2 comments about Trekking in Ladakh, 3rd: India Trekking Guides (Trailblazer).

1. This is in fact the only detailed account, well illustrated, for a traveler to Ladakh (do you know where is it?), a small Buddhist-Islam country which still preserves many of the traditions already spoiled in Nepal & Sikkim.
   For a trekker, this is a precious vade mecum. For a learner, Charlie Loram is a most knowledgeable teacher on the subject.
   This book is worth your time and money.
   And, thank you Charlie for a superb book!



2. This is also a good guide book as is the Lonely Planet Guide to the Indian Himalayas. Both have very good information. Maps are better in LP.

1 comments about India South Nelles Map.

1. I purchased this map at a bookstore after having bought another thru Amazon. This map has great details and it's lighter than all the others. I purchased it even though I had another because it was significantly better.

5 comments about Prince of Ayodhya (Ramayana series).

1. This book is a wonderful book. I first got this book from a friend who recommended it as a good read. I, being an American Baptist, had no idea that this story was actually a retelling of a great Indian Epic, full of bramin magic, horrible beast, proud Armies, and a great hero.
   
   Because of this wonderful book I have learned a great deal about a culture that I would probably not even really take the time to research.
   
   As for the actual story. It was an amazing story once you get past all of the Indian words that are used. Once you begin reading it is kind of slow in the first few chapters but once the story gets going you'll be amazed.
   
   I can't wait to finish reading this entire series and I look forward to the completion of the 6th and final book.
   I strongly recommed this book to anyone interested in a good read. Expecially to those who are not Indian as this book will open your eyes to different cultures and send you back begging for more.



2. Ashok Banker, I am your fan! You astonish me with your literary skill and your ability to describe things so realistically that we feel as if we are watching a film. The characters in this novel are fleshed-out and so easy to relate to that you feel as if you get to know them. An amazing endeavor, Mr. Banker, that has succeeded impeccably! Keep writing, Mr. Banker! I have read five of the Ramayana books so far (up to Bridge of Rama, no.5), and I am totally enraptured! Can't wait for number six! For those of you who have not yet read this series, do so now!



3. I've tried to read the Ramayana, but the versions I found were in heavy, tedious language which bored me to death.
   
   This version, however, was completely different! Well written and beautifully detailed, it was great fun to read.



4. If you are reading my Ramayana series, then I gently urge and request you to please not buy the UK or US editions, even if they're available at bargain prices. Which they probably are, since the publishers there have more or less put the books out of print, due to a lack of interest by non-Indian readers.
   
   The Indian editions are the definitive editions of my work, containing a lengthy Introduction by me titled 'Retelling the Ramayana', which provides an essential perspective on the work, the final versions of all the books--including some small but significant changes, particularly in some book endings--no glossary, thank God, and are generally the best-edited, designed and published versions, in my opinion at least. In short, they're the Author's Preferred Edition, particularly the new hardcover omnibus editions, which represent the story in the way I had originally intended and are truly sumptuous to hold (and behold). Also, significantly, they aren't packaged as 'Fantasy' or 'SF' like the firang ones, which is a ridiculously transparent attempt at cashing in on the commercial success of the fantasy genre a la LoTR and Harry Potter. Please, people, my Ramayana series is a retelling of an epic, and that's exactly what it should be called, 'Epic'. I'd venture to call it 'Itihasa', but even Mythology, which is the label Penguin uses for the books here in India, is acceptable. But certainly not Fantasy as in one of the ubiquitous Tolkien rip-offs that are churned out in droves by western publishers, or even SF, both genres that can sometimes be wonderful in their own right, but are totally inappropriate in the context of an epic that pre-dates Tolkien by some thousands of years, and the entire tradition of western literature as well!
   
   Frankly, I feel so strongly about this that I'd even go so far as to say, if you can't get the Indian editions, then don't read the books! That's why I'm currently in the process of re-acquiring the rights to the US and UK editions and they will soon be out of print everywhere but India. Which is how it ought to be: this is a quintessentially Indian story, written by a contemporary Indian for other contemporary Indians to read. And the Indian editions are really the only way to go.
   
   Ashok K. Banker
   www.ashokbanker.com



5. I give this book a resounding "eh." I mean, it's okay, and he can keep you turning pages with his moderately interesting picture of the society, but almost nothing happens in the whole damned 500-page book (which, unlike most of the other people who gave it a poor rating, I actually finished).
   
   What do I mean by nothing happens? Well, the first 350-400 pages are literally just the first day of the Ramayana. Beyond a very little palace intrigue, and a moderate amount of exposition, there's not much there--almost no character development, and very little actual plot. That's a real accomplishment in a book this long.
   
   There are a couple of battle scenes late in the book, but they're really only a few pages long each, and they're complete and utter mary-sue battles. It's hard to imagine what the rest of the seven books would be like given the ridiculous ease with which Rama defeats the very few hostile encounters he has, thanks to the godlike powers he's simply given, no thanks to any struggle or quest or even apparent rhyme or reason, apart from the fact that he's the king's son. Seriously, A sage gives him godlike powers, and he wins one big battle. The end.
   
   I know, it's a national epic, blah, blah, blah, but Banker never succeeds in building up an iota of tension in Rama's part of the tale. The story itself may be a great tale, but, if so, Banker isn't the one to tell it. The palace intrigues back in Rama's native city of Ayodhya are more successful, but ultimately not enough to carry the book.
   
   In conclusion: this book needed an editor; it's about 100-150 pages of story, max, in a 500+ volume. I really don't think I can spend the time required to read six more volumes in this series.

3 comments about Sherpas: Reflections on Change in Himalayan Nepal.

1. A very informative and readable book. The author provides a thoughtful and moving account of the Sherpas and how their community is being transformed by the forces of modernization. The book is well-researched, thorough, and balanced. The author's personal accounts and anecdotes that cover a quarter of a century, complemented by excellent photographs, are particular strengths. Excellent reading for anyone with an interest in the Sherpas of Nepal.



2. A very informative and readable book. The author provides a thoughtful and moving account of the Sherpas and how their community is being transformed by the forces of modernization. The book is well-researched, thorough, and balanced. The author's personal accounts and anecdotes that cover a quarter of a century, complemented by excellent photographs, are particular strengths. Excellent reading for anyone with an interest in the Sherpas of Nepal.



3. James Fisher worked with Edmund Hillary in the early 1960's to establish the early Sherpa schools in Khumjung and Jung Gompa (Junbesi) as well as the medical supplies landing strips at Lukla and Phaplu. Thus he learned first hand the basics of Sherpa culture and economy; he had a good working understanding of Sherpa moral values, too.

   Returning to USA for PhD in Anthropology, Prof. Fisher developed a theoretical understanding of human society. He then coupled theory with his practical knowledge of Sherpa life, and did several outstanding studies of Sherpa culture which ask the right questions of the appropriate spokespeople resulting in culturally accurate answers.

   Sherpa Friendship Association always recommends Sherpas: Reflections on Change as the first book anyone should read to answer the vital questions: what is happening to Sherpa society now? Is Sherpa religion dead? Have Sherpa values collapsed into generic materialism? Many folks recently returned from Himalayan trekking or those studying vajrayana buddhism, as well as Sherpa leaders, are very concerned to find these answers. You will find Prof. Fisher's answers accurate and positive, because he does not ask random informants (or informants with mischievious motivation) like many other anthroplogists who go on to write books on Sherpas.

   Essentially, Fisher's interviews show that Sherpa culture remains vibrant, moral, and strongly religious. Great book, highly recommended!

No comments about Footprint Handbook 2009 India (Footprint India Handbook).

1 comments about The Granta Book of India.

1. It should be no surprise that Ian Jack, an old India hand, should produce such a delightful collection of nonfiction and fiction from the pages of Granta. This is a bedside book, to be savored at ease.

No comments about For A Pagan Song.

5 comments about Sadhus: India's Mystic Holy Men.

1. The men (and very occasionally women) portrayed in this inconspicuous volume are compelling in the extreme. It is only necessary to gaze at their faces and ash-dusted bodies to fully appreciate the gift of this work. But the author/photographer offers so much more.

   As a study in psychology in extremis, the wealth of behavioral detail and description is satisfying. And the diverse, often incredibly imaginative, rituals of self-abnegation are conveyed with tremedous sensitivty and scrupulous balance.

   The text is dense, and possibly impenetrable in places. It is academic in its emphasis on getting every possible relevant detail down. So one is met with an avalanche of esoterica upon delving in.

   Perhaps the writing assumes a bit of knowlege and sophistication in Eastern ways? But it really doesn't matter anyway. Somehow a sense of what is important filters through after a while. And the photo captions are well-written and fascinating.

   This is a picture of a society of devotees who have given it ALL up in order to stay exquisitely near to the timeless, pitiless cycle of death and regeneration that powers all life. The book itself is clearly an act of devotion to that extaordinay commitment.




2. This is a beautiful book about a bunch of morons. The basic fallacy of this book is that the people written about in this book are "mystic holy men" and that living a life of asceticism and renunciation and smearing your body with ashes and doing a bunch of rituals will bring enlightenment. Total hogwash.



3. I went to India twice, the first time for 4 months, and sadhus are definetly one of the most interesting people of the hindu world. Obviously their lifestyle is not comprehended by westerners and even less by closed-minded people who probably have never been to another continent with a different culture (as reviewer fro Hawaii); or if they have, they still have'nt learned to respect the differences and traditions among different societies. Since my first trip to India I saw this book on many bookstores there, and after comparing it to many others this is the one with the best pictures of the holly men. Incomprehension should not be a cause of disrespect; actually, this has caused wars, and still does.



4. This is one of my favorite books. Just by looking at the pictures I feel as though I am put in a higher state of consciousness. These men - and a few women - are fascinating. The pictures are beautifully done, and the text is very informative and provides information regarding the different groups of Sadhus and their - by our society's standards - unusual practices.

   Two things that I found interesting about this book were: the discussion of rituals done by the Sadhus with the intention of shedding light on the non-duality of life ("life is death, death is life"), and that to the Sadhu "rationality" is not the prime objective in life. The book says that what is considered rational is too grounded in the transient world of appearances to be of concern to the Sadhu. The goal of the Sadhu is to go beyond the world of appearances and duality, and that often means going beyond what the world would consider rational.

   This is a group of people that most of us will probably never be able to fully understand, and I certainly do not claim that I do. But I find them fascinating and very inspiring. This book is one of the best documentations of their life and world which, as the book mentions, may sadly be coming to an end due to the influence of the West.




5. If an ordinary worldly-minded person was to read this book, there would only be two extreme reactions. One would feel shocked and disgusted while the other would be filled with deep admiration for this class of human beings. I belong to the latter!
   
   While reading this book, I felt a great shift of my consciousness to a higher plane. It was as if most of the sadhus were blessing me and were aware that I was reading about their fascinating way of life. It is definitely light years away from the modern world! The pictures of these holy men were simply breath-taking and the authors objective view (filled with subtle humour) of these sadhus is amazingly filled with reverence and a deep understanding of Hindu philosophy.
   
   If one were to visit India, he/she must pay a visit to these holy men. That is the REAL India!

2 comments about Let's Go India & Nepal 8th Ed (Let's Go India and Nepal).

1. When I was about to leave for an 8-month assignment to New Delhi, I went to my local book store to buy Lonely Planet's guide to the country. But unfortunately (or fortunately) the store only had this book instead.
   
   After reading it -- or more like browsing through -- and experiencing the country, I've found that the guide's very informative and spot on. The thing that I found to be most helpful is about the Indian culture and the street life. These are especially important if you intend on taking to the streets, where you'll see that anything is possible.
   
   The prices mentioned in the book tend to be a bit off, but not that much.
   
   The book also has a lot of humor without losing focus, and also more entertaining than the Lonely Planet book I have (Central Europe)..
   
   Now I'm off to look for the France version.
   
   Highly recommended!



2. After winding up pretty much abandoned in NWesn India (long story), my copy of Let's Go: India was my bible. Their writers are accurate, observant, pithy and ballsy. The info's good, the recommendations excellent and *they're funny* which I cannot say for any of the Lonely Planet guides I've read.
   
   Let's Go is a book for a budget traveler -- there are some higher-end listings but you won't find Bangkok's Taj Mahal hotel listed. Instead, you'll find tiny guesthouses run by tiny women overflowing with personality and good advice -- who can paint your hands with hemp, teach you the fine points of Bollywood cinema or take you sari-shopping.
   
   I used Let's Go throughout Rajastan and Gujurat as well as in Bombay/Mumbai. It was so good that I've taken versions to Peru, London, Thailand, Malaysia and Italy. I recommend the entire series.

4 comments about In Rajasthan (Lonely Planet Journeys).

1. You shouldn't leave home without it. Especially not if you are a Lonely Planet-Woman travelling on your own...



2. Royina Grewal's book is full of the history and grandeur of the Rajputs and the Moghul Emperors, told as the author travels through modern day Rajasthan. The book is so descriptive in parts you can almost feel the heat and dust as if you were there yourself. A wonderful read and highly recommended, especially if you are fascinated with India and her colourful history as much as I am.



3. Royina Grewal's work is rich with imagery and balanced, sensitive observations. She evokes the atmosphere of Rajasthan to a traveller without romanticizing, never straying too far from the lives of the locals. She is always careful not to claim to speak for the people she interviews or let her preconceptions take over their stories. She describes beautifully the scenery, history and customs of various parts of the state. I've learned a lot from this book, not only about Rajasthan, but how to journey through this colorful, changing place as an outsider.



4. Royina Grewal and her husband Ajit chose to leave Bombay and exchange their metropolitan existence for a rural one in the village of Patan in the Alwar district of north eastern Rajasthan. Royina, who also authored Sacred Virgin about a trip on the Narmada river, and her husband have decided to rebuild a run down farm and using experimental agricultural techniques they are attempting to grow crops on arid land. While her husband tends to the farm and the reconstruction of the house Royina, aware of Rajastahn's reputation for its renowned fortresses and palaces, decides to go on a bit of a tour of the countryside. Its an amusing tour. In Rajasthan, which is one of the least modernised areas of India, it is very rare to see a woman traveling alone so her presence brings out many interesting females who are enthused by her boldness in a land where women are rarely free to choose the course of their own lives. Royina even tours the countryside on the back of a motorcycle in one scene. She claims to feel the nomadic spirit which may be true but she also feels the shopping spirit as well as she makes purchases here and there(including a pair of leather boots that are made for princes) that she is careful to note most Indians cannot afford. This is perhaps one of the problems with this book, Royina only leaves home for an eight week stretch and then writes her book. Other travel writers spend years in India before writing about it. She was born in India, given an education, and one surmises has always had a fair amount of money and freedom(she is careful to note her marriage was not an arranged one). She is one of the privileged westernized few and for her roughing it is a matter of choice and really she is not roughing it for she more often than not stays in the renovated and converted former palaces of the Rajasthan princes with their elaborate gardens. More a vacation than a tour of India I would say. Still she relates a lot of valuable and interesting information along the way and she has some good stories to tell and listens to others tell theirs. She no doubt has a real interest in womens liberation and that theme runs through the book. Nothing gives her greater pleasure than to see a woman asserting her independence(very rare in Rajasthan) and nothing hurts her more than to see a woman or girl in some form of bondage to a husband or small minded community or a religion. Royina places her hopes in the education system and she is touched to see a young tribal girl wearing a school uniform beneath her sari. As Royina says change happens very slowly in India but you have to keep chiseling away. A good book (perhaps designed to encourage tourism to the area) though compared to other Indian travel books(Norman Lewis, William Dalrymple)pretty light fare.