Stories of the brave and a few myths (IANS Books This Weekend)

Inspiring real-life stories and an incredible journey to a mythical land. The IANS bookshelf this weekend has best of both worlds. Take a look.

1. Book: Sunita Williams – A star in Space; Author: Aravinda Anantharaman; Publisher: Puffin Books; Pages: 113; Price: Rs.199
From wishing to become a professional swimmer to training as a veterinarian, Sunita Williams went on to join the US Naval Academy and served as a pilot before she realised her true calling – space.
Her journey was however no cakewalk and called for patience, spirit and resilience – and Williams, the youngest of three siblings, had them all.
This biography of the record holder for the longest spaceflight by a woman is a story of inspiration. It is peppered with facts, trivia, anecdotes and also images
of her with her family and also at the Johnson Space Centre.
2. Book: Vishwamitra; Author: Vineet Aggarwal; Publisher: Penguin; Pages: 242; Price: Rs. 199
When Satyavati, wife of Rishi Ruchik, exchanges with her mother, Queen Ratna, the magic potion for bearing a child, they change not just their children’s destiny but also the history of mankind.
Born of this mix-up is Vishwamitra, the son of a Kshatriya, with the qualities of a Brahmin. The duality in his life soon begins to show as he strives to become a Brahmarishi – the ultimate, the most powerful of all gurus.
This is the story of a brave but stubborn, haughty yet compassionate, visionary king of Aryavarta who became one of the most well-known sages of all time.
3. Book: Param Vir Chakra: Shaitan Singh; Author: Major General Ian Cardozo and Rishi Kumar; Publisher: Lotus Roli; Pages: 32; Price: Rs. 99
The battle of Rezang La in Ladakh will be long remembered in the annals of the military because of the incredible heroism displayed by over a hundred Indian soldiers led by Major Shaitan Singh against overwhelming hordes of Chinese. While the Chinese were equipped with modern weapons, the Indian troops were armed with the .303 single-action Lee Enfield rifle which was an obsolete and outmoded weapon from
the Second World War. Notwithstanding the disadvantages of climate, terrain and weapons, Major Shaitan Singh and “C” company went all out to defend Rezand La on Nov 18, 1962.
Major Shaitan Singh’s leadership and courage inspired and motivated his men to face the enemy. This is the tale told in this comic book.
4. Book: Kurukshetra; Author: Krishna Udayasankar; Publisher: Hachette; Pages: 436; Price: Rs. 350
The empire that was Aryavarta fades under the shadow of doom. As a bitter struggle ensues to gain control of the divided kingdoms, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa of the
Firstborn and the Secret Keeper of the Firewrights both watch from the wings as their own blood and their kin savage and kill on the fields of Kurukshetra.
Restraint and reason have deserted the rulers who once protected the land and they manipulate, scheme and destroy with abandon – for victory is all that matters.
As the heart of the storm stands Govinda Shauri, driven by fickle allies and failed kings to the very brink of darkness. He may well be the greatest danger Aryavarta
has faced yet, for he is determined to change things forever. Reforging the forsaken realm in the fire of his wrath, he prepares to destroy everything he loves and make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of one last hope: that humanity will rise, that there will be revolution.
In this gripping episode, the author recreates the world of the Mahabharata.