1. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo’s bestseller has become a cornerstone of the minimalist movement. Her KonMari method of tidying up focuses on keeping only the items that “spark joy” and letting go of everything else. This book isn’t just about organizing your home; it’s about transforming your life by decluttering your mind and surroundings. Kondo’s approach emphasizes the emotional and psychological benefits of minimalism, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to simplify their life.

2. “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown

Greg McKeown’s Essentialism is all about focusing on what truly matters. The book teaches you how to eliminate the non-essential tasks, commitments, and possessions that clutter your life, allowing you to channel your energy toward what’s truly important. McKeown’s philosophy is about doing less but better, helping you live a more focused and intentional life.

3. “Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism” by Fumio Sasaki

Fumio Sasaki’s Goodbye, Things offers a deeply personal perspective on minimalism. Sasaki, once an overworked and overwhelmed office worker, found peace and happiness by getting rid of almost all his possessions. The book is filled with practical advice and real-life stories that inspire readers to embrace minimalism and discover the freedom that comes with owning less.

4. “The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own” by Joshua Becker

Joshua Becker’s The More of Less explores the benefits of living with less. Becker, a leading voice in the minimalist movement, shows how minimalism can lead to more freedom, time, and energy to pursue what truly matters in life. The book offers practical tips on how to start decluttering, as well as insights into how living with less can lead to more happiness and fulfillment.

5. “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World” by Cal Newport

In Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport tackles the issue of digital overload. Newport argues that our constant connection to technology is a significant source of stress and distraction. The book provides strategies for reducing digital clutter, reclaiming your time, and focusing on deeper, more meaningful activities. Newport’s approach to minimalism extends beyond the physical and into the digital realm, making it an essential read for anyone looking to simplify their tech-driven life.

6. “Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More” by Courtney Carver

Courtney Carver’s Soulful Simplicity is a heartfelt exploration of how minimalism can improve your overall well-being. Carver shares her personal journey of simplifying her life after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, showing how minimalism helped her reduce stress, improve her health, and focus on what truly matters. The book offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to create a simpler, more intentional life.

7. “The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life” by Joshua Becker

Another valuable book by Joshua Becker, The Minimalist Home takes you through a step-by-step process of decluttering each room in your house. Becker provides practical tips and motivational insights to help you create a living space that supports a minimalist lifestyle. This book is perfect for those who are ready to take action and transform their home into a place of peace and simplicity.

8. “Simplify: 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life” by Joshua Becker

In Simplify, Joshua Becker outlines seven principles that can guide you toward a simpler, more meaningful life. The book is a quick and accessible read, packed with practical tips for decluttering your home and mind. Becker’s principles are easy to implement and can help you make lasting changes toward a more minimalist lifestyle.

9. “Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life” by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists, offer a holistic approach to minimalism in Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. The book goes beyond decluttering and explores how minimalism can improve your health, relationships, passions, and growth. It’s a thought-provoking read that challenges you to rethink your priorities and focus on what truly brings happiness.

10. “The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify” by Francine Jay

Francine Jay, also known as Miss Minimalist, offers a comprehensive guide to decluttering and organizing your home in The Joy of Less. The book is divided into manageable sections that make it easy to apply minimalism to every area of your life. Jay’s straightforward advice and encouraging tone make this book an excellent starting point for anyone new to minimalism.

Embracing minimalism can be a life-changing experience, offering you more time, space, and peace of mind. The books mentioned above provide a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and practical tips to help you start your minimalist journey. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, reduce digital distractions, or live a more intentional life, these books will guide you toward a simpler, more fulfilling existence. So, pick up one of these books, take the first step, and discover the joy of living with less.

The post Minimalist Living: Books to Help You Simplify Your Life appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Set Realistic Goals

Start by setting achievable reading goals. Instead of aiming to read a book a week right away, begin with smaller, manageable goals like reading for 10-15 minutes each day. Setting realistic targets helps you build a habit gradually without feeling overwhelmed.

Create a Reading Schedule

Incorporate reading into your daily routine by setting aside specific times for it. Whether it’s during your commute, before bed, or during lunch breaks, having a dedicated reading time helps establish consistency. Consider using a planner or digital calendar to block out this time and treat it as an important appointment.

Designate a Reading Space

Create a cozy and inviting reading nook that encourages you to unwind and read. This could be a comfortable chair, a well-lit corner, or a hammock—any space where you can relax and get lost in a book. A dedicated reading area can make your reading time more enjoyable and something you look forward to.

Choose Books That Excite You

Select books that genuinely interest you. Whether you enjoy thrillers, historical fiction, or self-help, reading books that captivate your imagination will make the habit easier to maintain. Don’t be afraid to explore different genres and authors until you find what truly excites you.

Start with Shorter Books or Essays**

If you’re struggling to find time or stay focused, begin with shorter books or essays. These are less daunting and can provide a sense of accomplishment more quickly. Completing shorter reads can boost your confidence and motivate you to tackle longer books.

Join a Book Club or Reading Group

Participating in a book club or reading group can provide accountability and motivation. Discussing books with others not only enhances your reading experience but also encourages you to read regularly to keep up with the group’s schedule.

Track Your Reading Progress

Keep a reading journal or use a reading app to track your progress and set goals. Logging the books you’ve read and noting your thoughts can be gratifying and help you stay motivated. Many apps also offer reading challenges and communities that can provide additional encouragement.

Limit Distractions

Minimize distractions to create a focused reading environment. Put away your phone, turn off notifications, and find a quiet place where you can immerse yourself in your book. Reducing interruptions helps you stay engaged and makes your reading time more productive.

Use Audiobooks to Your Advantage

Incorporate audiobooks into your routine for times when you can’t physically read, such as during commutes or household chores. Audiobooks can be a great way to “read” while on the go and ensure you’re still making progress with your reading goals.

Be Patient and Persistent

Building a reading habit takes time, so be patient with yourself. It’s normal to have days where you read less or don’t finish a book. The key is to stay persistent and keep making time for reading, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.

By implementing these tips, you can gradually build a strong reading habit that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Remember, the goal is to make reading a natural and enjoyable part of your daily routine. Happy reading!

The post How to Build a Reading Habit: Tips for Finding Time and Motivation appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

We’ve selected ten of the best books that have been adapted into films, ranging from classic literature, thrillers, and mysteries to fantasy, love stories, and tales for teenagers. All of the works are excellent; we selected those that are best-sellers, critically acclaimed, or have had a significant impact on contemporary literature and popular culture. What about the films? Well, some are excellent pieces of art unto themselves. While the novels that influenced some of them live on in readers’ memories forever, others were quickly forgotten.

Little Women

Little Women is a beloved coming-of-age story that was first released in two parts and is still incredibly relevant today. The March sisters are a shining example of family love and a tie that will not be shattered by the Civil War that rages on near their New England home. They have a tomboy author-to-be, a weak yet gorgeous sister, and the hopeless romantic. This classic story would be ideal for a mother-daughter book club read. With nominations for multiple awards, the most recent Little Women movie does the novel proud. It not only introduces a new generation to one of the best books ever written, but it also provides the story with the resolution that the author always wanted but was never able to achieve due to the times in which she lived.

 Hunger Games

It would be reckless of us to list the greatest book-to-movie adaptations without including The Hunger Games. A bestselling book series with a horde of loyal fans is seldom easy to adapt, but this one was an enormous hit. The movie, which starred Josh Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Liam Hemsworth, was well-received by critics and audiences alike when it was released. The screenplay for this book to movie adaption was written by Suzanne Collins, demonstrating how closely the movie adheres to the original plot. Even a few words are lifted precisely from the novel! 

Harry Potter

Despite having eight films, J.K. Rowling’s story had to be significantly trimmed for the Harry Potter film series, which has two credited screenwriters and four directors. Though the films follow the same progression from a bubbly children’s tale to the darker, more morally difficult story that you find in the later books, they are fairly loyal to both the plot and the character development that is Rowling’s great talent. For fans who can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ve just read about, these are the perfect adaptations.

The Devil Wears Prada

Despite Lauren Weisberger’s novel’s success, the film portrays Miranda Priestly as one of the greatest villains in cinematic history, and it is an upgrade. The film takes Miranda’s character to a darker place and offers the story a more satisfying resolution than the novel, which ended on a totally different emotional note before it was even finished.

Lord Of The Rings

In a broad sense, Peter Jackson’s trilogy of films is quite true to J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic epic fantasy writings. Jackson greatly simplified the plot, however not many people had issue with there not being enough Tom Bombadil in it. With the use of cutting-edge computer graphics, Jackson was able to portray the most well-known fantasy universe ever imagined in a realistic and convincing manner while retaining the essential elements of hope, bravery, and despair.

Silence Of The Lamps

Although Jonathan Demme’s adaptation mostly follows Thomas Harris’s novel, it adds two significant elements: Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster. Because of these two actors’ outstanding, enduring, and viscerally believable performances, a dark, twisty thriller became a permanent fixture of popular culture. All you have to do is mention the word “Clarice” with one of Hopkins’s trademark inflections, and everyone will know what you’re talking about.

Crazy Rich Asians

Just five years after Kevin Kwan’s charming, satirical romantic comedy debuted, Jon M. Chu created a stunning film adaptation of it. The intimate relationships, inner workings, and nuanced expectations of Singaporean high society were all captured in the film, which became an instant smash. In addition to receiving fantastic reviews and multiple nominations for Golden Globe Awards, it naturally raised interest in the book itself. 

Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Truman Capote’s darker, more vicious novella was adapted into an epic film that is still regarded as a cultural classic. Capote’s tale of a lady attempting to salvage some glitter from the ruins of her life is heartfelt, sorrowful, and ultimately exquisite. The film ends on a positive, romantic note, while toning down the queer, tragic, and prostitute undertones. Nevertheless, each of these elements is strong, unforgettable, and bordering on brilliance.

Anna Karenina

For good reason, Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is frequently regarded as the best book ever written. With subtle undertones of mental illness and touching on issues of adultery, love, humanity, and life in Russia, Tolstoy tells his expansive tale without resorting to oppressive morals. Rather, the reader is asked to peer into these lives as a voyeuristic observer, not passing judgement on the shortcomings of his characters. With 864 pages, Tolstoy’s work is by no means short. Despite this, four films have attempted to depict it, with the most imaginative and opulent being the 2012 adaptation starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law, and Domhnall Gleason.

The Color Purple

The Color Purple, Alice Walker’s 1982 book, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. This is among the greatest books ever written because of Walker’s moving and vivid writing. One of the best works about racial relations in early 20th-century America because of the story’s cultural significance. It’s also among the best books that have been adapted into films because to Menno Meyjes’ excellent script. In this epic story of an African American woman (played by Whoopi Goldberg) living in the South and enduring unbelievable abuse and bigotry, Steven Spielberg coproduced it with Quincy Jones. His direction does the book justice and brings Walker’s significant tale to life for generations of new audiences.

The post The Power of Book Adaptations : Movies Based on Books appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

Rains and reading have gone hand-in-hand like a classic romance since time immemorial. Whether it is a mushy novel, an edge of the seat thriller, a nail-biting suspense, a pensive tragedy, or an uplifting biography; unwinding yourself with a book as it rains outside is a magical time. Here are some titles for you to grab and coil yourself into a cushy chair with a hot cuppa and a warm bowl of noodles for company.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

In this book, Ayn Rand lays out her theory of Objectivism and her ideas of ‘selfishness’ being the ultimate truth of human nature. The Fountainhead is about people and characters, rather than the plot. The author’s characters in the novel belong to that unforgettable treasury of human learning and experiences that have been immortalized not as mere literary characters but as mirrors of that innermost essence in people that has been trained to be concealed through deception and conceit under the guise of societal norms and social approval. This novel compels the reader into an inevitable introspection and weighing of his deeds and actions and the contemplation of the true goal of his life.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

An American classic, it is the story of a Black girl called Celie. The story traces her life filled with trials and tribulations and how she emerges as a strong, emancipated woman, empowered by inspiring women in her life, in particularly, the character of Sugar Avery. The book’s greatness lies in its ability to strike a chord with readers across the world.

The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh

One of the best examples of magic realism in Indian literature, The Shadow Lines is a whirlwind through the history of the lives of the characters, most notably that of Tridib, whose characterization stays with the reader long after you have put the book down. The author’s intense storytelling draws the reader in, making you lose yourself in a time warp. The story blurs the concept of time, space, and boundaries.

Papillon by Henri Charriere

A true story of grit and courage, this amazing book is a roller coaster ride through the life of Henri Chariere. An adventure in the true sense of the word, the book traces the story of the writer who was falsely accused of a murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in the inhumane conditions of French Guiana. The book records his seemingly impossible escape and his relentless pursuit for freedom, which is replete with chilling accounts and high strung happenings.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Did you know that at least six species of human beings existed simultaneously around the Earth about 1,00,000 years ago? Author Yuval Noah Harari, a historian and researcher of human evolution, presents a mind-numbing set of facts that will make you question and analyse everything you know about the world around you. From the origin of the worship of gods, human rights, to consumerism, the book is an inexhaustible marathon of information that you will lap up hungrily.

The post 5 Arresting Books To Curl Up With This Monsoon Season appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

It’s the season of mangoes, lazing around, and forgetting school books and homework. However, with two months of summer vacations around, don’t consign your children to just computer games and swimming classes. Introduce them to the pleasure of being lost in the wonderful world of storybooks, just like you did in your childhood. Here are eight dreamlike tales that will stimulate the imagination of your child and help them reconnect with the good old paper books.

The Why-Why Girl by Mahasweta Devi

Source: Tulika Books

It’s the story of the ever inquisitive little Moyna who lives in a tribal village. The picture book by Mahasweta Devi, one of the greatest women writers of India, triggers the curiosity of children and makes them learn how to find out the answers, as Moyna does!

Charlotte’s Web by E B White

Source: Scholastic

Written by American author E B White in 1952, it is one of the all-time classics in children’s literature. It narrates the adorable friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider. The book was listed in 2000 as the best-selling children’s paperback of all time by Publishers Weekly.

Handmade in India by Olivia Fraser

Source: Pratham Books

A charming book that introduces children to the world of handmade crafts from all the different parts of India. Acquaint them with the magic of moulding pots, fishing, planting paddy, sculpting, spinning wool, etc., which are some of the arts and skills that children today are increasingly unaware of. The book is a result of the writer’s extensive travels throughout India.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr Seuss

Source: Amazon.in

From the stable of the famous children’s author Dr Seuss, this book, which is illustrated by the author as well, was the last one which was published during the writer’s lifetime. In it, the wordsmith has enchantingly depicted the journey of life and its challenges.

Swami and Friends by R. K. Narayan

Source: Amazon.in

Perhaps one of the all-time best children’s book in Indian literature, Swami and Friends by R K Narayan continues to evoke nostalgia for the simple joys of life in the past. Recounting the adventures of the naughty Swami and his naughtier friends, let your child read this book to give them a glimpse into your childhood.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munroe Leaf

Source: Amazon.in

A fascinating book about a bull called Ferdinand who prefers to smell flowers rather than battle in a bull-fight, the book is a sensitive read for children, teaching them about inclusivity and acceptance. The book has also been adapted into a Disney film by the same name.

Wisha Wozzariter by Payal Kapadia

Source: Amazon.in

This book is about a ten year old girl named Wisha who desires to write. A hooking read, this story is sure to inspire the writer in your little one as she/ he will be motivated to pen down their thoughts just as the protagonist does.

Harold and The Purple Crayon by John Crockett

Source: Amazon.in

Centred on the four year old Harold, the story shows how the determined little boy creates a world of his own with his purple crayon. He draws what he wants, such as a moon when he wants to go for a walk in the moonlight, and a path where he can walk. The author’s winning imagination is sure to spur your child’s as well.

And while you occupy your children with these entrancing reads, engross yourself in these must reads from Indian authors. For the times when the sun and rains play peek-a-boo, grab these books as you sit yourself down with a coffee. Check out how Aditi Gupta is making a difference with her ingenious comic books, and how this French designer is creating wearable storybook dresses!

The post 8 Books To Spur The Imagination of Your Little Ones This Summer appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Words by: Charishma Thankappan              Image Credits: Krithi Fest and FWD Media

Like a sparkling new book that one looks forward to with bated breath and itchy hands, the maiden edition of Krithi International Book Fair and International Festival of Books and Authors was awaited with much eagerness by books and literature enthusiasts from around the city. The image of the crow scrawled all over with Vylopilly’s poem Kaakka, the huge white posters with witty one-liners like ‘Kili varum’ only served to heighten the anticipation. And come March 1, the release day seemed to promise much, with it being a gala festival of more than just books and literature. But how did the story proceed? Read on to find out…

It has been a welcome festival much looked forward to by organisers and visitors alike. The Krithi International Book Fair and International Festival of Books and Authors has filled a space in the hollow absence of a quality literature festival and an arena that allowed book lovers to come together under the same roof.

The book fair, held at Marine Drive Ground, has seen over 100 stalls from various state, national, independent, and co-operative publication houses. It has attracted the young and old alike and seen the record footfalls of over 40,000 in one single day. The book fair also has amidst its stalls, two stages set up where book releases, poetry sessions, presentations, and allied activities have been taking place. Among prominent persons who have made their presence felt at the book fair were Shashi Tharoor, Kalamandalam Gopi Asan, and Mammootty.

The interesting chapters

Some of the highlights of the book fair venue include stalls that are dedicated to being knowledge providers beyond books. The Department of Archives, a stall on Muziris Heritage Project, and the Department of History from Calicut University have exhibited some of the historical secrets and findings unearthed in our own land.

Adjacent to the book stalls has been set up the huge Changampuzha stage, which has been the venue for the Krithi Arts Fest. Here is where the evenings were imbued with cultural hues as performances were held each evening, 6pm onwards, such as Kathakali, Nangiarkoothu, drama, violin concert, etc. The penultimate day of the book fest will see a performance of the band Agam on March 10, Saturday.

An equally important part of the book fair has been the Krithi Food Fest – a food court set up in the premises that serves to replenish the weary visitor with fresh refreshments in the form of hot meals, snacks, and beverages. With stalls from various organisations, notable among these have been the Jaxo Jackfruit Shop which specialises in numerous products that are made entirely with jackfruits, such as jackfruit chips, chilli jackfruit, jackfruit unniappam, jackfruit vada, etc. Another stall towards the end of the food court was a crowd puller, with two ladies preparing snacks such as rolls and cutlets made from kadachakka. They even elaborated upon the benefits of the fruit and how its versatility was unknown to the Malayalis.

The Krithi International Festival of Books and Authors that began on March 7, ran parallel to the book fair. A first of its kind in India, the book fair is the initiative of the Kerala government, which was held at Bolgatty Palace. Spanning five stages within the premises of Bolgatty Palace, the event saw the participation of several great minds who spoke on stirring subjects that spurred debates and discussions among the literary fraternity.  

Where the plot is killed

“The organisation of the fest has been quite abysmal; but hopefully things will improve the next time,” said Devyani, a writer from Delhi, who had come to visit the fest. The literary festival saw some engaging participation; however, was left wanting in footfalls. Most sessions showed a dismal performance of audience participation; while some sessions were a hearty sight, such as those of Perumal Murugan, Sachidanandan, NS Madhavan, Babu Thaliath, M Mukundan, Shashi Kumar, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, etc. The lack of footfall could be attributed to the choice of location of the literature fest, which was held in Bolgatty Palace, far from the heart of the city.

In some of the sessions, the topics given to the speakers left a lot to be desired in terms of depth. On the other hand, some of the speakers were a poor image of their fame when it came to in-depth analysis of subjects, with most of them missing the target completely and seemed to have forgotten what the topic was, and instead just talked what they wanted or knew.

Perhaps the dimmed spirit rubbed off on the audience as well, with audience interaction being minimal to nil in some of the sessions, while others asked questions that seemed to be for the sake of it. Yet, the Malayali audience seemed to be drawn towards politicisation of subjects regardless of their relevance to it. And not to mention, the audience behaviour also asked for a lot of discipline and courtesy, as several people walked off even in the middle of the sessions, which was a common sight in perhaps each of the sessions.

The Krithi Food Fest at Marine Drive was a sham as it was just a space with a few food stalls delivering the regular fare. It would have been better if there were more choices and number of stalls and cuisines to choose from.

The registration price of Rs 500 also came in for flak from several ends as the results that were delivered did not match up to the promises – securing front row seats in sessions that had hardly any participation, and providing of free lunch, which lacked choice and was restricted to a vegetarian meal of rice and a few curries.

Afterword

The book fair is at its fag end, and those who have not been able to experience it yet have a chance in these last two days, after which the book fair comes to an end on Sunday, March 11. In the end, it is a remarkable initiation by the government, in coordination with Sahithya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society (SPCS), and is something that needs our support as literature enthusiasts. More number of schools need to participate in the book fair by bringing in children, and a more convenient location of the literature fest needs to be considered next time. Till then, here’s to a great and promising start as we look forward to the sequel next year!

The post With hits and misses, Krithi Book Fair and Lit Fest makes its mark appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Google is honoring Kamala Surayya with a doodle apropos the date of publication of her autobiography ‘My Story’. It was first published in Malayalam as Ente Katha on February 1, 1973, which has fetched much controversy for writing about her sexual desires, abuse, social norms and extramarital affairs etc. In a blog post, Google stated that “the work she left behind, provides a window into the world of an engrossing woman”. The honor will be elevated when the movie on her – which is currently in the making – is released.

Kamala Surrayya, popularly known by her pen name ‘Madhavikutty’, is a bilingual poetess, author, and painter from Kerala. She comes from a family of writers, the Nalapat family, where her mother Balamani Amma and her maternal great-uncle Nalapat Narayana Menon are renowned authors. She has bagged the Sahitya Akademi award and many literary awards such as the Asian World Prize, Kent award and Ezhuthachan Puraskaram. She changed her religion to Islam, which brewed more controversies and changed her name from Kamala Das to Kamala Surrayya.

The burning charisma of Madhavikutty becomes all the more spectacular on the big screen. Aami, an upcoming Kamal movie has released its first video song on Youtube. The song ‘Neermathala poovinullile’ has portrayed the transformations of Madhavikutty from her childhood. The poem emphasizes the tree known as the ‘Three Leaved Caper’, which plays a significant role throughout her life. A follow shot where little Kamala looks through the rear window of the car, the Illam getting far away from her is highly symbolic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNEUELnRlzc

The social circumstances of the age, the lack of a social life for women outside the Illam and hopes of Kamala is beautifully communicated in a single scene. The beautiful frames of Madhu Neelakandan have given life to the song. Madhavikutty as a writer, painter, and enthusiast of nature is beautifully visualized. Her wide aspects of sexuality is discussed throughout the song. Manju Warrier’s unquestionable resemblance, Bijibal’s music, and Shreya Ghoshal’s vocals have created magic with the song. The song reassures the hope for the movie in spite of all the controversies.

Text Credits: Silpa Rajan            Featured Image

The post The voyage from Nalapat Kamala to Kamala Surayya appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text credits: Nimisha S

A perfect place for book haunt! Or a dream come true for book lovers! Whatever we are still awestruck by the majestic eye shaped look of that paradise with large collection of books.

Yeah! Books, books and more books.

Located in China’s Binhai Cultural District In Tianjin, it is built in such a way that the different levels of the building look like an eye socket with the centre of the auditorium having a huge spherical glowing auditorium that forms the pupil of the eye-shaped library.

The Tianjin Binhai Library is said to be  “The Eye on Binhai”

The atrium of the Tianjin Binhai Public Library is deliberately designed to look like a 3D eyeball, staring out through the building’s glazed facade.

The curving lines of the shelves provide areas where visitors can sit and read. They also continue out across the glass facade, forming louvers that deflect the glare of the sun.

Spanning across an enormous 362,744 space, the library houses over 1.2 million books.

This spectacular and marvelous haven for bookworms has been designed by MVRDV, a Dutch design firm with the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute (TUPDI). Isn’t it amazing and you wanna head there?

Feast your eyes with book-filled architectural wonder.It truly is every bookworm’s heaven.

Don’t you wanna see the early plan of the library?

The post An eye on design- China’s Marvel appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits:  A.Ankitha

Latest movies, shopping spree, meeting friends! It’s Saturday!!! Yes, the weekend is finally here! Oh, not feeling like it? True, the rains have made all of us want to just lay in the bed and get some Zzz’s. Well, fear not! FWD to the rescue! Weekend is the time when you want to kick your heels aside and take a break. What better way to unwind than cozying up on your couch, hearing the pitter-patter of the raindrops, drinking a cup of hot coffee and reading a book?! Nothing. Touché.

This weekend, we give you a list of carefully selected books, for you to read and enrich your souls.

Pssst! We’ve made it easier for you (Yes! We love you too much). This is how!

Books are to bibliophiles what food is to foodies! There’s a lot of varieties to choose from and such a short time to read it all! *Sigh* We’ve chosen a book in each of your favorite categories that we are sure would leave you spellbound this weekend!

So all you bibliophiles, read away!

Romance

Rains bring in romantic vibes like no other season does. The earthy fragrance, chilling wind, hot coffee, what not! Want to spend some quality time with your better half indoors? Or are you single and want to experience the intense emotions? What better to read than a book from the king of romantic books, Nicholas Sparks? We know, we know! All his books are amazing! But the one that is a must read is A Walk to Remember. *Grabs a tissue, teary-eyed* Go on, read it.

Thriller

Are you someone who loves to finish a book in a day just because it has a nail-biting storyline? Such stories stay with us for a long time and leave us wanting to meet the characters of the story and getting to know them. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson is the first in the trilogy thriller. It garnered worldwide appreciation for bringing out the ugly truth of the Swedish society. Grab the book and fulfill your thirst for thrillers!

Horror

To some of us, rains give a creepy feeling. The sound of the pitter-patter on the roof, the rattling of the windows, the power cuts, the eery chills! While some might want to just go to bed, there are others who love experiencing paranormal stuff *goosebumps*. So this book we have chosen is something that’s bound to give you the chills! The Shining by Stephen King. *shivers* Yes, it’s time to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and start reading.

History

Ever wondered how we’ve evolved with time? Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari, is sure to excite all you history lovers out there. Human history has been shaped by three major revolutions: the Cognitive Revolution (70,000 years ago), the Agricultural Revolution (10,000 years ago), and the Scientific Revolution (500 years ago). These revolutions have empowered humans to do something no other form of life has done, which is to create and connect around ideas that do not physically exist (think religion, capitalism, and politics). These shared “myths” have enabled humans to take over the globe and have put humankind on the verge of overcoming the forces of natural selection. Read on to find more!

Science

The rains have a strange effect on us, don’t they? We start wondering about how the world began, how the universe works, and oh! The Big Bang Theory! Like space-time itself, Stephen Hawking seemed to appear from nowhere and expand rapidly to fill the publishing universe. Within a year, he was almost certainly the most famous scientist since Albert Einstein and he had established a reputation everywhere in the English-speaking world as the last word on black holes and the making of the universe. His book, A Brief History of Time, is the perfect partner to answer all your ‘worldly’ questions. *pun intended*

Biography

How did he do that? What was his childhood like? He must have had so much fun! Don’t we all wonder how someone else must have lived their life? Biographies and auto-biographies help us get a sneak-peek into the lives of other people who might have inspired us in one way or the other *stalking mode on*. Remember Steve Martin? Yep, the comedian who tickled the funny bones of an entire generation! Steve Martin was one of the most successful comedians of his generation. In his words, his career involved “10 years spent learning, 4 years spent refining, and 4 years spent in wild success.” This fantastic book provides beautiful insights not only into the details of his comedy act but also into his early life and career development.

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”
―William Styron, Conversations with William Styron

So while we decide which one to read this weekend, grab that cuppa coffee and read away!

Image Courtesy:  www.jamesclear.com

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Words by Sangeeta Bhattacharya    Photographs by Aghil Menon

There are always two sides to every story or sometimes way more. One that we grow up listening to and the rest are those what we conceive of it, as adults. Mahabharata has always been about the protagonists Pandavas, growing up I have only heard the glorious side of them in the epic fiction of great Sage Vyasa. And since mythology has been a lesser interest further inquisition rested futile, till the Sunday evening when I attended Rajiv’s ‘Death Seeking Immortal’ book release at Ledhi art café in Kochi.

I caught up with the author right before the launch, for a short interview to understand the inspiration behind him being a story-teller and why he chose the character of Ashwathama as the protagonist for his first book, who has been seldom mentioned in the main story of Mahabharata. Rajiv Balakrishnan’s first inspiration was his father who was a renowned writer. His second inspiration came in 2010, when a senior from Loyola College, impressed by his narrative skills encouraged Rajiv to start writing. His first book is a short story collection called ‘Grains of Sand’ which will be released shortly but ‘Death of Immortal’ is his first serious novel. An observant man who is fascinated with the multi-faceted, unique characters of human beings and their behavior, Rajiv believes that people are not only black or white but has various shades of personality. With his strong hold over mythology and absolutely smitten by the characters created by Vyasa, he states that the great epic was written for us to debate on what our personal understanding of Mahabharata is. And since taking up challenges is what gets him going, he wanted to write a completely different perspective to the story that has already been told and retold a million times. A reprise from Ashwathama’s point of view seemed to be the most exciting.

As I finished reading ‘Death Seeking Immortal’ after a week, I recalled Rajiv telling me about how his readers praised him on the book being unputdownable, which indeed is. The sheer 6 months of research that has gone behind the book is commendable. The book is entirely from the point of view of Ashwathama who was exiled and cursed with immortality by Lord Krishna. The story starts from the middle of the great Kurukshetra war, the day Dharma Putra Yudhisthir lied about the death of Ashwathama the person and not the elephant to their Guru Dronacharya. Frenzied by anger and sorrow of his father’s demise, Ashwathama saw only death of the Pandavas as a revenge. As one reads through, the characters of Pandavas and Kauravas are seen in complete new light, the stark difference between good and the bad dissipates. Even the role of Krishna is questioned, which has never been done earlier. In the Interview with Rajiv, I remember him specially mentioning about how he was asked by few critiques with regard to how Lord Krishna could be shown in an unfavourable light. To which he had calmly replied, “Probably you have put Lord Krishna on a pedestal and you worship him as an external force but I have placed him inside me. I tend to look at myself objectively, and it is very different. In the book, Ashwathama did not see god in Krishna, he saw him like any other person.”

About the Author

Strategic Communication is the forte of Chennai based Rajeev Balakrishnan who stays with his wife Madhu, an artist by profession and his equally talented two daughters, Sarvathmika and Sathvika.

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