UAE National Day 2020: What to read during the long weekend

‘An Unsuitable Boy - Karan Johar with Poonam Saxena’. There's no denying that Bollywood's flamboyant director Karan Johar is a polarising figure in the Indian entertainment industry. But no matter which side you are on, this engaging autobiography will give you an idea about how he came to be one of the most influential producers and directors in Bollywood. He marched to his own tune and you can't help marvel at his guts and gumption. The no-holds-approach to his innermost thoughts about his childhood, his bond with Kajol and Shah Rukh and his dynamic with his mother makes it an interesting and fun read. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Chief Reporter)

‘Gun Island’ by Amitav Ghosh. This Amitav Ghosh novel is a tale spanning three continents and addressing burning global issues like human trafficking, displacement, and climate change. The story is narrated by an American Indian nearing sixty but lonely. While spending the winter months in his hometown in Kolkata, he happens to befriend an American Indian like him in her late forties and upon her suggestion he visits an ancient temple site in Sunderbans. The English-language novel -- also translated now into three languages including Hindi, Marathi and Malayalam, - is rich in forgotten folklore of Bengal and is increasingly relevant to our times. It's an inspiring tale of how hope prevails despite tragedies. (By M.R.)

‘Khullam Khulla’ by Rishi Kapoor. If you are in the mood to read a no-holds-barred book, then the late actor Rishi Kapoor is your man. Just like his candid interviews and online persona, his autobiography 'Khullam Khulla' isn't afraid to touch upon controversial topics such as Kapoor's detailed encounter with the underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim and his tense professional equation with his colleague Amitabh Bachchan. It's one of those rare books that is powered by some insightful, candid and petty confessions from a superstar. (By M.R.)

‘Uncanny Valley: A memoir’ by Anna Wiener. Weiner brings her razor-sharp literary skills to give an inside look at the world of tech. Having given up her job at a publishing agency, our author heads to San Francisco’s Bay Area to dive head first into Silicon Valley’s several technology companies, only to be disillusioned all over again. Weiner’s memoir captures the essence of the start-up universe that’s already crumbling around its feet — from its grandiose dreams to its dangerous delusions. (By Shyama Krishna Kumar, Pages Editor)

‘Transcendent Kingdom’ by Yaa Gyasi. After the resounding success of her debut novel ‘Homecoming’ (published in 2016), Yaa Gyasi triumphantly returns with a tender look at a Ghanaian immigrant family living in Alabama. Following the story of a young neuroscientist, ‘Transcendant Kingdom’ pits science against faith as it gently takes apart issues like depression, grief, death and addiction. A phenomenal follow-up by an impossibly talented author, this one’s not to be missed. (By S.K.K.)

‘The City We Became’ by NK Jemisin. Her first novel since the triple Hugo Award-winning series ‘Broken Earth’, ‘The City We Became’ is fantasy author NK Jemisin’s new series that sees five New Yorkers come together to defend their city. An ancient evil stirs again within the city and its five protectors must awaken if the city has any chance at survival. Jemisin explores familiar evils by distorting them into even more vulgar and extreme lengths and the result is a searing portrait of humanity in the 21st century. (By S.K.K.)

‘Peace Talks’ and ‘Battle Ground’ by Jim Butcher. The ‘Dresden Files’ series by master writer Jim Butcher is (so far) an 18-book series that follows the life and adventures of the only ‘wizard’, Harry Dresden, in Chicago. The latest installments – both part of the same story arc, both surprise releases for the avid fans – are masterful strokes of action that pit an underdog against impossible forces including a titan. If you like action, adventure and fantasy, look no further than this entertaining series. (By Karishma Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor)

‘Rhythm of War’ by Brian Sanderson. In this fantasy series’ newest entry, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant are facing treachery among allies even as a greater foe – the Fused - hammers at their doors. Add to this, fewer spren are willing to bond with runners, creating a deficit in their forces and a terrible pall is falling over humanity’s last defence. (By K.N.)

‘In the Woods’ by Tana French: I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve recommended this book. It’s just that good and the fact that it’s part of series makes it perfect for the long weekend. It revolves around on the murder of a 12-year-old girl, and is a thriller that is gripping and exciting to read. French’s writing is rich and layered in a way that a crime novel usually isn’t. It feels like a literal masterpiece, with the added value of trying to figure out who the killer is. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)

‘The Emperor of All Maladies’ by Siddhartha Mukherjee: If you’d like to get a bit nerdy with some non-fiction, this award-winning book is a must-read. Mukherjee is an oncologist but also a brilliant storyteller, weaving a stunning tapestry about the history of cancer, the science and historical events surrounding it and his own experience as a doctor. It’s heartfelt and moving for a book that’s about a deadly condition, and will undoubtedly change the way you see the disease.(By J..B.)