Journalism

Chasing The Devil could be a good read for someone interested in African history and politics. Tim Butcher's harrowing journey through the forested mountains and malaria-ridden plains of Sierra Leone and Liberia provides a unique perspective on post-civil war development. Butcher's exploration of the effectiveness of national and international attempts to prevent war, and the discussion around cultural beliefs in the region, makes this book a thought-provoking and insightful read for those interested in African affairs.

Book by A.A. GILL

If you've ever been curious about the beating heart of Bombay beyond its iconic landmarks, "Maximum City" is your must-read. Suketu Mehta masters the art of storytelling by weaving his personal return to the city with gripping tales of its inhabitants. It's a tapestry rich with the complexities of urban life, offering unfiltered insights into a city teeming with contradictions and vibrancy. Whether or not you've visited Bombay, this book will transplant you there, making you feel its pulse as if you were wandering its streets.

This book could be a good read for someone who is fascinated by African history and culture, and is interested in exploring the lesser-known corners of the continent. Tim Butcher's audacious expedition takes readers on a thrilling journey through rugged landscapes and war-torn regions, shedding light on the complexities of the countries he visits. Through his vivid storytelling, the author captures the resilience and fighting spirit of Africa, leaving readers inspired and awed by the untamed beauty and power of the continent.

Recommended for those seeking to learn about Indonesia's culture and history. Pisani's humorous yet informative account of her travels around the nation reveals Indonesia's diverse ethnic groups and traditions, as well as its challenges and progress, offering unique insight into this complex nation.

'The next Bill Bryson' (New York Times) explores international relations past and present between three East Asian countries – Japan, South Korea and China – in this lively, absorbing travelogue‘Two tigers cannot share the same mountain’ - Chinese proverb China, Korea and Japan are the neighbours who love to hate each other. But why? Europe has forgiven Germany’s war crimes, why can’t Japan’s neighbours do likewise? To what extent do the ongoing state-level disputes about island ownership, war history, controversial shrines and statues, missile systems and military escalation reflect how the people of these countries regard each other? They have so much to gain from amicable relations, so why do they seem to be doing their level best to keep the fires of hatred burning? The Chinese, Koreans and Japanese are more than neighbours, they are siblings from a Confucian family. They share so much culturally, from this ancient philosophy with its hierarchical, bureaucratic legacy, to rice-growing, art, architecture, chopsticks, noodles and much more which has been passed down from China over millennia. In turn, China has modelled much of its recent industrial and economic strategy on Japan’s post-war manufacturing miracle, and adores contemporary Korean popular culture. Yet still East Asia festers with a mutual animosity which frequently threatens to draw the world into a twenty-first-century war. In his previous international best-seller, The Almost Nearly Perfect People, Michael Booth set out to explore the Scandinavian tribes and what they think of each other. In this new book, which blends popular anthropology, history, politics and travel, the subjects are these Asian tigers that have endured occupation, war and devastation to become among the richest, most developed and powerful societies on Earth. In this deeply researched, revealing book, he sets off on a journey by car, boat, train and plane through all three countries, ending up in a fourth, Taiwan. Here, he hopes to find a positive story but instead discovers the Taiwanese are not merely in conflict with the Chinese, but they also harbour another, less well-known but still bitter grudge towards an East Asian neighbour.

One of The Economist 's Best Books of the Year From the bestselling author of Oracle Bones and River Town comes the final book in his award-winning trilogy on the human side of the economic revolution in China. Peter Hessler, whom the Wall Street Journal calls "one of the Western world's most thoughtful writers on modern China," deftly illuminates the vast, shifting landscape of a traditionally rural nation that, having once built walls against foreigners, is now building roads and factory towns that look to the outside world.

After living in China for five years, and learning the language, Peter Hessler decided to undertake an even more complicated endeavor: he acquired his Chinese driving licence. An eye-opening, often hilarious, at times maddening challenge, it enabled him to embark on an epic journey driving across this most enigmatic of countries. Over seven years, he travels to places rarely explored by those outside China, into the factories exporting their goods to the world and into the homes of their workers.Full of extraordinary encounters and details of life beyond Beijing, it is an unforgettable, unique portrait of the country that will likely shape all our lives in the century to come.

Chasing The Monsoon is a must-read for travel enthusiasts who enjoy exploring new cultures and regions. The book takes the reader on a journey through India in search of the monsoon, offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape. Alexander Frater's vivid descriptions of the people and places he encounters, along with his personal anecdotes, make this a unique and engaging read. The book is also great for those interested in meteorology and weather patterns, as it provides in-depth knowledge of the monsoon.

Having learned Mandarin, and travelling alone by foot, bicycle and train, Colin Thubron sets off on a 10,000 mile journey from Beijing to Tibet, starting from a tropical paradise near the Burmese border to the windswept wastes of the Gobi desert and the far end of the Great Wall. What Thubron reveals is an astonishing diversity, a land whose still unmeasured resources strain to meet an awesome demand, and an ancient people still reeling from the devastation of the Cultural Revolution.

Bad Lands is a captivating read for the adventurous, curious readers who are interested in firsthand accounts of travel through remote and closed-off countries and learn about their political regimes, cultural values, and history. The author's witty storytelling style keeps readers engaged throughout the journey. The book offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on what makes a country "evil" and questions popular stereotypes and misperceptions about these countries.

Butter Chicken in Ludhiana is a must-read for those interested in understanding how India's middle class is moving forward with globalization. Pankaj Mishra's colorful writing style is witty and insightful, making this book a delightful read. The book provides an in-depth look at the aspirations, dreams, and challenges of a society that is evolving rapidly.

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