MUST READ
Five highly-anticipated books of the month:
The Life Impossible
From the author of the globally acclaimed bestseller, The Midnight Library, comes The Life Impossible. When retired mathematics teacher Grace Winters inherits a dilapidated house on a Mediterranean island from a long-lost friend, her curiosity compels her to take action. With just a one-way ticket to Ibiza, no guidebook, and no set plan, she embarks on a journey.
There are Rivers in the Sky
Elif Shafak’s There are Rivers in the Sky spans centuries, cultures, and waters. In ancient Nineveh’s ruins lies the forgotten Epic of Gilgamesh. Victorian London sees Arthur, gifted with memory, rise from poverty to a printing press apprenticeship and a journey sparked by Nineveh and its remains. In 2014 Turkey, Narin, seeking baptism, faces upheaval near the Tigris. London, 2018: Zaleekhah, on a Thames houseboat, finds unexpected ties to her homeland, reshaping her life.
Sea Ice? Now You Don’t!: A Green Humour Collection
Green Humour, a critically acclaimed comic series, returns with its third anthology, Sea Ice? Now You Don’t! A world where penguins balance nests on fragile ice, tigers pondering their future amidst their glamour, bats serenading in ghazals, and whales confronting marine plastic by returning it to humans. These comics traverse from sky-high perspectives to deep ocean geothermal mines, weaving together humor with discussions on ecology, conservation, and the politics of governance.
The Many Lives of Syeda X: The Story of an Unknown Indian
What does the life of an average working-class Indian truly entail? In her exceptional book, award-winning journalist Neha Dixit illuminates the journey of one such anonymous Indian woman, spanning from the early 1990s to today. The narrative paints a vivid picture of a life fraught with persistent and corrosive strain. Settling in Delhi, Syeda embarked on a life of poverty as a migrant worker, taking on numerous jobs each day—from trimming loose threads on jeans and cooking namkeen to shelling almonds and crafting tea strainers. Throughout her life, Syeda has undertaken over fifty different types of work, earning meager wages each time. Her life upturns in riots and her position seized by another nameless migrant—a story of countless untold lives and a piercing portrayal of urban existence in New India.
The Book of Elsewhere
In the whispers of ancient legends, there is mention of a warrior who defies death and has witnessed countless civilizations rise and fall. Known by many names—Unute, Child of Lightning, Death itself—he is now simply called "B." Yet, despite his formidable existence, he yearns for one thing above all: the ability to die. In the present day, a U.S. black-ops team has offered their assistance on the condition that he aids them in return. But when a soldier, seemingly mortal, is brought back to life, it uncovers an even greater mystery than B himself—an equally formidable force with its own hidden agenda. In a remarkable fusion of China Miéville’s unique imagination and Keanu Reeves’s haunting, emotionally charged prose, these two unparalleled creators have delivered an entirely original tale, destined to enthrall current fans and win over many new ones.
MUST WATCH
Five highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
Cuckoo
Cuckoo is a chilling thriller directed and written by Tilman Singer. The film features Hunter Schafer, Jan Bluthardt, Marton Csokas, Jessica Henwick, and Dan Stevens. It centers on a teenager relocating to her father's residence in the German Alps, only to encounter unsettling events. As her family becomes entangled in a malevolent scheme orchestrated by her father's employer, she confronts increasingly disturbing occurrences.
Trap
Trap is a highly anticipated American psychological thriller directed and written by the renowned filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan. Featuring Josh Hartnett and Saleka Shyamalan, the film centers on a chilling premise. Hartnett plays 'The Butcher,' a notorious serial killer who attends a concert with his daughter featuring pop sensation Lady Raven. However, his plans take a dark turn when he realizes the concert is a carefully orchestrated trap set by the police to capture him. As tension mounts and stakes rise, Trap explores the intricate cat-and-mouse dynamics between the cunning killer and law enforcement, promising a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Netflix’s upcoming series A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a must-watch for mystery enthusiasts. Adapted from Holly Jackson's novel, the six-part series follows teenager Pip (Emma Myers) as she investigates a local murder case. Pip suspects that the supposed perpetrator, who died by suicide, may not be guilty. Guided by her fascination with true crime and assisted by the brother of the accused, Pip dives into solving the perplexing mystery surrounding the school murder.
Ulajh
Ulajh is a spy thriller directed by Sudhanshu Saria and produced by Vineet Jain under the banner of Junglee Pictures. The film features Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Rajesh Tailang, and Adil Hussain in pivotal roles. The plot centers around a young Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from a distinguished family of patriots, who finds herself caught in a perilous personal conspiracy while stationed far from home at a crucial point in her career. Ulajh explores themes of espionage, love, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to one’s country.
Mothers' Instinct
Mothers' Instinct is an American psychological thriller, marking the directorial debut of Benoît Delhomme. The film stars Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, Anders Danielsen Lie, and Josh Charles. This remake of Olivier Masset-Depasse's 2018 French-language film, which was adapted from the 2012 novel of the same name, delves into the lives of two housewives with children of similar ages. Their seemingly stable lives are upended by a tragic accident, and the ensuing events become the central focus of the movie.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Short N Sweet
Sabrina Carpenter is gearing up to release her sixth full-length album titled Short N Sweet on August 23. The album, eagerly awaited by fans, will include 12 tracks, featuring previously unreleased songs like Dumb & Poetic and Lie to Girls. Carpenter announced the album through a playful trailer on her Instagram, reminiscent of an infomercial, where she danced along to an instrumental version of her popular song Espresso.
F-1 Trillion
Post Malone has announced the release of his upcoming country album, F-1 Trillion, scheduled for August 16th under Mercury Records/Republic. Alongside the announcement, he has released a new duet from the album titled Pour Me a Drink, featuring Blake Shelton. Details about the album remain sparse for now, but Pour Me a Drink delivers exactly what fans might anticipate: a catchy, easygoing country collaboration.
Don’t Be Dumb
A$AP Rocky is gearing up to release his fourth studio album Don’t Be Dumb on August 30, 2024. It's been over five years since A$AP Rocky released his divisive third album, Testing, and anticipation for his next project has only grown stronger. In the midst of raising his first child with Rihanna, expecting another baby, and exploring new commercial ventures, Rocky has been dropping hints about his upcoming music.
RITUAL
Jon Hopkins’ upcoming album, RITUAL, is a 41-minute electronic symphony that combines devotional, empowering, and nurturing elements. Crafted from deep bass tones, hypnotic drumming, and transcendent melodic interplay, it offers a tense, immersive experience that ultimately triumphs. This album represents a culmination of themes explored throughout Hopkins' 22-year career and serves as a dynamic counterpart to his 2021 release, Music For Psychedelic Therapy. RITUAL unfolds as a single piece divided into eight chapters, characterized by its depth and contrast. Inspired by themes of ceremony, spiritual liberation, and the hero's journey, the album channels an ancient and primal energy.
No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin
Meshell Ndegeocello’s new album pays homage to the influential writer and activist James Baldwin, whose distinctive style, resilience, and elegance have deeply inspired the bassist, vocalist, and songwriter. Co-produced by Ndegeocello and Chris Bruce, No More Water showcases standout singles such as Love, Travel, and Raise the Roof. The album also features several spoken word interludes, including contributions from poet and activist Staceyann Chin and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, who edited the recent essay collection God Made My Face: A Collective Portrait of James Baldwin.
MUST ATTEND
Five events that you should attend:
Platform: What’s Your Story? – Chapter XV
We are hosting an evening of captivating cinema, evocative performance poetry, and striking visual storytelling with some of the most innovative talents in the arts on 4th August at The Piano Man, Malviya Nagar, Delhi. This chapter features the visionary filmmaker Reema Maya, whose film, Nocturnal Burger pushed the boundaries of short films cinema in India and won many accolades; Megha Rao, a performance poet and author whose words resonate with profound emotional depth; and Santanu Hazarika, a multidisciplinary artist whose visual creations offer a unique blend of creativity and insight. These remarkable artists will share their stories and showcase their creative expressions.
Professor of Tomfoolery
Kenny Sebastian returns to India with his Professor of Tomfoolery tour after a triumphant global journey. For those who missed out, catch his special filled with tales of family, generation gaps, and friendships once again. Kenny brings a poignant show that will evoke smiles, nostalgia, and reflections on life's journey.
SOI conducted by Zubin Mehta: Johann Strauss II
Zubin Mehta, the internationally acclaimed conductor from Bombay, returns to conduct the Symphony Orchestra of India in a performance featuring the delightful music of Johann Strauss II. Joining them is the stellar soprano soloist Chen Reiss, renowned for her exquisite interpretation of Strauss's music, described as 'one of the most perfect Strauss voices imaginable'. Together, they bring the enchanting melodies of Johann Strauss II to life in a captivating musical experience..
Do You Know Who I Am?
Daniel Fernandes is currently touring with his third comedy special! Titled Do You Know Who I Am?, the show is Daniel's unique celebration of life. Following a significant personal experience, he found himself navigating a world that felt slightly unfamiliar. Instead of confiding in his therapist, Daniel chose to share his thoughts directly with his audience because, well, that's how you beat the system! Prepare yourself for a lively evening that dives deep into unexpected waters. It promises to be a fun night out, albeit with a twist you might not see coming.
Bones and All
DeadAnt presents international comedy sensation Anthony Jeselnik! The acclaimed American comedian will be performing in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru with his latest hour-long show, Bones and All. Anthony Jeselnik is a celebrated stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit and dark humor. He currently co-hosts the podcast The Jeselnik And Rosenthal Vanity Project with Gregg Rosenthal. Jeselnik's most recent stand-up special, Fire In The Maternity Ward, debuted on Netflix to widespread critical praise. He is also the creator, host, and producer of Good Talk and The Jeselnik Offensive on Comedy Central. Additionally, Jeselnik has made notable appearances on several celebrity roasts for the network, including The Roast Of Donald Trump and The Roast Of Charlie Sheen.
Words Platform Desk
Date 01.08.2024