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He who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan

A gripping conclusion to The Radiant Emperor series, fuelled by ambition, grief and revenge. Expect ruthlessness, scheming and great writing.

Book Reviews

3 hours ago5 min read

A sailboat seen in the distance on the vast and seemingly endless waters. In the context of this post, this image signifies vastness of the Universe and Time and the smallness of our efforts and lifespans. Image by Mari Duarte.

The Triad of Talent, Effort & Reward

Is talent more crucial to success than effort? Is there a deadline for hard work to be rewarded?

Blogs

Jan 93 min read

A copy of Monica Rana's novel The Paths We Choose lies on a wooden table beside a glass of iced tea. A cafe counter with Christmas decorations is seen in the background. Photo by Ninay Desai.

The Paths We Choose by Monica Rana

A compelling coming-of-age story of two sisters and the choices they make during an era of discontent and revolution.

Book Reviews

Dec 19, 20253 min read

One person's hand being held between another person's hand on a wooden table, in an act of empathy and compassion.

What Makes a Person Empathetic?

Tough times can fuel empathy but not for everyone. Why is that?

Blogs

Dec 5, 20254 min read

On a dark brown wicker table lies a copy of Toshikazu Kawaguchi's bestselling novel, Before the Coffee gets Cold with a pair of spectacles propped up against it. Next to the novel is a cup of coffee. In the background of the photograph is a potted plant and the glass wall of the cafe. Photo by Ninay Desai.

Before the Coffee gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

If you could order a coffee and travel back in time to meet someone you've known, who would it be?

Book Reviews

Nov 21, 20253 min read

A delighted Amol Mazumdar, head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team, holding the World Cup trophy. Photo Courtesy: JioHotstar

Amol Muzumdar's Watershed Moment

World Champions are seldom forged in comfort and good times. Neither was their coach.

Blogs

Nov 7, 20254 min read

On a white round table in a cafe, lies a copy of Hilary Mantel's historical fiction novel Bring up the Bodies. Beside it are a cup of hot chocolate, a croissant and a small plant. In the background are shelves displaying the cafe's goods. Photo by Ninay Desai

Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

Certainly brings the goods when it comes to characterization, atmospheric writing and narrative style.

Book Reviews

Sep 26, 20255 min read

A handwritten letter lies half-covered by a post-marked envelope, a pink ribbon and a vase with a few mauve flowers. Image by Debby Hudson.

You've Got Mail: The Age of Letters

Finding old letters in a shoebox is like being sprinkled accidentally with stardust. It's nostalgic, kind of magical and the shimmer sticks.

Blogs

Sep 12, 20253 min read

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Too simplistic and lacking in depth to be touching.

Book Reviews

Aug 22, 20253 min read

A metal shopping basket with a mix of fresh food and canned goods on a blue-and-white checkered tablecloth against an orange background.

Honey, I Shrunk the Goods: The Story of Shrinkflation, Skimpflation & Excuseflation

Are you aware that sneaky forms of inflation are manipulating you away from getting your money's worth?

Blogs

Aug 8, 20253 min read

The Enigma of Room 622 by Joel Dicker

Set in the Swiss Alps, this is a murder mystery wrapped in a legacy battle, boardroom intrigue and a love triangle.

Book Reviews

Jul 18, 20253 min read

A desktop computer displaying the text Do More in bold white letters against a black background. The computer is placed on a desk with the usual office paraphernalia next to a shelf with notebooks, boxes and a plant.

Simple Productivity Tips to get Stuff Done

Smart hacks to boost productivity without missing out on rest and joy.

Blogs

Jul 4, 20256 min read

On a teak table, a copy of E Lockhart's novel We were Liars lies open near a blue drink. Tossed near the book is a satin scarf with a paisley pattern. Photo by Ninay Desai

We were Liars by E Lockhart

A private island owned by a privileged family. An accident. Secrets. Forbidden Love. And lies upon lies.

Book Reviews

Jun 20, 20254 min read

An illuminated sign saying 'this must be the place' on a clear glass plaque on a wall with a brown, blush and green geometric pattern.

Do you have a Third Place?

If not at home or work, where would you be on a regular day?

Blogs

Jun 6, 20254 min read

In a cafe nestled amidst trees and plants, on a glass table lies a frappe, a pair of black sunglasses and a copy of Malcolm Gladwell's David and Goliath. Photo by Ninay Desai.

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Challenging perceptions of strength and weakness, it is interesting in parts but not quite a slay.

Book Reviews

May 16, 20253 min read

Popcorn in a red-and-white striped box, a bottle with red liquid labelled Love Drunk next to two wine glasses and a string of coupons against a red and pink backdrop.

The Resurgence of Romantic Comedies

Are Rom-Coms and Feel-Good movies making a comeback? Spoiler Alert: I think so.

Blogs

May 2, 20254 min read

On a slatted wooden table sit a bunch of pink peonies with some greens arranged in a small teal green watering can. Besides it, lies a copy of Jojo Moyes' novel Me before You and a light brown notebook with a pen drawing of a Paris scene on its cover. Photo by Ninay Desai.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Old-fashioned friendship-turned-romance with a bittersweet ending.

Book Reviews

Apr 18, 20253 min read

An audio tape lies unspooled against a bright yellow background. In the context of this blog post, it symbolises planned obsolescence.

Planned Obsolescence: The Open Secret that Endangers Us

Are we being manipulated into buying more than we need? And who's paying for it?

Blogs

Apr 4, 20255 min read

A black and white puppy seated on a striped cream sofa next to a copy of Robert Harris' historical fiction, An Officer and A Spy. Photo by Ninay Desai.

An Officer and A Spy by Robert Harris

A gripping, impeccably-crafted and poignant historical espionage novel about the Dreyfus Affair.

Book Reviews

Mar 14, 20254 min read

A young woman and a young man sitting by a campfire on a beach at night, the woman holding a bottle. A calm sea and hills in the background create a peaceful mood of genuine conversation and relaxation.

Conversations to Know People Better

Late night conversations can be trump cards when it comes to revealing hopes, fears and character.

Blogs

Feb 14, 20253 min read

A copy of Matt Ridley's The Evolution of Everything with a bright yellow cover lies propped face-down on a wooden table with an iced coffee, a bowl of French fries and pair of sunglasses. Photo by Ninay Desai.

The Evolution of Everything by Matt Ridley

Interesting in the beginning but let down by the clumsy cherry-picking of data.

Book Reviews

Jan 17, 20254 min read

The Most Popular Blog Posts of 2024

Like, comment and share your favourite post of 2024!

Blogs

Dec 27, 20245 min read

A copy of Andrew Taylor's A Stain on the Silence lies on a teak table next to a bunch of wild weeds tied with a powder blue ribbon. Photo by Ninay Desai.

A Stain on the Silence by Andrew Taylor

Stuck in the no-man's land between being plot-driven and character-driven, this isn't Taylor's best work by far.

Book Reviews

Dec 6, 20242 min read

An image of a man carrying a laptop and notebook in his hand. The text 'what they don't teach in school' is super-imposed on the pale yellow background beside him. The image relates to workplace tips one doesn't learn in school.

Workplace Tips: What they don't teach in school

How to enjoy your work while not allowing its rough and tumble to take over your entire life.

Blogs

Nov 15, 20247 min read

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