Bookstrapping: Uncertainty – how to change your biggest fear into your greatest power by Arie Kruglanski

The author makes a case that securely attached adults are more comfortable with certainty. Hence, they explore more freely and are more adventurous. On the other hand, adults with insecure relationships tend to find solace on stereotypes and prejudices. (Representative Image: Amazon)

In the book Kruglanski writes about hope during uncertain times and empathy as a powerful ingredient of human connection. He also draws an unmissable connection between alcohol consumption and impulsive actions. Rating: 3.5

Bookstrapping: Migrants – The Story of Us All by Sam Miller

The author posits that humans are inherently a migratory species, and our migratory rather than sedentary nature forms the basis of our society. He illustrates this point by explaining key events in human evolution and history such as the first migration out of Africa, the creation of western civilization, and the impacts of colonialism and slavery. (Image source: Amazon)

In ‘Migrants: The story of us all’, Sam Miller explores the various reasons for human migration, which range from adventure and curiosity to the pursuit for a better life. Rating: 4 stars

Bookstrapping: VAJPAYEE: The ascent of the Hindu right (1924-1977)

The book profiles Vajpayee’s early allegiance and later differences with Deendayal Upadhyaya, credited as the founder of the Jan Sangh, to the ultimate puzzle of the latter’s murder, in which Vajpayee himself was considered a suspect

The book talks about Atal’s love for Rajkumari Kaul, which blossomed in Gwalior and continued to old Delhi. Bookstrapping Rating: 3.5 stars

Bookstrapping: MegaNets by David B Aurebach

A Meganet is persistent because its value comes from never being off-line and never being reset. There is no way to restart or pause a meganet without destroying it. (Image source: Amazon)

The book details in depth about meganets, the place where its value is derived, how it has made self-determination a myth and more. Rating: 3.5 stars

Bookstrapping: The Hidden Hindu trilogy

One cannot miss the tendency for descriptive writing; the scenes are set vividly.The description of Paatal Lok as more beautiful than Swarga Lok in book three, is a case in point. (Image source: Amazon)

The reviewer gives a holistic view of each book and the beautiful description of Paatal Lok which is more mesmerising than Swarga Lok. Rating: 3 stars

Bookstrapping: Can the mind be quiet?

Steve Jobs famously said that we must do that which we enjoy. Krishnamurti emphasises that doing something of enjoyment is love itself. In love, there is no conflict. Only when the fear of losing what you're experiencing sets in, is there conflict. (Image source: Amazon)

Written by Jiddu Krishnamurti, philosopher, speaker and writer, the book throws light on the difference between knowledge and learning, the definition of intelligence, the beauty of meditation and various other aspects. Rating – 4 stars

World Book Day: Ten reasons why you need to pick up a book today

"Whether you like fiction or non-fiction, reading takes you a step further. One lets you drift into creativity, and the other demands your full attention, motivating you to be a better version of yourself," writes Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta.  (Representational image by  Sincerely Media via Unsplash)

In this edition of Storyboard18’s Bookstrapping, our reviewer Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta shares how reading can help you in broadening your understanding of the world, and more.

Bookstrapping: Fit at any age: A practitioner’s guide

There is a heartening endorsement for the reading habit and its contribution to the body-mind balance, which cannot be emphasised enough. Any impairment in mental health will have an adverse impact on physical health. (Image source: Amazon)

The book highlights on the races humans and animals can participate or be a part of, advocacy for vegetarianism, how good health is developed, and many more.

Bookstrapping: Unframed: Discovering Image practices in SE Asia by Rahaab Allana

The editor of the book aims to dismantle our conditioned habits of viewing ‘who’ and ‘where we are’, ‘what is real’ in our world. She also uproots the frames of familiar history, making us realise that peoples and cultures that seem unconnected today may have had generative connections in the past!

The book makes you appreciate that photographers travelled, that they were engaged for projects etc. The chapter on Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh of Jaipur, his motivations and his agency, make for very interesting reading. Bookstrapping rating: 3.5 stars