October 25, 2009

Roadrunner -- cover

More about my upcoming book, Roadrunner: An Indian Quest in America.

A talented fellow called Pinaki De designed the cover, producing several trial runs and bearing with my constant back-and-forthing with plenty of good humour. I owe him plenty for what I think is a superb effort. He has the cover up on his blog here.

If you like it, please leave him a note saying so.

***

Incidentally, Pinaki lives in Chandannagar, which is one of the five once-French enclaves in this country (the French called it Chandernagore). I've been in three of them so far (Pondicherry, Karaikal and Mahe, fascinating places all), and Pinaki has promised to show me around Chandannagar. That will leave just one, Yanam (Yanaon to the French) in AP.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

The cover seems a little busy.

B said...

I wanted to ask you about the relation to Tocqueville and the inspiration, but I see it first thing on the blurb. did you think of this project when you reviewed American Vertigo?

I like the cover. I dont know how it would look on the book but as an image the front appears to have one too many bright images. The usa-rock in the corner is a nice touch. was the envelope deliberately not white, to avoid the red, white and blue?

Dilip D'Souza said...

Anon: one or two of the other designs Pinaki put together were much less busy, just one photograph and the title. But I thought those didn't adequately capture what's in the book -- perhaps it is a busy book!

B: Yes, I did think of it while reviewing Americna Vertigo -- amazing that you remember that! I have not yet read Tocqueville, which is a partly deliberate decision -- I wanted to write my book without possibly being coloured by his perceptions (even if 200+ years old). But now I will read the book (have it on my shelf).

The envelope idea is all Pinaki's -- it's always been that manila colour, though I don't think he did it to avoid red/white/blue.

Anonymous said...

(same Anon)
@Dilip: Let me first say I like the overall idea of the cover. (Sorry for the short comment, I was just up from a nap). I would still recommend fewer pictures.

Maybe a busy front cover and a simple back cover? It will definitely help when they start writing up review blurbs on the back.

I liked the font on the spine, flaps and the title. Not a big fan of the font and color on "An Indian Quest in America".

Look forward to reading the book.

Chandrika Shubham said...

It's a nice cover. Waiting eagerly for the book.

Anonymous said...

nice cover.

Kshitij

km said...

Dilip,

Congratulations (again) on the book. Can't wait to get a copy!

Dilip D'Souza said...

Same Anon: Nice suggestions, but unfortunately the book is now being printed, with that cover! PErhaps I'll keep in mind what you say for a second edition (if there is one), and pass it on to Pinaki.

Chandrika, KM and Kshitij: thanks! I hope you like the book.

amit varma said...

Congratulations, Dilip! I'm sure the book will be a hit. :)

AmOK said...

Look forward to reading it. Can you write more books per decade please?

Dilip D'Souza said...

Amit, thanks.

AmOK: Hope you like it! When this is out, that's three for this decade. I have some ideas for more books, I will be able to fully focus on them once this one finally sees the light. Let's see!

Nikhil said...

All the best for the book and great cover

Matunga ka Lukka said...

Will the book be available for sale in the USA or is it being released only in India?

Dilip D'Souza said...

Thank you Nikhil, that's very kind.

M ka L: It's being released only in India. I hope there will eventually be a US edition, there are some leads in that respect, but it's too early to say anything. I'm sure it will eventually be available for shipping to the US at any rate. I'll put up links here when I know.

In any case, if you're in Matunga, why do you care about it being available in the US ... hmm?

Matunga ka Lukka said...

I will always be a Matunga guy at heart however far i stay :-). Looks like i will have to hit Strand the next time i am in our fair city to get it.

Shivam Vij said...

Congratulations Dilip, and I love the cover

Aparajita said...

Dilip, Interesting storyline. Would love to get in touch with you, am a sub-ed in Media Voice Magazine.

Dilip D'Souza said...

Aparajita, left a note for you. Look forward to hearing from you.

הצעיר שלמה בן רפאל לבית שריקי ס"ט said...

Your books costs 80 bucks on Amazon dude. Anywhere I can get it cheaper?

Dilip D'Souza said...

All that Hebrew (wish I could read it): Sorry about that! Problem is that it is an India-only edition for now. Agent is trying to find me a US publisher, but it has not happened yet. Still, my publisher had told me there was some arrangement with Amazon, $80 seems crazy!

But here's one place that will ship it to you in the US (that where you are?) for about $25.

Failing which, please send me a note at dilip DOT fbk AT gmail DOT com, it's possible there might be another way to do this.

Hope this works, and I hope you enjoy the book!

הצעיר שלמה בן רפאל לבית שריקי ס"ט said...

Thanks so much man. I look forward to reading it!