“NAME, PLACE, ANIMAL, THING”: MORE THAN A REVIEW – A TRIBUTE

I was fortunate enough to lay my hands on an advance copy of Lux Narayan’s new book, “Name, Place, Animal, Thing” (NPAT) which I found rather fascinating. My initial reaction was obvious. The title suggested it was a book for children and I truly wondered what it could hold for me. I’m pleased to say, I emerged richer after reading the book.

NPAT is a meaningful tale narrated in an easy to understand style as a modern fable. It was truly a learning experience. The name of a simple game has been adapted to give a new meaning to life for after all what is life but full of Names, Places, Animals, Things (NPAT). Indeed as the protagonist Kai says, "A Compass". It is indeed a book which will put life in perspective for each and every reader.

In this world where parents and students are highly competitive and oriented towards excelling only to make the maximum money, this book will enable future generations of parents and children alike to grow and learn in a holistic manner

This book reflects many of my long held beliefs and value systems and I'm happy to see that even high end achievers like Lux are beginning to think this way. Having been a Jack of Trades all my life or multi-dimensional as mentioned in the book and having used Hamlein's quote myself to explain my views, I found Lux's use of the quote very appropriate for what the book is trying to convey. While the book is certainly for mature adult readers, I'm happy to see that it explores the awakening of the inner child in the serious minded among us. 

The character Mary's take on breathing resonates with me for I have my own views on the same which are similar to what Mary says. I especially liked the quote about the “books we read are far less valuable than the ones we don’t.”

I know for a fact that whatever Lux does, he does well with commitment and diligence. NPAT is no different. The interesting diagrams, charts and graphs reveal Lux's analytical mind and engineering background.

I normally don't read any book at one go for I prefer to mull over the things I read and being slow witted that takes a long time. Moreover, I'm also into my own time table of things to do every day and don't allot more than an hour a day to reading. However NPAT was a different book altogether. Other than being so easy to understand it was also so fascinating and absorbing that I lost all track of time as well as my Timetable and just read nonstop until I finished the book in three hours.

This book is a must read for all including those who are starting out on their lives for whom it will be a genuine compass as well as for those have already lived their lives to see where they fell short and how they could change course to have a happy fulfilling and contented life.

“Name, Place, Animal, Thing” (NPAT) is now available at: 

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08VHH4NPY?geniuslink=true