiar island of Thutta, with its population of exactly 5,120 (because of course it is), the story follows Katli—a spirited 13-year-old who copes with her quiet island life by pretending to be seven different people. That premise alone had me curious, but what unfolded was even better.
The narrative seems to balance whimsy with mystery in a way that feels both lighthearted and smart. The mention of “absent animals” and “sneaky schemes” promises a plot full of unexpected turns and gentle humour. While the tone is clearly geared towards younger readers, the quirkiness and offbeat energy reminded me of why children’s literature remains timeless. That said, depending on your mood, the eccentricity might feel a bit much at times—it leans heavily on its charm and setting. But if you let yourself be pulled in, it’s the kind of story that rewards curiosity. ...more
I picked up The Startup Spirit expecting another run-of-the-mill entrepreneurial book—one of those that starts strong, throws around some buzzwords, aI picked up The Startup Spirit expecting another run-of-the-mill entrepreneurial book—one of those that starts strong, throws around some buzzwords, and fizzles out by chapter three. But to my surprise, this one had more grounding than glitter.
What I appreciated most was the real-world tone. The authors, Sridhar Seshadri and Shreeram Iyer, don’t sound like they're talking at you—they're talking to you. Their experiences don’t feel like LinkedIn humblebrags either. There's sincerity in the way they share lessons from failure, moments of doubt, and their process of building with resilience.
That said, I felt the book sometimes skimmed the surface. The personal anecdotes are great, but I was left wishing for a bit more depth. Some of the advice leans into familiar territory — things like “take risks” and “fail fast” — without always offering a fresh perspective. A stronger narrative thread could’ve tied the chapters together more seamlessly.
A worthwhile read if you’re new to entrepreneurship or want honest, lived insights over corporate jargon. It’s not a playbook, but it makes for a thoughtful companion on the startup journey. ...more
Reading Dark Star was like being taken on a bittersweet journey through a chapter of Indian cinema that is as dazzling as it is melancholic. As someonReading Dark Star was like being taken on a bittersweet journey through a chapter of Indian cinema that is as dazzling as it is melancholic. As someone who grew up hearing about the legend of Rajesh Khanna from my parents—about his magical screen presence, the inexplicable frenzy he evoked—I was drawn to this book with curiosity, if not nostalgia.
Gautam Chintamani does a commendable job of capturing both the glory and the gloom of Khanna’s life. The book’s strength lies in its tone—neither hagiographic nor cruel. It treads a careful line, neither romanticising his superstardom nor trivialising his decline. I particularly appreciated how the author didn’t just focus on Khanna’s box-office numbers, but also explored the cultural moment he embodied: the early '70s, when India needed escape, charm, and fantasy—and Khanna delivered, almost effortlessly.
The anecdotes are the real treasure here. The stories of fans writing him letters in blood or treating him like a divine figure after Haathi Mere Saathi could have sounded absurd, but Chintamani presents them with restraint and empathy, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions about the cost of living inside a myth.
As someone who’s always been interested in the subtle art of personal branding and communication, Presence Perfect by Rita Bhimani came as a compact, As someone who’s always been interested in the subtle art of personal branding and communication, Presence Perfect by Rita Bhimani came as a compact, no-nonsense manual that felt like a timely refresher course—served with flair.
What stood out to me instantly was the book’s format: 24 short, crisp chapters, each designed to deliver a practical takeaway. In a world where attention spans are shrinking and scrolls are infinite, I appreciated how digestible the content was. It felt like having a seasoned mentor hand you power-packed advice over coffee, without the jargon or fluff.
Rita Bhimani’s voice carries authority, backed by over five decades of PR experience, and yet the tone is warm and unpretentious. The idea of boosting your PQ—Preen Quotient—is both quirky and catchy, and it's this blend of style and strategy that makes the book enjoyable.
“Voices in the Waiting Room” is not just a novel—it’s a symphony of silences, grief, and the unspoken ache of displacement. In this multi-perspective “Voices in the Waiting Room” is not just a novel—it’s a symphony of silences, grief, and the unspoken ache of displacement. In this multi-perspective debut, Mayank Gupta stitches together the fractured lives of five doctors—each wrestling with identity, memory, and belonging—within the sterile walls of a hospital in the United States.
At the heart of the story is Dr. Silva, whose seemingly controlled life begins to fray with the arrival of a mysterious bangle. Around her orbit Ankit, Pooja, Shashi, and Jindal—each grappling with their own pasts and unmoored futures. From diasporic dissonance to emotional disconnection, Gupta touches on themes both deeply personal and hauntingly universal.
The narrative is both intimate and expansive—like overhearing whispers in a hospital corridor, where every echo tells a story. With lyrical restraint and emotional precision, Gupta gives voice to the voiceless and makes the reader pause to reflect on what it means to belong. ...more
Rules to Rule is a compelling blend of history, leadership philosophy, and grounded wisdom. As someone drawn to books that connect timeless principles
Rules to Rule is a compelling blend of history, leadership philosophy, and grounded wisdom. As someone drawn to books that connect timeless principles with modern dilemmas, I found Prashant Anand’s approach refreshingly straightforward.
The book’s premise—extracting leadership lessons from nineteen ancient Indian rulers—could easily have turned into either a dry history lesson or a preachy leadership manual. But Anand strikes a fine balance. His writing is crisp, deliberate, and free of unnecessary dramatization. He lets the stories speak for themselves, and that in itself lends a quiet power to the book.
What impressed me most was the clarity and conciseness with which he draws out strategic takeaways—on power, discipline, foresight, and ethical decision-making. You don't have to be a historian to follow the narrative, and you don’t have to be in a leadership role to reflect on the lessons.
Neil D’Silva’s ‘Joyrides: Carnival of Creeps’ plunges readers into a spine-chilling adventure inside Devil’s Den, a haunted house that quickly spiralsNeil D’Silva’s ‘Joyrides: Carnival of Creeps’ plunges readers into a spine-chilling adventure inside Devil’s Den, a haunted house that quickly spirals from fun scares to sheer terror. Don’t let the title fool you—Joyrides sounds like a breezy carnival getaway, but this novel is anything but cheerful. What unfolds instead is a spine-prickling horror adventure set in the deceptively delightful Funmania amusement park on Bongo Island. I went in expecting thrills of the rollercoaster kind and came out with the kind that creeps up your spine and nests in your mind. The story follows the Fearless Four—Riz, Anvita, Tiana, and Palash—who are hoping for a break after their last terrifying brush with the supernatural. But when their friend Cyrus vanishes mid-air from Big Loopy, the world’s largest rollercoaster, things take a sharp and sinister turn.
What I absolutely loved is how D’Silva takes familiar places of joy—carnivals, rides, funhouses—and flips them into dark, eerie spaces haunted by secrets. From the chilling cries of the Wailing Witch to the uncanny silence of the island’s residents, each chapter builds the tension masterfully. The pacing is tight, especially for a younger audience. There’s never a dull moment, and the writing is clean, vivid, and perfectly pitched for middle-grade readers who like their scares just intense enough to thrill but not traumatize.
Seat 1C is a moving and deeply personal account of survival that transcends the sheer shock of a plane crash to offer a layered narrative of introspecSeat 1C is a moving and deeply personal account of survival that transcends the sheer shock of a plane crash to offer a layered narrative of introspection, recovery, and second chances. Zafar Masud, one of only two survivors of the tragic PIA Flight 8303 crash, uses his voice not to sensationalize the horror but to process and understand it—an effort that gives the book its emotional and narrative depth. Structurally, the book blends Masud’s first-person recollections with testimonials from the other survivor, rescue workers, and witnesses. This mosaic approach adds authenticity and a range of perspectives, though at times the transitions between voices can feel abrupt. The nonlinear format—moving between the day of the crash, moments from the hospital, and reflections on life—mirrors the disorientation of trauma, but might challenge readers seeking a straightforward chronology.
When I picked up Misplaced Threats, I wasn’t expecting to be sucked into a snarky, wildly inventive, and surprisingly satirical journey across star syWhen I picked up Misplaced Threats, I wasn’t expecting to be sucked into a snarky, wildly inventive, and surprisingly satirical journey across star systems. But that’s exactly what happened. Alan Zimm’s book is the first in the Misplaced Humanity Chronicles, and if this is the tone-setter, I’m in for the ride.
At its core, the novel isn’t about galactic wars or alien overlords—it’s about human failure, bureaucratic absurdity, and the rogue spirit that somehow survives it all. The plot follows different characters: Manchez, the ego-fuelled pilot whose incompetence (and libido) nearly annihilates a city; Mike, the grounded ex-pilot trying to reinvent himself amid shady salvage deals; Diana and Tarak, a married couple whose flirtatious banter is as sharp as their survival skills; and Ghost, a hauntingly vulnerable character navigating the underbelly of a corporately enslaved planet. Each storyline weaves into a broader narrative of control vs. autonomy, dignity vs. desperation.
Vincent Can’t Go is one of those quiet, powerful stories that stays with you long after the last page — not because it’s loud or flashy, but because iVincent Can’t Go is one of those quiet, powerful stories that stays with you long after the last page — not because it’s loud or flashy, but because it speaks to something real. Vincent’s frustration is deeply relatable for any child who’s ever felt left out of the fun for reasons beyond their control.
The story begins with a simple yet heartbreaking refrain — every time Vincent wants to do something, his mother responds with “Vincent can’t go.” The repetition is gentle but effective; we feel his disappointment build. And while the book doesn’t spell out everything about why his father is away, that absence looms large, shaping the home and Vincent’s daily life.
What works beautifully is how child-centric the story remains — it’s told entirely from Vincent’s point of view, full of hope, little plans, and stubborn resilience. When his best friend’s birthday party approaches, Vincent is determined to make it happen — and how he does it is clever, funny, and heartwarming.
Some books don’t need a dramatic plot twist — they simply walk beside you like an old friend with a gentle voice. This one felt exactly like that. In Some books don’t need a dramatic plot twist — they simply walk beside you like an old friend with a gentle voice. This one felt exactly like that. In his 90s now, Ruskin Bond offers reflections on ageing, nature, dreams, and the beauty of a quiet life. His writing, as always, is warm, witty, and sprinkled with wisdom that doesn’t try too hard to impress.
What I loved was the simplicity of it all — soft insights, personal memories, and lines that made me pause and smile. But if I’m being honest, some parts felt more like loosely strung journal entries than fully formed essays. The book meanders a bit, and certain themes repeat themselves. It's more nostalgic than revelatory.
The cover, illustrated by Kajal Bhojawala, is an absolute win — calming and evocative, much like the book itself. I wouldn’t call it his most compelling work, but it has its quiet magic. If you're a longtime Bond reader or someone in need of something gentle and grounding, this will feel like home. ...more
The Freezies drew me in with its quiet charm and then surprised me with its emotional depth. On the surface, it's a story about three outcast childrenThe Freezies drew me in with its quiet charm and then surprised me with its emotional depth. On the surface, it's a story about three outcast children—the Freezies—who stumble upon a mysterious man living in an abandoned bus. But beneath that, it's a thoughtful meditation on prejudice, belonging, and the quiet courage of those often overlooked. Suleikha, Leo, and Kai are beautifully drawn, each carrying their own quiet heartbreaks, and I loved how their bond felt both tender and real.
What stood out to me most was Mr Christaki. He’s a fascinating character—scruffy, enigmatic, and kind in a way that unsettles people who are used to neat boxes and tidy explanations. His gentle influence on the children, especially through music, adds an uplifting thread to the story. The narrative does a wonderful job capturing the tense, sometimes claustrophobic dynamics of a small village where fear of the unknown often overpowers empathy.
In a world where AI literacy is becoming as essential as traditional literacy, Prompt Engineering for Everyone arrives as the timely, practical guide In a world where AI literacy is becoming as essential as traditional literacy, Prompt Engineering for Everyone arrives as the timely, practical guide we all need. Dr. Ajay Data, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to AI, multilingual internet, and enterprise communication, distils his expertise into this accessible yet powerful handbook.
The book dives deep into the art and science of crafting effective prompts—the new lingua franca of the AI-driven era. Whether you are a business leader, developer, educator, or entrepreneur, Dr. Data’s role-based strategies and real-world examples show how thoughtfully designed prompts can dramatically boost productivity, creativity, and innovation.
What stands out is the book’s emphasis on ethical AI, inclusivity, and scalability—a reflection of the author’s own values. It doesn’t merely teach you to ‘talk’ to AI; it teaches you to do so responsibly and impactfully.
A must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in today’s evolving digital landscape. This isn’t just a book about AI—it’s a toolkit for mastering the future of work. ...more