Publish with Us

Follow Penguin

Follow Penguinsters

Follow Penguin Swadesh

© 2020 Penguin India

Tag: Bulletin Board

Worried About the Environment? Five Reads to Enlighten and Educate!

Posted on by Penguin India

“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?” Henry David Thoreau remarked once.
This World Environment Day, here are five of the best reads  on environment.
The Great Derangement by Amitav Ghosh
final The Great Derangement.indd
One of India’s greatest writers, Amitav Ghosh, argues that future generations may well think that we are deranged. How else can we explain our imaginative failure in the face of global warming? In this groundbreaking return to non-fiction, Ghosh examines our inability at the level of literature, history and politics to grasp the scale and impact  of climate change.
Environmentalism: A Global History by Ramachandra Guha
image (7)
An acclaimed historian of the environment, Ramachandra Guha in this book draws on many years of research in three continents. He details the major trends, ideas, campaigns and thinkers within the environmental movement worldwide. Among the thinkers he profiles are John Muir, Mahatma Gandhi, Rachel Carson and Octavia Hill; among the movements, the Chipko Andolan and the German Greens.
The Vanishing: India’s Wildlife Crisis by Prerna Singh Bindra
The Vanishing
With the high-decibel development versus environment debate dominating headlines, this book reveals how the ‘development at all costs’ model threatens our ecological and economic security. The author travels to far-flung forests to give an eyewitness account, and an insider’s view of India’s vanishing natural heritage. The Vanishing is a sharp and stirring read about today’s desperate scenarios, and the quest for hope for a wild India.
Rage of the River by Hridayesh Joshi
Rage of the River
Rage of the River is a riveting commentary on the socio-environmental landscape of Uttarakhand and is filled with vivid imagery of the calamity. Woven into this haunting narrative is also the remarkable history of the ordinary people’s struggle to save the state’s ecology.
Green Poems by Gulzar
Green Poems
One of the country’s best-loved poets and lyricists, Gulzar is renowned for his inimitable way of seeing things, his witty expressions, his quirky turns of phrase. All these creative talents come into play in delightful, unexpected ways in his  bilingual collection Green Poems, which celebrates his innate connection with nature.
Fascinated by the list? What is your observation of nature around you? Do you have environmental issues to bring to the fore? Tell us, we are all ears!

*

Let Chhota Bheem Turn Your Child into a Reader

Posted on by Penguin India

Is your little bundle of joy going to start school soon? Have you been looking for books that will ease them into this new phase of life? The Chhota Bheem series by DK Books, is where your search ends. The series is a set of four books, ideal for kids between 4-6 years. It aims to enrich your kid’s general knowledge and also inculcate a fondness for reading.
Here are 5 ways in which your child can enjoy the series:
Easy-To-Read Text
The book series aims to educate and entertain your little one through illustrations and easy-to-read-text. Combining familiarity of the much loved characters with educational content adds to your tot’s understanding.
cb1.jpg
Increase General Awareness
The series covers topics such as types of transport, animals, seasons, and the concept of party. Like the TV series, the books will make your little one aware of things which they see around them every day. The storytelling format in the books will let them have as much fun as they have while watching an episode.
CB 2.png
Engage in Fun Activities
Learning becomes easier when you’re having fun! The books also contain activities like crafting a paper boat or making lemonade which incorporate fun learning for your child, thereby increasing their attention span and enabling them to fare better at school.
CB 3.png
Improve Cognitive Skills
Apart from helping children develop the habit of reading, the books focus on improving their thinking and analytical skills, achieving this through word search, spot the difference, solve the maze, etc. The analytical skills come into play when your kid is learning subjects like mathematics and science.
cb 4.png
Respect for the Environment
In the light of the on-going climate change, the series aims to make the children aware of their surroundings. The books cover topics such as climate change and endangerment of animals. These topics will help you instill in your child, respect for the environment and its gifts.
cb5.png
Are you ready to see your kid set off on an exciting journey of learning? Tell us what they think of the books.
footer-01.png

8 Books by Jo Nesbo You Should Definitely Read

Posted on by Penguin India

Jo Nesbo is a Norwegian crime novelist with awards such as Riverkey Prize and Glass Key Award to his name. Nesbo is primarily known for his Harry Hole series and the Doctor Proctor series of children’s books. He is also the author of several stand-alone novels, including Headhunters which was adapted into a film in 2011.
Here are 8 books by Jo Nesbo that will keep any reader on the edge of their seats:

Knife



The latest installment in the Harry Hole series. In his new book , Knife, Harry Hole is about to face his darkest case yet. The first killer he put behind bars is out to get him. Harry is responsible for the many years Finne spent in prison but now he’s free and ready to pick up where he left off.
When Harry wakes up with blood on his hands, and no memory of what he did the night before, he knows everything is only going to get worse . . .

The Bat

n1.jpg
This is the first installment of the Harry Hole series. Inspector Harry Hole of the Oslo Crime Squad is dispatched to Sydney to observe a murder case. The victim is a twenty-three-year-old Norwegian woman who is a minor celebrity back home. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Harry befriends one of the lead detectives and one of the witnesses, as he is drawn deeper into the case.  As they circle closer and closer to the killer, Harry begins to fear that no one is safe, least of all those investigating the case.
The Bat won the Riverkey Prize and Glass Key Award.

Blood On Snow

n2
Written under the pseudonym of Tom Johansen, Blood on Snow revolves around Olav Johansen, a cold-blooded killer with a heart of gold. Olav is a fixer for a high-profile crime kingpin in 1970s Oslo. He easily takes care of anyone who causes trouble for his boss. But he is more complicated than he seems. Olav’s latest job puts him at the pinnacle of his trade, but it may become his greatest mistake.

The Son

n3.jpg
The Son is about Sonny Lofthus who has been in prison for almost half his life: serving time for crimes he didn’t commit. Years earlier Sonny’s father, a corrupt cop, took his own life rather than face exposure. When Sonny discovers a shocking truth about his father’s suicide, he makes a brilliant escape and begins hunting down the people responsible for his and his father’s demise. But he’s also being hunted, and by enemies too many to count. Who will get to him first, and what will he do when he’s cornered?

Headhunters

n4.jpg
Roger Brown is a corporate headhunter, and he’s a master of his profession. At an art opening one night he meets Clas Greve, who is not only the perfect candidate for a major CEO job, but also, perhaps, the answer to his financial woes. But when he breaks into Greve’s apartment to steal a painting that has been missing since World War II, Brown realizes that Clas Greve may turn out to be the worst thing that’s ever happened to him.

The Snowman

n5.jpg
In the seventh installment of the Harry Hole series, the detective traces a killer who makes his own rules and he’ll break his pattern just to keep the game interesting. With brilliantly realized characters and hair-raising suspense, international bestselling author Jo Nesbo presents his most chilling case yet—one that will test Harry Hole to the very limits of his sanity.

Police

n6.jpg
Harry Hole, with his brilliant insights and dedication to his job, saved numerous lives in Oslo. But what happens when Harry is in no position to protect his loved ones in the face of a terrible danger. In this tenth installment of the Harry Hole series, the detective fights against a killer who lures and kills anyone who is or has been a part of the force.

The Redbreast

n7.jpg
The third entry to the Harry Hole series, The Redbreast has Harry investigating neo-Nazi in Norway. Having caused an embarrassment in the line of duty, Harry Hole is tasked with surveillance duties. When a rare and unusual gun fires off, followed by the discovery of a former soldier’s dead body, Harry tries to see the connection between the two cases. The Redbreast touches upon Norway’s involvement in Second World War. It won the Norwegian Booksellers’ Prize in 2000 for best novel of the year.

Intrigued yet? Tell us what you think of Jo Nesbo’s works in the comments below.

Six Quotes by Paula Hawkins that’ll Enthrall Any Reader

Posted on by Penguin India

A former journalist, Paula Hawkins started writing romcom fiction under the name Amy Silver, writing four novels including Confessions of a Reluctant Recessionista.
After the bestseller The Girl on the Train, Hawkins returns with Into the Water, a twisting read that hinges on the deceptiveness of emotion and memory.
Here are a few quotes from The Girl on the Train and Into the Water, that’ll enthrall any reader.
PH 1.png
PH 2.png
PH 3.png
PH 4.png
PH 5.png
PH 6.png
Enthralled yet? Let us know what you think of Paula Hawkins’ works in the comments below.
PH 7.png

5 Lesser-Known Books by Ruskin Bond that You Must Read

Posted on by Penguin India

Ruskin Bond has written a string of unforgettable tales – stories about nature and animals, and the bond formed between humans and the wild. As we celebrate Ruskin Bond’s 83rd birthday, here are some of his lesser-known great writings.
Vagrants in the Valley
This book catches up with our favourite Rusty as he plunges not just into the cold pools of Dehra but into an exciting new life, dipping his toes into adulthood.  At once, thrilling and nostalgic, this heart-warming sequel is Rusty at his best as he navigates the tightrope between dreams and reality, all the time maintaining a glorious sense of hope.
ABC Book Kart
The Day Grandfather Tickled a Tiger
Grandfather had brought home Timothy, the little tiger cub, from the forests of the Shivaliks. Timothy grew up to be a friendly tiger, with a monkey and a mongrel for company. But some strange circumstances lead grandfather to take Timothy away to a zoo. Will they ever meet again? This a heart-warming story of love and friendship!

Rusty Runs Away
Rusty’s world is turned topsy-turvy when his father and grandmother pass away in quick succession. The twelve-year-old is sent away to boarding school by his guardian, Mr Harrison. Restlessness, coupled with an ambition to travel the world, compels him to run away from his rather humdrum life at school. But the plan fails, and he is soon back in Dehra, with his strict guardian. Rusty is now seventeen. He rebels and leaves home again, this time for good.

The Tree Lover
His mesmerizing descriptions of nature and his wonderful way with words—this is Ruskin Bond at his finest. Read on as Rusty tells the story of his grandfather’s relationship with the trees around him, who’s convinced that they love him back with as much tenderness as he loves them.

Dust on the Mountain
When twelve-year-old Bisnu decides to go to Mussoorie to earn for his family, he has no idea how dangerous and lonely life in a town can be for a boy on his own. As he sets out to work on the limestone quarries, with the choking dust enveloping the beautiful mountain air, he finds that he longs for his little village in the Himalayas.

Which is your favourite Ruskin Bond story? Tell us as we celebrate the bond of stories with Mr Bond!

10 Lessons from Lilly Singh’s Book, “How To Be A Bawse”

Posted on by Penguin India

Lilly Singh is a multi-faceted comedian, entertainer and now an international bestselling author. In her book, HOW TO BE A BAWSE: A Guide to Conquering Life, Lilly teaches readers how to be their own bawse, a person who exudes confidence and reaches goals. Inspired by hilarious and honest stories from Lilly’s own experiences, this book proves that there are no shortcuts to success and becoming a bawse requires handwork and dedication.
Here are 10 of our favorite lessons from Lilly (aka Superwoman) in How To Be A Bawse:
L2.jpgL1.jpgL3.jpgL4L5.jpgL6.jpgL7.jpgL8.jpgL9.jpgL10.jpg
Tell us how are you conquering life.
LILLY-FOOTER.png

First Stories: A Mother’s Day Tribute to the First Storyteller of Our Lives

Posted on by Penguin India

A mother is usually our first friend in this world and our first storyteller! From bedtime stories to explaining the world to us, mothers fulfil our most passionate curiosity – the desire to be told stories.
Mother's Day Blog 01
And we loved her most.
We held her hands and walked to the bookshop – ogling at the colourful editions, leafing through them, and falling in love with the smell of new books – for the first time ever!
Mother's Day Blog 02Her smile did hug us!
Sometimes, when we wouldn’t eat, she would distract us with the world of stories, nourishing us: body and soul
Mother's Day Blog 03Just like the Runaway Bunny’s mum.
And when night befell, we would snuggle next to her with a good book. Her storytelling voice gently guiding us into our world of dreams!
Mother's Day Blog 04Bliss. 
This Mother’s Day, join us in celebrating the first storyteller of our lives.
Do you remember the first story you ever heard from your mum that you would like to share? We would love to know!

*

5 Badass Mothers in Literature

Posted on by Penguin India

To call mothers a superhero will be an understatement (we are pretty sure they wear an invisible cape). Just like our real-life moms, mothers in literature also pull of some great tasks with breathtaking ease. Whether they are trying to protect the protagonists or just do a great job at raising them, we can’t help but look up to them.
So, here are five badass mothers:
Hester Prynne, The Scarlet Letter
cover.jpg.rendition.460.707.png
Hester Prynne, in 17th century, did what other ladies in that era couldn’t even imagine doing i.e. live an independent life while raising a child on her own. Even though punished by her Puritan neighbours, she refuses to give out the names of her lover and their daughter. Deemed as an outcast then, she’d be considered a heroine today, like many of our moms.
Raksha, The Jungle Book

She is the fiercest mother we know. She cared for Mowgli as much as she did for her cubs. When Shere Khan threatened the pack to give up Mowgli, she proclaimed as his protector. Foster or not, a mother is a mother.
Mariam, A Flight of Pigeons
Flight of Pigeons
Mariam is an indomitable lady with a charm. Despite being at Javed Khan’s house in the times of turmoil, she refuses his proposition to marry her daughter Ruth. She does not give into the adversity of her circumstances but takes a chance with faith, saving her daughter’s life in the end.
Rosa Hubermann, The Book Thief

Rosa Hubermann is Liesel’s foster mother who has a “wardrobe build”, sharp tongue and a no-nonsense attitude. She does laundry for the wealthier households to help her family financially. She also never got fazed by anybody, not even Nazis during World War II. She is a mom who uses cuss words to show affection.
Marmee, Little Women

Runs the household by herself, raises four daughters, becomes their counsellor and role model, Marmee did it all. She also teaches them and nurtures them to become strong, inspirational women while keeping each of them true to their individuality. If Marmee isn’t a badass mother, we don’t know who is.
Do you know any more names that should be on this list? Tell us.

5 Rabindranath Tagore Poems that Make Him the Master of Our Hearts

Posted on by Penguin India

Rabindranath Tagore was a poet-philosopher who inspired a whole generation through his writings. Rabindranath Tagore became a literary sensation and went on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
To celebrate Tagore’s birthday, we bring here sections of five of his most beloved poems!

On the Hypocrisy of Faith
1.jpg
On the Vulnerability at the Time of Death

2.jpg
On the Soul of Countries and People
3.jpg
On Missing a Dear One

4.jpg
On Longing
5.jpg
Do you, too, have a Rabindranath Tagore poem to share? What are your favourite lines of his? Tell us, we would love to know!

5 Reasons why Rabindranath Tagore was Ahead of His Time

Posted on by Penguin India

More lovingly called Gurudev, Rabindranath Tagore is one of India’s most cherished renaissance figures. He is credited with putting India on the literary map when he received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.
While best known as a poet, Rabindranath Tagore was also a gifted painter, a novelist, dramatist, essayist, an educator, and a philosopher. His works continue to help people dream of a better world, even in the darkest of times.
As we countdown to his birthday, here are 5 reasons that prove that this great man was way ahead of his time.
The time he returned his knighthood
1
How many artists would’ve had the courage to do this?
His views on women
2
Here’s someone born more than a hundred years ago whose views on women are, arguably, still ahead of the times.
His take on the dangers of nationalism
3 (1)
A message that will never cease to be apt.
Gurudev and the society
4
His works for social reform has been largely overshadowed by his literary achievements, but there are fewer voices bigger who tried to remove the evils from Indian society.
A deserving and Nobel man
5
He was the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize.
Rabindranath Tagore’s life and his works are examples where excellence is enshrined, and yet, at their core are inspiringly human.
For more amazing facts of the remarkable Rabindranath Tagore, you’d want to pick Sabyasachi Bhattacharya’s Rabindranath Tagore: An Interpretation.

error: Content is protected !!