1. Monsoon Feelings: A History of Emotions in the Rain by Imke Rajamani, Margrit Pernau, Katherine Butler Schofield
Revive your nostalgic rain memories with this book full of essays that discover the world of poetry, songs, paintings, architecture, films, gardens, festival, music, and medicine. Starting from the 12th century South Asia to present times, this beautifully illustrated book explores history of monsoon feelings. Each essay is written by a specialist in the field of South Asian arts and culture.
The Telegraph
2. Capsule Stories Spring 2020
Edition: Sleepless Rainy Nights by Carolina VonKampen, Natasha Lioe
Curl up with this book on a stormy, sleepless night. A collection of over 110 pages of stories, poems, and essays, this literary magazine is your go-to read when the rain pounds against the window and all you want is your bed, lamplight, coffee and a book! Capsule Stories is filled with the works of poets such as Niam McNally, Benjamin Middendorf and authors like Larry Griggs, Eleanor Capaldi and many more.
The Telegraph
3. The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World by Haemin Sunim
Rain is all about slowing down and spending time indoors. Why not grab this book when you actually get the opportunity to slow down? Discover the path to inner peace with renowned Buddhist meditation teacher Haemin Sunim. The book emphasises on the importance of having deeper connection with others with compassionate feelings.
The Telegraph
4. Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield
It is time to bury your heads this monsoon in a book of folklore, science, magic and myth! Extraordinary events take place in an ancient inn on the river Thames. People who dwell upon the river bank are keen to solve the mystery of a lifeless child coming back to life. The girl who lived again is mute and the questions remain unsolved. The events happen in a dark midwinter’s night with rich atmospheric setting, a perfect novel to give you chills.
The Telegraph
5. Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth
Everyone has missed their childhood at some point in their lives — especially the vacations. If you are one of them, get hold of this book and be ready to be overwhelmed. This is the story of a young boy who enjoys the rainy weather with his grandfather. The two decide to sail paper boats, watch the peacocks dance, pick mangoes and return home to a hot cup of tea. Sheth has described a perfect Indian setting with this sweet and affectionate story.
The Telegraph
6. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Had to cancel your outdoor plan because of incessant rains? Turn your unexpected rainy day into a thrilling one instead. Set on a cruise ship, The Woman in Cabin 10 depicts the life of a journalist — Lo Blacklock. Lo is asked to travel on a luxury cruise ship on an assignment. The sky is clear, the waters calm as the ship, The Aurora, begins her voyage in the North Sea. As the week wears on, winds whip the deck, the sky is covered with grey clouds and Lo witnesses a woman being thrown overboard. But when she tries to investigate, she finds that all evidence of the crime has vanished — and all the ship’s passengers and crew are accounted for!
The Telegraph
7. Love in Monsoon by A New Man
Let’s admit it. We all have fantasised falling in love with the rain in the background. A young man in the outskirts of a Himalayan town is all set to win back the love of his life. Get glimpses of the most beautiful places of North Eastern India and experience the love story of this boy, which started in Pune and blossomed in the embrace of the misty vistas of rain-soaked Cherrapunji. How could we not include a romantic fiction in the season of love?
The Telegraph
8. When Peacocks Dance: Writings on the Monsoon by Juhi Sinha
This is an anthology that celebrates the monsoon season with rainy-day recipes and festivals from different parts of India, with modern as well as historical fiction and poetry. It is a fun book with a variety of writings ranging right from Rabindranath Tagore to Ruskin Bond. Whether it is north India or the south, experience the bliss of rain from every part.
The Telegraph
9. Mina vs. the Monsoon by Rukhsanna Guidroz
This one is to cuddle up with your child and read a cosy book where soccer-loving Mina wants the monsoon to stop so that she can play outside. A book relatable to any kid who loves the outdoors and are often prevented due to the gloomy monsoon day. The story also highlights the life of villages in eastern India and will help your child understand the important role played by rains in this part of the world.
The Telegraph
10. You Were Never Here by Kathleen Peacock
A stormy night calls for dark mysteries and spooky stories to give you those chills while you are curled up under your blanket. In her book You Were Never Here, Kathleen Peacock tells the story of a girl, Cat, who discovers she could do things no normal 12-year-old could do since she kissed Riley Fraser who has now disappeared. When a girl is found floating in the river, barely alive, Cat has to make a choice of discovering the girl’s truth or to find Riley. Her one choice will put her in a killer’s sight. A page-turner and a definite read when you are stuck indoors on a monsoon night.