Book Reviews

Improving Nutritional Outcomes: Ground-level lessons for India's nutrition

As India moves from food security to nutrition security, this book serves as a guide for policymakers, bridging the gap between theory and grassroots realities

'What we ask Google' offers intriguing insights, but few fresh revelations

For at least three generations now, Google is like a second conscience. Simon Rogers, data editor at Google, mines our search data for clues into who we are becoming

Familiar optimism over 'Chindia' overlooks a changed China reality

Shastri Ramachandran's book revives the optimism of the 2010s, when every India-China engagement was seen as a breakthrough

Rivals of the polio vaccine and the race to defeat a deadly disease

The adulation served to marginalise the contributions of others, none more so than Albert Sabin, whose competing polio vaccine proved essential in controlling the disease

Engineering success at the IITs: The story behind an enduring brand

Prabhat Kumar's book traces the rise of the IIT ecosystem over 75 years, celebrating its achievements while prompting debate on whether India's premier institutes are ready for the future

Perfect Dream Girl: A bold critique of tech, desire, and gendered power

Readers can expect discussions ranging from the influencer economy, deepfakes to AI girlfriends, algorithmic desire, & the male loneliness epidemic - all packaged as witty letters to a faceless man

Tim Berners-Lee makes a case for reclaiming the web's original ideals

Why the inventor of the internet is building a new web - and why he believes today's internet is not what he intended it to be

The Communist Party of China: A timely study of the CCP's grip on power

This book is an earnest attempt at decoding the mystique of the Chinese Communist Party

The Trees of My Country: A journey through India's roots and branches

Evoking feelings of awe and wonder, this book on trees is a treat for those who have an interest in nature as well as those who do not care about the planet at all

Was America supposed to be a democracy? Two books revisit its founding

A review of two books explores James Wilson's overlooked role in shaping the US Constitution and examines the enduring tensions between democracy and republicanism

The Sunday Book Bazaar: Delhi's enduring kutub khana and literary legacy

One of Delhi's most beloved cultural institutions, the Daryaganj Sunday Patri Kitab Bazaar has for decades drawn students, collectors, families and tourists to its pavement

Like, Follow, Subscribe: The hidden costs of childhood as online content

This book uncovers the messy realities of mom and family vloggers, untangling the issues of consent and privacy involved in putting their children's lives online

Defying China: A powerful memoir of Tibetan resistance under Chinese rule

A Tibetan nun's memoir chronicles the persecution she faced under Chinese rule while giving voice to those still suffering in Tibet

Microstimuli: How tiny cues can reshape decisions and public behaviour

How micro stimuli, not 30-second commercials, can change human behaviour

China's 90% Model: America has the tools, but can't counter China alone

The identification of industries and products to apply chokes on China merits attention and greater focus on execution

Global crimes of the heart: Inside the world of Nigeria's Yahoo boys

While the Yahoo boys don't entirely escape opprobrium, they are not the only villains in Barragán's book

Chasing Like Dhoni: The sham meritocracy of Indian cricket revealed

Talent is only ever half the equation; the other half depends on the body you're born into: Your gender, class, caste, region, religion, age

Love Jihad: Tracing the narrative's historical roots and politics

Sameena Dalwai's book offers a sobering reflection on love and the kind of activism needed to counter the forces behind the 'love jihad' bogey

Tehran Diaries: A poignant portrait of life under war, repression in Iran

Since the bombings began, the regime has made concerted attempts to rally the nation

Age Code: Nutrition and science are reshaping the pursuit of healthy ageing

How good food can be harnessed to slow the ageing process