Pens and Places

  I don't know if it's because of the ideologies of Rama or the remembrance of my Baba’s lessons, that I tend to pick again and again this story to read by different authors in different forms.  This book is another exemplary representation of Ramayana by another renowned author. Every book has its own delegation to recite this great epic in its own rendition, and this piece is quite different from all that I had read till now.  The unknown and unheard that I had read in Sita Ramayana by Devdutt Pattnaik was intriguing and factful, but when I was comparing the facts of Rishi Valmiki’s epic, I couldn’t find anything new. But the only thing that kept me glued to read was the categorization of context, settings, personalities, events and eventualities. Author has mentioned each and every aspect with thorough research and then articulated in a way to untangle every phase of the epic. Be it personality of the character in Ramayana, occurrence of events, governance of Ram Rajya...

  Being a literary fan of Jhumpa Lahiri’s work, I am always attracted to every creation of her. This time, this book felt different. It was like a calm confrontation of the chaos that happened with any writer/learner, who tried to indulge oneself into the stranger yet passionate world of other literature. The author is not used to presenting herself in autobiographical glimpses, in any form of her writings. But through this small showdown of her struggles, she captured everything in other words .  “In Other Words” has given many sides of Jhumpa, through her linguistic journey. Being a Bengali from the heart and pampered in the US, she discovered a new zeal for some third love. In this book, she described how it is so simple and yet difficult to be involved with the passion that is not at all born and related to her in any form. She had started getting affectionate with a strange partner - the language ‘Italian’ - so much so that she wanted to break the knot of her past existen...

  This book feels like I found a lost companion(or a personal diary) of a traveling man, in which every experience is expressed with a homely touch. I haven’t read Manav’s work before, but after reading this piece, he had won one more reader.  Initially I struggled a bit, because I am not proficient in reading Hindi fast, but I expected to listen to his story faster in my mind. Carrying this dilemma, sometimes I took pause as well to grasp the surroundings, that compelled me to think about my traveling days’ memories. The title “ बहुत दूर कितना दूर होता है ” has so much depth in it that I created innumerable answers for this statement in my mind. I asked people around how they perceive this statement in general. Some relate it with the bond we carry, some relate with the time we are left with to live, some just couldn’t form words to explain. For me, I think I come up with my version with a pinch of longingness of my heart i.e. If you consider someone detached with you, no ma...

In "Varaha's Vengeance," Arun Krishnan masterfully continues the captivating saga initiated in "Nandi's Charge," the first volume of the Battle of Vathapi series. Seamlessly building upon the narrative groundwork laid in its predecessor, Krishnan navigates readers through the turbulent landscape of the Chalukyas and Pallavas era, where the clash of empires dictates the course of history. Krishnan's narrative prowess shines as he intricately weaves together the threads of ancient warfare, enveloping readers in the cacophony of battle and the quieter moments of introspection. His descriptive prose serves as a portal to a bygone era, where notions of honor and duty collide amidst the chaos of the battlefield. A hallmark of "Varaha's Vengeance" lies in its well-rounded characters. Krishnan breathes life into both male and female protagonists, allowing them to undergo profound growth throughout the narrative. Whether it's the valorous exploi...

  This book has to be on everyone’s shelf. As always, Mitch Albom has expanded the level of small moments to detailed meanings of life. I never thought that this book would turn out so soooo emotional. I cried a lot, re-thinking all my deeds at my earlier stages, re-evaluating all my unintentional moves which caused pain to my parents and re-considering all my decisions which might have resulted well, just because of their guidance.  I don’t know what I could have done without my parents - or you can say - my grandparents. They were my guiding light at every step of my well being. I didn’t ever imagine my world without their existence, but now when they are not here, there’s not a single day when I don’t remember them in my thoughts. This book has my whole heart, because it gives a random dream to spend one more day, if I could have.  One of the most compelling aspects of "For One More Day" is Albom's ability to infuse each character with depth and relatability. From Chic...

  Hosseini has something in his mind, that everytime he creates magic with his words. “And the Mountains Echoed” is a splendid collaboration of stories, which shows that every story is made of little efforts and human emotions. This book has been on my shelf for the last 4 years, not because I didn’t want to read it, but because I wanted to read with my proper devotion ( coz I worship Hossein’s work!) And here I am, holding on to the post-read era of crying and overthinking.  If you are suffering from intellectual-thought-processing-syndrome, where you don’t know where to stop traveling in your dreamy sentiments, then this book is for you. It has all the flavors of love, sacrifice, sibling’s attachment, guilt, devotion, back stories of so many little moments, harassments, childhood traumas, childhood nurturement and so much more.  At the heart of the novel is the bond between Abdullah and Pari, siblings torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. Their story is a po...

  "Tarkash" by Javed Akhtar is a poetic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of conventional literature. As a reader, I found myself entranced by the sheer brilliance of Akhtar's words, which effortlessly weave together a tapestry of emotions, philosophy, and the human experience. The book, predominantly a collection of ghazals, delves into the intricate realms of life, love, and the myriad emotions that define our existence. Akhtar's verses are not just words; they are an exploration of the soul, resonating with a depth that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart. His poetic prowess is evident in every line, each verse a gem that reflects the profound wisdom of a seasoned wordsmith. What sets "Tarkash" apart is its relatability to the common man's journey. Akhtar has a unique way of capturing the essence of everyday struggles, joys, and sorrows. Through his ghazals, he paints a vivid picture of the human condition, making the reader fe...

  J.K.Rowling is that one person for me, who deployed the meaning of magic in my mind. Through the Harry Potter world, she created the galaxy of imagination. And this book is just a perfect blend of all those imaginations and failures. “Very Good Lives” is a short book, based on the commencement address given by the author herself on Harvard graduation ceremony. She had perfectly presented the best advice through her journey. No exaggeration, no solid big and classy vocabs. Nothing! She defined the beauty of failures through imagination, by giving references of her parental expectations, professional journey, personal trauma, fear of poverty, and most importantly about the ability to think beyond the basic human beings.  I would have cried a lot if she had given this speech on my graduation day. By justifying her life, she gave the greatest strength to grow and conquer. Even after merely reading her draft, my eyes couldn’t hold the tears. And definitely the illustration also e...

  It is such an honor to experience the legendary conversation between the people, best of their fields and revealing nostalgic memories related to the evergreen songs of Indian Cinema. This book is all about honest chit-chat on behind the scenes, what happens in the making of lyrics, what are the contributing factors behind picturing the entire scenes and takes, and how everything impacts the age of songs. Gulzar Sahab, the extraordinary man, who is the backbone of Bollywood’s poetry is a delight to read, and here - extra delight to listen. Being a fan of songs, I always admired Gulzar Ji’s lyrics. There’s a conversation where Gulzar Ji was asked to pick his favorite among his songs, and he replied “The choice reflects the experience of the moment. There is no numbering involved..”. I can’t agree more with this. If I am in my philosophical mood, I would prefer to listen “Tujse naaraz nahi zindagi, hairan hun main”. For my jolly mood, I would like to dance on “Chal chaiyaan chaiyaa...

  "Dwapar Katha" by Sudipta Bhawmik, a renowned podcaster, offers a compelling exploration of the Mahabharata, one of India's most revered epics. The book, born from Bhawmik's childhood fascination with an illustrated Mahabharata and his later affinity for the Bengali version by Rajsekhar Basu, promises a unique perspective on the timeless tale. The narrative delves deep into the complexities of the Dwapur Yuga, a period known for the emergence of Lord Krishna, the Mahabharata, and the reign of the Pandavas. The engrossing and captivating storytelling weaves together the tales of Saint Vyasa, the saga of warring cousins, and the intricate reasons that led to the epic Mahabharata. Bhawmik skillfully portrays the valiant Pandavas and the formidable Kauravas, unraveling the layers of their emotions, motivations, and desires. The author's vivid descriptions of the battleground, the mind games of the Kauravas, and the fuming angst of the Pandavas bring the epic to life...

  In the debut installment of the Battle of Vathapi trilogy, "Nandi’s Charge," Arun Krishnan masterfully weaves a gripping tale of honor, strategy, and vengeance set against the backdrop of the Seventh-century Battle of Vathapi. Drawing on historical events and rich cultural landscapes, Krishnan's narrative brings to life a captivating drama that unfolds in the heart of ancient Bharat. The story centers around King Narasimhavarman, a young Pallava monarch burdened with the solemn promise to avenge the humiliation suffered by his father and kingdom in the Battle of Pullalur. With the strategic brilliance characteristic of historical fiction, Krishnan introduces readers to three gallant Pallava warriors – Elango, Kannan, and Muthu. Tasked with debilitating the Chalukyas' allies, the Gangas, the Lankans, and the Pandyas, these warriors embark on perilous journeys fraught with enemies and obstacles. Krishnan's meticulous research is evident in the vivid descriptions o...