*A Guide to the Birds of East Africa; Nicholas Drayson (Penguin Books, 2008, pp 202, Rs 395) The story of Mr Malik who was secretly in love with Rose Mbikwa, the leader of a morning bird walk Society. But facing competition from Harry Khan, Mr Malik is determined to win over Rose’s heart by seeing the most number of birds in a week.

*The Last Dragon Dance; Kwai-Yun Li (Penguin Books, 2008, pp 122, Rs 199) A debut collection of short stories that gives us a glimpse into the life of the little known Chinese community in 1950s’ Calcutta.

*The Breakthrough Imperative: How the best Managers get Outstanding results; Mark Gottfredson & Steve Schaubert (HarperCollins, 2008, pp 367, Rs 495) A well reasearched book on the fundamentals to survive and progress in today's fast-paced global economy. A must-read book for aspiring business leaders.

*What is the What; Dave Eggers (Penguin Books, 2008, pp 538, Rs 350) An engaging novel on the story of a boy who was seperated from his family in Sudan’s brutal civil war and his journey through Africa’s wilderness to America.

*The Secret Friend; Chris Mooney (Penguin Books, 2008, pp 439, 2.99 pounds) A dark and thrilling novel of a CSI agent’s chase after a dangerous murderer after the bodies of two girls were discovered in the water with tiny statues of Virgin Mary tucked away in their clothing.

*Mad and Divine; Sudhir Kakar (Penguin Viking, 2008, pp 178, Rs 325) In this book, the author, one of India’s finest psychoanalysts writes about the integration of the spirit and psyche in the evolving psychology of an individual.

*Moscow Rules; Daniel Silva (Penguin Books, 2008, pp 433, Rs 450) In modern Moscow, a new generation of Stalinists are plotting to reclaim an empire lost. An intriguing book centering around the threats rising to the East.