Page 29 - Book Review

The pioneering prose of a New Journalist

Joan Didion was so much more than the sum of these parts, as this latest biography by Evelyn McDonnell, demonstrates

Teachable moments in unrestrained capitalism

The book is an intriguing study of a company that promised to revolutionise Indian education but ended up dealing a massive blow to the very sector of which it was seen as a leader

Getting away from it all

And now lands Airplane Mode, by Shahnaz Habib, a lively and, yes, wide-ranging book that interrogates some of the pastime's conventions and most prominent chroniclers

Geo-economics on the frontline

Exploring the intersection of technology and geopolitics, When the Chips are Down delves into the critical role of semiconductors in this evolving high-stakes dynamic

Making sustainable business work

In an age of 'greenwashing', Esha Chhabra's book is a wake-up call, reminding us that sustainability is a practical possibility

Emperors in their labyrinths

Mary Beard's book may not change conventional notions of imperial Rome, but it does prompt a cautious reevaluation of the simplistic view of imperial personalities

Pranab: A filial perspective

Pranab Mukherjee's daughter shares an unputdownable account of her father's diary - filled with entertaining anecdotes, priceless stories, and some controversial perspectives

Weirdos of the cosmos

This stands in stark contrast to the way many of us regard the stars. We like contemplating them for precisely the opposite reason

Hindutva's star culture warriors

The book builds on his experience as a journalist tracking the ascent of Hindu nationalism in the country and reporting on hate crimes

Assam's multicultural identity

Through her exploration of Assamese identity, culture, cuisine, and politics, journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty's book paints a full portrait of a state and its people

Animal instincts, human survival

Just when we are beginning to forget the lessons the Covid pandemic taught us the hard way, Poorva Joshipura's book serves as a stark reminder of the perils that befall when humans mistreat animals

Perfumed peregrinations

Delving into the intricate world of fragrances, Divrina Dhingra weaves a sensory tapestry that connects personal memories with the aromatic landscape of India

A reality check of India

Annie Zaidi's collection of essays explores diverse issues from banditry to hunger, weaving together a narrative that demands reflection on the pressing challenges faced by the country's marginalised

Milton Friedman: Nuances and complexity

At the end of Jennifer Burns book, she allows herself to get wistful for what might have been

#MeToo beyond the Global North

A collection of essays explores the nuanced dynamics of the MeToo movement in India and South Africa, delving into questions of origin, evolution, and the appropriation of the narrative

The salience of constancy

Diving into the paradox of constant change and our innate desire for certainty, Morgan Housel's Same as Ever offers timeless wisdom to negotiate the unpredictable currents of life

Women who walk on the wild side

A collection of essays featuring women wildlife scientists, both past and present, serves as a tribute to their contribution to conservation efforts that might otherwise have been lost to history

The theatre of showmanship

Prahlad Kakar's memoir, while showcasing the flamboyance of the ad world, falls short in delving into the transformative era of advertising, leaving readers craving more substance and depth

Toxins in moderation

'You don't need a degree in neurophysiology to enjoy the book - though I imagine it would add to the experience, which can at times feel like a riveting lecture by a passionate professor'

Feline fables in Indian culture

There are Buddhist fables from the Jatakas, Islamic tales of cats beloved of the Prophet and his followers, references to them in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Pali, and the Egyptian deification