Books

Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking

By Malcolm Gladwell

Rs 478



Blink is about the first two seconds of looking--the decisive glance that knows in an instant. Gladwell, the best-selling author of The Tipping Point, campaigns for snap judgments and mind reading with a gift for translating research into splendid storytelling.



Building his case with scenes from a marriage, heart attack triage, speed dating, choking on the golf course, selling cars, and military maneuvers, he persuades readers to think small and focus on the meaning of “thin slices” of behavior.



The key is to rely on our “adaptive unconscious”– a 24/7 mental valet – that provides us with instant and sophisticated information to warn of danger, read a stranger, or react to a new idea.



A Rainbow in the Night: Nelson Mandela and the Tumultuous Birth of South Africa

By Dominique Lapierre

Rs 440



For those new to the history of South Africa, this is a highly readable, detailed overview. Beginning with the Europeans’ “discovery” of the Cape, their displacement of the native population, and the establishment of the vicious apartheid law in the name of Christianity, Lapierre then goes on to talk about the rise of the African National Congress and the resistance, leading finally to the release of Nelson Mandela after 27 years in prison and the democratic election that made him president of a multiracial country.



Originally published in France, the clear, exciting narrative reads like fiction, even including thoughts and feelings of various leaders; unfortunately, though, except for Mandela’s autobiography, there are few source notes (even for direct quotes), only a long bibliography.



The Art of Joyful Living

By Swami Rama

Rs 384



In The Art of Joyful Living Swami Rama imparts a message of inspiration and optimism: that every human being is responsible for making his life happy and then for emanating that happiness to others.



This book shows us how, with a clear conception of the philosophy and meaning of life, we can truly enjoy our lives. Contains sections on: The transformation of habit patterns, The nature of negative emotions, Transcending desires, Developing strength and willpower, Memory Developing intuition, Spirituality in loving relationships, Learning to be your own therapist, Understanding the process of meditation. And more!

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