Books and Beyond with Bound

Ever wondered how translators breathe life into stories across languages? Or what it takes to bring the essence of one culture into another? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle unravel the secrets of literary translation with two of India’s finest: Arunava Sinha, who has translated over 80 masterpieces, and Ministhy S., known for her thought-provoking translations of powerful and diverse narratives. From the untold struggles of salt farmers in Gujarat to a coffin maker’s poignant tale, Arunava and Ministhy reveal how they navigate the challenges of capturing a story’s soul while juggling cultural nuances and creative integrity. They also dive into the highs and lows of being a translator in India—breaking stereotypes, fighting for recognition, and dealing with the constant questions. In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we spotlight two renowned translators, Arunava Sinha and Ministhy S., as they unravel the art of translation, the cultural bridges it builds, and the challenges of bringing Indian stories to a global audience. Listen in as they reveal the joys, challenges, and transformative power of bringing stories to life across languages and cultures. Books mentioned in this episode: Pratham Pratishruti - Ashapurna Devi Bakul Katha - Ashapurna Devi Enid Blyton One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Gregory Rabassa Meerasadhu - K.R Meera Nandakumar K. Fathima E.V Arunava Das Anthea Bell Anton Hur Binoy Majumdar ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Curious about how contemporary fiction explores women's sexuality, family, and the messy transition into adulthood? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle sit down with Anisha Lalvani to discuss her debut novel, Girls Who Stray, a coming-of-age story set in Noida. The novel follows A, a 23-year-old literature graduate, as she navigates love, family, and a tangle of crime and self-discovery. Anisha shares how her background in publishing and television influenced her storytelling, as well as the seven-year journey of writing and refining her book. She shares how the idea of her protagonist becoming an escort came to her suddenly, inspired by her belief in women owning their sexuality. She opens up about the challenges of portraying complex, relatable characters and how the title of the novel evolved during the publishing process. Listen in as Anisha dives into the creative process, the themes of family and self-discovery, and how she crafted a story that resonates with today’s generation. Books Mentioned in this Episode: A Bad Character - Deepti Kapoor Age of Vice - Deepti Kapoor Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson Frances Ha - Film by Noam Baumbach CNTRL - Film by Vikramaditya Motwane Girl Interrupted - Film by James Mangold ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

How do teenage years shape the way we view the world around us? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with 20-year-old author and philosophy blogger Saania Saxena about her debut book, Teenage Chronicles. Saania, who started her blog at just 12 to cope with school pressures, created a book that features five relatable teenage characters navigating emotions like jealousy, anger, and the complexities of friendships. Saania shares how her book combines scientific insights with personal anecdotes, helping readers better understand and manage their emotions. Each character is inspired by people Saania has met, and their stories aim to guide readers towards greater self-awareness. From her early blog readership of school friends to reaching a global audience, Saania talks about how she published the first version of this book at just 16 with a global publisher and her future aspirations in writing. In this exciting partnership series with Jaico Publishing House, we are featuring fascinating new authors every month, writers that captivate the audience and bring forth a revolutionary perspective to Indian literature. Tune in to hear how Teenage Chronicles mirrors the joys, challenges, and complexity of adolescence, making it a must-read for anyone seeking connection and self-awareness. Books Mentioned in this episode: Tuesdays with Morrie - Mitch Albom Lean In - Sheryl Sandberg Sophie’s World - Jostien Gaarder ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

What do a right-wing YouTube creator and a small-town salesgirl have in common? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara sit down with Prayaag Akbar, author of Mother India, to explore the intersections of identity, ambition, and the rapid transformations of urban India. Through the lives of Mayank, a right-wing YouTuber, and Nisha, a small-town salesgirl navigating Delhi’s class-driven chaos, Prayaag examines the human cost of our obsession with relevance and validation. Prayaag shares the creative journey behind his novel, from an abandoned historical fiction project to crafting this sharp and modern tale. He dives into the complexities of balancing flawed, relatable characters with a fast-moving narrative, revealing how Delhi itself became a character in the book. With conversations about social media’s real-world impact, the power of motivation in storytelling, and the soul of a city in flux, this episode is packed with insights for readers and writers alike. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a novel both timely and timeless, or how fiction can capture the pulse of a city, this episode is for you. Books Mentioned in this episode: Leila - Prayaag Akbar A Visit from the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan You Envy the Coutinhos and Other Migrants in the Middle East - Michelle D’Costa Temporary People - Deepak Unnikishan Deepti Kapoor Shivani Sibal Anjum Hasan ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Curious about how fiction unravels the complexities of identity and migration? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara sit down with Ammar Kalia, author of A Person is a Prayer, and Ram Murali, author of Death in the Air, to discuss their remarkable debut novels. Ammar Kalia explores the ripple effects of migration on family dynamics through the lens of Bedi’s journey from Kenya to India. Ram Murali’s Death in the Air takes readers to an Indian Himalayan spa, combining Agatha Christie-style intrigue with contemporary questions about justice and identity. Both authors share how their diverse personal backgrounds shaped their storytelling, offering a window into the immigrant experience, family relationships, and the spiritual undertones of their narratives. In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we highlight two emerging voices in fiction, delving into their creative processes, the role of memory in shaping stories, and the layered themes that make their novels so compelling. Tune in as Ammar and Ram share their thoughts on navigating the intersection of migration and identity, the challenges of balancing mystery with meaning, and the stories that inspired their unforgettable characters. Books Mentioned in this episode: The Namesake - Jhumpa Lahiri The Believers - Zoë Heller On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous - Ocean Vuong Whose Body? - Dorothy L. Sayers ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

As India rises on the world stage, what stories and narratives are we ready to share? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle speak with author Sriram Devtha the author of Amrut: The Great Churn. Diving into the heart of Indian brands that have received global recognition with Amrut Distilleries, a brand pushing boundaries in the whiskey market. We explore the journey from its early days to becoming a major soft power player, reaching enthusiasts in Sweden. They discuss the crucial moments in Amrut’s rise, like the fusion story and how pivotal figures shaped the brand, from finance head Lakshmanan, who’s been with the company for 50 years, to the distillery’s unique culture, where trust in people is key. Sriram reflects on what it takes to build an enduring brand, sharing his approach to narrative nonfiction. He seamlessly weaves personal stories of Amrut’s founding family, their challenges, and triumphs, creating stories that resonate both locally and internationally. Listen in as Sriram reveals how Amrut, a small Indian whiskey brand, took the world by storm. He shares personal insights into the Amrut family legacy and explores how Indian brands can become global icons. Books mentioned in this episode: Cutting for Stone - Abraham Verghese Covenant of Water - Abraham Verghese Big Billion Startup - Mihir Dalal ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Curious about India’s unique relationship with the environment and the often-overlooked heroes who shaped it? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara welcome celebrated historian Dr. Ramachandra Guha, and talk about his recent book Speaking with Nature. Known for his extensive work on Gandhi, Dr. Guha now uncovers the lives of Indian environmentalists who, since the 19th century, championed sustainable ways of living in harmony with nature. From literary icon Rabindranath Tagore to the indomitable Meera Ben, each figure in Dr. Guha’s latest book highlights a different angle of ‘livelihood environmentalism’, an approach where nature conservation goes hand in hand with social justice. Dr. Guha shares his insights on how scholars, editors, librarians, and archivists play crucial roles, describing how a network of trusted colleagues, editors like Rukun Advani, and even archivists shape each book. He also sheds light on the irreplaceable value of archives, libraries, and the often uncelebrated archivists who preserve history. From finding serendipitous treasures to uncovering forgotten letters and manuscripts, archival research is, as he puts it, “an addiction,” offering writers a tactile connection to the past. Tune in as Dr. Guha takes us through forests, rivers, and the lives of those who spoke with nature, revealing the unique and timeless spirit of India's environmental ethos. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever been captivated by the supernatural or curious about the secrets behind spirit worship? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle sits down with Hari Kumar, author of Daiva, who takes us into the fascinating world of spirit worship practiced in Karnataka and northern Kerala’s Tulu Nadu region. Hari dives into the intense practice of spirit possession, where individuals become vessels for powerful spirits like Panjurli and Bobbarya. He also shares how a surprising oracle prediction led him on this journey of exploration, uncovering unique perspectives on these traditions through interviews with kola performers, astrologers, and local residents. Hari also discusses the cultural and symbolic importance of the vibrant kola get-up and offers a peek into his upcoming book on the serpent, revealing a lifelong fascination with the paranormal. Listen in as Hari dives into the rich, mystical traditions of Tulu Nadu, shares personal revelations from his journey, and uncovers the complex world of spirit worship and possession in Daiva. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Curious about how fiction explores the intersection of identity, memory, and love? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara sit down with Dharini Bhaskar author of ‘Like Being Alive Twice’ and Rupleena Bose author of ‘Summer of Then’ to talk about the art of writing female coming-of-age stories. They dive into the challenges of creating relatable female characters and discuss how their personal experiences shape their storytelling. Dharini and Rupleena open up about their creative process, the intersection of identity and literature, and the power of poetry and resilience. From navigating the complexities of inter-religious dynamics in romance to portraying the impact of the pandemic on human interaction, they offer a glimpse into their unique perspectives. In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we highlight two voices who are transforming the narrative around inter-religious romance and female coming-of-age stories in Indian fiction. Listen in as Dharini and Rupleena share their thoughts on the creative process, the challenges of portraying identity in fiction, and the deeper meaning behind their characters' journeys. Books mentioned in this episode: Leila - Prayaag Akbar Mother India - Prayaag Akbar My Year of Rest and Relaxation - Ottessa Moshfegh August Rush - Deborah Levy Real Estate: A Living Autobiography - Deborah Levy How to Kill Your Family - Bella Mackie The Illuminated - Anindita Ghose Burnt Sugar - Avni Doshi Mrs. Dalloway - Virginia Woolf Authors mentioned: Linda Greg Jeffery Carson Anne Carson ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever wonder how a destination can inspire an entire mystery novel? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle chat with Manjiri Prabhu, India’s first female mystery writer to break into the international scene. She talks about her latest novel, The Mystery of the Portuguese Hearts, set in the heart of Portugal’s wine country. Manjiri reveals how investigator Re unravels the truth behind a murder and the mysterious ‘lenços’ (love handkerchiefs). Minjiri shares her deep dive into research, her passion for authenticity, and how the destination itself sparks the thrill of her stories. Get ready to explore the craftiness behind her mysteries, the emotional depth of her characters, and the secrets behind crafting a destination thriller. In this exciting partnership series with Jaico Publishing House, we are featuring fascinating new authors every month, writers that captivate the audience and bring forth a revolutionary perspective to Indian literature. Want to know how Manjiri weaves history, culture, and mystery into one thrilling narrative? Tune in for a fascinating look at her creative process and the inspiration behind her international success! Books mentioned in this episode: Legend of The Snow Queen - Manjiri Prabhu Voice of the Runes - Manjiri Prabhu The Meditations of a Dog - Franz Kafka Authors mentioned in this episode: Agatha Christie Daphne du Maurier Wilkie Collins Enid Blyton ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever wondered what it’s like to live with a disability? Or how writing can help navigate the toughest of life’s challenges? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with Abhishek Anicca, author of Grammar of My Body, a creative memoir about his life with VATERS syndrome, a condition affecting multiple parts of his body. Abhishek dives into his experience of living with chronic illness and disability in India, sharing his journey of vulnerability, humor, and breaking stereotypes. Abhishek also talks about the therapeutic power of art, especially poetry and performance, in dealing with mental health challenges and reclaiming his narrative. From the poetic nature of illness to the importance of clear, non-metaphorical communication, he gives us a deep insight into the world of writing about personal experiences. If you’ve ever been curious about the intersection of personal storytelling, disability, and creativity, this conversation is for you! Listen in for an inspiring, thought-provoking episode. Trigger warning: This episode discusses chronic illness, disability, and mental health struggles. Listeners are advised to exercise caution. Books mentioned in this episode: Illness as Metaphor - Susan Sontag Shattered: A Memoir - Hanif Kureishi ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever wonder how historical mysteries unfold in fiction? In this episode of Books and Beyond Tara and Michelle chat with Priyanka Pathak Narain, author of The Somnath Cipher. Her novel is packed with ancient puzzles, cryptic messages, and real historical events like Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion. She shares her experiences as an investigative journalist, covering stories like the Mark Foley scandal, and her transition to reporting on religion in India. Sharing insights from her career, she discusses her interest in religion and mythology and her work on the business of religion. Want to know how she blends history with suspense, or what’s next for this story on screen? Tune in for fascinating insights into her creative process, and the intricate research behind this historical thriller! Books Mentioned in this episode: 1. Woebegones Warehouse of Words - Payal Kapadia 2. Godman to Tycoon: The Untold Story of Baba Ramdev - Priyanka Pathak Narain 3. The Famous Five - Enid Blyton 4. Canon of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 5. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown 6. Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling 7. The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien 8. Percy Jackson - Rick Riordan ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

In this episode of Books & Beyond Tara and Michelle dive into the thrilling world of ‘The Descendants’ by Laksh Maheshwari and Ashish Kavi. The novel begins with a meteor landing where Jay and his mentor Kaka find a fascinating element in the orb. Their quest leads to explosive family secrets with roots stretching all the way back to the Mahabharata war. First in the trilogy, the novel exquisitely blends elements of mythology, family drama and science fiction. Tara and Michelle chat with the authors about their creative process, the art of visual storytelling, and the exciting possibilities of movie adaptations. In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we shine a spotlight on two trailblazing writers who are redefining the landscape of Indian science fiction. Tune in to find out who inspired them, their co-writing experience, and how they developed the fictional universe. Movies mentioned: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Ever dreamed of opening your own restaurant? Wondering what it takes to turn that dream into reality? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with Ravi Wazir, author of Beyond the Menu who has over 30 years of experience in hospitality. Ravi spills the secrets of running a successful restaurant – from understanding what customers want to balancing creativity and business. He shares the highs and lows of managing staff, budgets, customer expectations, and how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the game. In this exciting partnership series with Jaico Publishing House, we are featuring fascinating new authors every month, writers that captivate the audience and bring forth a revolutionary perspective to Indian literature. Listen in as Ravi talks about the importance of food safety, ethics, and how technology is transforming the dining experience. If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in the restaurant world, this episode is for you. Books mentioned in this episode: Diamonds For Breakfast: Cool stories from Bombay’s hottest kitchen McDonald's: Behind the Arches by John F Love Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain Sweets and Bitters by Satish Arora Degh to Dastarkhwan: Qissas and Recipes from Rampur by Tarana Husain Khan ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

How are mourning practices in India varied? Are mourning rituals gendered? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara speaks with Dr. Minakshi Dewan about her book The Final Farewell: Understanding the Last Rites and Rituals of India’s Major Faiths. After her father’s death, Dr. Minakshi chose to personally perform the Antim Sanskar, a ritual traditionally reserved for male family members. This experience, combined with her period of grieving, led her to explore the funeral rites traditions in India. Tara and Dr. Minakshi delve into the customs surrounding funeral rites in India, examining the varied religious rituals, the gender roles involved in mourning, and the environmental impacts of these practices. Tune in and learn more about the $2.5 billion Death Care Industry in India, the role of professional mourners, the portrayal of grieving women in Bollywood, and the evolving landscape of funeral services in the country. Books mentioned in this episode: Fire on the Ganges : Life Among the Dead in Banaras - Radhika Iyengar Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End - Atul Gawande Samskara - U. R. Ananthamurthy Death in Banaras - Jonathan P. Parry Movies Mentioned in this episode: Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi - Seema Pahwa Rudali - Kalpana Lajmi Pagglait - Umesh Bist ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Are influencers rewriting the rules of publishing? Back with a brand new season of Books and Beyond, in this episode Tara and Michelle discuss the rise of influencer books and what it means for the Indian publishing scene. From the buzz at Penguin Palooza to the power of social media, they dig into how influencer-led content is changing the game. Plus, they tackle the big question: what happens to traditional authors when influencers dominate the shelves? Tune in to find out how content creation, smart distribution, and capturing young readers' attention early are shaping the future of publishing! Books mentioned in this episode: Under the Influence - Malini Agrawal She’ll Never Make It - Masoom Minawala The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel The Sex Book - Lisa Mangaldas Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones - James Clear Make Epic Money - Ankur Warikoo The Ivory Throne: Chronicles of the House of Travancore- Manu S. Pillai Rebel Sultans: The Deccan from Khilji to Shivaji - Manu S. Pillai Spare - Prince Harry Sach Kahu Toh - Neena Gupta The Girls in Green - Tanushree Podder ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

How can data make or break a company? Is all data useful? And can data be “too much of a good thing”? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara speaks to Nitin Seth, CEO at Incedo and the author of Mastering the Data Paradox and Nirmalya Kumar, a Professor and former Strategy Head for the Tata Group, who has written Clash: Amazon vs. Walmart. They discuss how data on its own is nothing unless you know how to use it and the pros and cons of data-driven decision-making. They share insights on the ongoing competition between Amazon and Walmart in the retail industry, emphasising the need to set goals and understand diverse perspectives and industry trends before making decisions. In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we shine a spotlight on two industry experts who are changing the conversation around business, data and AI. Tune in to hear their personal experiences in entrepreneurship, find out who inspired them and their process of writing books. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara speaks to Mitali Mukherjee about her book Cryptocrimes. Tara and Mitali dive into the chaotic world of cryptocurrency, and discover why Mitali compares it to a naughty child running amok in a classroom. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful conversations, she explores the intersection of crypto technology and India’s jugaad culture. Mitali unearths the dark side of cryptocurrency in India in her book, revealing the hidden pitfalls and the harsh realities behind the allure of easy profits. Tune in to discover why, in the world of finance, quick gains aren’t always what they seem. ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Can a corvid detective solve a murder? Why does the weather department need a singer? And how does a cloud herder take care of his flock? Find out the truth behind all these stories in Gigi Ganguly’s new book “Biopeculiar”. This is the first-ever book of Westland’s new speculative imprint ‘IF’. In this episode, Gigi and Michelle discuss their love for weird stories, the animals that inspired Gigi to write, and why a spec fic imprint is important for Indian literature. Tune in to hear what books inspired their writing, how Gigi came up with the characters in her story and why Satyajit Ray is a gem of the Indian spec fic genre. Movies Mentioned in this episode: Books Mentioned in this episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.

Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died. This is the basic plot of ‘Strange Sally Diamond’ whose author, Liz Nugent joined Tara and Michelle on this episode of Books & Beyond to discuss Irish crime writing and the complexities of writing about trauma and identity. Together they shared their perspectives on the popularity of true crime novels in both India and Ireland, and delved into the complexities of trauma, identity, and parenting in their novels. Liz discusses her fascination with dark characters and themes, citing Shakespearean tragedies as an influence. She talked about rewriting the ending for American audiences, as they found it too dark. Additionally, she also spoke about how the novel explores the theme of parenting through the lens of a dysfunctional family, highlighting the complexities of raising children in a society that perpetuates patriarchal norms. Book and authors mentioned in this episode: ‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.