I wondered whether I would succumb to a social desirability bias. The book deserves praise for its meticulous research, but I must admit I have some reservations...........
These days, I find myself taking more time to commit to reading. Admittedly, I’ve also become inconsistent in updating these pages, but I don’t intend to abandon this blog anytime soon. Consistency and keeping pace with things could be the topic for another post. For now, let me write about the five books that have been with me over the past few months.
Edward Luce’s In Spite of the Gods offers a decent exploration of post-independent India, covering everything from the economy and bureaucracy to caste politics, the state of Muslims, and India's international relations. Luce, who has lived in India for many years, provides readers with well-rounded insights into how the country operates. Each chapter features conversations with key figures, such as Lalu Yadav, Pervez Musharraf, and Sonia Gandhi, which makes the narrative more engaging. Luce skillfully weaves interviews and facts together, offering a vivid portrayal of India's complex state of affairs. Throughout the book, he highlights the threats posed by religious extremism, and by the conclusion, he is candid about having little positive to say about certain organizations. Though written in 2011, well before the NDA government came to power, the book touches on many issues that have shaped modern India. It’s a highly recommended read for those interested in understanding the country’s socio-political landscape.
Ivory Throne by Manu S. Pillai was a gift to me, and given the reviews on social media, I was eager to read this debut work. While writing this, I wondered whether I would succumb to a social desirability bias. The book deserves praise for its meticulous research, but I must admit I have some reservations (which seem to be shared by others as well, at least in person). The book focuses on the Travancore royal family, specifically the life and regency of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the last female regent of the dynasty. Pillai’s articulation of her governance is excellent, particularly the socio-economic reforms and infrastructural developments she spearheaded, which were pivotal in Kerala’s growth. However, I found the pace slowed when it came to family matters, and at times, the author seemed to shield his protagonist. For example, the media censorship under the regent was justified as necessary to control communal elements, and her soft stance on temple entry is framed as a diplomatic genius. If you pick up this book, don’t be swayed by the hype—take it slow and savor the truly engaging chapters.
James Poskett’s Horizons is a remarkable work that challenges the notion that modern science is solely a Western creation. Divided into four sections, the book spans from the 1450s to the present, showcasing contributions from various civilizations—Aztec and Inca advancements in the Americas, astronomical developments from the Ottoman, Songhay, Ming, and Mughal empires, and much more. One of the most striking arguments Poskett makes is about the overlooked contributions of non-European cultures, particularly in fields like astronomy and mathematics. The author emphasizes how European colonization and global trade networks facilitated knowledge exchange, including Mughal India’s Jantar Mantar observatories. He also delves into how the Enlightenment, often credited solely to European thinkers, was shaped by contributions from other parts of the world. The book does a fantastic job of revisiting overlooked histories, such as the role of slaves in collecting data that contributed to Isaac Newton’s Principia. Readers from Kerala can easily recollect the contributions of Itty Achuden in Van Rhede's momentous Hortus Malabaricus. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in a more inclusive history of science.
Breach by Nirmal John is a collection of stories about recent data breaches in India. Having read Geoff White’s The Lazarus Heist, I approached this book casually, but unfortunately, it didn’t add much new to the conversation about cybersecurity. The narrative felt repetitive, and though some of the stories were mildly interesting, they didn’t have the nail-biting tension one might expect from a book on cybercrimes. For me, this was more of a filler read during a tough time when I needed something light and not too demanding.
Finally, Hitting Against the Spin by Nathan Leamon and Ben Jones is a treasure for cricket enthusiasts. This data-driven analysis of cricket takes inspiration from Michael Lewis’s Moneyball, applying similar economic-style quantitative analysis to professional sport. From how England won their first ODI World Cup with a data-backed team to insights into bowling strategies, this book breaks down the science behind cricket. The authors also explore why fewer Indians bat left-handed and discuss the impact of poor umpiring. What makes this book truly engaging is its relatable incidents that evoke nostalgia. If you’re a cricket fan, this is a must-read, offering unique insights into the game’s mechanics. They go on to discuss how T20 revolutionized cricket. The authors' brief stint with Multan Sultans in the PSL, where they set a team backed with data went on an invincible streak, is particularly engaging. This is a great book to spend time with if you're a sports aficionado, particularly cricket. You'll learn the science behind many aspects of the game. It’s a highly recommended read!
If you get a chance to pick up any of these titles, I look forward to hearing your opinions on them.
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