What happens when
the country’s best journalists’ go wandering about the irregular areas of the
rather regular avenues of politics,
society, the entertainment industry,
sports and women in nighties? Rich and
insightful unique perspectives - that’s what.
The books listed
below are by individuals who have been game changers and idols for journalists
across the country. They reflect and
bring integrity back to journalistic endeavors and in their own cheeky irreverent way that never ceases to be
charming, they take the mundane and prove the pen is mightier than the sword
with their alchemical perceptive articles.
JUG SURAIYA - JS ANDTHE TIMES OF MY LIFE
If you are new to
this genre and there is only one book you wish to try, then this hands down, is it. there is only
one book by a journalist you wish to read Racy , sharp and the man who cuts
right to the nerve of the issue, Jug ‘jughead’ Suraiya. Jugular vein has
entertained and amused for many years now. This incredible book chronicles his
adventures from being waterless in vasantkunj to his days as the Maharaja of
Malabar! Brindle and Bunny also make an appearance as do well known
personalities. Semi biographical, this book, as all of his books, are well
worth the read.
KARAN THAPAR - MORE SALT THAN PEPPER
A compilation of columns by the elegant Karan Thapar, written for the Hindustan Times titled
Sunday Sentiments. The columns range from the author's perceptive portraits of
politicians and celebrities to his reflections on the state of the media and
the peculiarities of the English language. He also turns the gaze on himself—sharing
with us his eccentricities, his foibles and anecdotes about himself and his
family, including his late wife Nisha. There are also pieces here about his
Doon and Cambridge days and vignettes from his travels to cities near and far.
KUSHWANT SINGH - TRUTH LOVE AND A LITTLE MALICE
Witty, irreverent, controversial and adoringly entertaining,
Khushwant Singh remains unflinchingly forthright. He records his professional
triumphs and failures as a lawyer, journalist, writer and member of Parliament;
the comforts and disappointments in his marriage of over sixty years; his
first, awkward sexual encounter; his phobia of ghosts and his fascination with
death; the friends who betrayed him, and also those whom he failed.
Khushwant Singh is India’s best-known writer and columnist.
He is the founder and was the editor of
Yojana, as well as Illustrated Weekly
of India, the National Herald and the Hindustan Times. He is also the author of
several books which include the novels Train to Pakistan
SANTOSH DESAI - MOTHERPIOUS LADY
“This is a rare and captivating book, wise and witty, on the
inner lives of middle class Indians. Desai both enlightens and
entertains.” SudhirKakar
Desai’s collection of informative and witty essays examines
everything from the ethos of the Hindi film hero to the place of the Bajaj
scooter in our collective consciousness; from the deeper meaning of Western vs.
Indian-style toilets to a deconstruction of the golguppa and bhel-puri ; from the semiotics of scratching
ourselves in public to our deep-rooted dynastic urge, in everything from
politics to cinema (Tusshar Kapoorki jai!)
Tightly edited and well-written Desai’s eruditions are well
worth the read.
SHASHI THAROOR - THE ELEPHANT, THE TIGER AND THE CELLPHONE
Over the past 25 years, India has moved from a largely
impoverished, underdeveloped country to an innovative, fast-changing society.
This entertaining and informative book shows how and why. Interest in India has
never been greater. Here Shashi Tharoor, one of the subcontinent’s most
respected writers and diplomats, offers precious insights into this complex,
multifaceted land, which despite its dazzling diversity of languages, customs,
and cultures remains—more than 60 years after its founding—the world’s largest
democracy. He describes the vast changes that have transformed this once
sleeping giant into a world leader in science and technology, a nation once
poverty-stricken that now boasts a middle class of over 300 million people—as
large as the entire population of the United States! Artfully combining hard
facts and statistics with opinion and observation, Tharoor discusses the
strengths and weaknesses of his rapidly evolving homeland in five
areas—politics, economics, culture, society, and sports—and takes a fresh look
at the world’s second most populous country.
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