BOOK EXCERPT LAHORE

Extracted with permission from Book of Rahim by Arvind Krishna Mehrotra, published under Westland - ‘Literary Activism’, the new publishing imprint of Centre for the Creative and the Critical at Ashoka University.

Also, Westland has just launched its new academic imprint 'Literary Activism' this book 'Book of Rahim' is the first book under the imprint. - Please if you can mention this line at the beginning.

Unterrestrial, ungoogleable, unreachable, landlocked city that erupts from the sea and disappears in the sky; whose birds sing in the dawn to come; the walled city without walls, Lahore

Behind razor wire, the home town next door, the Temple Road address to which I cannot ask my way back; the city of a thousand names and one: it can only be Lahore.

Men of the hinterland arrived at its gates, slow moving men with keen eyes bringing bales of cloth, marking the doors to knock on They knew their sums and flourished as seeds do when the ground is virgin, waiting to be clothed

Then when nations rose like party balloons in the sky to be sold by balloon men at streetcorners, they melted into trains Their houses stand, their names still on gateposts, they themselves dead Asked for the blood group, I extend a finger called Lahore.

Charles Frazier's fifth novel, "The Trackers," is set primarily outside of the American South. There is a brief interlude in Florida, but the firstperson narrator, Valentine Welch, a 27-year-old Virginia artist, mainly works in the West In the story, Val, a narrator, travels to Wyoming from Virginia in 1937 to paint a mural for the Works Progress Administration. He meets wealthy rancher John Long and his wife Eve, who aspire to the U S Senate Eve was once a transient and sang in a swing band As a painter, Val Welch ventures westward to Dawes, Wyoming, where he is assigned a New Deal assignment Creating a mural for their new Post Office being the assignment, he is surrounded by rumors and intrigue, as his wife Eve, a wealthy art lover, and John Long, a rich art lover, have a WWI sniper background. Val becomes intrigued by their lives and eventually follows Eve's trail, navigating various locations and encountering secrets that could change their lives. When Eve goes missing, Long enlists Val to find out where she went and why she went missing. As Val crosses the country, looking for Eve and disclosing secrets that would affect everything between the three, the terrain swings from Wyoming to Florida to Seattle to San Francisco Frazier surprises the readers: John by absconding and taking his favorite Renoir painting Val becomes one of the novel's trackers when John convinces him to hold the mural and find Eve John aspires to fill Wyoming's U S Senate seat, and Eve's marriage to John is rumored to be bigamous, making his candidacy almost sure to fail Val searches for Eve in Florida, which he deems the original "Wild West" and views as an assault on civilization. He compares the state to a hot towel from someone else's bath to a towel flung sopping across one's face.

"The Trackers" is a tale set 86 years ago, with frightening parallels to today. The story also delves into the significance of art, the mythos of the American West, and the process of beginning again.

In his twenty-third book of the Gabriel Allon series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva presents a riveting thriller that combines art heists, international intrigue, and the threat of nuclear war With a blend of compelling characters, geopolitical tensions, and masterful storytelling, "The Collector" is an electrifying addition to the series Gabriel Allon, the former wayward son of Israeli intelligence, is called back into action when General Cesare Ferrari, head of the Italian Art Squad, seeks his help to recover a valuable missing painting. The investigation takes Gabriel from Venice to Denmark, where he encounters Ingrid Johansen, a complex character with a mysterious past. As they delve deeper into their pursuit, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens global peace and could trigger a nuclear war between Russia and the United States. Silva's narrative is incredibly timely, touching on real-world events such as the war in Ukraine, tensions between Russia and the West, and the inner workings of Moscow The author weaves these themes seamlessly into the plot, creating a suspenseful and relevant backdrop for the unfolding drama The slow build of tension and the gradual revelation of layers are hallmarks of Silva's storytelling style, keeping readers engaged and eager for more The introduction of Ingrid Johansen is a standout element in "The Collector." As a complex and multi-faceted character, she adds depth and intrigue to the story. Her interaction with Gabriel also brings a new dimension to his character, propelling the narrative from a mere art heist to a high-stakes mission to prevent a potential nuclear catastrophe. The chemistry between these two characters adds emotional weight to the already gripping plot Silva's skillful narration takes readers on a journey that unfolds with precision and intensity He expertly balances the hunt for the missing painting with the escalating global tensions, creating a narrative that builds to an exhilarating crescendo

As Silva's storytelling reaches new heights, "The Collector" solidifies its place as a blockbuster read that should not be missed.

Tess Gunty's debut novel, "The Rabbit Hutch," is a compelling narrative that delves into the lives of four teenagers who recently aged out of the state foster care system Set against the backdrop of the post-industrial Midwest, this novel intricately weaves themes of transcendence, love, and the complex interplay between individuals and their environment Gunty's masterful storytelling shines through as she crafts a story that resonates deeply with the reader's emotions The novel portrays Vacca Vale, Indiana, a town devastated by the automobile industry's decline "The Rabbit Hutch", a run-down apartment building, is a testament to the town's decline The protagonist, Blandine Watkins, emerges from a turbulent childhood seeking an escape and connection to mysticism. Gunty's portrayal of her internal struggles and relentless pursuit of meaning makes her a memorable character in the story. Gunty's "The Rabbit Hutch" includes characters facing various problems, creating an intricate web of interrelated storylines. Starting with a terrible act of violence, the novel's narrative travels readers back in time, illuminating the characters' lives and the greater atmosphere of economic degradation and societal indifference Gunty's attention to detail and subtlety enrich the story, painting a vivid image of community amid odd circumstances Tess Gunty's writing is intelligent and vulnerable, reminiscent of Rachel Kushner and Ali Smith Her richly detailed prose immerses readers in the character's emotions and struggles, reflecting the human experience. The book's well-chosen font size balances readability and aesthetics, enhancing the engaging reading experience. The cover image, colors, and page setup improve readability, inviting readers into the apartment climate and capturing the essence of the story's themes and characters.

"The Rabbit Hutch" is Tess Gunty's debut novel, showcasing a new voice in American fiction. The novel explores themes of loneliness, community, and personal transcendence with grace and authenticity, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the connections that bind us all.

In recent years, Ghosh's works have focused on climateintensified disasters and demographic shifts, emphasizing the climate crisis "Smoke and Ashes" continues Ghosh's efforts to raise awareness and encourage action. For those familiar with his previous works, this book establishes connections and offers a deep, thought-provoking narrative about the world's self-destructive tendencies "Smoke and Ashes," by Amitav Ghosh and published by Harper Collins, guides readers through various realms and historical eras impacted by the movements and upheavals caused by opium. The narrative begins with the nineteenth century when the Western world faced a scarcity of bullion with funding trade with China due to meagre exports to the country. At that time, China was largely self-sufficient and uninterested in foreign goods. However, opium emerged as a form of currency, disrupting the balance Ghosh then delves into the narrative of how British colonies in India transformed into opium-rich territories, bolstering the empire's coffers through opium exports to China, essentially reversing the flow of wealth The Americans also embraced this trade, using opium profits to establish their new economy, influencing railroads, banks, and construction sectors. The narrative details the systematic destruction of China as opium addiction escalated, driven by profit motives, disregarding ethics and morality. Over time, anti-opium movements and global opinions diminished the opium trade in the twentieth century, though it is now resurfacing as a social and political force. The book exposes the British exploitation of fertile regions like the Gangetic plains for opium cultivation, even during famines, and the coercive pricing practices imposed on farmers The British further intensified their wrongdoing by pushing opium into China to finance tea purchases, which funded British colonial expansion

For readers of Ghosh's Ibis Trilogy, "Smoke and Ashes" provides an insightful backstage look into the research behind the trilogy.

"One: The Story of the Ultimate Myth"

by Mansoor Khan, a renowned filmmaker, highlights the environmental crisis and the need for evolution. Despite famous authors overlooking the issue, Khan's narrative aims to raise awareness and emphasize the urgency of addressing these pressing issues. Currently a farmer in Coonoor, Khan's previous book, "The Third Curve," tackles global economic myths and trends His narrative aims to evoke a consciousness and highlight the urgent need for a more sustainable future Set in a future where the line between order and chaos has faded, the story follows Sonal and Abhay Sonal, a former sociology professor, and environmental activist, battles acute depression and memory loss In contrast, Abhay, a once-celebrated plant pathologist, grapples with paranoia and is pursued by a powerful establishment due to his challenges to prevailing scientific paradigms. Their paths converge in a park, their unique perspectives forming a bond transcending conventional understanding. The author presents Sonal and Abhay as initially delusional protagonists, gradually unveiling their personalities for authenticity and relatability. Drawing inspiration from depleted natural resources and human-induced environmental degradation, the story contemplates disrupting the natural balance, affecting present and future generations Amidst Sonal and Abhay's intertwined experiences, the story illuminates a world where chaos and order blur "One: The Story of the Ultimate Myth" presents a story within a story intricately layered with various elements of our environment It revolves around the lives of Sonal and Abhay, individuals whose minds are tuned to the complexity of the web of life and the rejuvenating power of Earth's cycles. This power has the potential to heal itself.

"One" is not just a story of two people but a selfhelp book, environmental guide, life coach, and informative book. The hand-written style chapters are so enduring to read; hence, this book is unique and must-read!

Swapnil Pandey's "Balidan",

published by HarperCollins, delves into the amazing life of Special Forces operatives such as Colonel Santosh Mahadik. Pandey's book highlights these heroes' bravery and sacrifice, stressing their impact on India's military history and independence spirit. The emotional energy and weirdness of the novel add to the intense reading experience. As someone who had previously read "The Force Behind the Forces: Stories of Brave Indian Army Wives," I expected an emotionally charged and engaging reading experience and have had a great journey. "Balidan" derives its power from over 200 interviews, which come together to weave six gripping narratives about some of India's most celebrated figures in the Para Forces Through the author's dedication, these stories were brought to life by engaging with the friends and families of these brave men This process spanned a year and included multiple visits to various Special Forces Units near the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The book explores the historical legacy and origins of the Parachute Regiment and Para Special Forces in India, highlighting their roles within the Indian Army. The Parachute Regiment excels in airborne operations and rapid enemy lines infiltration, while the Special Forces are smaller, highly trained units focusing on reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, and special operations. The book highlights the values that set these elite units apart, such as stealth, speed, self-reliance, teamwork, and specialized equipment The book's central point is a collection of captivating stories highlighting the exceptional endeavors of Indian Special Forces operatives Swapnil Pandey hopes "Balidan" will inspire India's youth to join the Special Forces, engage in extreme sports, or pursue their dreams

Finally, "Balidan" is not merely a collection of stories; it's a tribute to the undying spirit of those who safeguard the nation's integrity and honor.

Azadi, a novel by Chaman Nahal, is considered one of the Gandhi Quartet's most significant works. Nahal, an English professor at Delhi University, wrote eight novels, including four of the Gandhi Quartet Azadi, one of his four, won the Sahitya Academy Award and the Federation of Indian Publishers Award in 1977 The novel tells the story of the terrors and holocaust caused by partition, focusing on the impact on those living in Sialkot during the partition. Nahal's work Azadi graphically depicts the tragedies of partition and its aftermath on the Indian subcontinent. Nahal wrote authentically as a refugee, focusing on the dawn of freedom, the horrors of partition, mass migration, atrocities, and the arrival of refugees in India and Pakistan. The actual focus of the story is on man's hopes, worries, loves, and hatred, as well as the perpetual tug of God and the Devil inside him The novel, Azadi, is divided into three sections: Lull, Storm, and Aftermath, detailing the aftermath of partition in India It tells the story of the suffering of thousands of victims and their families, focusing on the Muslim-majority city of Sialkot Nahal enlists the help of seven families to tell the story At the same time, Azadi is a broad-based narrative about the 1947 partition of India, focusing on a grain dealer family in West Punjab. In the story, Lala Kanshi Ram, a respected Hindu citizen, is a victim of British Angrez hatred. The shooting of a dog by an English soldier is a prelude to riots, looting, and slaughter. The partition will further carnage between Muslims and Hindus, leaving Lala and his family alone. The family is forced to leave the hamlet for refugee camps and settle in New Delhi Arun, Ram's son, must marry Chandni, a lower-caste woman kidnapped by Muslims, causing further turmoil Chaman Nahal's Azadi depicts a tragic incident in 1947, immediately after India's independence, which is remembered as a red letter day The following partition was a period of shame, cruelty, and destruction

Overall, Azadi's work presents sorrow and slaughter as a precursor to the emergence of a new humanity and new connections.

Delve into the profound and thought-provoking journey presented in "The Curveball" by Colby Sharma, where every page turns with anticipation This book transcends being merely a guide it evolves into a companion on your self-discovery journey Through a blend of enlightening strategies, it not only sparks curiosity and introspection but also takes you hand in hand through the protagonist's transformative odyssey. The captivating narrative weaves a tapestry of hope, affirming the presence of light at the end of every tunnel. Drawing an intriguing parallel between the realm of baseball and the challenges life presents, the story resonates with the idea that adversity shapes us, leaving us with the choice to persevere or falter. Rooted in the sport of baseball, this book imparts timeless wisdom and practical tactics to help readers overcome their challenges Colby Sharma skillfully imparts life lessons that often slip from our collective awareness The story underlines the importance of a mentor in this case, the enigmatic Spooky who catalyzes realizing latent potential and adding depth to life A poignant lesson resonates as the book champions the significance of taking one step at a time, a philosophy that fosters remarkable transformation through its ripple effects. The ego, often a roadblock to growth, is dissected as the author unveils its tendency to distort perceptions, enabling detachment from reality. Embracing imperfection is celebrated, reinforcing the value of learning from mistakes as a path to greatness. The narrative follows Bryce Holloway, an extraordinary baseball player whose career descends to the brink of collapse With guidance from "Spooky," Bryce embarks on a journey that uncovers four essential life strategies Reflecting on pivotal moments from his past, Bryce reevaluates his mistakes, leading to profound self-discovery He reclaims his career and life as he transforms his fears into stepping stones

If you're searching for profound life lessons and a source of stability amid life's uncertainties, "The Curveball" demands a place on your reading list.

"Where's the Moolah? Financial Growth Hacking for Business Profitability," authored by Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh, offers a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking tangible strategies to enhance their financial growth In this book, readers will discover practical advice, byte-sized actionable pointers, and an engaging writing style that distinguishes it from other financial management resources. From beginners to seasoned entrepreneurs, "Where's the Moolah?" caters to a diverse audience seeking real-world approaches to amplify financial performance. The book gives out practical advice and is suitable for everyone With its focus on actionable recommendations, the book equips entrepreneurs and business leaders with practical insights that can be readily implemented The author's delivery of bytesized actionable pointers ensures these insights are easily understandable and applicable The book effectively caters to both novices and experienced entrepreneurs. It tackles a broad spectrum of financial growth hacking topics, including pivoting for optimal financial performance and how different facets of a business contribute to overall financial advancement. A growth hack is a marketing trick where a creative idea is used to direct users to achieve a specific marketing goal or boost sales. Thus, the book gives the readers the following Financial Growth Hacks that can catalyze business profitability

The book feels repetitive in some places, but finally, "Where's the Moolah? Financial Growth Hacking for Business Profitability" offers an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to elevate their financial trajectories. The book hence is Ideal for those pursuing pragmatic financial insights; the book serves as a pragmatic guide for achieving heightened business profitability.

I've always had a fascination for crime thrillers, especially those featuring audacious law enforcement officers who stop at nothing to fulfill their duties When the story revolves around such a character, it becomes utterly gripping.

Gayatri's "Ela’s Unfinished Business" delves into the intricate realm of mental health issues intertwined with the complexities faced during ongoing investigations when a mentally ill patient becomes a prime suspect. The narrative commences with a murder shattering the tranquility of Beri Shola, a once-quiet hill town, just a week before its annual flower show In the heart of this crime, Rose Cottage, the flamboyant socialite Rose meets a gruesome end Piu, a therapist new to Beri Shola, crosses paths with Ela, who confesses to being the murderer Piu takes on the challenge of providing therapy to Ela However, the plot thickens as the Commissioner of Police, Nachiketa, becomes suspicious and apprehends Ela based on mounting evidence.

Not to be overlooked is the intriguing presence of Oscar Swami, the reporter whose influence weaves an additional layer of intrigue into the narrative. Gayatri's storytelling, character development, and plot execution are nothing short of masterful. "Ela’s Unfinished Business" offers a brisk read that will leave readers captivated The writing style is refreshingly straightforward

In summary, "Ela’s Unfinished Business" is a book teeming with mystery and suspense, delivering the adrenaline rush many seek. Gayatri has crafted a remarkable novel that delves deep into the realm of mental health and the potential of therapy to aid those in need. It's a must-read for those craving a thrilling experience. Grab a copy now and prepare for an exhilarating journey.

(Reviewed by Saurabh Chawla)

The short story typically revolves around a singular impact, conveyed through just a few significant episodes or scenes This literary form promotes an economy of setting, concise storytelling, and a simple plot. Characters are revealed through their actions and dramatic encounters. Despite its limited scope, a short story is often evaluated based on its capacity to deliver a "complete" or gratifying portrayal of its characters and themes. Defying all the odds and perceptions, this book, 'Twisted Tales and Turns' with a collection of 20 short stories by Author Smita Jain, is a must-read for many reasons. As an avid reader, I enjoy books, but as a regular book reviewer, I try to look with a magnifying glass for faults, errors, novelty and other things But, 'Twisted Tales and Turns' happens to be one of those books that I read and enjoyed the book just as a book lover Digging deep into the book, as said above, 20 stories are divided into 4 sections based on the theme they are written on The first theme is 'Out of this world', with 5 fantastic stories to make readers sit on the edge In this, the 'Masterpiece' story is my favorite The setup, the characters, the intrigue, and the surprise elements got to my nerve! I read the ending paragraphs twice to understand what happened. In the second theme, 'Not Too Far Into The Future' – the story 'Kaleidoscope' is my favorite. The narration just took off to new heights. To make this review spoiler free, I would like to discuss other aspects of the book. The best part of the book is Smita Das Jain skillfully keeps the stories concise while effectively conveying the intended messages, showcasing her prowess as a storyteller The simplicity and effectiveness of the storytelling leave you yearning for more as you progress through the book Notably, Smita's use of contemporary themes in her stories addresses crucial questions we face today and explores important subjects, making the book stand out Smita's writing style effortlessly blends simplicity and engagement, captivating readers from the beginning until the end. Her stories beautifully encapsulate the essence of daily life and the diverse situations we encounter, whether during the pandemic or our college days, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The skillful maintenance of suspense throughout the stories adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall reading experience

In "Twisted Tales and Turns," each story unfolds swiftly, rivetingly, brimming with drama While some tales conclude with loose ends, others build up to captivating and dramatic climaxes Throughout the collection, Smita adeptly delves into various relationships, crafting thoughtful narratives that leave a lasting impact and make it difficult to set the book aside. The stories within the book are both light and meaningful, providing readers with plenty of food for thought. This is a fantastic must-read for everyone who likes short stories.

The book is recommended for readers who want to read new and original stories filled with emotions, wit, thrill, and surprise. Young readers can also read the book because of the clean language and scenes!

(Reviewed by Swapna Peri)

ARIES MOON SIGN: THE EMPEROR

This month, you are very ambitious and have a clear goal in mind which you need to fulfill You are working as a leader in your workplace and guiding your team members to focus on the goals and help them to fulfil them. You are very authoritative this month

TAURUS MOON SIGN: STRENGTH

This month, Taurus you are learning to master your fear and anxiety and to be courageous and strong from inside and ready to face any challenges in life Also, this month you need to believe in yourself and be ready to tame your inside animal i e , your emotions

GEMINI MOON SIGN: THE MOON

This month, Gemini you are having unconscious fears and anxiety which is not letting you move forward It can be your past mistakes or painful emotions. Just relax and learn from these incidents and move on

LEO MOON SIGN: 2 OF SWORDS

This Month, Leo, you are confused and indecisive about taking an important decision or choosing the best option from yourself. It is the time to be practical and with proper research and thought choose the best option

VIRGO MOON SIGN: 3 OF SWORDS

This month, Virgo, you might be facing a disappointing or painful situation in your life. The situation is making you disappointed or sad It is not what you had expected It is the time to release your emotions and wait for the right moment.

LIBRA MOON SIGN: PAGE OF CUPS

This month, Libra you are planning to learn something creative like painting or dance. It also indicates a new creative opportunity has come to you which you were waiting for. It also indicates, starting of a new relationship if you are single.

CANCER MOON SIGN: THE TOWER

This month, Cancer, there might be sudden or unexpected changes in your life which might shake you from inside, but this change is necessary to make you strong It is essential for your spiritual growth.

SCORPIO MOON SIGN: 6 OF CUPS

This month Scorpio, you are travel back to your childhood memories and living those moments. Also, some might meet with their childhood friends and spend quality time together Also, there is harmony and cooperation in your relationship.

SAGITTARIUS MOON SIGN: THE SUN

This month, Sagittarians, things are positive and going well for you This also means success and abundance in your life If you were facing challenges last month, this month it will be over, and you would be happy and blessed

CAPRICORN MOON SIGN: 8 OF WANDS

This month, you will be very busy working on your toes to complete your deadlines with lots of energy and enthusiasm to get appreciation from your boss It also indicates travel for office work Some might receive good news for their success

AQUARIUS MOON SIGN: QUEEN OF WANDS

This Month, Aquarians, you are bold, confident, and independent personality, ready to manifest your goals and desires You are aware of your life purpose and want to pursue it. You are a social butterfly ready to enjoy parties and build a professional network with your charm

I am Himani Goyal, By profession, I am an HR Manager working in Banglore. Reading is my hobby which led me to write reviews for my readers I have read and reviewed numerous books so far I am also a practicing Tarot consultant and would be sharing daily, weekly, monthly horoscopes for you all here.

PISCES MOON SIGN: KING OF WANDS

This month, Pisces, you might get a leadership position in your workplace, and you will direct your team members towards completing a common goal You are ambitious and have a clear vision about your goals and ready to manifest it with the help of your team members