The Blog of Small Things

Name : The Saffron Storm Author : Saba Naqvi     Year of Publication : 2024     Genre : Non - Fiction, Politics     Rating : *** ( Three stars out of 5) The author is a journalist and a fellow-traveller who has chronicled the rise and fall (and rise) of BJP over the past 3 decades. That the author is a Muslim adds spice. The author steers clear of ideological judgements and opinionated writing. Her forte is reportage and she clearly sticks to that. The best portions cover the day-to-day functioning of the first ever non-Congress coalition government to have completed a full term. The most interesting anecdote relates to Vajpayee's strategy on handling USA's request to mobilise Indian troops for it's operations in Iraq.  A good read to compare and contrast the times of Vajpayee and Modi.

  Name : 2024 : The election that surprised India Author : Rajdeep Sardesai     Year of Publication : 2025     Genre : Non - Fiction, Politics     Rating : ** 1/2 ( Two and a half stars out of 5) Rajdeep Sardesai, the newsman, is in fine form here as he chronicles the travails and moods of every major political player over the 2019-2024 election cycle. A particular highlight is the chapter wherein he profiles 10 MPs who defied odds and money power to emerge as inspirational victors. But the problem with Rajdeep the commentator is his desperation to keep showing that he is neutral with his "On the other hand" narratives. He will do well to remember Desmond Tutu : "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor".

  Name : Our living constitution : A concise introduction and commentary Author : Shashi Tharoor     Year of Publication : 2025     Genre : Non - Fiction, Politics     Rating : ** 1/2 ( Two and a half stars out of 5) The author's articulate language does not mask the fact that this introduction to the Constitution is a tome aimed to tap the Tharoor brand offering nothing original to the reader. The book is recommended for high school students who are yet  to explore the depths of our Constitution but for an average Tharoor reader who knows better, this book is a scam.