Category: Books

Categories
Books Lite Blogs

‘The Winter Within’ : Unspoken Realities of Kashmir

One would expect the director to be upbeat about the attention he draws to the Valley, but he tells that he feels bereft after making it, as he does not know how many people it will reach. ..writes Sukant Deepak

In the bleak cold of Kashmir, Nargis’ gaze cuts right through. The atmospherics scheme with her tragedy and silences become a partner to reveal the conflict that is not just external.

National award-winning filmmaker Aamir Bashir’s latest film ‘The Winter Within’, that was screened during the latest edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), premiered at the 27th Busan International Film Festival and revolves around Nargis (Zoya Hussein), a domestic help whose husband Manzoor has been picked by the security forces and is ‘missing’. Forced to return to her village as a ‘half widow’, in a subversion to the Greek Penelope, where she weaves an intricate Kani shawl awaiting her husband’s return, she is unable to move on despite the attention shown by the weaving workshop owner Yaseen.

One would expect the director to be upbeat about the attention he draws to the Valley, but he tells that he feels bereft after making it, as he does not know how many people it will reach. 

“I do begin to question myself as we are in these bubbles where like-minded people turn up at festivals, but does it change anything on the ground? I am quite pessimistic. Frankly, I have been banished by many for talking about the contemporary social and political scenario around us. Even when I was studying in a college like St. Stephen’s, students aroud me would talk about how the Army should be given a free hand to fix things.”

Stressing that for him, making a film like this is about taking an individual stand, he does believes, “The only way Kashmiris can draw support is by telling their stories even if they are in whispers.” 

Not considering himself an insider despite being from the Valley, the actor-director, who shot to prominence with his roles in ‘A Wednesday’ and recently in ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Inside Edge’, says that he has lived in Kashmir for more than 30 years now, and the distance has brought a perspective that is objective. 

“Of course, there is a part of me that still remains an ‘insider’ for I do feel the many assaults. But I must add that there are very few people willing to tell the story, and fewer who want to receive it.” 

While his directorial debut film ‘Harud’ that premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival won the National Film Award for ‘Best Urdu Feature Film’ at the 60th National Film Awards, he is still reluctant to call himself an artist. 

“Filmmaking was never planned, and it was mainly the situation in Kashmir and the fact that the narrative was not in the Valley’s control, that pushed me to make these films.”

It need not be said that getting funds for a film like this is seldom easy. 

“This one has been in my mind since 2011. People do question why such a movie needs to be made, many do not have an idea about the ground situation in Kashmir. So more than spending energy on making the film, I need to thoroughly explain about the situation there,” he says.

Talk to him about this time of democratication of technology when young Kashmiri musicians are making music about issues there, and using social media for distribution, and he feels filmmaking is much more difficult as one needs an elaborate infrastructure to tell a story.

“Yes, there are rap artists who are staying more true to themselves as a Kashmiri voice, but the masses do not really get to listen to them — you need a studio and a label. The same is with films, even if something is made — where will it reach?” he asks.

Initially, he had planned a trilogy — Autumn (‘Harud’), Winter (‘The Winter Within’) and Spring.

“But I am still grappling — is there a point? I really do not see the possibility of the movie on Spring. But it can be a fantasy, no…?”

ALSO READ-SPECIAL: Recall the Kashmir massacres of 22 October 1947

Categories
Books Lite Blogs

Bassem Youssef’s Insightful Journey from Gaza to Stand-Up Comedy

Bassem also let his packed audience in on his journey of living in America, parenthood, and his book The Magical Reality of Nadia during an insightful and witty dialogue…reports Asian Lite News

In a candid discussion on Friday evening at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023), author and comedian Bassem Youssef revealed fresh, undisclosed details about his two viral interviews with Piers Morgan about the ongoing war in Gaza.

“When the events in Gaza unfolded, Morgan’s producer contacted me for an interview to discuss the matter. The image portrayed in Western media was very negative, and I felt that talking about it at that time was akin to career suicide. I initially refused, but as the repeated requests and abundant misinformation continued to pile on, I decided to speak and set the record straight. I considered approaching it comedically, knowing this interview would be a double-edged sword”, Youssef shared with Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, who moderated the dialogue.

Getting the facts straight

Bassem Youssef went on to explain that after realising the incredible resonance and impact of the first interview, he decided to conduct another in-person interview with Morgan. The preparation for the second interview was different, intending to explain an issue inaccurately he said, adding that he collaborated with researchers, forming three teams from around the world, including historians from the West Bank, Gaza, and other locations.

He said, “They conducted extensive interviews over two weeks, gathering significant information. The challenge was finding the appropriate way to present it, which I did calmly, allowing the interviewer his space and successfully delivering my message”.

Bassem also let his packed audience in on his journey of living in America, parenthood, and his book The Magical Reality of Nadia during an insightful and witty dialogue.

Focusing fully on the present

The Egyptian comedian told the audience that the idea of doing stand-up comedy in English emerged because he needed a source of income to establish himself in the media. “The first two years were extremely challenging and frustrating due to the audience’s response to my performance”.

Youssef then transitioned to hosting a show in Arabic.

Sharing his learnings from this period, he opined, “You should not look at the journey as a whole, nor should you anticipate how it will end. Instead, focus on the present and what you have today. The future will come, so don’t preoccupy yourself with what you will be. You will only reach there if you concentrate on what you are doing now, without neglecting proper planning.’

Children’s book on embracing differences and diversity

About authoring The Magical Reality of Nadia, Youssef said the idea emerged from a talk with his agent. “The protagonist, Nadia, named after my daughter, faces challenges in school because she comes from a different background, but possesses a tool that allows her to revisit her ancient history. The book’s main idea was to discuss diversity and how one can learn and benefit from this diversity. I believe that life is a continuous journey of learning”.

On the importance of reading, Youssef stressed the need to choose a book based on personal interest and read it through. He enjoys reading about history from different points of view and appreciates the diverse perspectives that enhance communication.

At the end of the session, Youssef shared the three most significant lessons he learned in 2023: the importance of continuous learning; empathy towards others, especially towards those who are different; and the virtues of patience and in achieving one’s aspirations’.

ALSO READ-Sharjah Named Guest of Honour at Thessaloniki Book Fair

Categories
Arts & Culture Books Lite Blogs

A Literary Treasure Trove on Amazon

Five books to read during Unlock. (Photo: pixabay)

Here we have curated a list of the top 5 best-selling books on Amazon, a treasure trove of literary gems. With countless books available at your fingertips, choosing your next literary adventure can be a daunting task.

From gripping thrillers to insightful self-help, this list of books offers something for every reader. Let’s dive into our selection:

Ikigai

The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” is a popular self-help and personal development book written by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. The book was published in 2016 and explores the concept of “Ikigai,” a Japanese term that roughly translates to “a reason for being” or “a reason to wake up in the morning.” It is often seen as the intersection of four elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The book delves into the idea that finding your Ikigai is the key to a fulfilling and purposeful life. It draws on the authors’ research and interviews with people from the Japanese island of Okinawa, which is known for having a high number of centenarians and a strong sense of purpose and contentment among its inhabitants.

Author: Francesc Miralles

Availability: amazon.in


The Psychology Of Money

Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness is a bestselling personal finance and behavioral economics book written by Morgan Housel. Published in 2020, the book explores the complex relationship between money and human psychology, offering insightful lessons and anecdotes about the way people think about and handle their finances. Morgan Housel uses a combination of personal anecdotes, historical examples, and psychological research to make financial concepts accessible and relatable to a wide audience. It is well-received for its simple yet powerful lessons on personal finance, investing, and the psychological factors that influence our relationship with money. It encourages readers to reevaluate their financial mindset and make more informed and sustainable choices.

Author: Morgan Housel 

Availability: amazon.in


Master Residential Real Estate by ZebraLearn

An indispensable guide to navigating the complex world of residential real estate in India, this book equips homebuyers, investors, students, and real estate professionals with the essential knowledge to make informed decisions. Authored by Ashwinder R Singh, a renowned figure in the Indian real estate industry with over two decades of experience, this valuable resource covers due diligence, location selection, price negotiation, and legal considerations. Ashwinder’s expertise is evident through his recognition as Real Estate Person of the Year (South), Most Enterprising CEO of the Year, and a Top 15 Real Estate Influencer. As Co-Chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Regional Committee on Real Estate, his insights shine through, empowering readers to secure their financial and emotional future

Author: Ashwinder R Singh 

Availability: amazon.in


Don’t Believe Everything You Think

The 6 Basic Mistakes We Make in Thinking” is a thought-provoking book by Thomas E. Kida. Published in 2006, this book delves into the realm of critical thinking and human cognition, exploring common cognitive errors and biases that people often make when processing information and making decisions. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in enhancing their critical thinking skills and making more informed, rational decisions. It offers a compelling exploration of the human mind’s vulnerabilities and provides readers with tools to navigate a world full of information and misinformation. The book’s approach is both educational and empowering, helping individuals become more discerning and analytical thinkers.

Author: Joseph Nguyen

Availability: amazon.in


Do It Today, Overcome Procrastination, Improve Productivity, and Achieve More Meaningful Things

It is a self-help and personal development book that focuses on addressing the common challenge of procrastination and offers actionable strategies to enhance productivity and achieve meaningful goals. Published in 2019, the book provides readers with practical insights and advice for conquering procrastination and making the most of their time. Do It Today is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to overcome procrastination and improve their productivity. It combines insights from psychology, time management, and personal development to create a comprehensive guide for turning procrastination into action and achieving more meaningful outcomes in both professional and personal life

Author: Foroux Darius 

Availability: amazon.in

ALSO READ-Picture books to spark your child’s imagination

Categories
Books Lite Blogs

‘The Exchange’ Set to Thrill Readers

When a new case takes Mitch to Libya, danger awaits him: he finds himself embroiled in the biggest hostage negotiation in recent history with terrorists who have murdered and will murder again…reports Asian Lite News

Three decades after he launched his writing career with the global bestseller, ‘The Firm’, John Grisham’s publishers have announced that his new novel, The Exchange, will be released in India on October 27.

Billed as the “epic follow-up” to ‘The Firm’, ‘The Exchange’, says a media release issued by the publishers Hodder & Stoughton and Hachette India, “will take you on a rollercoaster journey across the globe, from New York to London, and Rome to Marrakech”.

The two-line blurb that follows the book’s title says: “Ten days to save a life. One second to end it.” Here’s how the story unfolds in the words of the publicity release:

The new legal suspense thriller marks the return of Mitch McDeere, who has cheated death and come out on the other side. Fifteen years ago, he stole $10 million from the mob and disappeared. Now, with his enemies jailed or dead, he has fought his way to the top of the biggest law firm in the world.

When a new case takes Mitch to Libya, danger awaits him: he finds himself embroiled in the biggest hostage negotiation in recent history with terrorists who have murdered and will murder again.

Their demand is staggering: a ransom of $100 million must be paid within 10 days. But this isn’t a random kidnapping — it’s personal. And no one, not even Mitch’s wife in New York, is safe.

With the clock ticking, can Mitch stay one step ahead of his enemies? This time, there’s nowhere to hide.

Speaking about the sequel, Grisham said: “When last seen in ‘The Firm’, Mitch McDeere and his wife Abby were fleeing Memphis with the bad guys in hot pursuit. Now they’re back, 15 years later, and living in New York where Mitch is an international lawyer and a partner in a mega-firm. His work takes him across the globe, and not always to safe places.

“During a trip to Libya, his trusted associate is kidnapped and an execution is threatened unless an enormous ransom is paid. Only Mitch can facilitate the exchange.”

Beginning with ‘The Firm’ in 1991, Grisham has published at least one No. 1 bestseller every year. His books have been translated into 45 languages and have sold more than 350 million copies worldwide. Ten have been adapted to film, including ‘The Firm’, ‘The Pelican Brief’, and ‘A Time To Kill’.

His Theodore Boone series for young readers is now in development at Netflix. An avid sports fan, he has written two novels about football, one about baseball, and in 2021 he published ‘Sooley’, a story set in the world of college basketball.

His lone work of non-fiction, ‘The Innocent Man’, was adapted into a six-part Netflix docuseries.

A graduate of Mississippi State University and Ole Miss Law School, he lives on a farm in central Virginia, around the corner from the youth baseball complex he had built in 1996. Grisham still serves as its commissioner.

ALSO READ-Sharjah Book Fair Gears Up for Largest Edition

Categories
Books Lite Blogs Woman

The Queendom Within

A vision for a new way of living for women who are ready to kiss themselves awake. Rewrite your Fairy tale and create your own happily ever after. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

In The Queendom Within, Heidi Hauer lays out a practical and explorative plan for women to reclaim their energy, rediscover who they are, decide what they want and take tangible steps towards it – with or without a romantic partner by their side.

It’s for women who despite their own successes, confidence and fulfilment in many parts of their life, can’t quite shake the idea that their ‘real life’ won’t truly begin until a loving parnter arrives.

“At some point I realised that my life was massively off track from what I had dreamed of. I had ticked off many goals but was still on auto-pilot, waiting for someone to kiss me awake. I needed a Plan B. I had to take matters into my own hands. It was time to become my own saviour, and create the life I was waiting to build with ‘him’. In short, I had to let go of the fantasy of being whisked away to a magical Kingdom and instead start proactively building something more authentic – my Queendom from within.”Heidi said.

The Queendom Within is as much a guided program, as it is a memoir and companion for all women who have ever felt that they or their life is not enough without a partner by their side.

Its 28 practical exercises are conveniently split into four key chapters, designed to support you to reconnect with yourself – and have plenty of fun while doing so!

We all have moments in life that feel like a crossroads. You may have that sinking feeling that you’re in the wrong life – whether you feel trapped in a bad relationship, friendship or in a dead-end job – and secretly you hope for Mr Right to come along and sort everything out. This book will help you find your way back to your truest self.

Part 1

Rediscover and define in detail who you are and what you REALLY want

Part 2

Practice authentic living and feeling good within your skin. You’ll take the awareness gained in Part I and channel it into inspired action.

Part 3

Understand how your relationships and environments are influencing you, and where you can better put your true self out into the world.

Part 4

Connect with your boundaries as a tool for expressing and protecting your authentic truth. Prepare to put people-pleasing firmly to rest!

Meet the Author

Heidi Hauer is a Leadership & Holistic Health Coach for women who are ready to bring health and happiness on the road to professional success. Qualifications in nutrition and coaching complement her background in corporate leadership.

Heidi guides her clients to step into their power, find that highly sought-after work/life balance and reach for deeper levels of personal fulfilment – in and outside of work. The Queendom Within is her first book.

ALSO READ: L’Oréal Paris Celebrates Women’s Empowerment

Categories
Books Lite Blogs

A Fall Feast of Literature

With its meteoric rise to bestseller status, Masala Lab has captivated readers across generations, and now returns as an irresistible collector’s edition, adorned with ingenious additions, illustrations, infographics, and charts: it’s the collector’s edition you know your kitchen-laboratory needs…reports Asian Lite News

Reading should be practiced throughout one’s life. Good literature may teach you, illuminate you, and guide you. Learn about the most recent Penguin Random House’s publications, as well as the highlights from September to November 2023. PAIN by Shweta Singh Kirti No human is unacquainted with the concept of pain. It is an inescapable universal experience. Shweta Kirti’s pain has been, unfortunately, very public because of the death of her thirty-four-year-old brother, the Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. What she learned, however, is that while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. It is pain that can teach us how to rise above suffering and the limits we create for ourselves with our attachment to material goals like money, fame, success, and relationships. In this book, Shweta shares her learnings so that no one is alone on this hard but necessary odyssey. Synthesizing science, spirituality, and philosophy, Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment is an invitation to embark on a transformative journey to find inner peace and fulfillment no matter what life throws at you. Another Sort of Freedom by Gurcharan Das

It is a funny, moving, and honest memoir of a man’s struggle to break free from expectations. Gurcharan Das was born in Lyallpur, Punjab, during World War II, when Hitler, Churchill, and Hirohito were bashing everyone around. His mother noted in her diary, ‘This is a restless baby.’ By age two he had become ‘a difficult child’, and by three she was calling him a ‘troublemaker’. He discovered one day that he could run, and he has been running ever since.

Candid, witty, and wry, the memoir is filled with moments of deep introspection at every turn alongside wise observations on the author’s encounters with history on four continents. This is Gurcharan Das as you have never seen him before.

Muslim Politics in India by Hamid Dalwai

Hamid Dalwai has been called a Muslim modernizer who relentlessly worked towards promoting reason and justice among Muslims. Historian Ram Guha writes, ‘[He] worked tirelessly to get Muslims to shed their social and religious prejudices. The pursuit of gender equality was of pre-eminent importance to him, and he waged a long battle against triple talaq.’

Dalwai’s Muslim Politics in India is arguably the most perceptive analysis of Muslim politics to appear in post-independence India. It retains the same freshness and relevance that it had when it was first published some three decades back. First published in 1968, an enlarged edition was later published under the title Muslim Politics in Secular India by Hind Pocket Books, Delhi, in 1972.

This translation, the first of its kind, is a product of numerous meetings that Hamid Dalwai had with noted poet Dilip Chitre, during which the latter made extensive notes and rendered them into articles in English. It combines his most evocative and fiery essays and emerges as a fine voice of reason relevant to our contemporary times.

The Perfect 10 by Yasmin Karachiwala

The brains behind the beauty of some of India’s biggest celebrities, Bollywood’s fitness instructor extraordinaire, Yasmin Karachiwala is all set to launch her upcoming release, PERFECT 10: 10-Minute Workouts You Can Do Anywhere. Yasmin is widely credited with bringing Pilates to India. Her list of certifications includes BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Certified Pilates Instructor, Balanced Body Comprehensive Master Instructor, and Balanced Body MOTR Master Instructor, among others. Her multidisciplinary approach to fitness includes weight training, HIIT, cardio, functional training, Pilates, and more, and can be accessed at the Yasmin Karachiwala Body Image (YKBI) chain of studios located both in India and internationally.

The Illustrated Masala Lab: Beautiful New Edition of the Bestselling Book on the Science of Indian Cooking by Krish Ashok

With its meteoric rise to bestseller status, Masala Lab has captivated readers across generations, and now returns as an irresistible collector’s edition, adorned with ingenious additions, illustrations, infographics, and charts: it’s the collector’s edition you know your kitchen-laboratory needs. Ever wondered why your grandmother threw a teabag into the pressure cooker while boiling chickpeas, or why she measured using the knuckle of her index finger? Why does a counterintuitive pinch of salt make your kheer more intensely flavourful? What is the Maillard reaction, and what does it have to do with fenugreek? What does your high-school chemistry knowledge, or what you remember of it, have to do with perfectly browning your onions?  In this special edition, Meghna Menon’s vibrant illustrations effortlessly complement Krish Ashok’s light-hearted approach to the demystification of culinary science, making it the perfect vehicle to absorb the exhaustive testing, groundbreaking research, and scientific rigor that went into the making of this revolutionary book.

The Art of Habits by Gauranga Das

As the final book in the three-volume series (after The Art of Resilience and The Art of Focus), The Art of Habits presents forty simple stories filled with deep revelations. What will enthrall the readers is the engaging narration, the dynamics of the situations that manifest, and the deep learnings from such episodes. While The Art of Resilience presented ingredients for the reader to inculcate resilience in challenging situations manifested at the beginning of the pandemic, The Art of Focus inspired the resilient heart to develop a focused mind during the multiple COVID waves. Now, The Art of Habits provides ideas for the focused reader to cultivate conducive and sustainable habits to adapt to the paradigm shift created by the pandemic, instilling in the reader a resolute mindset to handle multiple such unexpected transformative events in the future.

Memoirs of Valmiki Rao by Lindsay Pereira

A second novel from Lindsay Pereira, whose debut novel Gods and Ends was critically acclaimed and shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature and the Tata Lit Live award.

Set in Parel, THE MEMOIRS OF VALMIKI RAO is a contemporary retelling of the Ramayana, set against a Mumbai burning post the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Lindsay continues to write the Bombay novel and gives a view of the decrepit lives of those in suburban Mumbai.

This story may end with sadness, but the author wants you to remember that it started with love. This is the story of Rameshwar Shinde and Ravinarayan Kumar, a young woman called Janaki, and the neighbours they live with, in the shadows of towers. It is a story of families torn apart by bigotry, an unmissable retelling of the epic Ramayana set at a time when blood mixed with the grime of Mumbai’s streets. A tale more pertinent than ever, in a country once again teetering on the edge.

Restless Lives by Harish Bhat

The modern age is characterized by speed, impersonality, and absurdity. It is easy to get caught up in the rush and forget the small, everyday things that string together to build the everyday.

Restless Lives offers an oasis of quiet contemplation. In this beautiful poetry collection, author Harish Bhat contemplates various aspects that make up daily life. At times pleasing, at others disturbing, the lines within these pages promise to give pause, inspire, and stir emotion. This is Harish Bhat as you have never seen him before.

ALSO READ-Nobel Literature awarded to Norwegian Jon Fosse

Categories
Books Lite Blogs

‘History’s Angel’: A Profound Exploration of Contemporary India

Hasan, who currently lives in Bangalore maintains that her relationship to Delhi and history is that of an enthusiast, that the layers of history in the Capital and the crassness of the city make for an interesting combination that comes together in Alif who feels a “warm, intimate hatred” for the place he has never left and is likely to never leave…writes Sukant Deepak

It may explore the varied social and political tensions engulfing contemporary India. At multiple levels, it forces the reader to encounter her/his own biases and barbarity, but surprisingly the same is executed with almost heartbreaking delicacy, of prose that punctuates, characters you want to shake up in this powerful biography of our times. The tenderness in author Anjum Hasan’s ‘History’s Angel’ (Bloomsbury Publishing) is in fact sometimes more ‘brutal’ than what is in the background, what is engulfing the characters under the ‘history’ they stand beneath.

But Hasan says it is important to remember that literature remains one of the last spaces where one can breathe, perhaps even smile, though novelists are not above getting shouty. 

“I needed to create a character like Alif who is sympathetic and who can, however morosely and privately he does it, take the long view. As in the scene where a potential landlord is railing at him and his wife — he still wishes he could comfort the man for his sense of loss, his genuinely painful delusions about the great purity of the Indian past,” she tells.

The story revolves around Alif Mohammad, a middle-aged, mild-mannered history teacher, living in contemporary Delhi, at a time in India’s history when Muslims are seen as either hapless victims or live threats. Though his life’s passion is the history he teaches, the present is pressing down on him: his wife is set on a bigger house and a better car while trying to ace her MBA exams; his teenage son wants to quit school to get rich; his supercilious colleagues are suspicious of his perorations; and his old friend Ganesh has just reconnected with a childhood sweetheart with whom Alif was always rather enamored himself.

And then the unthinkable happens. While Alif is leading a school field trip, a student goads him and, in a fit of anger, Alif twists his ear. His job is suddenly on the line, and Alif finds his life rapidly descending into chaos. Meanwhile, his home city, too, darkens under the spreading shadow of violence.

Now that is the easy/convenient reading of Hasan’s latest work. But Hasan could also have been Amit/Sukhwinder. 

“I’m delighted you think so. It is a vindication of the novel to see Alif as an every man, at least an Indian every man,” the author asserts.

Considering the protagonist is both a historian and someone caught in a difficult historical moment, she believed the play between those two things would be great material for a novel. It was also about exploring what innocence means — when we say regular folk is suffering or ordinary people have been brainwashed. 

“I am not sure there is anything like absolute innocence in adults, at least not anyone with a modicum of education. What is the point of being educated if we let ourselves go down so easily? And so the novel is partly set in a school.”

Hasan, who currently lives in Bangalore maintains that her relationship to Delhi and history is that of an enthusiast, that the layers of history in the Capital and the crassness of the city make for an interesting combination that comes together in Alif who feels a “warm, intimate hatred” for the place he has never left and is likely to never leave. 

“I was also curious what it might be like to live in and feel at home in the walled city yet shrink from the stereotypes about grand Muslim culture often associated with it,” she adds.

Alif does not really ‘act’ despite what happens to him constantly. One wonders if his inertia in fact his way of ‘acting’, and is he symbolic of the middle-class liberals? 

“Yes, he is often ducking out or shuffling off, or keeping mum when we expect him to take a stand. Except, I would say, in that one critical scene when his father flies off the handle. Is this diffidence, even moral laziness, true of Indian middle-class liberals in general? Perhaps. When public life is humming along smoothly and everyone has their place in the sun, it seems fine to retreat into a life of the mind. But what if things are breaking down fast all around you? Is there a price to pay for doing nothing? Not sure, but I was trying to ask the question…”

Someone who is a novelist, short-story writer, poet, and editor, insists that all of them do not come together in one work, and with difficulty in one person.

Currently working on a non-fiction book on Shillong, the town she grew up in, the author, whose process is about trying to stick with writing every day adds, “In the next work, I have borrowed some things from fiction writing like character and plot, but essentially it is an attempt to write a past and present history of a fascinatingly, if unevenly and partially cosmopolitan city.”

ALSO READ-Mahabharata: A spectacular retelling of the ancient Sanskrit epic, by Canada’s Why Not Theatre at Barbican London

Categories
Books Lite Blogs Sharjah

House of Wisdom Launches Second Quarterly Book Club Series

The Book Club meetings feature dynamic workshops that push the boundaries of literary exploration…reports Asian Lite News

Following the acclaimed debut early this year, the House of Wisdom (HoW) is launching the second edition of its quarterly Book Club series from September to November, during which three influential and widespread titles will be discussed to raise awareness of the environmental sustainability issues. The new edition will provide a platform for discussion and interaction on the impact of the environmental changes on our lives, and what actions we should take to maintain a clean and sustainable environment.

Each month, the HoW Book Club has selected a “Book of the Month,” which is readily available to the public at HoW. Members are encouraged to embark on a literary odyssey, delving into the chosen book with enthusiasm and curiosity. At the end of the month, the Book Club meets to discuss the selected pieces, transforming the month’s reading into a communal and immersive experience.

The Book Club meetings feature dynamic workshops that push the boundaries of literary exploration. Beyond exchanging ideas, participants are invited to embark on a creative journey through the world of non-fiction, refining their writing prowess along the way. These workshops, led by accomplished Dr. Nezar Andary, an Associate Professor, filmmaker, and cultural programmer, are designed to enhance participants’ writing skills while igniting their imaginative storytelling abilities. HoW invites interested community members to register via the following link https://linktr.ee/houseofwisdom.

Environmental Protection

For September, the House of Wisdom Book Club delves into Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring,’ a ground-breaking work that has served as a catalyst for raising ecological awareness. The author warns about the catastrophic consequences of widespread pesticide use, particularly DDT, on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The book’s findings raised public awareness of the significant risks that pollution poses to environmental sustainability. It remains a cornerstone of the modern environmental movement, calling for responsible coexistence between humanity and nature.

Identity vs. Nature

Throughout October, the Book Club will highlight Ursula K. Le Guin’s ‘A Wizard of Earthsea,’ a fantasy masterpiece that transcends generations. Le Guin’s enchanting narrative invites readers to embark on a journey through the mythical archipelago of Earthsea, unravelling the complexities of power, identity, and the delicate balance of nature. With its innovative and unusual narrative style, this wonderful novel of exciting and interesting adventures received wide acclaim and spread throughout the world.

Exploring the Boundaries of Identity

The November Book Club proceeds with the quest for thought-provoking literature and takes readers on a captivating journey into the mystical Sahara Desert with our selected book, ‘The Bleeding of the Stone’ by Ibrahim Al-Koni. This mesmerising novel delves deep into the harsh and enigmatic world of the desert, where the lives of nomadic Tuareg tribesmen intersect with the unforgiving landscape. The novel delves further into the themes of tradition, spirituality, and the enduring connection between humans and nature.

Nurturing a passion for written word

Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, highlighted the significance of book clubs in nurturing a passion for the written word, saying, “Bringing all people together through the power of knowledge and culture is always at the heart of what we do at House of Wisdom. This is achieved through book clubs which are not just gatherings, but also a testament to our commitment to cultivating the culture of reading and promoting intellectual dialogue. In these clubs, diverse minds converge, share ideas, and explore worlds within the pages of books.”

She added: “Through these initiatives, we connect various cultures, generations, and backgrounds to one another, and thus enrich our community with treasures of literature. We rather promote HoW as a beacon of knowledge and culture, as well as a platform for addressing issues of interest like sustainability and environment.”

The Book Club series is an engaging initiative that has made a profound impact on the community by bringing enthusiasts and bookworms together. The series, which was held in March, April and May of this year, captured the minds of avid readers and knowledge seekers in Sharjah through ‘Invisible Cities’ by Italo Calvino, ‘Siddhartha’ by Hermann Hesse and the English translation of ‘Gilgamesh’ by Sophus Helle.

ALSO READ-Ramadaniyat bazaar returns to Sharjah’s House of Wisdom

Categories
Books Lite Blogs UAE News

UAE Ministry of Economy Official Launches Dr. Nidal Abou Zaki’s Book on Smart Cities in Dubai

The book highlights the growing significance of cities as urban centres that keep up with accelerating changes related to digital advancement and artificial intelligence…reports Asian Lite News

In the presence of H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy in the UAE, the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates organised a signing ceremony to launch the latest book of Dr. Nidal Abou Zaki, Founder and Managing Director of Orient Planet Group, titled ‘Smart Cities in the Arab World and their Socio-Economic Impact.’

The launch of the new book was held at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in the presence of distinguished guests – including Maha Al Gargawi, Executive Director of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, and Charles Jeha, President of the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, among other dignitaries and businessmen.

The book highlights the growing significance of cities as urban centres that keep up with accelerating changes related to digital advancement and artificial intelligence. It also sheds light on successful Arab smart city models and experiences. The book delves into the future of Arab smart cities, underlining extraordinary experiences, technology, and tactics applied in labour and infrastructure systems. It also looks at some of the ambitious efforts being made across the Arab world to construct new cities based on the notion of smart cities.

H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh said: “The book’s release coincides with the Arab region’s accelerating pace of smart transformation, particularly in the GCC countries and the growing reliance on technologies and its applications to advance economic and social development. The UAE has made tremendous progress in comprehensive digital transformation, making qualitative leaps in the information technology and digital transformation sectors to consolidate its leading position, further shaping the future based on advanced technology supported by artificial intelligence and smart cities, and lay the foundations of a knowledge economy that achieves development. A sustainable and smart city has the potential to ensure societal well-being.”

Charles Jeha, President of the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, said: “The book highlights smart transformation projects and experiences in prominent Arab cities. It examines the challenges and opportunities that Arab cities face as they strive to become smart and sustainable cities. Among the Arab world, the UAE model is one of the most successful in terms of smart transformation. It is regarded as one of the top countries in terms of implementing smart practises in different facets of daily life.”

Dr. Abou Zaki said: “While writing this book, I placed a strong emphasis on highlighting the intricate connections between technology, society, and the economy. I underscored the significance of harnessing the power of data, artificial intelligence, and sustainable approaches in the creation of smart cities, as we now live in a new phase of digital transformation. We are witnessing a major shift towards transforming entire cities into smart, sustainable ones based on the latest ICT technologies. The book further emphasises the importance of cooperation and partnerships among governments, institutions, and society in accomplishing these objectives.”

“Smart cities are key drivers of long-term sustainable growth. They help in increasing resource efficiency by leveraging latest digital technologies and advanced data analytics to deliver high-quality services that boost economic growth, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. I believe that this book will offer motivation and will inspire collaborative efforts towards the creation of smart cities and the promotion of economic and social development in our society,” Dr. Abou Zaki added.

The signing ceremony served as an ideal forum to discuss the relevance of smart transformation and city development in the Arab world. The book is expected to be internationally appreciated and to serve as a roadmap for initiatives in the region to construct smart and sustainable cities. The event also allowed attendees and others interested in this sector to share ideas and skills on how to achieve sustainable and smart development across the Arab world.

Dr. Abou Zaki published his first book, ‘The Future Gulf – Economic Challenges and Opportunities in the Post Oil Era,’ in 2018, in which he provided a comprehensive analysis of economy of the Gulf Cooperation Council since the beginning of the oil era, the stages of economic development, and its implications across the region. He further gave an insight on current economic variables, results of which can be seen in the transition to a more diverse and balanced economy, which offers the private sector a stronger role in job creation, economic stimulus and technical advancement towards a knowledge economy.

ALSO READ-‘UAE Looks Forward to Fruitful Discussions at UNGA’

Categories
Books UAE News

Dreamwork Collective to Showcase UAE Authors

Convening in the Hotel Excelsior on Lido di Venezia, the Book Adaptation Rights Market is part of the Venice Production Bridge, which stages a range of unique initiatives to advance the development and production of film…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai-based publisher, The Dreamwork Collective, has been selected to take part in the 8th edition of the Book Adaptation Rights Market, to be staged next month as part of the 80th Venice International Film Festival. One of just 34 international publishing houses and literary agencies chosen for the exclusive invitation-only event, The Dreamwork Collective will have the opportunity to represent the UAE and present its entire catalogue of books for adaptation to the film industry.

Convening in the Hotel Excelsior on Lido di Venezia, the Book Adaptation Rights Market is part of the Venice Production Bridge, which stages a range of unique initiatives to advance the development and production of film. The Market provides publishers with a dedicated platform to conduct one-on-one meetings with the producers registered to the Venice International Film Festival, to discuss the adaptation of novels, dramas, children’s literature, short stories, comics, graphic novels, essays, and biographies.

As an independent publisher with a focus on authors in the Middle East and North Africa regions, The Dreamwork Collective has established a reputation for championing voices often neglected by the mainstream. The invitation to the Venice Book Adaptation Rights Market is a first among publishers across the region and recognizes the diverse voices and powerful stories backed by the all-female team.

CEO and Founder of The Dreamwork Collective, Kira Jean, said, “We are honoured to be among the select few publishers to receive Gold Accreditation and to present our titles for adaption to the film industry. It is a huge step towards introducing the powerful stories we publish in the Emirates to the screen, and we are thrilled to represent the region’s best writing talent as we meet renowned filmmakers and producers at this year’s Venice International Film Festival.”

The annual Book Adaptation Rights Market places a spotlight on a different literary genre each year and the 2023 edition will be dedicated to publications for children and young adults. Among the titles to be presented by The Dreamwork Collective is The Secret Life of Dubai’s Street Cats, by Bashayer Arif. A touching and triumphant story for cat lovers of all ages, the book has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Also featuring in the publisher’s children’s literature catalogue is Just Jessica, by author and Paralympian Jessica Smith, who draws on her own life experiences to tell the story of a schoolgirl who is slightly different from her friends.

Renowned among publishers worldwide as one of the top three annual gatherings in the field, the Venice Book Adaptation Rights Market has provided a platform for the sale of numerous adaptations to both cinema and television in its previous seven editions. The Dreamwork Collective will be among 12 publishers and literary agencies participating in the event for the first time this year.

ALSO READ-With 41.6m guests, DXB traffic tops pre-Covid levels