I am being honest here and tell you that I have read ten times more books from International Authors than Indian Authors. That is because it is just recently that I have discovered some wonderful Indian authors. And yet, I have read only a handful of books. I always take time to decide what to read, even internationally written. Call me picky or snobbish or whatever, but I believe that our mind is influenced by what we read, similar to how our body is. We are what we eat. If we eat junk food and greasy food often and avoid the fresh and green, it’s going to show in our skin, hair, and body weight. Similarly, if we read anything without giving much thought about what to read, our minds and thoughts will be shaped accordingly.
So choose wisely. I've made it easy for you.
I picked famous authors with multiple books already published, writing on topics that I would like to read about. Here is the list and my reasoning as to why you must read these books.
An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata by Devdutta Patnaik
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Indian mythology is one of the greatest in the world, and Mahabharata's stories have always attracted me since childhood. Growing up, I always wished for an English version of the complete story. I wanted to learn about our heritage in a language I quickly understood. (I am poor at Sanskrit and I am limitedly abled at Hindi). This book did just that for me—the complete story with beautiful illustrations. Every Indian must read this beautifully rendered retelling of the Epic Saga, although you have read other Mahabharata stories.
The 3 Mistakes of My Life by Chetan Bhagat
Every Indian Reader loves a Chetan Bhagat story. Although not as elegant as some of the international authors, his language and prose have a way of stealing your heart with the story, unlike any other. My favorite is this particular book because it appealed to me in so many ways.
First, the story is set in Gujarat, the most vibrant city in our country.
Second, the themes of cricket, deep love between friends, and the Indian entrepreneurship spirit sits so well with most readers.
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Third, with tragedy and a hair-on-the-end spinning twist, the tale will claw your heart out in the end.
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
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I will not lie, I picked this book because she was the first author that I had heard of who won an international award for her first book. I had to read it.
I loved the rustic and true-to-reality potrayal of Indian and Indians. It’s a back and forth story between siblings, set in Kerala-God's own country.
It’s a reflection into the history, the politics, and the general attitude of Indian families.
The Pleasure Principle – The Amaryllis Book of Erotic Stories - Edited by G.Sampath
If you want to experience the writing of many Indian writers on a topic that is still shy of meandering in Indian society: erotica, pick this book. I wouldn’t say I loved all the stories. But some of them are definitely worth a read.
Some writer names include Taslima Nasrin, Cyrus Mistry, and Amrita Chatterjee, etc. My favorite story was the First Kiss by Vikram Kapur for its simple and refreshing take.
I know you want to read this book because, let’s admit it, we all want to read about sex.
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To quote the author – “For all its physicality, sex is the realm where human beings are at their most vulnerable, or most violent or most tender. The Pleasure Principle is a bold attempt to explore the pleasures and torments of the realm. Join the adventure- you know this is one ride you cannot get off when you want to.”
So go take your pick and read at least one of them at the soonest. Are you asking me where you will get these books? Our very own Santa for books - Bookish Santa, where else. Use COUPON CODE - MRU to get 10% off.
I would love to explore more books themed on Indian literature and even poems by Indian writers. So if you know of any that are a must read, please add them in the comments below.
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