ASB Book of the Week

Many of you have read Twilight, by Stephanie Meyer.  Many of you may have even seen the new movie, Twilight, based on this very popular novel.  But, the question is, have you listened to Twilight?  The ASB Library now has Twilight in an audio version read by Ilayna Kadushin.  If you haven’t read the book or maybe you just want to listen to the story, come check out this version.  We also have many other new audiobooks on display like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Pursuit of Happyness, Wintersmith, and Esperanza Rising to name just a few.

India After Gandhi: The History of the World’s Largest Democracy is a voluminous study of India by Ramachandra Guha. The book examines five sections of life after Gandhi for India: after Gandhi’s death, Nehru leading India, addressing all areas of India, India’s populism, and India’s histories. Because of the size of this mammoth book, it would be difficult to read in one setting; however, this book may be used as an excellent resource for post Gandhi history. If read in sections, this book’s content is understandable for an advanced young adult reader. The information is clear, concise, and logical making this an easier read than most historical information on India.  

Despite the size of this book, it is easy to navigate. With five clear sections to the book, it is easy to locate an area of concentration. Also, the index is expansive; every topic in the book has been indexed with plenty of references to other index titles when needed. There is a substantial section of notes (90 pages), so other resources are plentiful from this resource. There are a few complimentary pictures, yet there could be more to add interest, and all maps and charts are very clear and help to inform the reader. India After Gandhi: The History of the World’s Largest Democracy is an excellent reference book for any researcher studying the aftermath of Gandhi’s influence on India.

Volume 5, Issue 12 of TimeOut Mumbai has a very special feature this month.  On pages 4, 91, and 93, you will read about The Mercy Street.  Our very own Dr. Jillian Campana of ASB will be the lead alongside Arvind Pandey.    The setting is an apartment building where the two lovers witness the terror of 9/11.  As Dr. Campana is quoted in TimeOut Mumbai, “The play is about the collapse of a relationship under the backrgound of the collapse of a building, a city, and in a way, a culture.”  All of us may go to this play at The Mysore Association on either Thursday, February 12 or Friday, February 13.  We are all very proud of you Dr. Jillian Campana. 

Images of India provoke color to the mind.  That’s exactly what this beautiful book does!  It’s gorgeous as are the colors of India.  All the regular anticipated features of India are highlighted in India Color like bazaars, palaces, and saris (the typical dress for women).  Also jewels and bangles, doors and passages, and puppets and toys are also included.  There is even a section on animals–of course the sacred cow along with camels and elephants is present.  The images of this book are vast and of course very vibrant.  This is a wonderful and visually stimulating read for the eyes.