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J-33

Kumar Nagarkoti

Fantasy Fiction

This graphic novel, set in a parallel universe and woven into the garland of reality, surrealism, and self-realism, is the love story of Jung Bahadur Rana and Royal Ballerina Calista Brown. It’s a story that has never been written in history. That is, until now. Who is J-33, a mysterious character who accidentally got caught in the rare love story of Ballerina and Jung Bahadur? In Jung Bahadur Rana’s tantric city, J-33 is looking for you. Why, and for what purpose? What secret treasures does he have that he is impatient to reveal to you? 

Mahabidhyawaridhidekhi Nobel Shanti Puraskar Manonayansamma

Surya Subedi

Biography 

Surya Subedi, who introduced Nepal to the world as an international face, is a Nepali who has reached the highest expert level of the United Nations. As a member of the delegation of the Government of Nepal, he has participated in the summits of the United Nations and Non-Aligned Nations and has represented Nepal in many international forums as an ‘unpaid international ambassador’. This book is a detailed account of the ups and downs, struggles, and achievements that Subedi has faced in his life. 

Bahadur Shah

Chiranjibi Wagle

Historical Fiction 

Chiranjeevi Wagle, a former minister who was elected as MP from Gorkha for three consecutive times, is dedicated to independent writing after a long political career. ‘Bahadur Shah’ is his third novel after ‘Bandhashala ma Kheer’ and ‘Balidaan le Baneko Desh’. Wagle, who has been engaged in literary creation since his studies in Banaras, has also published the ‘Yatra Kavita Sangraha ra Nepali Sahitya’. He is a prolific writer whose works will inspire you.

Life is a book of lessons, and everyone experiences turning points in their lives. These moments are pivotal, marking significant shifts in our directions, perspectives, or personal growth. Whether it’s a major life event, a decision, or a realization, turning points have the power to change our paths and redefine who we are. Rastrika Shakya from ApEx talked to three people to find out about the moments that altered the course of their lives for the better.

Riya Rajkarnikar, 30

A breakup was the turning point of my life. I always wished for a happy love life. The initial days of our six-year relationship were full of love and joy but gradually, he became controlling and possessive. I was blind in love and that made me think everything he made me do was right. But his toxic behavior was depressing. It also isolated me from family and friends. Eventually, I found the courage to confide in my mom and sister, who supported me through the breakup despite his resistance. Free from the toxicity, I embraced opportunities for personal growth and career advancement. I’m much stronger and independent today than I was when I was with him.

Today I’m married and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. My husband has restored my faith in men, showing me what true love and acceptance look like. I’m thankful for his unconditional love and unwavering support. Through him, I’ve learned to embrace myself fully and believe in my worth.

Akriti Thapa, 22

Reflecting on my past, I’d say a pivotal moment was when I grew tired of depending on others for transportation. I also wasn’t comfortable traveling in public vehicles. This prompted me to embark on a journey of self-sufficiency. I decided to learn to ride a scooter. Through sheer determination, I acquired the necessary skills and obtained my license. This newfound independence liberated me, granting me the freedom to travel at will. No longer reliant on friends or family, I navigated the world with confidence. Riding the scooter wasn’t just about transportation. It symbolized empowerment and resilience, preparing me for a long journey ahead. Not being dependent on anyone felt good. It made me able to take charge of my days in the way I liked.

Lumanti Shakya, 24

One moment that truly stands out as a turning point in my life was when someone encouraged me to prioritize my well-being first, assuring me that by doing so, I would be better equipped to help others. I realized that I needed to invest in myself to truly make a positive impact in the lives of those around me. From that moment on, I shifted my focus towards self-improvement, dedicating time and energy to personal growth and development. This decision sparked a transformative journey that has not only enriched my life but has also allowed me to be more effective in supporting and uplifting others. One crucial aspect of this realization was understanding the importance of self-care and recognizing that taking breaks and prioritizing ‘me time’ is not selfish, but essential for overall well-being. By embracing self-care practices and allowing myself moments of rest and rejuvenation, I’ve been able to deal with life’s challenges with resilience and clarity.

Work gives you a sense of purpose and meaning by allowing you to pursue your dreams. Work can shape your identity by shaping how you see yourself. It enriches and sustains you. When we say ‘work’ we mean both paid employment and unpaid engagements such as household chores or any volunteering endeavors. Rastika Shakya from ApEx spoke to three people, from different fields, to know what work means to them and how it impacts their lives.

Meena Shrestha, 60

I’m an office helper at a ward office in Lalitpur. My responsibilities include cleaning the office and making meals for the rest of the staff. I take immense pride in my work and firmly believe that no task is small or insignificant. Every job deserves respect. For me, work is essential as I find it difficult to remain idle for long periods. I’m grateful for my job as it keeps me busy. It also gives me financial freedom. I don’t think any work can or should be assigned to a particular gender.

Bhale Lama, 33

For eight years, I have been selling vegetables. This is how I’m able to provide for my family and send my children to school. I have my own cart and I feel blessed to have what I have. Not many people are as fortunate. My wife also works and we support each other. I’m happy with what we have. I believe doing your own thing and living a happy life is better than working for someone else.

Suresh Thakur, 55

I’ve been a barber for over 30 years. I own a small shop in Patan and everything is going well. I’m able to provide for my family and meet our needs. What makes me even happier is that I’ve been able to educate my children in a place as expensive as Kathmandu. For me, work is a source of satisfaction. I believe that your hard work will pay off one day, so you must keep working diligently. It’s important to never cheat and not be afraid to work hard.

The Pivot Year

Biranna West

Self Help 

This is the year you change your life. If you’re in a pivot period—if you’re still bridging the space between where you are and where you want to be—remember that the person you’re becoming is already within you. The journey is convincing your mind to act consistently on what your heart already knows it wants to do. The Pivot Year is a book of 365 daily meditations on finding the courage to become who you’ve always wanted to be.

The Do-Over

Lynn Painter

Romance / YA 

Emilie is stuck in some sort of time loop nightmare that she can’t wake up from as she re-watches her boyfriend, Josh, cheating on her day after day. In addition to Josh’s recurring infidelity, Emilie can’t get away from the enigmatic Nick, who she keeps running into—sometimes literally—in unfortunate ways. How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?

The Book of Doors

Gareth Brown

Fantasy 

In New York City, bookseller Cassie Andrews is living an unassuming life when she is given a gift by a favorite customer. It’s an unusual book, full of strange writing and mysterious drawings. And at the front, there is a handwritten message to Cassie, telling her that this is the Book of Doors, and that any door is every door. What Cassie is about to discover is that the Book of Doors is a special book that bestows extraordinary powers on whoever possesses it, and soon she and her best friend Izzy are exploring all that the Book of Doors can do.