BOOKS WE RECOMMEND THIS WEEK

From a spooky ghost story set in Darjeeling, to a YA novel featuring an intrepid teen spy, our book picks this week, curated by Chirdeep Malhotra

FICTION

“Second Wind” by Minal Arora

This book is a sequel of Minal Arora’s book “Maaya: A Tryst with Self”. Second wind is the breath that one draws after complete breathlessness once exhausted in a race...The race of life! When a relationship acquires the expression of possessiveness, the language of control and a ruthless selfishness, it's time to know that love has slipped away and what remains is dust. Rahul is one such melancholy heart which bleeds of regret for he has lost maaya, his soulmate, to his choice of staying in his marriage, which now he cannot abide by. Second wind is the journey that Rahul made in his incessant search for his lost love and how he slowly finds himself anew in the process. It is a tale of love, conflicts, love beyond marriage, choices, fears, ego and overcoming limitations to recognise the inherent wisdom within. The book is a fiction, with elements of self-help and spirituality.



NON-FICTION

“India's Strategies for Information War & Cyber Deterrence” by Ashok Pathak

The concept of information warfare is as old as warfare itself but has gained traction in recent times where we look at non-contact battles between two adversaries. This concept involves the use of information and Communication technologies; and taking it a little further, it transforms into the use of computers and cyberspace in warfare. This book by Retd. Brig (Dr) Ashok Pathak delves into this complex topic and brings out issues and facets especially pertaining to India. It also emphasises that issues of National security and nation building in this information age are intertwined. The book also argues that our capability to fight without fear and ambiguity for safeguarding our nation by Cyber Deterrence should be of paramount importance, and appropriate policies should be formulated for this.



HORROR

“The Belvoirbrooke Haunting” by Abhirup Dhar

In 1990, a young married couple, Nihith and Jemisha comes to live in Belvoirbrooke Tea Estate in Darjeeling, founded in 1865, amidst the snow-capped mountains, lush greenery and magnificent rolling countryside. Very soon they realize the place is haunted. Then enters Chitin Barman, a paranormal investigator and clairvoyant psychic to their rescue. Is he? Can he? Some genres are best left without spilling the beans. This book is a spooky ghost story teeming with suspense.



YOUNG ADULT

“Along Came A Spyder” by Apeksha Rao

The book features 17 year old Samira Joshi, who has only one dream in life – to become a spy. With spying running in the Joshi genes, it seems the obvious choice. But, her parents, who are elite intelligence agents for RAW, want their only daughter to become a doctor. When she sees a college friend being trapped by a pimp, Samira does some spying of her own, and discovers the existence of a secret sisterhood of teen spies — The Spyders. With she wanting to join The Spyders, in what adventures will Samira be involved? This book is a taut and witty espionage thriller.