How would it be to have a face like glass, a face that is a window that can tell the truth and only the truth? And how would it be to have a face like that in a world where Facesmiths sculpt each expression on each individual's face? A Face Like Glass is a remarkable book, which took me on a journey through the twists and turns of Caverna, an underground land that is just about being held together by the Grand Steward. A Kleptomancer is on the loose, though, one who steals unpredictably, and seems to delight in taking Caverna by storm. Into all this comes Neverfell with her face like glass ... The story drew me into a world of surprises, each one of them vividly imagined. The plot was as complicated and surprising as Caverna herself, Caverna which is beautiful and unknowable, and so mysterious that Cartographers go mad … [Read more...]
The Raven Boys
Last week, the members of the Writers' Club wrote book reviews of books they've read recently and loved. Here is a review by Riva Verma of The Raven Boys, a book I have not read. Welsh kings. Ley lines. Hidden bodies of ancient monarchs. This novel is filled with adventure and mystery. That is what I like best about The Raven Boys. There were parts which intrigued me so much that I had to know what was going to happen, scenes where I was scared for the characters, times when I experienced each and every emotion alongside them. My favorite character is Blue Sargent. She is a poor but happy girl, the daughter of a physic. She lives in a house full of mothers, cousins, aunts and friends, and is told that she will kill her true love if she kisses whoever that person may be. She has lived with two mysteries her entire life: who is that person and who was her father? My other favorite is … [Read more...]
Reading Day
Helen O' Grady's Navi Mumbai chapter invited me to be part of its Reading Day celebrations in honour of Dr Kalam's birthday. What a crazy day I had with enthusiastic children from St. Mary's School, Koparkhairane, and Gold Crest High, Vashi! The children were full of questions. One commented, "Most authors now don't really write; they type. Why do we call them writers? We should call them typers." Children asked me where my inspiration came from; they asked me what I enjoyed reading and what my journey towards publication was like. They asked how many times my work had been rejected, and did not quite believe me when I told them I had lost count. I read out three different stories from The Story-Catcher to three different groups. Each session was rewarding. It was a wonderful day; here's to many more! … [Read more...]
The Dragon Whisperer
Last week, I conducted a workshop at the British Library on inculcating the habit of reading in children. There were principals and representatives from several schools in and around Pune, and many asked me where they could find book reviews. I realised I haven't written about books for a while, so for the next few days, that's what I'm going to be writing about! I loved this one! When characters in books become friends you care about, you know that the book you are reading is exceptional. Riding dragons comes naturally to Quenelda. She does not like fussy court life, where ladies are concerned with nothing more than petticoats, dresses and attractiveness. Yet, aged eleven, she finds herself frightened and isolated by her choices. All she wants to do is fly in the Open Sky. How difficult is it for the world to accept that? Title The Dragon Whisperer (The … [Read more...]
Reflection
The IB methodology taught me the importance of reflecting on what we have learnt. I often keep that in mind as I conduct workshops, in the hope that reflection will help participants consciously use what they learn in their lives ahead. The girls from St. Mary's have now attended eight sessions of the Writing Club. They reflected on what they have understood, and thought about what they need to do ahead. Here is what Remanika Sohal, a student of class VII has to say: Based on the comments I have received on the assignments I have done so far, I think I need to spend more time and energy on my work. I must not hurry through it. My ideas seem to have potential, but I rush a little when it comes to putting them down in the form of a poem. I have enjoyed all the sessions and have learnt a great deal as well. There is one aspect which I really appreciate when it comes to learning in the … [Read more...]
The Gruffalo’s Child
My First Violin Recital
I'm conducting a Writing Club at St. Mary's School for 25 girls from classes VI and VII. Every time I give them a writing assignment, I will be publishing the work I like best on my blog. I will be editing the work very slightly, if at all. It's Friday again, and time to publish. This week, each girl wrote a poem inspired by any experience. I chose this one, by Advika Dhar from class VII, because of its simplicity and choice of form. I have preserved the original haiku, unedited. My First Violin Recital - Advika Dhar Camera lights flashed, Butterflies in my stomach, My first violin show. … [Read more...]
Pop! Goes the Music
I'm conducting a Writing Club at St. Mary's School for 25 girls from classes VI and VII. Every time I give them a writing assignment, I will be publishing the work I like best on my blog. I will be editing the work very slightly, if at all. This week, each girl wrote a poem inspired by a piece of music of her choice. I chose this one, by Jayde MacFarland from class VII, because I enjoyed the rhythm of the poem. On what inspired her, Jayde wrote: This poem is based on pop music. I felt inspired to do this as it is the kind of music I really listen to. Whenever it comes to country and jazz, I fall asleep. Pop is a modern style of music and many people have contributed to it, which is why it inspires me. Pop! Goes the Music - Jayde MacFarland I need a beat, I need a song, I need some words to sing along. I don't need rhythm, I don't need blues, No jizz or jazz or country clues. I don't … [Read more...]
Workshop at Silvassa
Travelling to Silvassa, I realised how rusty my geography has become. Silvassa - I was pretty sure it was the capital of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. At least, I remember having learnt that in school. We had endless lists of states and union territories, and we had to learn the capital of each one, in addition to other details that have been wiped out of my memory. (Perhaps I should not complain. There are more states now than there used to be when I was in school.) I 'alighted' (I find the word so beautifully archaic, but the station had a sign saying 'ALIGHT HERE FOR DAMAN AND SILVASSA') at Vapi, Gujarat, and all the way to Silvassa, there were bridges and sign-boards welcoming me and thanking me for my visit. I couldn't figure out who was welcoming me where and who was thanking me for visiting what. Geographical confusions aside, I had a lovely time, conducting a workshop for sales … [Read more...]
Gnomeo and Juliet at Artsphere, Pune
The British Council Library and Artsphere Pune hosted a screening of the movie "Gnomeo and Juliet", and I was invited to talk about the movie, about Romeo and Juliet, and about Shakespeare. I was tremendously excited - I love working with the British Council; I was going to work in a new venue with a new audience; I was going to work with Shakespeare! I began my preparation by re-reading Romeo and Juliet. I have an edition of the complete works of William Shakespeare that used to belong to my grandfather. Within, I found this ... ... and I read Romeo and Juliet with a smile. The movie was fun, but after an 81-minute long screening, the children were not really in the mood for anything else. Yet, when we began to talk about Shakespeare, many slowly grew excited. We spoke about the challenges players faced in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and the fact that … [Read more...]
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