Bet on a Book This Dasain

Given the dollops of time that one has during the festival, amidst the revelry, gourmet delights and audacious bets – we present you a list of some of the best reads to suit everyone’s palate.

The Blue Mimosa : by Parijat (trans.)
– a contemporary masterpiece bringing the Nepali consciousness to the English speaking world

Perhaps no book in contemporary Nepali literature has received such critical acclaim as Parijat’s Sirishko Phool. Now translated into English by Orchid Books as The Blue Mimosa, the book offers the first introduction of the Nepali consciousness to the English speaking world. No other book succeeds in communicating the nuances of the contemporary Nepali mind as well as this book. A must read for those interested in getting a grip on the Nepali psyche and seeking to ascertain a glimpse of what Nepali society is all about.

Facing My Phantoms:  by Sheeba Shah–a new perspective
The third book by Sheeba is perhaps her best one so far. The book traces the journey of three generations of a family from 1930s Nepal till the present. It captures the dramatic and tumultuous changes that have radically changed Nepal’s political and economic situation. Told from the eyes of Sanjeevani, the book is to be noted for providing a unique perspective towards the conflict years.

Buddha’s Orphan: by Samrat Upadhyay –pre-1990s Kathmandu brought back to life
Samrat’s latest book revolves around pre-1990s Kathmandu and for those of you who were around back then, this book will fill you with nostalgia. For the rest, it will give a glimpse of a city before the urbanization monster gobbled it up. The story is a classic love story that deals with the conservative and traditional in Nepali society clashing with the global culture that the youth in Nepal are embracing. A must read for those interested in the clash of cultures and the changing times.


Unleashing Nepal: by Sujeev Shakya
–it’s the economy, stupid
Amidst the festivities of Nepal, should you at any point question why a country with so much potential and so much resource can be so languid when it comes to development and economic growth, pick up Sujeev Shakya’s Unleashing Nepal. A succinct synopsis of Nepal’s economic history and with an explanation of some of the things that went right and most of the things that went wrong, the book ends with a blistering set of recommendations on what needs to be done and what could happen. A must read for those who want to make a difference.


Seasons of Flight:  by Manjushree Thapa  –a well crafted telling of migration
Seasons of Flight has been called Manjushree’s best book yet. A skillfully crafted work that displays the author’s command of the English language, the book is a must read for all. A clear statement that Nepali writing in English has come to its own, the book marks the emergence of English literature from Nepal as it surpasses the translation of the Nepali condition and enters the domain of expression.  Dealing with a Nepali woman’s migration story to Los Angeles, the book captures the undercurrents of present day Nepali society
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Mortal Engines: by Phillip Reeve–a mind blowing thriller
Widely read and critically acclaimed, Phillip Reeve’s Mortal Engine is a mind blowing adventure through a post-apocalyptic technological mayhem. The first book of a four part series, the world that the author creates is to be admired for its sheer ingenuity and dumb founding accuracy. Just think – gigantic cities on wheels eating each other up! A coming of age story that fits the bracket from teenagers to their fathers, the book should absolutely not be missed by anyone who loves science fiction and adrenaline filled adventures.
 

Crossing Mandlebaum’s Gate : by Kai Bird –world history, politics and memoir
A memoir by Kai Bird, a Nepal resident Pulitzer Prize winner, is a book not to be missed for those interested in world history and politics. Covering 1956 to 1978 of Middle Eastern history, the book is told from the author’s perspective of growing up in Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. As the son of an American Foreign Service officer, the author had access to a privileged point of view towards the unfolding disaster that we associate with the Middle East. For those unaware of the history of the middle-east, this book will serve to provide an insightful view into the Israel-Palestine conflict and the shaping of the Middle East after the Second World War. With the author featuring regularly in literary events in Kathmandu, make sure you make a list of questions to throw at him the next time he speaks.


The Mahabharata: by Namita Gokhale–getting children back in touch with their myths
The epic comes to life in this retelling of the Mahabharata by Namita Gokhale specifically targeted toward children. With beautifully crafted illustrations by Suddhasattwa Basu, the book is the best way to get children back in touch with their roots and get them to engage with the rich cultural heritage that forms the basis of South Asian civilization and culture. While the Ramayana might be more appropriate for Dasain, an oral retelling to capture the festive spirit might work in conjunction with this visually appealing narrative. Matchless in its content and presentation, the book will be cherished by readers of all ages.

Bone: by Jeff Smith –art and storytelling combine the battle of good vs evil
For those of you into graphic novels, Bone by Jeff Smith is a must read. An adventure story based upon the classic battle of good and evil, the illustrations and storyline are not to be missed by any art lover. A book for all ages, don’t be surprised if you share the enjoyment of reading the book with teenagers to grumpy old men.

The Gathering : by Anne Enright–the family as the centre of the universe
The 2007 Man Booker prize winner will not disappoint those who want to explore the deeper nature of family relations and their ways of dealing with death. Well-crafted and deeply moving, the book tells the story of the narrator’s search for meaning and her attempts to understand her family after her brother commits suicide. Set around an Irish family, the family bonds and relations that grip them will resonate powerfully with our closely knit Nepali families as well.


Tibet, Tibet: by Patrick French–a history of Tibet eloquently told
Patrick French is best known for being the biographer of Nobel Prize winning author, V. S. Naipaul. In this book, written before he wrote the biography, he charts his own personal experience with Tibet – not as the exotic land it is so often portrayed but as the realpolitick semi-autonomous region under Chinese rule. A brilliant read for those interested in the general region and wish to gain a fun filled, insightful read into the complexity between Tibet and China relations.