Categories: Editors Recommend

Staff Picks: The Best of Books, Film & TV

‘Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom: I picked this up thinking it was one of those typical teen-angst books with incarnations of John Green’s characters. But it hit me squarely, right in my heart, and knocked the breath out of me. Parker Grant is blind, opinionated, forceful, and has a set of rules for herself and others, and if you dare step a toe out of the line, there are NO SECOND CHANCES. She is also funny, vulnerable, and too hard on herself more than the others. This story is about second chances funnily enough, for both, the boy who broke her heart (Scott Parker) and herself, too. This is anything but a typical teen story—low-key romance, beautiful friendships, very low melodrama and philosophy, honest writing – all of this, and more, make this book an absolute-un-put-down-able-book. I dare you to pick a copy and not to fall in love with Parker!’ — Shalini Raghavan, Product Manager

‘Have been watching The Crown, a Netflix television series on the life and reign of the queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II, written and directed by Peter Morgan. With excellent direction, screenplay, casting and cinematography, it’s a biopic that can be watched back to back in one sitting. Can’t wait for the second season to be aired.’ — Shreya Punj, Assistant Editor

Have been reading The Art of Stillness. An unexpected TED talk (now turned into a book) from the much celebrated Pico Iyer who made travelling his profession very early in life. He surprises us this time by talking about ‘stillness’ as the ultimate adventure. Drawing on the lives of Leonard Cohen, Marcel Proust, Gandhi, and many writers and thinkers, he explores how slowing down, emptying one’s mind and ‘going nowhere’ can make way for a rare creativity that can help one look beyond the white noise of the world we inhabit and live a good and gratifying life.’ — Minakshi Thakur, Publisher Hindi and Senior Commissioning Editor

A still from Fleabag, an Amazon Original series.

‘I watched a number of shows in 2016, but Fleabag has been the find of the year. Phoebe Waller-Bridge (the protagonist and screenwriter of the series) is funny and inventive, and the format of this sitcom has brought a freshness to the genre. The writing is sharp, the tongue-in-cheek humour is effective and when it comes to comic timing, Phoebe is right up there with the likes of Tina Fey, Amy Schumer and Amy Poehler.’ — Arcopol Chaudhuri, Associate Editor and Rights Manager

‘If a dreamy, fresh visual extravagance are what you are looking for, then La La Land is the perfect cinema for you. I recently watched it on a giant Imax screen and am in awe of its dazzling cinematography, superb editing, screenplay and brilliant performances; that’s rare to expect in an ’80s inspired musical set in ‘La La land’ also known as L.A. Directed by Damian Chazelle (of Whiplash fame), it’s a tale about following one’s dreams in the backdrop of a love story. The movie has beautiful jazz scores on offer, along with a Woody Allen-esque portrayal of a city. Do not miss this!’ — Saurabh Garge, Senior Designer

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