Twisted Minds by Anisha Dutta (Book Review: 3.5*/5) !!!

  

14^th Book of 2026

 

There are books that entertain, books that educate, and then there are books that test your emotional endurance. Twisted Minds by Anisha Dutta comfortably falls into the last category. It is not a book you "enjoy" reading. It is a book you survive.

 

The book opens with two of history's most infamous serial killers—Ed Kemper and Ted Bundy—and honestly, I struggled to continue after the very first chapter. Kemper's crimes, especially those involving his own mother, are narrated with such chilling detail that I genuinely felt nauseated. If the author's intention was to prepare readers for the darkness that follows, she certainly succeeds. Ironically, beginning with the most horrifying accounts makes the remaining chapters comparatively easier to digest.

 

Spread across twenty chapters, Twisted Minds takes readers across continents—from America and India to Colombia, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Brazil and beyond—introducing some of the world's most notorious serial killers. Each chapter attempts to reconstruct their lives, crimes, psychological patterns and the circumstances that may have shaped them. The result is a deeply researched compilation that raises an uncomfortable question throughout: Are monsters born, or are they created?

 

One recurring pattern becomes impossible to ignore. Whether it is emotional neglect, abusive parenting, traumatic childhoods, dysfunctional family environments or severe psychological disorders, many of these killers seem to have emerged from deeply fractured lives. While this certainly does not justify their actions, the book repeatedly suggests that the environment in which a child grows up often leaves scars that may manifest in unimaginable ways. Reading one account after another, I was left wondering how ordinary children gradually transformed into individuals who found satisfaction in killing not one or ten people, but in some cases hundreds.

 

Among all the chapters, Pedro Alonso López's story stood out as the finest piece of writing in the book. Instead of simply listing facts, Anisha Dutta adopts an almost fictional narrative style, recreating his background and psychological evolution in a way that keeps readers invested. It reads less like a case file and more like a tragic descent into darkness. Considering López confessed to murdering more than 300 young girls across multiple countries, the chapter carries an emotional weight that stays with you long after it ends.

 

Equally fascinating is the chapter on Ed Gein. Unlike many others in the book, Gein's notoriety wasn't solely built on murder but on his disturbing obsession with exhuming corpses and transforming human remains into household artefacts. The author's attempt to connect this behaviour with his unhealthy attachment to his deceased mother makes this one of the most psychologically intriguing cases in the collection.

 

Another memorable account is that of Pedro Rodrigues Filho, better known as "Killer Petey." What makes his story unusual is that he believed many of his murders were acts of justice against people he considered evil. Even more astonishing is his later transformation into a YouTube personality who educated people about crime and self-defence. It is one of those rare chapters that demonstrates how contradictory and layered a criminal mind can sometimes appear.

 

Javed Iqbal's story is perhaps among the most shocking. The sheer calculation behind maintaining a diary documenting his murders—and then handing it over to the police after his arrest—is disturbing enough. What makes it even more horrifying is learning how meticulously he ensured that even the physical remains of his victims would disappear. Some realities are stranger—and darker—than fiction.

 

Indian readers will also appreciate the inclusion of criminals closer to home. Raman Raghav, whose crimes even inspired a Bollywood film, Charles Sobhraj—the infamous "Bikini Killer" who operated across Asia—and Kampatimar Shankariya remind us that such stories are not confined to the West. The geographical diversity makes the book far more engaging than focusing solely on American serial killers.

 

However, the book is not without its shortcomings. While the early chapters are detailed and immersive, the final few feel noticeably shorter. Some killers receive only brief summaries, making it evident that either limited historical information was available or the narrative simply couldn't explore them in similar depth. After the richness of the earlier chapters, this inconsistency is difficult to overlook.

 

My larger concern, however, lies elsewhere. By the time I finished the book, I found myself asking a question I hadn't expected: What did I really gain from reading it? Unlike books on psychology, criminology or forensic science that leave readers with broader insights, Twisted Minds often circles back to similar explanations—broken childhoods, abusive parents, neglected emotional development and mental disorders. I had hoped every killer would represent a distinctly different psychological case study, offering new perspectives into criminal behaviour. Instead, many chapters eventually converge on familiar conclusions, making the psychological exploration feel somewhat repetitive.

 

More importantly, this is not a book everyone should pick up casually. Some incidents described here are deeply disturbing and can stay with readers for days. There were moments when turning each page itself felt like a challenge. It became one of the most emotionally exhausting books I have ever read.

 

That said, credit must be given where it is due. Anisha Dutta has clearly invested significant effort in researching these notorious figures and presenting their stories in an accessible narrative. The book succeeds in making readers think about the fragile intersection between psychology, upbringing and criminality, even if it occasionally stops short of providing deeper analytical interpretations.

 

If you are fascinated by true crime, criminal psychology and real-life investigations, Twisted Minds offers an informative journey through twenty of history's most infamous predators. Just be prepared—it is not a comfortable read, nor is it meant to be. My rating for this book would be 3.5* out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Her Story, Her Glory: The Making of Women’s Cricket in India by Aditya Bhushan (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

13^th Book of 2026

As a cricket-loving nation, we have spent decades celebrating the achievements of our men's team. We can effortlessly recall iconic World Cup victories, memorable centuries, and legendary spells. Yet, if someone asked us how Indian women's cricket reached where it stands today, most of us would probably struggle to answer. Her Story, Her Glory by Aditya Bhushan fills exactly that gap, and it does so in an engaging, well-researched, and immensely readable manner.

 

I still vividly remember following the Women's ODI World Cup last year. So convinced was I about India's chances that I purchased the final's ticket immediately after India won its quarter-final, even before the semi-final had been played. Looking back, it turned out to be one of my best sporting decisions. Watching the Indian women's team lift its first-ever ODI World Cup was a surreal experience, one that I will cherish for years.

 

Perhaps that is why, the moment I came across Her Story, Her Glory in the pre-release section, I knew I had to order it. Interestingly, I completed reading the book on the very day the Indian Women's Team scripted yet another historic chapter by becoming the first-ever women's side to win a Test match at Lord's, defeating England in England by a massive margin of 270 runs. Sometimes, the timing of finishing a book feels almost poetic.

 

The book begins by taking readers back to the origins of women's cricket in India. It is astonishing to learn about the hardships faced by the pioneers of the game. There were times when players had to arrange money from their own pockets just to travel overseas and represent India. In an era where international tours are professionally managed, imagining those sacrifices is difficult. Their determination to play for the country despite minimal support makes their achievements even more remarkable.

 

Another pleasant surprise for me was discovering how competitive India's women's Test team had been even during those early decades. We often assume that women's cricket started flourishing only in recent years, but this book proves that the foundations had been laid much earlier by players whose contributions rarely receive the recognition they deserve.

 

Among the many personalities discussed, Madhavrao Scindia deserves immense appreciation for ensuring that women's cricket survived during one of its most uncertain phases. Equally significant has been the contribution of the Indian Railways, which not only offered employment to several cricketers but also became one of the strongest pillars supporting women's cricket in the country. Without such institutional backing, the game's journey could have been very different.

 

One of the biggest strengths of the book is the number of fascinating incidents it uncovers. Many of these stories were completely new to me. Reading about an Indian captain being slapped by a coach, the national team struggling to travel to a World Cup because of financial difficulties, and a captain being removed in the middle of a series shortly after losing her husband was both shocking and heartbreaking. These incidents reveal how challenging the journey has been for generations of women cricketers.

 

The book is equally rich in sporting anecdotes. I was fascinated to learn that Neetu David's remarkable Test bowling record from the early 1990s still remains unbroken. The story of how she replaced the legendary Diana Edulji and carved out her own legacy was particularly inspiring. Equally memorable was reading how Jhulan Goswami eventually surpassed the achievements of the very Australian fast bowler who had inspired her to take up pace bowling in the first place. Stories like these beautifully capture how one generation inspires the next.

 

Aditya Bhushan also discusses the disappointments and controversies that have shaped Indian women's cricket. Mithali Raj's frustration over being excluded from the playing eleven without proper communication reflects the administrative challenges that have existed even in recent times. The book also highlights how infrequently women's Test cricket is played and how India's impressive record of drawing more than three-fourths of its Tests often reflects a strategy of survival rather than aggressive pursuit of victories. These observations provide important context behind the statistics.

 

What I appreciated most was the author's balanced approach. He neither gets lost in administrative details nor turns into an overenthusiastic fan praising every player or innings. The narrative remains objective, well-paced, and consistently engaging. It is evident that extensive research has gone into the book, but that research never overwhelms the storytelling.

 

The final section serves as a fitting tribute to the icons of Indian women's cricket. Dedicated chapters on legends like Diana Edulji, Anjum Chopra, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and several others celebrate their individual journeys while also placing them within the larger story of Indian women's cricket. The inclusion of detailed statistics further enriches the reading experience, allowing readers to appreciate both the emotional and numerical dimensions of the team's evolution.

 

Overall, Her Story, Her Glory is much more than a history of Indian women's cricket. It is a story of perseverance, courage, forgotten heroes, institutional struggles, and dreams that refused to die despite countless obstacles. Whether you are a lifelong cricket enthusiast or someone who has recently started following the women's game, this book offers valuable insights into the incredible journey that brought Indian women's cricket to where it stands today.

 

It reminds us that before every trophy, every standing ovation, and every headline, there were generations of women who played not for fame or fortune, but simply because they loved the game. I would rate this book 4.5* out of 5 and I believe every Indian must read it.

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Giorgia's Vision: Giorgia Meloni in Conversation with Alessandro Sallusti (Book Review: 4*/5) !!!

 12^th Book of 2026

Political books often intimidate readers who aren't deeply invested in geopolitics. They can become heavy with statistics, ideological jargon, or endless policy discussions. Giorgia's Vision, however, pleasantly surprised me. Written as a series of conversations between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and journalist Alessandro Sallusti, the book reads less like a political manifesto and more like an extended interview where readers are invited into the Prime Minister's office to understand not just her policies, but also the person behind them.

 

One of the most engaging aspects of the book is its conversational structure. Alessandro Sallusti does much more than ask questions. He paints the setting before every discussion—where they are seated, what is happening around them, and the political climate at that particular moment. These seemingly small details add context to every conversation, making readers feel like silent spectators inside Palazzo Chigi rather than outsiders reading another political autobiography.

 

I wouldn't call myself someone who closely follows international politics, yet I never felt lost while reading this book. The language is accessible, the conversations flow naturally, and the topics are explained in a way that even readers with limited knowledge of European politics can appreciate. Instead of overwhelming readers with technicalities, Meloni explains her thoughts with clarity, making the book suitable even for those who simply wish to understand contemporary global affairs.

 

Throughout the book, Giorgia Meloni remains remarkably candid about her political ideology and her vision for Italy. She openly discusses issues such as national identity, migration, taxation, unemployment, economic sovereignty, pollution, and the challenges facing modern Europe. Whether one agrees with her positions or not, there is little doubt that she expresses them with conviction. She also does not hesitate to name political opponents from the Left while responding to criticisms or explaining why she disagrees with their viewpoints. That directness gives the conversations an authenticity often missing from carefully curated political memoirs.

 

The chapters dealing with international relations were among the most insightful. Meloni explains Italy's support for Ukraine and shares her reasoning behind standing with a smaller nation against a much stronger military power. Her reflections on meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and her broader thoughts on Russia provide readers with an understanding of how today's global conflicts influence national leadership. Beyond Ukraine, she also offers glimpses into her relationships with several world leaders and explains the principles guiding Italy's international alliances.

 

The book is equally interesting when it shifts away from politics and explores the personal cost of leadership. Meloni writes with visible pride about becoming Italy's first female Prime Minister, yet she never portrays it merely as a personal achievement. Instead, she repeatedly emphasizes the responsibility that accompanies such a historic milestone. She reflects on Italy's political instability—having witnessed multiple governments in a relatively short span—and explains why she believes long-term governance requires patience instead of short-term popularity.

 

Some of the most relatable sections revolve around her family. She candidly shares how public office has taken away many ordinary pleasures of life—travelling freely, spending uninterrupted time with loved ones, or simply living without constant security. Her affection for her daughter is evident throughout the book, and it is heartening to see that even while discussing matters of state, she acknowledges the importance of her daughter's perspective in shaping her own thinking. These moments humanize a leader who is often seen only through political headlines.

 

Towards the end, the book includes Meloni's first parliamentary speech as Prime Minister. It is undoubtedly lengthy, but it also serves as the perfect culmination of everything discussed earlier. The speech encapsulates the very vision promised in the book's title, bringing together her ideas on identity, governance, meritocracy, family values, and Italy's future.

 

That said, the book isn't without its shortcomings. Since the conversations are centered entirely around Meloni's perspective, readers receive only one side of many political debates. While she confidently highlights her achievements and explains her decisions, the narrative rarely explores moments where she may have miscalculated or failed. There are no significant instances where she reflects on decisions she regrets or apologizes for.

 

Similarly, apart from her criticism of Russia's actions, she largely avoids controversies involving other global powers. As a result, readers looking for a balanced, 360-degree political analysis may feel that the book occasionally resembles a well-articulated defense of her own leadership rather than an objective political memoir.

 

Nevertheless, I believe that isn't necessarily the book's objective. Giorgia's Vision sets out to explain how Giorgia Meloni sees Italy, Europe, leadership, and the future of the West—and on that front, it succeeds remarkably well. Whether you agree with her politics or strongly disagree with them, the book offers an opportunity to understand the thought process behind one of Europe's most discussed political figures.

 

Overall, Giorgia's Vision is an engaging and accessible political memoir that combines autobiography, ideology, and contemporary global affairs in a format that is easy to follow. For readers interested in world politics, leadership, or simply understanding how modern heads of government think, it is certainly worth picking up.

 

My Rating: 4/5

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