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10 Best Books to Read in India (2024) - Buyer's Guide
Looking for the best books to read in India? Read through this article!
Told through the eyes of a child, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is primarily an example of Southern Gothic fiction that combines both dark and comedic elements and uses a perfect blend of thrill and fiction to exude a deep message.
If you have lost a special one in your life, Wish I Could Tell You is a power-packed story that conveys the message of selfless and pure love and will help you find yourself.
One Arranged Murder is one of the best thriller mysteries with a good story, interesting plot and unexpected twists.
Want to train your mind to attain inner peace and purpose every day, Think Like a Monk is one of the best books to get your hands on.
Books can change the way you think or feel, process information, and reflect your interest. If you are looking for the best books of all time, our list of best books to read in India has you covered. Whether you are looking for a book to increase your vocabulary and form a reading habit or want to learn writing and overcome your doubts, this list of the best books to read is sure to come in handy for you.
It is rightly said that books have healing powers and are great companions for anyone. Whether you are a book lover or just beginning to read, we have included some timeless classics and the latest launches to make this list your ultimate one! If you are as excited as the sun to find the best books of all time listed below, tighten your belt and pick the title that intrigues you the most.
If you are looking for a quick summary of the different best books to read we’ve picked for you, the table given below is sure to help you find the right one as per your budget and requirements.
S No.
Book’s Name
Price
1
₹ 133
2
₹ 144
3
₹ 156
4
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
₹ 165
5
Wise and Otherwise: A Salute to Life
₹ 183
6
₹ 217
7
₹ 258
8
Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day
₹ 299
9
₹ 317
10
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
₹ 320
Here are our top ten recommendations if you are looking for the best books to read. We have made sure our list is diverse to cater to the interests of different types of readers including various genres, writing styles, and publishing years.
Wish I Could Tell You is a romantic novel by Durjoy Datta - India's best romance icon amongst youngsters. The story revolves around Ananth and Anusha - both struggling in their own ways and eventually moving together.
By depicting multiple emotions, Datta beautifully depicts how love can change someone despite the challenges. The book is a perfect blend of different time frames - with pieces jolted together interestingly. Although there are countless romance novels in India, this book has romance at its very core and has a lot more to offer than just a regular cliché romance.
The language is simple but the characters are strong and the emotions are intense - with highly unexpected twists. This is a pleasurable read, especially for beginners looking for a story that packs love and mystery in the most complacent way.
Price: ₹ 133
Type of Book (Genre): Romance Novel
Language: English
Reading Age: 14 to 30
Writer’s Name: Durjoy Datta
Print Length: 288 pages
One Arranged Murder is one of the best books by Chetan Bhagat. Its title is intriguing enough to read it - without even thinking twice. The story revolves around two amateur detectives (and best friends) Keshav and Saurabh who find their friendship in a difficult situation while solving a murder case.
The murder mystery affects them personally and the suspense gets bigger and bigger as you reach the end of the book. The writing style is simple and it is almost impossible for readers to figure out who the murderer is until the writer decides to reveal it. The book is well put together with a seamless amalgamation of humour, love, friendship, thrill and confusion.
Price: ₹ 144
Type of Book (Genre): Crime Fiction, Thriller
Language: English
Reading Age: 18 and above
Writer’s Name: Chetan Bhagat
Print Length: 312 pages
Search for the best books to read and don't find "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" - impossible! A renowned inspirational fiction, the book is all about how to ditch materialism and find a simple yet profound way to live life.
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is a revealing story that revolves around Julian Mantle, a successful lawyer whose life is instantly changed by the onset of cardiovascular disease. The book speaks about sages that live in the Himalayas and focuses on self-discipline, setting small goals and having a strong sense of purpose in life.
The book is a great pick for people stuck with their beloved possessions and worldly things - in search of a meaningful existence. Easy to read, this book will take you on a self-help journey reading which you can progress your mental health and inner peace.
Price: ₹ 156
Type of Book (Genre): Business Fables
Language: English
Reading Age: 18 and above
Writer’s Name: Robin Sharma
Print Length: 198 pages
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr Joseph Murphy is an interesting combination of time-honoured spiritual wisdom with cutting-edge scientific research.
The book explains how the subconscious mind influences every single thing that you do and how you can unlock the powers of your mind to get rid of bad habits and open the doors to happiness, success, prosperity and peace for yourself.
Although slightly repetitive at times, the book's idea of subconscious programming has been executed in a simple manner without much light on culture or religion. The book is a great pick for people struggling to change their lives looking for a more positive pathway that leads them to fulfilment and a better quality of life.
Price: ₹ 165
Type of Book (Genre): Self Help
Language: English
Reading Age: 18 and above
Writer’s Name: Dr Joseph Murphy
Print Length: 222 pages
Wise and Otherwise is one of the best books by Sudha Murthy. The book explains how understanding human and human nature is one of the toughest jobs in this world. With an interesting title and content inside, the book shows how things that seem right or good or vice versa can be completely different if explored to the proper depth.
Sudha Murty’s "Wise and Otherwise" will take you through a journey of redefining your thought process through narrations of 51 stories inspired by the extensive travels of the author herself. It is an inspirational book that presents a realistic picture of India with its values, traditions and imperfections - one story at a time.
Price: ₹ 183
Type of Book (Genre): Fiction
Language: English
Reading Age: 18 and above
Writer’s Name: Sudha Murty
Print Length: 232 pages
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is another timeless classic that is unmissable in almost every "books-to-read" list. Easy to understand and simple to read, the book presents a simple fable and is quite relatable. The story revolves around a boy named Santiago from Andalusia and his adventures through the African desert to find treasure in the Pyramids of Egypt.
The book shows how we all have our goals and must never give up - no matter how many obstacles come our way. The book was originally written in Portuguese and later translated into English. The book is a perfect pick for beginners, inspiring them to take the risk of following their hearts and realizing their dreams.
Price: ₹ 217
Type of Book (Genre): Fantasy Fiction, Adventure
Language: English
Reading Age: 14 and up
Writer’s Name: Paulo Coelho
Print Length: 172 pages
Fredrik Backman's "A Man Called Ove" is one the best picks if you are looking for a humorous book with an uplifting tale of love. Said to "brighten your day", this life-affirming comic tale depicts how kindness, love and happiness can be found in the most unlikely places.
The book takes you to Sweden and will make you laugh and cry and sometimes both. Focused on an old man who wants nothing more than to kill himself in peace, the story is so enchanting that you will instantly relate to it.
The book is an example of a character study where Ove's interaction with everything, his views towards society and his ironclad rules in life are gradually changed. The story focuses on how love and friendship make Ove - a lonely and grumpy old man loved by all.
Although Fredrik Backman's writing style is not something you would be very familiar with, you'll understand it soon and get used to it. The book is a great pick for people dealing with loneliness or the ones who find difficulty in learning new things.
Price: ₹ 258
Type of Book (Genre): Humorous Fiction, Friendship
Language: English
Reading Age: 18 and above
Writer’s Name: Fredrik Backman
Print Length: 320 pages
Although launched recently, "Think Like a Monk" by Jay Shetty is a bestseller in no time. The book distils the timeless wisdom Jay Shetty learned as a practicing monk into practical steps anyone can take every day to live a less stressful and more meaningful life.
Jay's book is a perfect choice if you want to remove negativity from your life and alleviate anxiety. With its warmth and clarity on a path to greater joy and purpose, the book provides essential guidance for travelling a balanced path to success.
The content is relatable to the modern world and is a great tool to overcome fear, depression, loneliness, addiction, negative thoughts, and relationship struggles. By the end of this book, you will find yourself inspired to meditate, change your lifestyle, and think positively.
Price: ₹ 299
Type of Book (Genre): Self Help
Language: English
Reading Age: 18 and above
Writer’s Name: Jay Shetty
Print Length: 320 pages
"To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is the third timeless classic on our list which you must read once in your lifetime. The book features a coming-of-age story and a historical drama of the Great Depression. The book is a perfect blend of exuberant humour and tragedy in a uniquely unsentimental way.
Set in the era of 1930, the book beautifully depicts how a father can influence his child, not by advising but by setting an example. The protagonist of the book is 6 years-old Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch who lives with her widowed father Atticus Finch - a calm man with great wisdom and unbiased behaviour. The book focuses on the gut instinct of right & wrong and distinguishes it from just following the law.
Price: ₹ 317
Type of Book (Genre): Historical Fiction
Language: English
Reading Age: 13 and up
Writer’s Name: Harper Lee
Print Length: 320 pages
Ikigai is a refreshing read that gives the message of "authentic living" in a bewitching way. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to having a direction or purpose in life. The book weaves science-based studies in a warm and honest manner to gently pull you along your own self-care journey rather than pushing you from behind.
The book also discusses certain other Japanese concepts to help you find your "purpose in life" through Japanese perspectives on living life and persevering. The language is simplistic and easy to understand while the structure is beginner-friendly and cosy.
While giving a message of devoting time to your passion, the book is a great pick if you want to stop chasing materialistic things and stay focused in your life to attain inner peace and happiness.
Price: ₹ 320
Type of Book (Genre): Self-Help
Language: English
Reading Age: 16 to 35 years
Writer’s Name: Héctor García
Print Length: 208 pages
Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about purchasing the best books to read in India.
Finding good books to read is simple if you seek within and discover your reading tastes. Based on your preferences, take a look at best books lists published online and pick the one that intrigues you the most.
If you are looking for the best books to read, the ten books listed above are sure to intrigue you. For some specific recommendations, please refer to our top picks section.
According to some statistics, Indians mostly read adventure fiction, self-help books and romance novels. However, the acclaimed masterpieces listed above should not be missed out on - if you are a beginner or a bookworm.
Chetan Bhagat, Sudha Murty, Durjoy Datta, etc. are some of the best authors in India – inspiring millions of readers in their own way.
Reading a book is the healthiest obsession but you don't need to binge read to become a good reader. All that's important is consistency - even if you read just one page a day. We hope we helped you find the best books to read at least once in your lifetime. Which of these books are you ready to include in your reading pile soon? Whatever you pick, we’re sure you’ll pick the best
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