In its 31^st year Sharjah International Book Fair has become better and bigger. Strong marketing and an increased presence of the event through social media has made the fair reach the masses. The crowds are larger than before complementing the increase in the number of books on display. There are book releases, book signing, reading sessions, live cookery shows and a host of children’s activities.

Egypt and Pakistan are the focus countries this year. In the India section DC Books continues to be the most active by being in the forefront organising author meets. Authors Ruskin Bond and Chetan Bhagat are the most popular and get prominent displays at the Indian book stalls.

Day 2 saw novelist Pankaj Mishra reading from his latest book From the Ruins of Empire. Some interesting quotes that came out of the discussion were — “There is no substitute for personal experience and travel.” On why Tagore is largely relegated to Bengal and is not remembered in India today “Writers are destined to be forgotten.”

Food lovers got a taste of well-known Malayali chef Naushad’s lip-smacking recipes at the live cooking demo. His first recipe book was released at the event by Malayalam movie stars Mukesh, Reema Kallingal, director Ranjith and Aashiq Abu.

Today Man Booker prize winner Arundhati Roy talks about God of Small Things at 8 :30 pm.

Be there for like the poster here says ‘Reading brings us unknown friends’

#Chef Naushad, #DC Books, #Pankaj Mishra, #Sharjah International Book Fair 2012