MUST READ
Five highly-anticipated books of the month:
Intermezzo
From the author of the bestselling Normal People, Sally Rooney, comes a poignant tale of grief, love, and family. Peter Koubek, a successful Dublin lawyer in his thirties, struggles with sleep and his relationships following their father's death. He is torn between his enduring love, Sylvia, and Naomi, a college student with a carefree attitude. In contrast, his younger brother Ivan, a 22-year-old chess player, feels socially awkward and isolated. As both brothers navigate their grief, they face a period of intense emotion and discovery, revealing how much one life can encompass without breaking.
The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World
From the acclaimed, bestselling author and co-host of the popular Empire Podcast comes a groundbreaking exploration of how Indian ideas spread across the ancient world. This innovative history uncovers India’s pivotal role as the heart of a vast cultural and intellectual empire for over fifteen centuries. Indian contributions in art, religion, technology, astronomy, music, dance, literature, mathematics, and mythology formed a Golden Road of influence extending from the Red Sea to the Pacific. William Dalrymple, drawing on a lifetime of research, illuminates India’s crucial but often forgotten place at the center of ancient Eurasia and names the profound impact of this spread of Indian ideas that transformed global history.
Tell Me Everything
A heartwarming and introspective novel about new friendships, love, and the universal desire to make a lasting impact, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Booker-shortlisted author, Elizabeth Strout. Set in autumnal Maine, the story follows Bob Burgess, the town lawyer, who becomes deeply involved in a murder investigation, defending a reclusive man accused of murdering his mother.
Small Rain
In this profound and radiant novel by award-winning author Garth Greenwell, a medical crisis thrusts a man to the brink of death and into a deeper engagement with love, art, and beauty. When a sudden, excruciating pain disrupts his life, a poet finds himself brought to his knees and eventually admitted to the ICU. Grappling with the complexities of the American healthcare system, he struggles to comprehend the changes happening to his body.
We Solve Murders
A brand new series by the bestseller author Richard Osman. Steve Wheeler is relishing his retirement. The thrill of adventure is a thing of the past for him; now it's his daughter-in-law Amy who thrives on adrenaline. As a private security officer, Amy Wheeler is constantly on the move, with no time for routines or habits. But when a dead body, a bag of money, and a killer targeting her suddenly appear on a remote island, Amy finds herself in urgent need of help from Steve.
MUST WATCH
Five highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
Call Me Bae
The web series Call Me Bae, directed by Collin D’Cunha and starring Ananya Panday in the lead role, will soon be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The series follows Bae, a former heiress turned hustler, who learns that her true assets are not her diamonds but her street smarts and style. Despite being financially strapped, she remains resilient as she navigates the bustling newsrooms of Mumbai, discovering new relationships, personal growth, and her true self along the way.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is an upcoming American fantasy comedy-horror film directed by Tim Burton. The plot centers on the Deetz family, who return to their Winter River home following a sudden family tragedy. Lydia’s life becomes chaotic once again when her rebellious teenage daughter stumbles upon a mysterious portal to the afterlife, reawakening their unsettling connection with Beetlejuice.
The Front Room
The Front Room is a psychological horror film featuring Brandy, Kathryn Hunter, and Andrew Burnap. Directed by Sam and Max Eggers, this film marks their directorial debut and has been produced by A24. Based on Susan Hill's short story of the same name, The Front Room tells the story of a newly pregnant woman whose life is turned upside down when her mother-in-law moves into her home.
His Three Daughters
From writer-director Azazel Jacobs comes a bittersweet and often humorous tale about an elderly patriarch and his three grown daughters who gather around him in his final days. Katie (Carrie Coon) is a controlling Brooklyn mom with a rebellious teenage daughter; Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) is a free-spirited mother separated from her child for the first time; and Rachel (Natasha Lyonne) is a sports-betting stoner who has never left their father's apartment, much to her stepsisters' dismay. Jacobs delves into family dynamics over three tumultuous days as the siblings confront their grievances and find love amidst a fractured home.
The Buckingham Murders
The Buckingham Murders centers on Detective Jaspreet Bhamra, played by Kareena Kapoor, a grieving mother devastated by the murder of her son. Relocating to Buckinghamshire, she is assigned to investigate a child's disappearance and becomes enmeshed in a deepening conflict between Hindu and Muslim communities, echoing the 2022 Leicester riots that led to over 50 arrests. Director Hansal Mehta, renowned for his bold socio-political stories, steps out of his comfort zone with The Buckingham Murders. He embraces a new setting in rural England, shooting entirely on location.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Luck and Strange
David Gilmour of Pink Floyd is set to release his brand-new album, Luck and Strange, soon! Recorded over five months in Brighton and London, this will be Gilmour’s first album of new material in nine years. The album features eight fresh tracks, including a stunning reworking of The Montgolfier Brothers’ Between Two Points, showcasing Romany Gilmour’s vocals and harp contributions.
Infinite Icon
Nearly 20 years after Paris Hilton released her debut album, the heiress and reality star is set to return to music this fall with her second LP, Infinite Icon. Scheduled for release on September 6, 2024, the album is executive produced by Sia. Hilton's first album, Paris, was released in 2006 and featured the cult hit Stars Are Blind.
Chain of Light
A long-lost album by the renowned Pakistani maestro Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is set to be released. Titled Chain of Light, this collection of unheard recordings will be unveiled by Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records. Discovered in the label’s archives in 2021, the album features recordings from April 1990, capturing the divine essence of Khan and his eight-piece ensemble during a transformative session at Real World Studios. It revitalizes the transcendent legacy of a singer who, even decades after his untimely passing in 1997, continues to bridge cultural and musical divides.
C, XOXO
Camila Cabello isn’t ready to say goodbye to the C, XOXO era just yet, despite the lyrics of her new song targeting someone she’d prefer to leave behind. The pop star has announced that she will expand C, XOXO with the “Magic City” edition, set to release on Friday, September 6. The deluxe album will feature the new single “Godspeed.”
The Forest is the Path
The Forest is the Path is an album deeply grounded in reflection, introspection, and inquiry. According to Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol, a central theme was the concept of love from a distance. “I haven’t been in a relationship for over a decade,” Lightbody explains. “So, for me, love from a distance reflects how a relationship is remembered from afar, after a span of, say, ten years.”
MUST ATTEND
Five events that you should attend:
Zamna
The highly acclaimed Zamna festival is set to make its debut in India, generating immense excitement. Originating from the dynamic scene in Mexico, Zamna has gained international fame, captivating audiences in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, Miami, New York, São Paulo, Dubai, and Malta. Following its global success and recognition as a leading electronic music event, Zamna is now coming to Delhi on September 28, with Paradox, Paytm Insider, and WMS Entertainment leading the charge.
Abish - On Stages After Ages
Abish Mathew is bringing his new stand-up comedy special, Abish - On Stages After Ages, to Kochi! With a fresh set of jokes, keen observations, and his trademark charm, Abish Mathew is set to deliver an evening of laughter you won’t forget. Join him for this unique comedy experience at Spotlight Socials on MG Road, Kochi, on September 14th.
AD Design Show
The AD Design Show is an exclusive three-day event celebrating architectural excellence. As the premier art and design event of the year, it promises an immersive experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to see skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts from various regions of India and engage in discussions with leading figures in the design industry. The show will feature AD’s brand partners displaying top-tier furniture, lighting, art, and decor products. It will also unite pioneers from architecture, interior design, art curation, crafts, and independent studios.
AVA Experience
The inaugural AVA Experience, a luxurious festival featuring outstanding music, sumptuous accommodations, and exclusive networking opportunities, is set to take place at the stunning Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg, Kashmir, from September 7th to 8th, 2024. Launched by White Fox and Sueno Events, this unique live event series aims to redefine the music festival landscape in India. With a focus on introducing house music to a new audience against the breathtaking backdrop of Kashmir, the AVA Experience aspires to create an unparalleled event that enriches community-led experiences while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the live music scene.
Naayaab
The inaugural edition of Naayaab is a groundbreaking platform showcasing over 100 curated masterpieces created by master artisans who have received prestigious awards such as the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, and Shilp Guru, among others. This unique exhibition will tour three cities, featuring over 100 exclusive masterpieces representing more than 40 traditional art forms, crafted by over 70 renowned maestros. The Hyderabad edition will be held on September 4th and 5th, with the exhibition concluding in Mumbai from September 13th to 14th, 2024. All events will take place at the Taj Mahal Hotels in the respective cities.
Words Platform Desk
Date 02.09.2024
