February 13, 2018

Book Review: Curried Cultures by Krishnendu Ray,‎ Tulasi Srinivas

Author: Krishnendu Ray, Tulasi Srinivas
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Rating: 3/5

Food is our necessity and our desire. It is that integral part of our lives without which our survival is inconceivable. Over the years, the concept of ‘food’ has changed drastically. With what was called staples of a particular region, people have now become more receptive to foods of different origins. Accordingly, the taste buds have evolved too; they can now bear the taste of continental cuisine along with Thai, Mexican, Asian and Indian. Though the western countries have a diverse potpourri of mouth-watering delicacies, the Asian continent has always had an upper hand over them owing to the inherent culture and the culture transferred to our land during globalization.

An aperitive guide on how the food has evolved over the years, ‘Curried Cultures’ offers an insightful perception of the change in the colour, texture, and taste of Indian food. There is no doubt when one says that the Indian food is the most appetizing and the most influencing food in the world. The love and attention a dish gets in the South Asian land are anytime more than the thought given to the people. The book explores how Indian food has changed with globalization. There are numerous essays that elicit the impact of commercialization and how the recipes have made their way to foreign lands.

The author (s) prowess in presenting the content after much research is worth appreciation. The language is simple but there are certain terms that might take time to be comprehended. For the ones who do not have much idea about globalization, this book might surprise you with the information it has in store.

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Book Review: No Mud No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh

No Mud No Lotus
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh
Publisher: Parallax Press
Rating: 3.5/5

If a problem can be solved, there is nothing to worry about. If it can’t be solved, then worrying is useless.’

‘No Mud, No Lotus’ is a self-help book that helps the readers understand the essence of life. Just like how the Lotus survives in the austere conditions and rises from beneath the mud and transforms into the purest form, similarly, our body is a gift from God and to help it heal and reach close to heaven, is our primary obligation.

John Keats had said in one of his most famous poems ‘The Human Seasons’ that the human mind passes through four stages of development which are similar to the seasons. During our summer (youth), we are bound to ruminate or brainstorm on the past experiences and the urge to change what has already happened takes its toll on our mind. Only when we are able to channelize our thoughts, we are enlightened and are closer to heaven. ‘No Mud, No Lotus’ inspires and propels the mind to quell the thoughts that hinder its development.

With words that are not only potent but also true, the narrative doesn’t leave any stone unturned in guiding towards holistic healing. The master Zen Buddhist, Thich Nhat Hanh, explains how the perspective of the past experiences haunt us and we happen to destroy our present at the past’s beck and call. He explains how an experience can be moulded into a lesson and that, in turn, helps in dropping the baggage to where it belongs.

A short read, this book is a must-have.
Best Wishes to the author!

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Book Review: Pawan by Sorabh Pant

Author: Sorabh Pant
Publisher: Rupa Publishers
Rating: 3.5/5

It is rightly said that our talent is God’s gift to us. What we do with it is our gift back to God. ‘Pawan’ is an intelligent and witty literary feat. It narrates the story of an accountant cum God-sent protector- Pawan, who is disorganized, derelict and deliberately obtuse to his powers. Accountant in the morning before the mortal flesh, Pawan (or Arjun Singh) is a demigod at night before the immortal existence. His fuddy-duddy nature presents him as an oddity but he seems complacent and happy. The story explores his journey of self-discovery and realization. Mistake me not, for this is not an inspirational story. The prowess of the author to give words to his creative imagination is worth appreciation.

Read the complete review here.

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