Ballad of Books

Books are portals to other worlds, but be careful which one you step through.

Books discussed in this episode:

A Life in Stitches: Knitting My Way through Love, Loss, and Laughter by Rachael Herron Weirdest War Two: Extraordinary Tales and Unbelievable Facts from the Second World War by M J Trow The Geography of India: Sacred and Historic Places by Kenneth Pletcher Be The Dog: How To Start (And More Importantly) Finish Your Novel by Brian Yansky Bizarre, Creepy Hoaxes by Kelly Barnhill Khushwant Singh's Big Book of Malice by Khushwant Singh Aurangzeb: The Man and the Myth by Audrey Truschke Buddhism 101: From Karma to the Four Noble Truths, Your Guide to Understanding the Principles of Buddhism by Arnie Kozak Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War by Max Hastings Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama by Bob Odenkirk Confessions of a Funeral Director: How the Business of Death Saved My Life by Caleb Wilde Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different by Chuck Palahniuk Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk Culture: 50 Insights from Mythology by Devdutt Pattanaik

Books discussed in this episode:

Anvils, Mallets & Dynamite: The Unauthorized Biography of Looney Tunes by Jaime Weinman Porn King: The Autobiography of John C. Holmesby Holmes, John Curtis The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume Iby Doyle, Arthur Conan Killer Kids Volume 10: 22 Shocking True Crime Cases of Kids Who Kill by Keller, Robert What's A Lemon Squeezer Doing In My Vagina?: A Memoir of Infertility by Rajagopal, Rohini S. A Weird and Wild Beauty: The Story of Yellowstone, the World's First National Parkby Peabody, Erin Plato's " Republic " : A Biography - A Book That Shook the Worldby Blackburn, Simon Gatsby in New Delhiby Deb, Siddhartha Harry Potter and International Relationsby Nexon, Daniel H.

Books discussed in this episode:

The Incest Diary by Anonymous Judge This Cover byBrittany Renner Wuhan Diary: Dispatches from a Quarantined City byFang Fang

Step into the glittering world of the 1920s, where champagne flows like a river and dreams hang in the balance. In this episode of "Ballad of Books" with your host Arjun, we journey through F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby," a novel that sparkles with alliteration, intrigue, and introspection.

In this episode of Ballad of Books, host Arjun takes you on a captivating literary journey through the pages of "Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature" by Jairam Ramesh. Delve into the life of India's iconic leader, Indira Gandhi, not as a politician but as an environmental advocate. Discover how her passion for the natural world unfolded in unexpected places, from the confines of a prison cell to the corridors of power.

Arjun explores the nuances of this memoir, which blends history, biography, and environmental advocacy with the precision of a symphony conductor. Join him as he discusses Indira's transformation into an environmental champion, her struggles with decision-making at the highest levels of government, and the delicate balance between development and conservation.

Through personal and official correspondence, you'll gain insight into Indira's deep connection to the environment. Explore her legacy as both a wildlife enthusiast and a policy-maker, and understand the contemporary relevance of her environmental decisions.

You'll hear insights into Indira's environmental convictions and how she might have responded to today's environmental challenges. It's a thought-provoking episode that urges us all to consider our role as stewards of the Earth and the urgency of protecting our environment.

Tune in to this episode and let the eloquence of language and the power of storytelling inspire you to embrace your responsibility in the battle to conserve the environment.

In this electrifying episode of Ballad of Books, host Arjun delves deep into the heart of Margaret Atwood's dystopian masterpiece, "The Handmaid's Tale." Prepare to be captivated we dissect the novel's themes, characters, and its eerie parallels to our own world. A riveting analysis of the book's profound impact on literature and society. Don't miss this thought-provoking journey through the dark corridors of Gilead, where words become weapons and hope burns brighter than ever. Stay tuned for a poignant closing message that will leave you with a newfound sense of purpose in today's turbulent world.

In this captivating podcast episode, we delve deep into the enchanting world of Harry Potter and explore how the personal experiences and journey of author J.K. Rowling shaped the magical universe we all know and love. Join us as we unravel the connections between Rowling's life and the iconic characters, themes, and stories that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. From her struggles to her triumphs, we'll uncover the hidden threads that wove the tapestry of Harry Potter's enchanting world, making it a timeless literary phenomenon. Whether you're a die-hard Potterhead or simply curious about the creative forces behind one of the most beloved book series in history, this episode is sure to cast a spell on your imagination.

Join Arjun as he ventures into the mesmerizing world of Bruce Chatwin's "In Patagonia." From dinosaur hunts to encounters with eccentric characters, this episode explores the magic and mystery of the remote Patagonian landscapes. Get ready for a literary journey that will leave you feeling like you've traveled to the end of the Earth and back.

Join us in this episode as we lean into Sheryl Sandberg's empowering book, 'Lean In.' We explore the book's invaluable insights on career, ambition, and gender equality. Discover how leaning in can lead to personal and professional growth, and learn from the stories that inspire us to embrace our aspirations and break down barriers. Tune in for an engaging discussion that will motivate you to lean into your own journey towards success.

In this episode of "Ballad of Books," we take a poignant journey into the heart of one of the most iconic symbols of New York City. The left tower of the World Trade Center narrates its harrowing experience during the 9/11 attacks, sharing its perspective on the tragedy that shook the world. Through its narrative, we explore themes of resilience, tragedy, and heroism, pondering the fragility of life and the enduring hope for a more peaceful world. Join host Arjun as we step into the shoes of a silent witness to history, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on that fateful day.

Join Arjun on this hilariously enlightening episode of "Ballad of Books" as he unravels the mystery behind the burning of the Library of Alexandria. With a dash of historical skepticism, Arjun takes you on a journey through time, exploring the suspects and stories surrounding the demise of the ancient world's greatest repository of knowledge. It's a riveting tale of scrolls, shrines, and scholarly scuffles, all set against the backdrop of one of history's most enigmatic mysteries. Tune in and discover the truth behind the burning of Alexandria's fabled library, and don't forget to stay for the hard-hitting conclusion!

In this episode of "Ballad of Books," host Arjun delves into the captivating world of literature and cinema as he explores the iconic story of "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King.

Discover the heartwarming tale of Andy Dufresne's resilience and friendship in the confines of Shawshank Prison, all while Arjun dishes out humorous commentary on everything from prison food to motivational cat posters.

Arjun also takes a deep dive into the cinematic adaptation, "The Shawshank Redemption," revealing fascinating facts about the film's journey from initial box office disappointment to becoming a beloved classic.

In a thought-provoking and inspiring conclusion, Arjun reminds listeners of the enduring power of hope and redemption, leaving them with a heartfelt message that resonates long after the episode ends.

So, whether you're a bookworm, a movie buff, or just in need of a good laugh, this episode is a must-listen. Join Arjun and embark on a literary adventure that will leave you feeling inspired and entertained.

Join host Arjun on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Algeria as he explores the classic novel "The Outsider" by Albert Camus in this episode of "Ballad of Books." Discover the absurdity of life through the eyes of the enigmatic Meursault and find humor in the complexity of existentialism. As a bonus, learn fascinating facts about Algeria's diverse landscapes and culture. Get ready for a philosophical rollercoaster, sprinkled with self-deprecating humor and insightful observations, all leading to a hard-hitting conclusion that will leave you contemplating the meaning of it all. Don't miss this literary adventure around the world!

Join us in the sixth episode of Ballad of Books, where we embark on a literary journey around the world. In this episode, titled "Book Spotlight: Around The World - Unearthing Albania's Secrets," your host Arjun takes you on an adventurous exploration of Communist Albania through the pages of Margo Rejmer's "Mud Sweeter Than Honey: Voices of Communist Albania." Get ready for a wild ride filled with dry humor, wit, and a deep dive into Albania's tumultuous history. Discover the untold stories and secrets of a nation that was once shrouded in mystery and oppression. Don't miss this eye-opening episode that reminds us of the power of literature to unveil hidden truths. Tune in, and let's unearth Albania's secrets together!

In this special episode of "Book Spotlight: Around The World," we embark on a literary journey to the heart of Afghanistan, uncovering the emotional rollercoaster that is "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. Join your host Arjun as he navigates the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, all while taking a closer look at the rich symbolism of kites in this powerful narrative. Get ready for an insightful and often humorous exploration of a country and a novel that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of forgiveness.