1.Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang, Jon Halliday, published by Vintage, pp 832, Rs 975

2.The Theory of Everything: The Origin and Fate of the Universe by Stephen W Hawking, published by Phoenix books, pp 136, price Rs 275

3.H+ (Plus) A New Religion by Edward de Bono, published by Vermillion, pp 96, Rs 380

4.Moon Palace by Paul Auster, published by Faber and Faber, pp 320, Rs 850

5.Broken Verses by Kamila Shamsie, published by Bloomsbury Books, pp 352, Rs 500

What the books are about ?

Mao: The Unknown Story

Jung Chang and her husband Jon Halliday have written a groundbreaking biography of Mao Tse-tung. Based on a decade of research, and on interviews with many of Mao’s close circle in China who have never talked before — and with virtually everyone outside China who had significant dealings with him — this is the most authoritative life of Mao ever written. It is full of startling revelations, exploding the myth of the Long March, and showing a completely unknown Mao. The reader enters the shadowy chambers of Mao’s court, and eavesdrops on the drama in its hidden recesses. It will astonish historians and the general reader alike.

The Theory of Everything

I must admit that when I was first introduced to Stephen Hawking’s books I did regard them as far too heavy. But when I came across this, and bought it, I realised truly how amazing he is at putting forward complex concepts in an entirely understandable way. It’s almost like reading a normal novel as bed-time reading! Clearly the grey matter inside the book is extensive, but I would recommend it to anyone hoping to gain more of an insight into our complex universe without passing out. God bless Prof Stephen Hawking!

H+ A New Religion

Most religions focus on the ultimate ‘truth’; emphasise the negative; tell us what we should not do. In contrast, H+ A New Religion is entirely positive. The emphasis is not on sins that are to be avoided, but on things that are to be done. ‘H’ stands for human, happiness, help, hope, health and humour. H+ provides a framework for achievement through daily acts of help. Whether this is offering people something to laugh at or helping an elderly person cross the road, through these comes a sense of achievement, hence self-esteem and a belief in oneself.

Moon Palace

A contemporary novel which tells the story of Marco Stanley Fogg — orphan, child of the 1960s — spanning three generations. The narrative moves from the early years of this century to the first lunar landings, from Manhattan to the landscape of the American West.

Broken Verses

Fourteen years ago Aasmaani’s mother Samina walked out of her house and was never seen again. Aasmaani refuses to believe she is dead and still dreams of her glorious return. Now grown up, Aasmaani receives the longed-for proof that her mother is still alive. As she comes closer to the truth she is also irresistibly drawn to Ed, her ally and sparring partner, and the only person who can understand the profound hurt — and the profound love — that drives her.