The Nest of the RecluseAuthor: Suchita MalikPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 3.5/5 Relationships are complicated. If not nurtured well, the roots can collapse into sudden death. Exploring the pathos of human emotions and tumultuous situations that uproot the beliefs and faith of many, The Nest of the Recluse traces the life of a family that sails amidst the terrible whirlpool of conflicting ideas and notions. Five characters who are determined to cross the bridge as they deem right come face-to-face in this novel when art and spirituality converge! Shubhojit and Yashodhra differ in their opinions and approach towards life. While Shubhojit finds solace in tracing his roots and finding a stable settlement…

Lose Fat, Get FittrAuthor: Jitendra ChoukseyPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 3/5 Self-help books on diet and weight control swarm the market like bees these days. There are so many authors/ dieticians/ nutritionists to choose from and there are so many ways in which the same information is being presented. It’s an embarrassment of riches! Lose Fat, Get Fittr is another such attempt that aims to guide the readers about weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Busting several myths associated with food and habits, the author deftly brings out the essence of simple living and a balanced diet. Stressing on the importance of exercise/ physical activity, this book breaks down health into several…

20 Millionaires Under 30Author: Sophia GrahamPublisher: Rupa PublicationRating: 3.5/5 Who doesn’t want to become rich! Since the world runs on money, it is imperative for each one of us to identify a way to make money and spend our winter comfortably! While no one breathes a word about the process that is actually involved in becoming rich, several non-fiction books that comprise the life stories of famous and successful people tend to provide a blueprint of the mindset that is required to ace the test. Based on a similar concept, 20 Millionaires Under 30 is a collection of 20 inspiring stories of struggle, hard work, persistence, mental strength and indomitable…

Mindful Zen HabitsAuthor: Marc Reklau & Manuel VillaPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 4/5 Mindful Zen Habits is a neat book that focuses on relying on self for holistic development of mind and soul. Each day promises new learning and each chapter in the book promises to send the readers into ‘zen mode’. The realization of who we are and how we are capable of communicating with our mind and body don’t take long to seep in. In fact, the book busts several notions that people advocate otherwise. Mindful Zen Habits offers a 30-day course-like structure. There are 30 habits that aim at relieving mental as well as emotional tension. Right from allowing…

Marriage: 100 Stories Around India’s Favourite RitualAuthor: Devdutt PattanaikPublisher: Rupa PublicationsRating: 4/5 The truth about mythology still invites insurmountable opinions that are based not only on religious beliefs but also on the notions that are perpetuated in our society from the time of our birth. Devdutt Pattanaik is known to highlight the relevance of mythology in the present world and establish connections with the characters in order to understand their reasoning and convictions. His new book ‘Marriage’ is a collection of 100 short tales from our past that speak about various rituals, customs, beliefs, sacrifices and values. Beautifully blazoned using pen and ink illustrations, Marriage comprises several sections that highlight…