Collector Bro: The Quixotic 'Thallals' of a Civil Servant


Prasanth Nair - 2021
    An untold one that played out in the district of Kozhikode when a young IAS officer took charge as the District Collector in 2015. Over the next two years, he led the district and transformed the very concept of public administration with the use of social media, public consultation, usage of technology, volunteerism and public participation in governance. The two year tenure of 'Collector Bro' in Kozhikode transformed the landscape and narrative of district administration and communication with the citizens forever.Within a couple of months, 'Collector Kozhikode' Facebook page became a trendsetter in Kerala, and the most followed district administration page in India. It still is. With initiatives like Compassionate Kozhikode, Operation Sulaimani, Savari Giri Giri, Kozhipedia, Freedom Café, Yo Appooppa and Tere Mere Beach Mein, IAS officer Prasanth Nair, who was the District Collector of Kozhikode at that time, ushered in a new language of governance that endeavoured to bridge the gap between the district administration and citizens through the optimal employment of social media. The District Collector descended from the colonial ivory towers and mingled as one amongst the common man, totally dismantling the hierarchical stereotypes that the society was used to.This book traces the story of how exactly this happened and how and why the public responded so overwhelmingly to such an initiative. It also chronicles how these experiences transformed the young officer also - from a hesitant public speaker to a crowd-puller, from an introvert to a seemingly extrovert energetic leader. For the first time, the emotional roller-coaster of events that re-shaped the attitude and language of engagement by District administration is narrated with all the inside-stories. Straight from the horse's mouth. The author however takes pains not to take centre-stage in the book and manages that somewhat with wit and self-deprecating humour. This book has got nothing to do with government; but it is all about governance, life and compassion. At one level it is a collection of case-studies, the most readable and engrossing ones, narrated with fun and illustrations. At another level it is a chronicle of a personal journey of a compassionate administrator. This is not a typical arrogant bureaucratic ‘I did this’ book, but an ‘I went through this’ book. Not a high-horsed motivational ‘you can do it’ book, but a book that makes you think and prioritise what you want to do in life.As Dr. Shashi Tharoor says in the foreword, a must read for all civil servants, civil-service aspirants, students of public administration and all citizens who dream for a better tomorrow.

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat


Wendy Henrichs - 2011
    Little does he know that the hungry, shivering animal he names Tama would bring him both friendship and good fortune beyond his dreams. Illustrations.

By the Great Horn Spoon!


Sid Fleischman - 1963
    Joined by his trusty butler, Praiseworthy, Jack finds adventure and trouble at every turn. Will Jack strike gold in San Francisco or come home empty-handed? This new edition features illustrations by Brett Helquist.

The Incredible Life of Balto


Meghan Mccarthy - 2011
    Balto shot to instant stardom—a company named dog food after him, a famous sculptor erected a statue of him that stands in Central Park to this day, and the dog even starred in his own Hollywood movie. But what happened to Balto after the hoopla died down? With a lively, informative text and humorous, vibrant illustrations, Meghan McCarthy captures the extraordinary life of Balto beyond his days as a celebrity.

Around Madagascar on My Kayak


Riaan Manser - 2010
    For over two years, he padalled a mammoth 37,000kms through 34 countries; some of which rank as the most dangerous places on Earth. It was a feat that earned him the title Adventurer of the Year 2006 and made his resulting book, Around Africa on my Bicycle, a best-seller.In July 2009 Riaan again set another world first when he became the first person to circumnavigate the world's fourth largest island of Madagascar by kayak; another expedition achieved alone and unaided. This incredible journey, 5000km in eleven months, was considerably more demanding, both physically and mentally. Daily, Riaan had to conquer extreme loneliness while ploughing through treacherous conditions such as cyclones, pounding surf and an unrelenting sun that, combined with up to ten hours in salt water, was literally pickling his body. The perseverance, of course, brought memorable close encounters with Madagascar's marine life - humpback whales breaching metres away from his kayak, giant leatherback turtles gliding alongside him and even having his boat rammed by sharks. Riaan travelled around Madagascar during a period of the country's political turmoil, which gave him unrivalled insight into the exotic island's psyche and even earned him two nights in prison on suspicion of carrying out mercenary activities. Around Madagascar in my Kayak is packed with engaging stories and beautiful photographs and is set to become another best-seller.

A Brief History of Modern India


Rajiv Ahir - 1995
    

One Riddle, One Answer


Lauren Thompson - 2001
    

Microbiology: An Introduction


Gerard J. Tortora - 1986
    With this Ninth Edition, the Number One best-selling non-majors microbiology text extends its trusted and reliable approach with improved disease chapters that feature efficient new Disease in Focus boxes, a thoroughly revised immunity chapter (17), new options for the Microbiology Place website/CD-Rom, and a new Media Manager instructor presentation package with 30 multi-step animations.

The Roman News


Andrew Langley - 1996
    "These entertaining, deftly organized books will make terrific light-hearted additions to cirriculum units on ancient civilizations." — Publishers WeeklyStop the presses! What if ancient civilizations had daily newspapers? And they were amusing and compellingly informative? They might just look like this innovative series of historical nonfiction, presented in a unique, kid-friendly format.

AIDS and Accusation: Haiti and the Geography of Blame


Paul Farmer - 1992
    Does the scientific "theory" that HIV came to North America from Haiti stem from underlying attitudes of racism and ethnocentrism in the United States rather than from hard evidence? Anthropologist-physician Paul Farmer answers in the affirmative with this, the first full-length ethnographic study of AIDS in a poor society.

Cleopatra


Diane Stanley - 1994
    Legendary leaders risked their kingdoms to win her heart, and her epic life has inspired countless tales throughout history. A timeless story of love, war, and ambition, this pictorial biography from acclaimed author/illustrator Diane Stanley is sure to entertain and educate. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.

June 29, 1999


David Wiesner - 1992
    The lively imagination of Caldecott medalist David Wiesner forecasts astounding goings-on for a Tuesday in the not too distant future -- an occurrence of gigantic vegetal proportions.

Pharaoh's Boat


David Weitzman - 2009
    Pharaoh’s boat will be a wonder to behold, and well prepared for the voyage ahead. But no one, not even the Egyptian king himself, could have imagined just where the journey of Pharaoh’s boat would ultimately lead.Double gatefold at the end, a four page spread measuring over 41 inches, showcasing Pharaoh’s boat.Starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal and BooklistSchool Library Journal Best Book of the Year 2009American Library Association Notable Book 2010Children’s Africana Book Awards, 2010 Best Book for Young ChildrenCalifornia Readers 2011 Book Collections for School LibrariesJunior Library Guild Featured Selection

A Way With Words


Nicolette Dane - 2018
    It’s been over seven years since her hit book came out, her editor is clamoring for a new manuscript, and life in northern Ohio just doesn’t compare to the literary world she once inhabited. Her love life feels like even more of a mess. Evie is really beginning to feel trapped. When one of her graduate writing students, the beautiful and talented Meadow Sims, makes her adoration known, Evie feels the passion she once had for life and love all start coming back. Meadow is smart, sweet, and she has almost completed a novel of her own. But Evie and Meadow must thread the needle carefully, keeping their romance hidden from a jealous rival student and the university administration. Can this love affair succeed despite the professional consequences? Will love win out over jealousy and prohibition? Blossoming love can be a catalyst for change, and accepting everything that change entails isn’t always the easiest proposition. But it could be exactly what Evie needs.

The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming


Laurie David - 2007
    Engagingly designed, Down to Earth will educate and empower, leaving readers with the knowledge they need to understand this problem and a sense of hope to inspire them into action.Reading Level: Age 8 and Up