Author Spotlight and interview: Priya Narayanan

Priya has two published children’s books to her credit. Her first book for 5-8 year olds titled ‘The 

Moon wants to be Spotless White’ was released in May 2013 by Leadstart Publishing and has 

been received well by readers and reviewers alike. Her second book, ‘When Grandma Climbed 

the Magic Ladder’ was recently released in the e-book format, with the paperback expected to 

release later this year. Priya is currently working on a couple of ideas for picture books as well 

as a book for tweens.
(Our review here.)

Author website:

http://www.priyanarayanan.com/

Today she joins us for an interview. Read on, and you are sure to find her poetic. personally, I love the stance she takes on different things, and well, we love children's authors because they bring words to life at an age when we need them the most!

Here we go!

Interview: 

Ques: What incited you into authoring a children's book?

PN: Well, I’m basically a poet at heart and writing poetry is an impulsive and ongoing thing for me. 

And then, I also write short stories when I find something interesting to write about. So when I 

became a mother, I instinctively started conjuring a variety of stories for my kids – stories that 

were rooted in the cultural and geographical context of our country, but just as fantastic as 

your Enid Blytons or Hans Christian Andersons. 

The thing is, even though writing for Indian children has picked up in the last decade with a 

number of dedicated publishers doing a wonderful job, the first books that jump out at you at 

any bookstore are Western publications. You’ll find a Ruskin Bond or Sudha Murthy or Anushka 

Ravishankar book nestled comfortably in the rear racks, while the front row is stacked with 

Barbie, Dora, Geronimo Stilton and the Wimpy Kid. And while I’m not against them at all, I feel 

that children here could do with more stories that they can identify with, stories that have 

Indian protagonists doing some fantastic or even crazy stuff! 

So, coming back to your question, the thought of contributing in a small way to the pool of fun-

filled but meaningful stories with an Indian context was what egged me to write for children. 

And to be sure, I found it a whole new ball game! It was exciting to step into the mind space of 

little children and start to think like them.

Ques: The story is very subtle and simple with minimal characters, endearing ones at that. How did you go about the plot etching and character-sketching?

PN: When writing for children of the 5-8 year age group, it is important to keep the plot simple and 

characters to a minimum so that the readers don’t get confused. At the same time, the characters should be strong enough to leave a lasting impression. When I first had my story idea, I was clear about two things. One, that the story would be set in small-town India, because there is an irresistible charm associated with a quaint little town flanked by a river on one side and hills on the other that I hoped to reveal to my urban readers and two, the protagonist would be a girl, because – why not? After that, things kind of just flowed. I spent a lot of time getting the ‘voice’ of the characters right, specially the Moon’s. I wanted him to be the one to add the necessary humour to the story, while Dhobi kaka would add the mature bit. As for Mitu, I wanted my readers to identify with her; so I kept her as real as possible in her moments of wonder, dilemma, gaiety, fright and other emotional ups and downs as she encounters various twists in her adventure. 

Ques: Moon has long been a subject of children's fondness with its  being called the chanda mama, yet it hardly found a place as a character. Your book brings a different side of Moon, and features it as the protagonist. What is your take on this?

PN: That’s true. Even in the best of children’s books, the moon is just the moon. Children’s books 

are filled with animals, trees, toys, vehicles and even maps and backpacks that talk! But never the Moon, even though it’s the one thing that all children are enamoured by in the night sky. However, that never was the case with me. Growing up, I’ve imagined the moon to be so many things – a giant idly, secret door to a parallel universe, a giant’s mouth and what not. So when I was discussing the Moon with my five year old in that vein, I thought -what could be more exciting than having the Moon talk to you? 

And I continue to push the limits of my imagination even now. For instance, in my second book – When Grandma Climbed the Magic Ladder, I’ve come up with a completely different explanation to what the dark spots on the moon are . . .it’s really fun to see things in a different light. Finally, truth be told, I do have a special corner for the Moon in my heart –and he somehow finds himself in every story I write, be it for children or adults!

Ques: Inculcating the habit of reading among children in this age of reliance on devices that have invaded even childhood, your views, observations and endeavour?

PN: Well, there are two sides to your question. The first is inculcating the habit of reading, for which 

I feel we shouldn't restrict the medium –be it an e-book or printed book. This is because the moment you put that kind of restriction, a child will stop reading! So as far as children are ‘reading’ a book and not ‘watching’ an animated version of the book, I think e-books are just fine. And they offer variety for children who get bored too soon, allowing them to switch between the digital and print books. 

To answer the second part about the invasion of devices in our lives, frankly, I don’t think that 

can be stopped now. Technology is a double-edged sword, and it is up to parents to regulate 

how much their children use these devices. As for me, I believe everything in moderation is just 

fine. That said, there is a certain charm to print books that can be touched, smelt and toyed 

around with, that an e-book does not offer. Picture books come in various materials – cloth, 

plastic, paper, hard board- and with a play of textures, smells and sounds . . . infants and 

toddlers cannot get these important experiences through e-books. 

So parents should aim to use digital media as tools to complement print books rather than use them in isolation, and help children value and love print books rather than be wary of them. In my opinion, e-books should ideally be introduced when a child is already reading chapter books. That way, since they’re at an age when they can appreciate the pros and cons of things, they can decide for themselves the medium that best suits their sensibilities.

Get to know more here:

Book Review: The Moon Wants to be Spotless White By Priya Narayanan

About the book

The vain Moon is devastated when he finds out about the dirt patch on his otherwise pristine white self. He wants to be scrubbed and cleaned by Dhobi Kaka to regain his spotless beauty. The Moon cunningly manipulates Mitu into helping him out in this mission.

But how will Mitu get the moon down to be cleaned?

Will kaka be able to restore the moon’s spotless beauty?

Will Mitu be turned into an owl for not keeping her promise?

Join in the fun-filled adventure of the Moon, Mitu and Dhobi Kaka, as the trio set out on their mission to help the Moon become spotless

Paperback, 46 pages

Published May 24th 2013 by Leadstart Publishing

About the author:

PRIYA NARAYANAN is an avid traveler, voracious reader, passionate designer, and doting mother of two. Clearly, she loves her adjectives! While as a child, she loved to dream, she now has to make do with daydreaming over many cups of coffee and chocolate chip ice cream. She believes that there are stories lurking around every corner, waiting to be captured and revealed to the world and she hopes to be doing just that year after year after year.

My Review:

First thing of all, I fell in love with the premise of the book: how the moon is vain and superficial, and he wants his beauty to be restored. He asks Mitu for help who, with the help of the Dhobi Kaka, grants his wish. But is a wish getting fulfilled just as delightful as the expectation of it?

This is what a quintessential childrens' book should be. A moral lesson hidden in a simple story which the kids will realize when they grow up, has a symbolic significance that cannot be overlooked. And yet, it makes sense even when you read in the innocence of childhood.

Kids will definitely find the character of Dhobi Kaka endearing, and rightly so, because this character has an old-worldly(no pun intended) charm to it, true to the format of childrens' stories we have been reading till date.

Some dimensions I deem befitting for a mention in the review. One, it emphasizes on the acceptance of imperfections, and flawlessly so. While we must not stop working on ourselves to become a better person, at the same time it is not possible for us to have it all. Striving for perfection is a good thing only as long as it doesnt interfere with out fundamental character.
The book secures brownie points from me for touching on the subject of exterior beauty. Pulchritude is not the be-all and end-all of it all. And this is a lesson kids need to learn as soon as possible in their lives.
Also, going through life, being with loved ones, fighting for your ideals leaves scars on you. We are not our skin. These scars are something to be proud of, not something to be shunned. I cannot thank the author enough for writing so beautifully about these things.

Coming over to the graphics, the accompanying images were so relevant and so accurately done, I reveled in the joy of being a kid back again.

My Judgement:

Brought back the unalloyed innocence of childhood and the lessons I always wished I learnt sooner in my life. Believing plays a great role in the plot, and hence this is a great book for kids!

Book Review: F**k It Is the Answer by John C Parkin

About the book:

Think of a question – any question! (okay, maybe not a question like “what was the name of my physics teacher?”). Then turn to a page, and experience the magic… the magic of F**k It. We all have questions. And the bestselling F**k It books have provided answers to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. The F**k It philosophy – of not worrying so much, of letting go more, of caring less what others think and doing your own thing – has provided answers that work in real life, every day.

In F**k It Is the Answer, John C. Parkin adds another element to the F**k It mix: by inviting you to ask your question, and then turn randomly to a page that offers you a F**k It-style answer, he recruits the magical powers of your own unconscious… or ‘fate’… or ‘spirit’… or whatever it is that seems to guide us to the correct answers when we allow it. So this book is about ‘allowing it’. Just as F**k It is about ‘allowing it’ – relaxing, trusting, going with the flow, and allowing the magic to happen. This book is F**k It Squared: taking the powerful wisdom of F**k It, and then recruiting whatever worldly or unworldly magic it is that makes this work.

Make no mistake though: work it does.

So… ask your question, and turn to a page

Hardcover, 248 pages

Published November 10th 2014 by Hay House, Inc.

About the Author:

John & Gaia have had a huge amount of press coverage over the last few years: mainly for their F**k It books and F**k It Weeks, but also for setting up The Hill That Breathes retreat centre in Italy, which won 'Best European Retreat' in 2011.

More about them here

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My Review:

"As a guide, say, you ask any question, and open up a random page for the answer, it can be a great resource indeed."

Our generation takes pride in the fact that they couldn't care less. Like, we have become so accustomed to hearing these ubiquitous phrases: so what?, big deal! what have I got to do with it? or the classic, "F**k it"

And this book provides us a way to channel all our energy into f**cking it, not giving a damn, but on a spiritual level. It does not make you feel guilty about being so carefree, instead this particular book tells you how f**k it is the answer to all your problems, questions, nagging doubts.

As it turns out, this is a book in a series of such books where the authors have brought forward the f**k it therapy.

I did not know about it before, and now upon seeing how successfully the whole mechanism is going on, the book begins to make sense. 

The first read made me feel all nauseous and I doubted if it was all just a parody. Sooner rather than later did I realize that this book was in fact re-iterating a strategy so that it becomes a chant for the reader. 

Certainly, the book helped me chant the apparently magical words to get through all questions: whether it be lack of focus, or lack of perspective. F**k it is the answer to all situations according to the book.

Although I haven't be able to comprehend in entirety what logical difference this strategy makes in times of difficulties or dilemmas, I will admit that it is at least a vent to the pent-up emotions.

As a guide, say, you ask any question, and open up a random page for the answer, it can be a great resource indeed.

Disclaimer: I received the review ebook from NetGalley

Book Review: Rescued by Love by Shilpa Suraj

About the book:

Paperback
180 pages
Harlequin India: Mills & Boon
MRP: Rs 150

When Naina Ahuja is kidnapped as hostage days before her father, a Supreme Court Chief Justice, must sentence a terrorist, the stakes are very high. Lt Col Arjun Rathore and his team are the only ones who can be trusted with the mission of saving her. 
During their arduous trek back through the hostile terrain of Ladakh, Arjun and Naina spend days in danger of losing their lives - and their hearts. Back in safety, the real world and its very real problems threaten – as do their own perceptions of the differences between them. 
They must separate – but will life rescue their love?

About the author:

Shilpa was a year and a half when she was first introduced to the world of books. Her mother would park her with a picture book on the floor of the kitchen while she finished her cooking for the day. While it’s no longer the kitchen floor, you can still find her tucked away in a cosy nook somewhere with her nose buried in a book. While books in all genres interest her, it was romance that captured her heart. While racing through every romantic fiction book she could beg, borrow or buy, her over active imagination started to work overtime and weave its own stories. Years in the corporate world followed by a stint of entrepreneurship crystallised her belief that all she really wanted to do was give life to the stories bubbling inside of her. She briefly managed to tear herself away from the world of fiction to find her own personal happily ever after and now spends her time happily focusing on the two loves of her life – family and writing romances.

My Review:

The first thing that comes to mind in the aftermath of reading the book is that we just read a sweet feel-good story. 

This is the story, a quintessential Mills and Boon, with a twist. 

Naina, daughter of the Chief Justice of India and Col. Arjun  fall in love with each ither during a rescue mission.  The girl is betrothed to a Fatty politician who she obviously didn't want to marry even before this mission in the first place, the love gives her an added excuse. She says, "Marrying a man you didn't want was bad enough but marrying him when you wanted another would be torture"

But this is dear life, and nothing is less than twisted. There are other problems to look after: a servile mother, a domineering sonavabitch father, principles, the  crooked, intricate concept of honour. 

A leap of 6 months and fates will be decided. This is where you need to pick up the novel and see for yourselves what happens in the story next. Which means that I am asking you to read it. Which further means that this is a novel worth reading.

Character sketches are impeccable: the incorrigible father who would rather not go back on his words lest they backfire than break a marriage. Just like that. This character is crafted meticulously, because sad though it be, such people exist in flesh and bones and arrogance and  much more. And such a character and its obstinacy makes the ending of the novel believable, and satisfying.

M&B novels are supposed to entertain you with romantic descriptions and a surreal boy-meets-girl-falls-in-love plot. This book manages to honour this image so well.

That said, it comes with its set of flaws. For one, it is a quick, fast-paced read. I, who can savour books for hours at stretch finished this book in a couple of hours. Because reader can be kept longing for more. Not more plot, the plot has been done right. Great even. The timings. The setting. The  characters. Everything flows seamlessly into the plot. What reader seeks more of, is the description. Maybe a third person narration can be cited as the culprit but then the reader certainly has a right to know in detail the feelings and emotions of a character s/he has associated himself with for more than a 100 pages. So, we know Naina is getting a roller coaster of emotions, but which ones? THAT is a big question.

I also adore the wordplay within the dialogues, which were, in addition, succinct too. A great effort has gone into them.

 This is where the characters lack. This is where everything gets neutral. The characters' actions will have you nodding in appreciation and not knowing their emotions would have you creasing your lips and forehead, both the things cancelling out to make it a great read, if not a brilliant one.

My Judgement:

When all is said and done, such a novel's gotta be read. 

Find the book here:

Delhi Book Fair 2014: My visit

As always, I religiously visited the book fair in my city.

Today was the last day of the fair, and I was expecting to be caught in multitudes of crowds. But contrary to my expectations, I had a relatively easy journey, what with the lesser footfall this year.
Now the debate about the pros and cons of the e-book culture that ensues is an altogether different story, let's just save that for another day.
So, while I had to travel for more than an hour, (and as has been always been ceremoniously customary, it rained) and braved the weather, it was a heavenly bliss to be finally surrounded by books.

As you may have guessed by now, I thronged to all stalls and halls, and it was even dizzying to be surrounded by soooo many books. Since it was the last day, "sale/discount" on classics was a pleasure. And I got myself more books than I had thought possible within my budget.

I dont think I will be buying anymore classics for a year. (I know I know, even if I promise, I will budge pretty soon)

The temptation of the hard-bound classics, the undying appeal of the boxsets, getting free bookish stuff like writing pads and bookmarks. This is what book fair is all about.

You may also have gauged that it was, indeed, a tiring day. So, I take leave with this brief blog.
With the realization that: