Saturday, October 25, 2014

Book List - 1

Highlights of books read by S during the first few months of this year :





Joseph AntonSalman Rushdie
A mesmerising book, both in content and in form. I devoured it, reading it straight through. My respect for Salman Rushdie went up. Was also moved by all the people who stood up for him and what was happening to him. And it brought to the forefront something we take for granted: freedom of expression. 

Beyond the Beautiful ForeversKatherine Boo

Boo shows us, with no gloss, a large section of our country -- what everyday life in the slums is like. Her reporting is caring but unvarnished and therefore hard to bear. Kudos for her unstinting work -- especially as a white, foreign woman.

India RisingOliver Balch

A book that did not receive much notice in the plethora of India-related publications. Much better written and researched than, say, Akash Kapur's book, which got a lot of praise.

Where Underpants Come FromJoe Bennett

Living in New Zealand, Bennett wonders how his undies, made in China, can be as low as $8.59. And thus begins this travel tale…

BespokeRichard Anderson

Interesting look into the world of bespoke tailoring and Savile Row.

Something WholesomeEric Newby


Who knew Eric Newby had such an interesting history before he became an acclaimed travel writer?
A hilarious and vividly descriptive tale of his apprenticeship to his family firm as a commercial salesman in the world of haute couture !