First impression

IT has to be an unusual book. After all, it is not every day that you come across a tome of information piled on you, that too by a 16-year-old. But Ankit Fadia has got himself into a little niche with the publication of his first book. Fadia's book is a careful compilation on his passion - hacking. Fadia wants to tell all of us that hacking ain't no four letter word to be hissed out. In fact he even glorifies the virtues of being a good and compulsive hacker. He also points out, rather artfully, the slight difference between hacking and cracking.

But then Fadia should know. It's one thing he has dedicated his young years to, and that too diligently. He set up a website, hacked into people's computers and codes and then simply called them up and told them how weak their defences were. Not only did he get a million job offers, most of which were hastily withdrawn when they realised they were after all only dealing with a kid; but he also managed to get published all the truth about hacking, legally and "ethically" by one of the respected publishing firms. Another feather to his cap - he's also their youngest author in 110 years.

The idea behind the book, as Fadia reveals, is quite simple - to create an breed of ethical hackers that will be able to revolutionise the global security scene. And despite the fascination that people all over the world have with hackers, they have no real idea of how things work. The book dispels some doubts and is the first ever work to cover even the undocumented aspects of computer security.

Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking, Ankit Fadia, Macmillan, Rs. 345.

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A CAREFULLY documented piece, this is the work of a lifetime of learning and adulation. Ileana Citaristi, accomplished Odissi dancer, who trained under the great Kelucharan Mohapatra, has, in her work, recalled the times and works of the greatest Odissi dancer that India has seen. Her book opens with the story of Kelucharan's childhood, its ups and downs and how furtively he entered first the world of dance. But Baba Kela, as he was rechristened by his parents, was destined to greater glory and fame and even at a young age had the makings of a good dancer/ actor. Despite the limitations of adequate reference points as well as documented work, Citaristi has done a commendable job in putting together the first ever documented version of his life. As his student, she has had access not only to Kelucharan but also to some of his closest associates as well as being party to the tremendous growth that he managed to carve out for Odissi dance. The book has some rare photographs of the guru and his various associates. Even with age Kelucharan's ardour and passion for his dance form has not diminished. He continues his role as a mentor to his students. And though the book is not a slick production and its writing is rather pedantic, it is definitely a goldmine of information.

The Making of a Guru,

Ileana Citaristi, Manohar, Price not mentioned.

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WHY do most teenage stories read alike? A question, I suppose, that is difficult to answer, since each teenager thinks that his or her story is much more precious, different, exciting and positively more bizzare than any other's. Sensitivity is not an issue that modern-day teenagers would like to confront. So then life becomes a series of blimps and blurbs. Those who smoothen out the horizon, of course, never write a book, it is to be presumed. But the others, well god bless them. They are a bagful of aching pains and groans and moans, spills and thrills which they insist on inflicting on as large an audience as possible.

A young girl, growing up in some part of America. Disjointed life in brackets. Mother who is vague and makes disappearing a ritual. Sister who is of course older and wiser. Father? Exists but just. Life is a series of unfinished escapades, non-existent boyfriends, jealous friends and passable situations like smoking dope. Of course you end up doing the mandatory one night in jail. Vague mom comes over to bail you out. Charms the ageing judge. You look up in wonderment. Arrive back home feeling placated and cosy. Life goes on, back in the familiar neighbourhood. Amen.

Cherry, Mary Karr, Picador, £ 14.99.

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THE practice of Feng Shui can be located back 4,000 years. This is the ancient Chinese tradition of harmonising our surroundings with the universal forces of yin and yang. Today Feng Shui, which, for a while, was considered a dead science, has once again gained popularity, specially in the west. In India we have the vaastu shastra which like Feng Shui, dwells on the forces of nature and what man should do while designing his living areas or work areas. Feng stands for "wind" and shui for "water" representing the two forces of nature that ancient Chinese felt had to be harnessed in order to get the most beneficial lives. The book, apart from tracking the history of this practice, its relevance and its application, also recommends certain ways in which this art may be incorporated in modern lives. Of course, the author is at pains to point out that the western notion of Feng Shui begins and ends with their application to residential areas only. He notes that Feng Shui goes well beyond that. Apart from concentrating on the individual's birth chart, Feng Shui, like any other science, has large doses of common sense. Wherein it advises you against buying a house that is too big or too small or building in front of a busy road. Or even housing the television in your bedroom. These are basics but it seems there is an overwhelming need for people to rediscover the simpler ways of life. An interesting book for those who would want to learn more about this ancient tradition.

Feng Shui, Henry B. Lin, Penguin,

Rs. 250.

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