1. '400 Days' by Chetan Bhagat (Westland; Rs 250)
Bhagat fans, take note! Your favourite author is now back with a fresh new offering, all set to release on October 8, right in time for Pujas! A perfect excuse to avoid the crowds and curl up with what could be your next favourite book from the Keshav-Saurabh series. A large cover and teaser reveal tells us and this one is replete with love, sex, intrigue, infidelity — all built around a missing child. If this floats your boat, you know what to do!
2. 'The Magic Mindset — How to Find Your Happy Place' by Preeti Shenoy (HarperCollins India; Rs 250)
For those struggling with despondency in a post-pandemic universe, Pujas might be a good time to look at a brand new start. Best-selling author Preeti Shenoy’s upcoming book does just that by revealing a few tricks to change your mindset. Turn sadness to joy by embracing a thinking process that compels you to relook at life’s choices. Her book comes from a place of understanding of our incapabilities of ‘feeling positive’ in the setup that we still find ourselves stuck in. A must-read for those looking for their ‘happy place’!
3. 'Tenderness' by Alison Macleod (Bloomsbury; Rs 699)
If fiction rooted deep in intriguing history is your call of the day, Macleod’s Tenderness will keep you on tenterhooks till the very end. Author D.H. Lawrence, whose seminal work Lady Chaterley’s Lover took the world of censorship by storm, and saw people rally for three decades to get published, finds equanimity in this book. Macleod speaks of Jackie Kennedy’s involvement in the trial and of lovers, finding tenderness in this seminal book. We see no reason not to pick this up for a deep dive this Pujas!
4. 'My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future' by Indra Nooyi (Hachette India; Rs 699)
For decades, the world has repeatedly sought Indra Nooyi out as the face of empowerment, leadership and role model par excellence and justifiably so. The former CEO and chairman of PepsiCo found her way from Madras to IIM Calcutta to the hallowed halls of Yale University. If there is someone who may have a thing or two to say about her life and discipline and hard work that led to her success, it would be Nooyi. The Padma Bhushan awardee has now bared all in this inspiring book that releases at the end of this month. Nothing sounds fairer than this boost of morale in these turbulent times.
5. 'Imaan' by Manoranjan Byapari, translated by Arunava Sinha (Eka; Rs 499)
As more and more books by Manoranjan Byapari gets translated to English, exposing them to a global audience, the richer the world of readers gets. Imaan is the story of Imaan Ali who went to jail with his mother as an infant. While his mother passed away when he was six, he continued his life in the precincts till he was finally introduced to the free world, with no training whatsoever, at the age of 20. His life beside the railway station as a ragpicker is baffling, staggering and heartwrenching a tale, well worth your Puja time.
6. 'Lahore: The Partition Trilogy' by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar (HarperCollins; Rs 499)
In the first part of a trilogy, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar attempts to look at the events of 1947 that went beyond the purview of a democratic nation. While Nehru and Patel discussed the nuances of the independent nation, Sepoy Malik returns home to ask for Tara’s hand in marriage, only to be thwarted by new rules that exist in the country. Death, destruction, plunder ravages the heart of a nation that once beat together in unity. Lahore is gritty as it is strikingly poignant.
7. 'Guilty of Love, Your Honour' by Rajesh Talwar (Bridging Borders; Rs 299)
A juicy love quadrilateral anyone? There is Luv, a lawyer in love with his friend Jeet’s betrothed Simran! All the while Jeet himself pines for his ex Sabrina who unceremoniously dumped him, and takes to alcohol. From the table of prolific lawyer and author Rajesh Talwar who has 26 books to his credit, comes this pacy novel that would make for a fine Ashtami afternoon read!
8. 'The Master: The Brilliant Career of Roger Federer' by Christopher Clarey (John Murray Press; Rs 699)
Federer fans, here is something you’ve all been waiting for! A comprehensive biography by the world champion who has set records straight (pun intended)! Based on 20 years of interview with the master, this is a comprehensive book that will surely keep all your tennis dreams satiated. Trace his life’s journey from his teenage debut to becoming one of the biggest names in sporting history. What’s not to love?
9. 'The Don’t-Diet Plan' by Kavita Devgan (Rupa; Rs 299)
Diet or no diet, we all know how difficult it is to stick to a chosen regimen during the Puja days. Indulging in guilt-free four days just got easier with Devgan who tells you a sustainable way to stick to routine. She doesn’t tell you to succumb to fads and instead takes you through comprehensive, age-old processes of balanced meals through small changes that are easier to manage. Stressing on healthy eating habits, this book will be a companion for the long run!
