I Have Autism, And I Like To Play Good Bad Tennis by

Debashis Paul

Parenting autistic children needs a distinct strategy emphasising comprehension, patience, and adaptability Parents must educate themselves on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its many traits and remain current on the newest research and therapy. Providing a supportive and regulated environment for autistic children may be beneficial, with clear routines and visual timetables helping predictability. Effective communication methods, such as visual aids or social storytelling, can improve comprehension and decrease anxiety. Celebrating and nurturing autistic children's abilities and interests while providing appropriate accommodations and therapies can help them thrive and realize their full potential And therefore, World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on April 2 that encourages United Nations Member States to take action to promote awareness of autistic people worldwide In his book, "I Have Autism, and I Like to Play Good Bad Tennis," Debashis Paul provides readers with a poignant glimpse into the lives of parents raising autistic children. The title "I" represents his late son Noel, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of three and a half and sadly passed away at 26. Through this book, Paul invites us into the world of his son and the grandson of the renowned Indian actor-director Utpal Dutt, shedding light on Noel's unique journey as an individual diagnosed with the autism spectrum. I have friends and relatives whose kids are diagnosed with ASD It was a different experience and situation to accept, but when the mothers and fathers of the kids I know embraced them with such love and affection, most importantly, the normalcy they rendered in comforting the kids made me empathetic My interactions with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder have been really good In general, persons with disabilities want what any other human wants: to be understood and appreciated.

This book by Paul has nurtured my mind with positivity and compassion.

Nadeem Zaman's novel "The Inheritors" skilfully navigates a gripping tale delving into the complexity of relationships buried in half-truths inside a world driven by power and privilege. Zaman presents a vivid and engaging portrayal of a city and its citizens coping with significant upheavals and perplexing issues with deft writing After nearly three decades abroad, Nisar Chowdhury returns to Bangladesh, his boyhood home, to sell his father's ancestral land Despite his distancing from nostalgia and his family's history, Nisar's visit to Dhaka is greeted warmly by his cousin Disha but lukewarmly by his father's lawyer, Mr Ehsan. Meanwhile, his wealthy neighbour, Gazi, is interested in purchasing the entire estate, prompting Nisar to investigate a complicated past between Gazi and his cousin. Nisar becomes involved in a web of intrigue as he immerses himself in the lives of Dhaka's wealthy elite, questioning his cousin's participation in Gazi's intentions for the land Nisar is greeted warmly upon his arrival in Dhaka by his elder cousin, Disha, with whom he had a boyhood infatuation The faithful family retainers and other friends also show their hospitality, but Nisar notes his father's longtime lawyer, Mr Ehsan, gives a cold greeting Furthermore, Gazi, Nisar's wealthy and kind neighbour who had earlier acquired a section of the land, has expressed interest in purchasing the entire estate. Nisar is intrigued by the issue and discovers a tangled past between Gazi and his cousin, where truth is brutal amidst Dhaka's abundance of rumour. "The Inheritors" is a delightful book that covers a wide range of themes in a short amount of time. It deftly juxtaposes the past and present, diving into complicated connections while portraying a realistic image of life in Bangladesh, which, despite substantial differences in in-laws and the portrayal of journalists as just conduits for those in power, has an uncanny resemblance to its Indian counterpart

The people in the plot are beautifully developed, and the pacing is masterfully accomplished, ensuring there is never a dull or sluggish time.

The Return Of Faraz Ali by Aamina Ahmad All Those Who Wander by Kiran Manral

The story starts in Lahore on 8th November 1968. Faraz, along with other police officers from Anarkali Police Station, were on winding streets and then were somewhere near Mochi Gate. The sound of the riot, though distant, was heard. He sensed the nerves of his officers, too, as they lined up next to him "The Return of Faraz Ali" is a captivating debut novel by Aamina Ahmad that spans Pakistan's historical backdrop, from the end of World War II to the establishment of Bangladesh Faraz is the son of Wajid, a renowned politician, and Firdous, a prostitute who lives in Mohalla, Lahore's walled red-light district Faraz was taken away from the Mohalla at five by his father, who claimed it was for his good. On the other hand, Wajid never officially recognized Faraz as his son, ignoring the emotional toll of abruptly removing him from his mother, Firdous, and his half-sister, Rozina. Instead, Faraz was placed in the care of distant relatives with less authority. When Faraz ultimately became a police officer, Wajid felt his mission complete. Faraz returns to the old city as an adult in 1968, working as a cop, to investigate the death of a young lady who worked as a mujra, a prostitute, and was last seen with one of Lahore's most influential politicians Wajid decided to collect Faraz's "debt" to him He requested him to oversee a special inquiry into the "accidental killing" of a 12-yearold prostitute in the Mohalla Faraz's return to the Mohalla elicits deep recollections and emotions, influencing the investigation's outcome. The book begins with an explanatory pulse about a death coverup. From this moment, the narrative develops into a mosaic of self-discovery in a complex society.

With her writing skills and story-telling expertise, this debut book by Aamina Ahmad is highly recommended to view the world from a different set of spectacles.

"All Those Who Wander" by Kiran Manral takes readers on an enchanting and mind-expanding odyssey through the boundless realms of space and time. With its captivating premise, this book seamlessly merges science fiction, horror, romance, philosophy, and thriller genres, delivering a refreshing perspective that breaks free from traditional Indian writing At the heart of the story is Ana, the protagonist who possesses the uncanny ability to traverse time and space involuntarily whenever she gazes upon her reflection in a mirror. Relentlessly thrust into her own past and future, she embarks on a journey across multiverses, encountering diverse versions of herself. Desperate to alter her fate, Ana courageously plucks one version of herself from one universe and transplants it into another. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of Ana's different iterations in a nonlinear fashion, creating a tapestry of interconnected chapters. Manral's empathetic and intense narration immediately captures the readers' attention, immersing them in a world of astounding prose from the very first chapter Throughout the book, she skillfully interlaces memorable passages that delve into the profound nature of time and its fluidity Beyond its exploration of time travel, "All Those Who Wander" delves into the intricate dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship through the character of Ana's mother, Mandira, a deeply nuanced figure. Other pivotal characters, including Aman, Sukanya, Saachi, and Ana's father, also play crucial roles in the unfolding narrative. In conclusion, "All Those Who Wander" is an entrancing novel that follows the journey of a time-traveling woman plagued by profound mental health challenges stemming from a traumatic past. Seamlessly blending multiple genres, it offers readers a distinctive and unparalleled reading experience that will captivate them from the opening page to the closing line

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a fresh and exceptional literary adventure.

(Reviewed

by Saurabh

Chawla)