Tushar Mangl

Step into the world of Yann Martel's Life of Pi , where survival meets spirituality, and reality dances with imagination. This Man Booker Prize-winning novel is an exploration of human resilience, faith, and the art of storytelling. From its gripping premise to its thought-provoking themes, discover why this book continues to captivate readers worldwide. Read our detailed review, packed with insights, themes, and recommendations for other ocean survival tales. What makes Life of Pi  stand out? Life of Pi , published in 2001 by Penguin Books , is a novel of survival, faith, and imagination. Yann Martel writes story around 16-year-old Piscine Molitor Patel (Pi), who survives a shipwreck only to find himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan, and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. At first glance, this seems like a fantastical adventure tale about themes of faith, human resilience, and the power of narrative. The book defies categorisati...

Books are the lifeblood of any thinking society. They inspire imagination, foster critical thinking, and act as the foundation for education and intellectual discourse. Yet, a recent move by India Post—the suspension of its subsidised delivery service for books and magazines—threatens to sever access to this lifeblood, particularly for students, rural readers, and budget-conscious book enthusiasts. This decision isn’t just about rising postal costs; it is a symbol of society and the government turning their backs on books in favour of screens. Let us examine how this policy change is impacting the nation’s reading culture and what steps can be taken to mitigate this crisis. What does the suspension of subsidised books and magazine delivery mean? Earlier,most print magazines were circulated through the concept of book post. A cheaper,reasonably priced way to reach out information to curious readers. What was Book Post, and why did it matter? For decades, India Post offered the "Boo...

In the misty town of Maplehaven, Claire battles anxiety that clings like an unseen storm. Enter Rowan, a charming artist who becomes her lighthouse in chaos. As love blooms amidst cliffs and rain, their connection faces heartbreak. This tale explores love, mental health, and self-discovery with humour, intimacy, and raw emotion. Will love conquer the storm within?  Why does anxiety always whisper when you wish it would just shut up? I will admit it—anxiety is my constant companion. Like an uninvited guest at a party, it shows up, ruins the vibe, and never leaves. If anxiety were a person, it would be the one who tells you your outfit’s fine—but maybe don’t wear it in public. So begins this story, not with a bang, but with a whisper—mine. Maplehaven, my small coastal town, is picturesque if you don’t mind the fog and occasional existential dread. It is nestled between jagged cliffs and a sea that can’t decide whether it’s serene or suicidal. Every morning, the town smells of salt, r...

Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie is an Hercule Poirot mystery that intertwines love, betrayal, and murder. Elinor Carlisle stands accused of poisoning her rival in love, and Hercule Poirot must unravel a tangle of lies, motives, and red herrings to uncover the truth.This review explores the narrative, discusses Christie’s storytelling, and highlights why this 1939 classic remains a must-read. Plus, discover five best-selling mysteries of 2025! Why is Sad Cypress a standout mystery? Agatha Christie’s Sad Cypress is an exploration of human emotions, societal expectations, and the razor-thin line between love and deceit.  But what makes this book good? The blend of psychological depth and Poirot’s unparalleled deductive skills. Also read: Agatha Christie’s Peril at End House: A gripping Poirot mystery you can’t miss What is the story behind the title Sad Cypress ? The title, derived from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night , hints at sorrow and tragedy. In Christie’s hands, this poetic refer...

In the town of Solantria, love blossoms between a weary writer and a mysterious stranger. As their passion ignites, secrets emerge, threatening to shatter their fragile bond. A heart-wrenching exploration of betrayal, trust, and redemption unfolds, leaving readers questioning the limits of love and the depths of heartbreak. What was Solantria like on that fateful morning? Solantria, the town that clung to its secrets as fiercely as it embraced its traditions, was alive with autumn’s glory. The air smelled of damp earth and lilacs, mingling with the faint aroma of cinnamon and clove from the bustling Elderwood Café . The cobblestones glistened from last night’s rain, and the distant Miravale River whispered as it meandered lazily through the emerald hills. Also read: When death finds you: A story of love, freedom, and loss “Good morning, Rosamund,” old Mr. Thatch called from his herb cart, tipping his flat cap. I nodded and smiled. Routine pleasantries were the currency of Solantria, b...

Explore the dichotomy between narcissists and empaths, two archetypes shaped by early childhood trauma. Empaths channel pain into compassion and strength, while narcissists succumb to anger and self-preservation. What causes this divergence? Discover their stories, psychological underpinnings, and lessons for us all. Childhood trauma leaves indelible marks, shaping our personalities and behaviours in unique ways. Some, like empaths, channel their pain into compassion, refusing to let their experiences tarnish their goodness. Others, like narcissists, internalize anger and prioritize self-preservation. Why do these two responses differ? Let us explore their origins, journeys, and lessons for healing and coexistence. How does childhood trauma shape us? Childhood trauma, an often overlooked societal epidemic, has lifelong repercussions. Defined as distressing events during formative years, it impacts emotional and psychological development. Abuse, neglect, bullying, or parental absence ca...