The book was formally launched on 21st February, at Office Office CP, attended by a select few invitees and family and close friends.
It was a small intimate affair to laud the efforts of a young twenty year old girl whose efforts had borne fruit in the shape of her maiden book, BECOMING ASSIYA.
A word first about the young debut making author, SIMRAN KESHWANI.
She is a Final Year literature student at the Lady Shri Ram College for women, University of Delhi.
She is actively involved in several social causes and is working selflessly to change the world for good, one word at a time.
Kudos to Simran for choosing a very sensitive subject for her very first book, few dare to do so.
It is a tormenting story of a misplaced Syrian refugee and her trials n tribulations encompassing a world full of hatred.
Her journey right from her birth through the ravaging War and it’s bone chilling consequences to the tireless effort to reclaim her lost identity form the crux of this spellbinding tale of a physically and mentally ravaged young Assiya who amidst all the bloodshed,violence and extreme torture still manages to hang on to HOPE!!!!!!
HOPE for herself, her fellow human beings and the COUNTRY she belongs to SYRIA.
The canvass is a horrifying story of people of a war ravaged Syria and Simran’s portrayal of the same is captured in all it’s blood n gore. Fabulous writing which keeps you turning pages but also makes you stop inbetween and makes you think hard at what kind of a world are we a part of?
What kind of a legacy is this world going to leave for generations to come!!!!!
A really commendable piece of writing from this young upcoming author.
I am sure she is here to stay and make a name for herself in the literary world.
A word about the author first, Zuko a.k.a. Siddarth Sabari is a blogger and writer based in Chennai, Born in Mumbai he spent his growing years schooling in Mumbai and later in Chennai.
He was diagnosed with Dyslexia at an early age and found it difficult to follow language, but despite his limitations and the support of his mother he passed out from Vellore Institute of Technology in the year 2013 as Mechanical Engineer specialising in Energy. He was awarded the First Indian Dyslexic Writer by the K.L.University,Vijaywada.
He worked for a couple of years in a Public Limited Company before joining his father’s business in Chennai.
Figmented Reality is a psychological book which forces the reader to analyse answers to certain fundamental questions in our lives.
The protagonist is a boy who at a very young age is sexually abused by an elderly woman. He is unable to get over the pleasure he derives from that one sexual encounter so much so that it engulfs him completely.
The encounter leads him to ways of self attaining methods of sexual pleasure.
As he grows up he is always on the look out for elderly women to satisfy himself but fails and in the process he offends women his age as the only thing he seeks from them is sex.
He is generally perceived as a pervert and avoided.
He goes deep into the dark world of drugs and constant state of wanting sex which he is unable to get.
Then enters Veena, a mother of two, and he falls for her head over heels to the point of obsession.
But his mind has so degenerated by this time that all lines between a figment of imagination and reality have blurred.
The author has really woven a brilliant narrative taking us through the dark dingy world of addiction and hallucinations.
The climax of the book is most unexpected and shocking.
A must read, I just enjoyed reading my copy, you go grab your copy now!!!!
A word about the author first,Kapil Muzumdar comes from the world of advertising and branding having been in the trade for over twenty five years crafting stories for brands,celebrities and corporate icons. He loves studying human behaviour and profiling people,mostly along psychographic outlines.
Presently he works as a creative philosopher and is often invited to speak at educational institutions and corporates.
He is deeply fascinated by women and the complexity of their nature.
The Coffee and The Cola is his first book.
The author relates to two kind of women whose traits he compares to Coffee and Cola. Two very different types of women.
The story revolves around the main protagonist Rahul and his tryst with these two women with diametrically opposite traits, The Coffee and The Cola as the author sees them.
It is the journey of love which Rahul goes through first with Radha and in a small detour with Nora.
Two women of diverse personalities which leave Rahul confused with the reality check; Who should he choose between the two for a life partner. The way author has characterised his leads is commendable. You can easily relate to Rahul who faces a confusion of choosing the one over second as we lot of times see in real life as well. The women leads are both portrayed very interestingly. The book has a dose of romance with reality thrown in beautifully. Some twists and turns keep you engrossed and curious all through
Will Rahul be able to decide? Will he really get what he wants or Will he lose it all? Grab a copy now and find out for yourself. I just loved reading my personally signed copy 🙂 As the author puts it: An Ordinary Narrative Built Around an Extraordinary Premise.
A word about the Author, Revant, for me a very unusual name;don’t know what it means and the name itself amused me.
Revant is a Certified Health Coach and a Graduate of New York University, Stern School of Business.
He is based in Kolkata and this is his first book.
Selfienomics as the name suggests is about the economics of oneself. The book in a very light humorous way tackles the very serious issue of ignored Self Improvement.
The book is full of humorous lines trying to teach you many serious aspects of your personal life.
Sample this for an example :To quit smoking is the easiest thing in the world.I have done it a 1000 times.
The author has made the process of self improvement which one tends to find boring in umpteen other books in the category look like a very simple fun filled journey. Its seldom we want to read books on self improvement, one because we all think we are perfect as it is, second those books sound too preaching types which end up being boring to the core, but trust me this one is different. It doesn’t preach you, it rather makes you familiar with the aspects of life that we don’t bother enough about but again in a lighter way. Because of humour being the front end of the book, it doesn’t loose its momentum till the very end.
The book really really has a sensible, practical and as I keep mentioning , a hilarious outlook on how to make money, get the most out of your job, broaden your network as also enjoy your family and give back to the society and really enjoy doing so.
A real fun book on the serious issues we face in our day to day life and to enhance the quality of life we are living.
A ‘Mast Must’ read.
Grab your copy now and I assure you it will be difficult for you to put it down.
A word about the author first, Kisnaa is a 24 year old born and brought up in Delhi. An engineer by profession having done his B.Tech from a renowned college of Delhi/NCR is currently pursuing his M.Tech from MD University. He started writing poetry at the age of 14. Writing is his passion apart from his interest in cricket, movies and traveling.
Should I hate or Love, as claimed by the author, is based on a true story.
After reading the book, and if it is a true story; a very filmy one at that, I feel that whatever our Hindi films depict however audacious it may be seems plausible. Though hard to digest for me.
The book is beautifully penned with some really lovely poems interspersed artistically in the script just as we have songs in movies.
It is the story of the main protagonist Aayan and his journey of love from the adolescent years to his coming of age.
The whole gamut of emotions from his adolescent love to his pining for his love when circumstances force them to stay far from each other to his reverential love have been very well woven into the book.
Does Aayan get his true love or not.Does his unconditional love bear fruit? Grab a copy for yourself and enjoy this beautiful journey of love. Happy reading.
The launch was a grand affair with Sanath Jayasurya launching the book. Author of book Kapil Pathare read Yuvraj Singh’s chapter where he spoke in depth about his journey. After the chapter reading Sanath Jayasurya addressed the media & spoke a few words about the book & Kapil Pathare.
The launch saw the presence of- Sanjeev Kapoor, Munisha Khatwani, Jyoti Saxena, Aneel Murarka, Garima Pandey, DJ Sheizwood, Manpreet Arora, Hansa Singh & Harsha Bhatkal and many more. RJ Archana who anchored the show wore a beautiful gown by designer duo Bhumika & Jyoti.
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It isn’t surprising that a sport that goes on for days, often without result, inspires this much writing. “A book is your best visiting card” says Author, Biker & Entrepreneur Kapil Pathare who launched his book “A Tall Order” which traces the cricketing careers of ten best cricketers from India in the last 25 years. The book is an account of a golden era in Indian cricket. A galaxy of stars descended on the cricket field , shone like never before and left us with over lasting memories. Each of these men brought laurels to India in their unique ways “The book echoes about the lives of 10 extra ordinary cricketers. Their contribution to the sport has made the country what it is today. Together these 10 cricketers have fashioned the fortunes of cricket in the country. We have never been as blessed as we have been in the last 25 years thanks to these gentlemen. This truly is the league of extraordinary gentlemen for Indian cricket because it has raised the standards of the sport in the country and gained the country enough respect worldwide. The book is dedicated to my late father Mr. Jaykumar Pathare”
Sanath Jayasurya says “I am so happy to be a part of this launch. A Srilankan cricketer who comes & launches a book which talks about ten cricket legends of the country & to really do this is overwhelming. I wish Kapil all the best for the book and his future“
“These cricketers have impacted lives of us all as they have carved out a niche for themselves in the cricketing landscape. These cricketers have been at the forefront of a revolution that has engulfed world cricket thanks to their achievements. The fact that cricket is still surviving as a sport is because of the impact these gentlemen have made on cricket and helped create an economy. This book hopes to do justice to the work put in by these gentlemen in front of our eyes in the last 25 years” says Kapil Pathare whose moto is plain and simple – Live Life every day as if it’s your last. No wonder, his enigmatic personality attracts people and the limelight wherever he goes.
Kapil Pathare has penned his success story not just by his sheer corporate skills but quite literally as an established author. His first book was ideated on a cricket pitch when he saw the Indian cricket team in a huddle “What if cricket and management can be interlinked. After all, cricket is more of a mind game and strategy sport. If one draws the right strategies from cricket, they can be used on the corporate pitch as well. More so, for budding entrepreneurs, start-ups and women in the corporate world who did not watch cricket but were really good at their management skills”
The book features- Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh, Virendra Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni. You can read the review here .
Testimonials-
Our history of overseas record actually saw a positive turn in the era that we all played together. What we seeing now is progression of what our era achieved – Zaheer Khan.
I have been fortunate as a player and as chairman of selectors for having seen from close quarters there extraordinary cricketers – Kiran More.
It was really great for Indian cricket that we all were at the peak of our powers at the same time – Harbhajan Singh.
This is a book by Reenita Malhotra Hora who is an award winning broadcast journalist,Ayurveda clinician and author of books on Ayurveda and Finance.
Operation Mom:How I Got my Mother a Life and Man her debut fiction novel has been widely acclaimed and recognized as a must-read young adult book written by an Indian author.
When Arya Fell Through The Fault is her second release in this genre.Reenita anchors a popular morning programme on Hongkong’s RTHK Radio 3.Her weekend storytelling show,Asian Threads won her a Gold Trophy at the New York festivals International Radio Programmes Awards.
A native of Mumbai,she currently lives in Hongkong with her family.
The book essentially is the growing up tale of a twelve year old Arya a “Brownie” from San Francisco who is continuously ridiculed by his schoolmates be it for his color to his ethnic traditional food.
The boy has been brought up at home on traditional,fascinating and magical mythological stories by his ever cheerful Mom more precisely the Ramayan.
It is a tale of a typical child who is ridiculed by one and all and his endeavor by any means to get rid of the Brownie image by any means
His frustrations and trials and turbulations are aptly described.
In the eagerness to be accepted by others he takes to the path of evil despite his mothers stern warnings.
It so happens that he becomes the cause of a severe accident which leaves his mother in a state of coma.
The one thing Arya holds on to dearly is his mothers copy of the Ramayana.
From hereon the author very cleverly juxtaposes the young Aryas fight against evil through the characters of the Ramayana.
Does good prevail over evil,Is Arya able to save her Mom while fighting his own demons makes for a very interesting read.
Grab a copy and get ready to be transported to the glorious era of Ramayana.
Fascinating Read.
Highly recommended.
Oxford Bookstore Connaught Place in collaboration with Hindustani Awaaz,hosts The Twenty Second New Urdu Writings Series,two recent books by Kishwar Naheed, Mutthi Bhar Yaadein (memoir) and Iss Aabaad Kharabe Mein (poetry collection). The session is being moderated by Dr Rakhshanda Jalil, founder Hindustani Awaaz with Kishwar Naheed, Prof Shamim Hanafi, eminent Urdu critic, and Kunwar Ranjeet Chauhan, Jashn-e Adab.The event comprised of book recital by Kishwar Naheed & discussion on modern urdu writings in comparison with earlier urdu poetry & writings. Richa Agarwal, an eminent classical singer gave a performance on one of the poetry’s by Kishwar Naheed, which was much appreciated by audience & the writer herself
Through its series of events for Urdu readers and book lovers, Oxford Bookstore aims to spread awareness about the literary and cultural relevance of the Urdu language, its literature and culture in India.
Dr. Rakhshanda Jalil a writer, literary critic, translator, independent researcher, and much-admired blogger, is an eminent commentator on Hindi-Urdu culture, society, and literature. She has over 15 books to her credit, including the recent anthology, New Urdu Writings from India and Pakistan (2013). At present, she is engaged in a study of Indian secularism. She also runs an organization called Hindustani Awaaz, devoted to the popularization of Hindi-Urdu literature and culture, and blogs at www.hindustaniawaaz-rakhshanda.blogspot.com and another at IBN Live.
Kishwar Naheed is a feminist Urdu poet from Pakistan. She has written several poetry books. She has also received awards including Sitara-e-Imtiaz for her literary contribution towards Urdu literature.
Naheed has served major positions in various national institutions, as director general of Pakistan National Council of the Arts. She also worked and edited a literary magazineMahe naw. She established Hawwaorganisation (Eve). The purpose of the organisation is to support those women who have not independent income, providing financially opportunities through cottage industries and selling handicrafts..
Kishwar has written six collections of poems between 1969 and 1990. Her first poetry collection Lab-i goya was published in 1968, that won the Adamjee Prize of Literature. She also writes for children and for the Daily Jang. Her several poems have been translated into English and Spanish.
kishwar-naheed
About Oxford Book Store:
Oxford Bookstore Connaught Place offers a carefully curated list of titles for booklovers to browse through and buy and perhaps the world’s largest assortment of teas in the hip Cha Bar, to create a holistic experience for book lovers. The entrance leading to the bookstore houses a big Neon Wall, a cloud of words in English-Hindi-Latin that envelopes book lovers in a universe of emotions linked to reading. Inside, in the tranquil space, hands-on staff, knowledgeable and highly trained book specialists, offer suggestions of handpicked titles from major, independent and indie publishers: a great selection of books, some exclusive to Oxford Bookstore. The selection features both emerging and established authors from India and the world. Shelves stocked with the best in Indian Writing, International Fiction and Translations take one into a spacious, elongated Reading Room which opens onto a dedicated Events Space. Well-researched sections on Languages and New Age books address issues of addiction, relationships, unexplained phenomena, and showcase the best of thinkers and Indian gurus. A wide range of titles in Travel Writing, books that showcase the very essence of New Delhi and a specially curated section of books on tea are other highlights. Children have an exclusive space for browsing, activities and reading and parents can look forward to the Top 10 Gift Books in each age group for a quick and easy pick. Amongst the best in books for different age groups are ones that help the young ones deal with experiences relevant to their age.
