The Perfect World Priya Kumar Embassy Books In a desperate attempt to seek clarity, courage and confidence from her ordinary life filled with unordinary aspirations, Nikki Sanders, the protagonist unwittingly leads herself into meeting with two evolved souls from across the universe. The rest is a thrilling adventure into infinite possibilities and self-discovery. A fun book to finish over the weekend.
	Hot Tea Across India Rishad Saam Mehta Tranquebar From Manali to Munnar, discover the joys of chai as travel writer Rishad Saam Mehta journeys through highways, roads and dirt tracks, with encounters that make travelling in India a mesmerizing adventure. The book has stories of honey-and saffron-infused tea shared with a shepherd in Kashmir and a strong brew that revives the author after almost getting lynched by an irate mob in Kerala. The stories combine wit and sensitivity with insight. Quick and fun.
	Poriborton – An Election Diary Ruchir Joshi Harper Collins Witness the end of 34 years of communist rule as the author presents a first-hand account of the remarkable 2011 West Bengal elections. He takes you through its every twist and turn by strapping together vivid articles and photographs within a larger account of the historic poll battle. Hilarious and stark, the book is a fascinating patchwork of contemporary Indian democracy.
	Family Fables & Hidden Heresis – A memoir of mothers and more Vrinda Nabar Harper Collins This non-fictional account spans over several decades to go back to the death of the author’s maternal grandfather during World War I and the difficult and enduring effect it had on his spirited widow and two young children. The author discusses the nature of relationships and the inner conflicts that women in her family battled with and resolved, not always satisfactorily. Enchanting!
	Thinner Dinner Shubhra Krishan Westland Her simple yet eclectic style of writing is what makes the book different from any other recipe or weight loss text. Appetisingly illustrated with delicious pictures, the author serves up a potpourri of dishes and experiences that’ll help you decide what to cook tonight, without worrying about anything going to waist. Added bonus: learn smart ways to shave off those calories. Certainly more than a cookbook.
	Tin Fish Sudeep Chakravarti Harper Collins It’s wry, witty and an utterly unsentimental story of a 15-year-old Barun Ray, who loves canned fish and beefsteak, hates Rudyard Kipling and worships Michael Caine, Mick Jagger and the three soulmates he meets in an elite boarding school in Rajasthan. Together, the four boys set out on a hilarious rebellion against their regimented fishbowl existence.
travelling diva Ritu Dalmia Restaurateur and television chef, Ritu Dalmia moves beyond her specialty Italian food and takes the reader globetrotting through a variety of recipes from potato and onion roesti to Filipino spring rolls and Turkish pastry with feta cheese, and a lot more in between. Broken up into interesting and easy sections like My Perfect Kitchen, Basic Recipes and Sole Food, Soul Food, the book is easy to traverse with colourful food images as well as some lighthearted illustrations. Interestingly, at the books end, there’s a listing of Dalmia’s favourite restaurants around the globe. Definitely a book for the enthusiastic spoon-wielder as well as those who want to enjoy the varied tastes of global cuisine. - SHIRIN MEHTA

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