Through the Forest, Darkly

I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the book, Through the Forest, Darkly, this evening. The debutant author of the book, which I gather is set against the backdrop of Naxalism, is Ranjan Kaul (on the right). For the launch, another illustrious author, Mukul Kesavan (on the left), had been asked to interview Mr Kaul about the book. The interview session was interesting, as the two exchanged notes about the process of writing and creating a make belief world.

Between the session, the author also read out some passages from his book. That part was an experience that I might have to develop a taste for. Someone reading out a novel to me, was a little disturbing because I am the kind of reader, who assigns a certain voice to the characters of the book as I read along. However, I was told that this is the norm at launches. So, like everything else that I cannot control, I decided to enjoy this part as well.



Sorry, the quality of the photograph is not too good. I was seated way back and did not want to go too near the stage while the session was on.

While listening to the question and answer session, I listed some questions that came to mind. I am listing them here, hoping that some of you might share what you think on the matter.

1. Why are most fictional writers afraid of taking a moral stand on a sensitive political issue?
2. While creating and building a character of the opposite sex, what kind of ease or difficulty do they experience?
3. How are the characters christened? And, do the names of the characters somehow dictate some characteristics of the character or after a character is named, does it while being built up exhibits certain typical characteristics? Eg: would naming a character Rahul, mean that he would be playful, naughty but very righteous?

P.S: The author is my boss and the book has been published by Hachette India.

Sunday Book Market, Darya Ganj

The best way to spend a Sunday is with books, as most of you will agree. That is exactly what I did yesterday. Went to paradise, Darya Ganj. Books and more books everywhere. My friend and I walked for several kilometres scouting for books. We came back with an impressive loot. :-) So next time you are in Delhi on Sunday, you know where to head...

“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.”

This is my most favourite book shop, New Book Land, in Delhi. In this small space, you can get all you want when it comes to books. This is also a joint where my friends and me meet anytime a Janpath trip is planned. The shop sells original books at reasonable prices. A must stop shop. I thought that since we are very much still celebrating the New Year, it was nice to post something related to reading, which is very close to my heart. Hope more people follow the passion of reading in the coming year.

Reading Wall

This is a reading wall at the Ambiance Mall, Gurgaon. This colourful wall is a hit with the children who come to play or even lie down and read here. Happy winters and reading from a Fogged out Delhi :-)

"You teach best what you most need to learn." -- Richard David Bach

Bob Dylan says, "The answer my friend is blowin in the wind" but I beg to differ. I think books, reading and opening the young minds to possibilities beyond terror and communalism is the only way the global menace of terrorism can end.

And like Kris said, Loads of hugs and kisses too would work their charm.

Sunrise, Talkatora Gardens

A bright and beautiful sunrise at the Talkatora Gardens, I clicked early morning today, after the rains stopped. Just after the rain, the weather was chilly... but with sun up in the sky now... it is just nice and pleasant enough to curl in bed with a steaming cup of coffee and a good book, with Frank Sinatra, Kishore Kumar or Manna Dey crooning away to glory.