Recommended Reads
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Whispers of the Maple and Mango Trees
Born and raised in India, Jayashree immigrated to Canada more than five decades ago and holds master's and Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry and Indian classical music. An award-winning author of several books written in two languages – English and Marathi – her books cover varied subjects, those being medical science, Indian classical music, real-life experiences of Canadian immigrants and historical fact-based novels. Serving as a member of the board of trustees with many Canadian non-profit organisations, Jayashree is a visiting professor of music at many Canadian and American universities.
This book is based on two major historical events of two secular, democratic and powerful nations of the world, Canada and India, which are strikingly similar in nature: the October Crisis of Canada and the Operation Blue Star of India. Both the events, supposedly freedom movements, done by the French in Quebec (Canada) and Sikhs in Punjab (India) for gaining sovereignty are documented as the most catastrophic events, sadly stamping ugly, dark blemishes in the historical pages of the respective countries. This book details information about those two crises with a comparative aspect.
The story captures the atmosphere through the portrayal of fictional characters, a few among them being based on real people, in its grand scope as well as the subtleties of circumstances of those times in Canada and India. It is narrated by wind, personified as Sir Wind, with exceptional sensitivity and grace, who in turn hears it ‘first hand’ from the whispers of the maple trees in Canada and mango trees in India.
The story sheds light on the fact that terrorism undoubtedly is counterproductive in any civilised society, and violence and extremism have no place in a democratic society. In dealing with terrorism, it tells us how Canada and India exemplified to the world a brilliant spirit in that we all lose when misinformation sells more than truth, when moral exploitation sells more than decency, and when political leaders, whom we elect and trust, care more for their personal gain than people's pain.
Today, looking at the stellar achievements of both Quebec in Canada and Punjab in India, the idea of either of them wanting to be ‘independent, sovereign countries’ was indeed too far-fetched and downright futile.
£13.99 -
The Parkrun Family
Liam doesn’t care if millions of people all over the world love to do parkrun every Saturday. He would much rather stay home and play games on his iPad. The rest of his family are excited to be part of it all, even his little sister who gets to ride in a pram. She doesn’t have to walk or run like Liam does. Liam hates running. It hurts his legs. He mumbles and grumbles, dragging his feet, hanging his head, and complaining the whole time. There were lots of people everywhere, talking and laughing as they made their way around the course… but not Liam. He just doesn’t want to be there.
Suddenly, a yellow flash whizzes past him. “BEEP BEEP!”
Liam can’t believe his eyes. Can that really be what he thinks it is? He’s got to find out!
£7.99 -
The Return of the Wounded Bird
Saeed was on the train, yet in a way, he wasn’t. He was out of prison, but part of him was still there. A certain kind of prison gets into the head and never comes out; it burrows into the soul and never lets the sun in. When they open the door and let you out, they know you carry the jail inside you. You become, eternally, a self-prisoner. Saeed was thinking about nothing, watching nothing, hearing nothing. He was as he had learned to be for the last three years: the absent present.
He couldn’t believe that his beloved mother had gone, and that he hadn’t been able to give her the land he had promised before she died – or that he had, perhaps, brought death to her instead of the land. So many times he had desired to die in jail. They had told him, ‘We will make you desire death; we will make you implore for it.’ And he did. Many times he had asked them to kill him, but they had denied him this, telling him he had no right even to that. It was they, and only they, who decided matters of life and death. The marks of torture were everywhere on his body, but the biggest mark was on his soul. The biggest rupture was inside him, through which everything human had leaked out, leaving him the shadow of a being that once was human.
£11.99 -
The Beginner’s Guide to Building an Impactful Career
In a world overwhelmed by social issues, it's easy to feel apathetic. Yet, deep down, many of us yearn to make a difference. This book is for those who want to turn that desire into action.
I’m Fungai Mettler, and like you, I once faced the question of what I wanted to be defined by. Choosing the road less travelled, I found my purpose in social impact. As a multi-passionate professional, I work across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa on projects related to environmental, social, and governance issues. Every day, I wake up grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.
This book is a guide for anyone looking to build a career in social impact. Whether you want to work for NGOs, companies that make a difference, or start your own initiative, this book is for you. No effort is too small to change the world.
Join me as we debunk myths about social impact and philanthropy, and uncover the steps you can take to build a purposeful and impactful career.
£7.99 -
The Bats of Bulford Barn
This children’s book narrates the exciting adventures of moving to a new home from the eyes of two young children inspired by the rhyme:
Through the trees and up the hill,
There is the barn and here is the mill.
Round the corner, up the Red Berry Drive,
Into the barn, so cosy and warm inside.
£8.99 -
Custodians Arising
The world is on the brink of disaster: wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, climate change, sinkholes, and a creeping, immobilizing forgetfulness.
Zav is a teenager plagued by visions and dreams, their meanings just beyond his grasp. A skeptic of all things cryptozoological, unlike his eccentric grandfather, Zav is about to have his beliefs shaken to the core. He is thrust into a global quest to retrieve mysterious artifacts guarded by the Ancient Custodians, Cryptids whose existence must remain hidden. Only by succeeding can Zav hope to avert worldwide catastrophe.
But danger lurks in the shadows. The Stealers, sinister figures bent on destruction, are hunting Zav and the artifacts he seeks. Who are they? Can Zav outpace them, collect the items, and uncover the truth? And above all, what is it that Zav must not forget?
Are you a skeptic like Zav, or do you believe truth is stranger than fiction? Embark on this thrilling, edge of your seat adventure that spans the globe and discover for yourself.
£9.99 -
The Wrong Man
This story is inspired by true events that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives. Every occurrence has a purpose, allowing us to learn valuable lessons. Life can be viewed as a series of stepping stones; everything the universe presents is meant for our growth, but how we respond is ultimately up to us. True love does exist, but often people choose to overlook its true nature, frequently due to fear or external pressure like social status or familial expectations. The tale of Adam and Eve illustrates that genuine love always finds a way back home. It also emphasizes that love requires patience and highlights the importance of learning to love oneself before loving another. Relationships require effort, but for the right person, it’s worth it. I believe that everyone has one true love in their lifetime and that we all have a destined path.
Everything happens as it should; no one can escape their destiny. So why worry? What is meant for you will always find its way back.
£5.99 -
Embracing Radiance
AN INCREDIBLE SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE
A dying man’s final brushstrokes create an image that shatters another man’s life, sending him on a pilgrimage of self-discovery. He must cross the barriers of time, space, death, and even individuality. The prize? Joy beyond all darkness: a spiritual radiance of inner bliss and completeness, an all-consuming love: the ultimate human experience.
How many of us are called to undertake this pilgrimage? How many are strong and fearless enough to complete it? Are you?
£9.99 -
Life in Love, Hopelessness and Healing
Love. How fickle. Yet our lives are spent surrounded by it, chasing it in its many forms and losing it over and over again. Dealing with it in all its aspects is a unique and honest endeavour. This is a hopeful message to all those who have felt love, heartache and abandonment at any point in their lives following the curves of love and loss.
the hard choice
to love yourself
and within your own journey
to rely on yourself
proving
you deserve the world
not
accepting anything less£7.99 -
Soundness of Mind
This collection of poetry explores the emotional and psychological weight of lived experience. Through reflections on trauma and transformation, each poem traces how hardship shapes us, gradually revealing the inner balances that make us who we are.
£5.99 -
The Adventures And Education of Quintus Porker
Join Quintus in this educational story as he saves the day when things go wrong on a school outing. Quintus is naturally shy and doesn’t seek attention. On the other hand, he is ambitious, and he wants to learn as much as possible to make life better for himself and to be able to help other people. This delightful tale is sure to inspire young readers to learn skills that will help them to become useful and responsible members of society.
£8.99 -
Me Oh My Where Is the Pie
When Maisy dives into her favourite book this Halloween, she finds herself on a real adventure with Patch, her pumpkin pal, and a host of woodland creatures.
They’re all headed to a spooky party, but disaster strikes!
Patch’s delicious pie has vanished, and now Maisy and her friends must solve the mystery before the party begins.
£9.99
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