Dancing for Degas: MUST READ

One of the best books I've read in some time, Dancing for Degas is a mesmerizing read, one you will be reluctant to finish. A historical novel by first-time author Kathryn Wagner, the storyline revolves around the series of paintings Impressionist extraordinaire, Edgar Degas, produced featuring members of the Paris Opera Ballet—one young dancer in particular. Some of his most famous offerings, Wagner brings to life this enigmatic painter in all his glory—his successes and failures.

Dancing for Degas is told through the eyes of its central character, Alexandrie, an impoverished country girl who strives to become a world-class ballerina. Economic struggles, family obligations and pure ambition push her on to succeed. However, she quickly becomes disillusioned with the harsh realities of life in the ballet. Along comes Degas, to whom she agrees to model. What transpires is a love story so touching it will stay with you long after you've read the last page.

Set in Paris during a time of revolutionary art, war and social change, this novel will pull you into its alluring world and make you cry out loud at the injustice, the beauty and the allure of the arts.

If you liked The Last Van Gough (Alyson Richman) or Leonardo's Swans (Karen Essex) you'll love this book.

Wes Moore: Don't miss him on Oprah

Writing can be a scary business. Writing a book and releasing it into the big bad world can be damn near terrifying. Years, months, days, even decades of planning, writing and re-writing all lead to this one moment—the moment of truth, when you finally surrender your book to readers. As another book finds its way onto bookshelves (and hopefully into our hearts), I wanted to give a big shout out to the amazing Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore, released into the world tomorrow.

Moore is living every author's dream of going from edit to Oprah with his autobiographical tale of two men, both with the same name whose lives, not so different, are governed by very different decisions. One is a Rhodes Scholar, decorated combat veteran, White House Fellow and investment banker the other, a convicted murderer serving life.

Growing up in similar neighbourhoods, hanging out on similar corners with similar crews, this story is a real life Sliding Doors that is as gripping as it is moving.

Knowing the "Rhodes Scholar" Wes Moore, I can vouch for the fact that he has bared his soul in this novel. He has worked tirelessly to give the other Wes Moore a voice from behind bars and has never stopped working to make this story a cautionary yet inspiring tale.

An overachiever in every sense, Moore has been named everything from "the next president" to Crain’s New York Busi­ness’ “40 Under 40 Ris­ing Stars” yet he is as humble as he is talented. Don't miss The Other Wes Moore on Oprah tomorrow, Tuesday 27th, April 2010.

READ Shadow Princess: Indu Sundaresan

The latest addition to author Indu Sundaresan's unique brand of historical fiction, Shadow Princess provides the perfect escape. For those who enjoyed The Feast of Roses, The Splendor of Silence and The Twentieth Wife, you will find this book to have all the magic of a Sundaresan novel — suspense and intrigue, affection and betrayal, sibling rivalry and enduring love.

Returning to 17th Century India, the novel revolves around the lives of two princesses, Jahangir and Roshanara, daughters of the emperor Shah Jahan. After the sudden death of their mother, empress Mumtaz Mahal (yes, that Mahal), Jahangir finds herself thrust into the role her mother once occupied. However, power comes at a price and not wanting to see his daughters go, the emperor forbids both to marry. In the inevitable squabble for power — from both ambitious heirs and jealous siblings — a series of events are put into place that continue to have a long lasting effect on the world we know today.

With the creation of the Luminous Tomb (otherwise known as the Taj Mahal) providing a captivating backdrop, Shadow Princess is at times bittersweet, others, undoubtably moving.

Indu Sundaresan writes with such clear vision as to create an uniterupted movie in your mind. From the smallest detail to the grandest scheme, this story will remain in your memory long after you close the book.