What are the best reads of 2023?

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Books have a unique ability to change our perspective. The more we read, the more we learn to see the world from different angles. Every book is a journey that takes us into the lives of its characters, letting us experience the world through their eyes. You may have read some amazing books by English writers over the years, but exploring the latest offerings from Indian authors is a truly transformative experience. The best Indian books of 2023 offer diverse stories, narratives and ideas that provide a unique perspective on this fascinating country.

  1. Energize Your Mind – Gaur Gopal Das
    In today’s fast-paced world, finding inner peace can be a challenge. With his latest book, the renowned Indian Guru offers a solution to this problem. The book presents a series of meditation and mind-management techniques that can help individuals lead a more stress-free and productive life. By reading “Energize Your Mind,” you can learn how to better understand your mind and work with it to achieve a sense of calm and renewed energy. This book is among the top Indian reads of 2023 and is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their mental health and well-being.
  2. The Kargil Story – Deepak Surana
    As the title suggests, the book is a comprehensive compilation of Kargil war narratives. It encompasses the five pivotal Indian offensives of the war, namely, the Battle of Khalubar, the Capture of Pt. 4875, the Battle of Tololing, Three Pimples, and Tiger Hill. Within this captivating book, you will have the opportunity to delve into previously unheard accounts of the Kargil War. These accounts have been gathered from over a hundred soldiers who were actively involved in the conflict. Undoubtedly, The Kargil Story stands as one of the finest literary works of 2023, particularly for enthusiasts of history and war stories.
  3. Bipin: The Man Behind the Uniform – Rachna Bisht Rawat
    General Bipin Rawat is one of the most audacious army officers that our country has seen. Although controversies surrounded him throughout his military career, his accomplishments outshine them. And as a nation, when we lost him to a tragic copter crash in 2021, our grief was insurmountable. This book is a tribute to him and follows his life story. The best-selling author of the defence segment, Rachna Bisht Rawat, brings to us this book with details of his life by interviewing his friends and family members. It covers his not-so-smooth journey to the top of the armed forces. And then there are bitter-sweet yet interesting anecdotes from his life to inspire every Indian who cherishes to be in the Army.
  4. Victory City – Salman Rushdie
    The author, who has won the Booker Prize, has returned with a fascinating novel that ignites the imagination through mythology, adventure, and magic. The story follows Kampana, a nine-year-old who is gifted with the ability to build one of the most magnificent cities in the ancient world. However, Kampana’s relentless fixation on the city, even after many years, transforms her blessing into a curse and ultimately leads to the city’s downfall.
  5. The Bandit Queens – Parini Shroff
    Parini Shroff’s first novel, The Bandit Queens, is so impressive that it reinstates our belief in the beginner’s luck. A woman lives up to the reputation of being her husband’s murderer and takes full advantage of it. However, when other women approach her seeking solutions to get rid of their worthless husbands, the problem arises. The amusing, clever, and extraordinary feel-good tale is difficult to forget, and it is essential to read it; otherwise, you will miss out on one of the finest Indian books of 2023.
  6. Homeless: Growing Homosexual and Dyslexic in India – K Vaishali
    This book is K Vaishali’s autobiography where she reveals details about herself, her life, and her decisions. To be completely truthful, this is her brave endeavour to expose herself to a biased society. She shares her identity as a homosexual and her struggles with learning. And despite facing numerous obstacles, she gathers the strength to leave her home, embrace freedom, and live life according to her own terms.
  7. I Hear You- Nidhi Upadhyay
    Nidhi Upadhyay’s newest psychological thriller is unlike any other you’ve ever read. The captivating story revolves around Mihika, who carries the world’s first genetically modified fetus to salvage her marriage. However, she is unaware that the fetus possesses extraordinary abilities and can communicate with her, unlike any other unborn child. The enthralling suspense novel, with its unforeseeable conclusion, will undoubtedly catch you off guard, a guarantee we can make.
  8. R.A.W. Hitman – Hussian S Zaidi
    Similar to his previous works, Zaidi’s most recent novel also draws inspiration from real-life events. The story centres around an enigmatic R.A.W. Agent Lima, who is implicated in the demise of notorious criminals Raju Pargai and Amit Arya. However, what connection does N.S.G. commando Lakshman “Lucky” Bisht, the personal security officer of LK Advani and later CM Narendra Modi, have to this case?
  9. Aryaa –  Shivakumar GV
    Shivakumar’s novel is a thought-provoking work that sheds light on the lives of strong-willed women from the Vedic age. The book presents a refreshing perspective, providing a closer and deeper look into the lives of these women and demystifying the mystery that surrounded them. The author’s portrayal of these women’s eternal wisdom, bravery, and unconventional choices is inspiring and thought-provoking. The book is a valuable addition to our understanding of the lives of these remarkable women and their contributions to our cultural heritage.
  10. A Dark and Shiny Place –  Pragati Deshmukh
    Pragati Deshmukh’s suspense thriller revolves around a contentedly married woman whose life takes a drastic turn when the pandemic strikes. Confined within the confines of her home, she begins to experience the supernatural, losing touch with reality. This gripping thriller will transport you into Maya’s haunting and shattered world. With only her sister Meera by her side, will Maya be able to regain her grip on reality, or will she succumb to the darkness that surrounds her? Don’t miss out on this exceptional piece. Give it a read.
  11. Sahela Re: A Novel – Mrinal Pande
    Reading the best Indian books can help us connect with the rich cultural heritage of our country. Sahela Re is one such book that celebrates the beauty of Hindustani classical music. The story revolves around a music teacher who embarks on a journey to explore the musical traditions of the past. As she travels around the world, she meets people who have kept the tradition alive through their performances and learns about the mehfils and ghazals that have made it so glorious. Although originally written in Marathi, the book has been beautifully translated into English by Priyanka Sarkar.
  12. Smoke and Ashes – Amitav Ghosh
    Amitav Ghosh’s book on the history of Opium in the Indian subcontinent and the world is nothing short of a treasure trove hidden at the bottom of an ocean. Through his words, we are transported to an alternate history that was hidden from view for so long. We learn about Opium’s role as a driving force behind some of the biggest empires, conglomerates, and families. Moreover, Ghosh makes a shocking discovery that the British would not have been able to rule India for as long as they did if not for the Opium trade. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history and its hidden truths.
  13. Nala Damayanti – Anand Neelakantan
    This novel is a captivating retelling of an epic love story from the timeless mythology of Mahabharat. It tells the enchanting tale of how love overcomes all obstacles, even in the face of hostility and evil. The story follows the journey of a swan who intervenes when Brahma decides to end humanity and is tasked with uniting the tribal King Nala and the eternal beauty Damayanti. As you read this enthralling story, you will be inspired by the resilience and power of love to conquer even the toughest challenges.
  14. The Indian Metropolis – Varun Gandhi
    The thought-provoking book is like an open debate about the real scenes bugging urban India. As a politician and an Indian, Varun Gandhi, aptly questions our development models that simply ape the West but have no human touch to it. He shows us that there are downsides to it and provides solutions as well.
  15. The Invisible Enemy – Girish Kuber
    The book explores the beginnings of bio-chemical weapons and their historical utilization by nations at war. The Invisible Enemy serves as a wake-up call, alerting us to the peril these hazardous weapons pose to humanity as a whole. Having experienced the ongoing pandemic, whose origins are still subject to debate, this book provides the necessary insight into the hidden aspects. Originally published in Marathi, it has been translated into English by Subha Pande.

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