As the festive season of Diwali approaches, the joy of gifting takes center stage, and what better way to celebrate than with the gift of literature? In “10 Books to Read and Gift on Diwali 2024,” we’ve curated a selection of captivating titles that offer not just stories but also profound insights and reflections. From the historical depth of Hind Swaraj by M.K. Gandhi to the enchanting mystery of The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose, this list encompasses a range of genres that appeal to diverse readers. Some titles are even available for preorder, deserving a special spot on your gift list. Let Storizen guide you through this delightful literary journey, ensuring your Diwali celebrations are enriched with thought-provoking reads that spark conversation and inspire hearts.
1. Betrayed by Hope by Namita Gokhale and Malashri Lal
Michael Madhusudan Dutt (1824–1872), a visionary who transformed 19th-century Bengali poetry with his free-verse epic Meghnadhbadh Kabya, lived a life marked by turmoil and genius. Torn between cultures, Dutt wrote in English, converted religions, and wandered restlessly through Europe, struggling with poverty and an identity crisis. Only upon returning to his roots and embracing his mother tongue did he find his true artistic voice. Betrayed by Hope, a captivating play-script based on Dutt’s personal letters, brings to life his tumultuous journey—one of soaring creativity amidst personal chaos. Through this powerful narrative, Namita Gokhale and Malashri Lal honor the complexities of an extraordinary artist whose story still resonates today.
2. Think Like The Minimalist by Sahil Vaidya and Chirag Gander
Amid the noise and chaos of today’s world, standing out requires more than just good ideas – it demands thoughtful design. Think Like The Minimalist by Chirag Gander and Sahil Vaidya uncovers the power of Minimalist thinking, a groundbreaking approach that’s transforming the creative landscape. With a straightforward four-step process and practical tools from their Minimalist toolkit, this book offers actionable strategies for marketers, brand managers, and design leaders to spark innovative ideas. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a creative leader, this book is your guide to thriving in the world of modern creativity.
3. Speaking with Nature by Ramachandra Guha
Ramachandra Guha’s deeply researched book challenges the common belief that countries like India are ‘too poor to be green.’ Long before the global environmental movement took shape in the West, ten remarkable Indian thinkers, including Rabindranath Tagore, J.C. Kumarappa, and K.M. Munshi, were already writing about the dangers of environmental destruction. These pioneers addressed issues like deforestation, water conservation, urbanization, and industrialization with what Guha calls ‘livelihood environmentalism,’ a philosophy driven by survival rather than the ‘full-stomach environmentalism’ of affluent nations. Speaking with Nature not only reveals a forgotten history but also offers valuable lessons for understanding today’s climate crisis.
4. Hind Swaraj by M.K. Gandhi
Hind Swaraj, written by Mahatma Gandhi in 1909, is a transformative work that calls for India’s liberation from British rule by embracing non-violent resistance and reclaiming its rich cultural heritage. Banned by the British in 1910, this book serves as a powerful manifesto for self-reliance, urging Indians to break free from imperialism through the principles of Satyagraha. Gandhi’s vision explores how a society—its government, institutions, and citizens—can thrive on the foundation of trust, non-violence, and mutual respect. A timeless read for policymakers, history enthusiasts, and scholars, Hind Swaraj offers deep insights into building a truly independent and self-sustaining India.
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5. The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
At the Regency Grand Hotel, a 5-star Christmas mystery is unfolding, and Molly the Maid is at the center of it all. As the festive season kicks into high gear, her holiday checklist seems simple—deck the halls, dust off the decorations, buy a Secret Santa gift—but things take a twist when her beau, Juan Manuel, starts disappearing, and the hotel corridors fill with whispers. With charm and cheer, The Mistletoe Mystery will sweep you into a heartwarming holiday tale, where the key to the mystery may just be found in the most surprising of gifts!
6. Into the Storm by Cecelia Ahern
A storm looms on the horizon, and freedom awaits just beyond it. On a tempestuous December night, GP Enya finds herself crouched over a teenage boy, delivering life-saving CPR as the rain pours down. Though the boy survives, that single moment shatters Enya’s world, propelling her to escape a cold, loveless marriage. In the quiet of a remote country town, she seeks solace, but the haunting memory of that stormy night lingers on. Beneath the ancient branches of a tree that has witnessed countless lives unfold, Enya must summon the courage to confront her own story and embrace the freedom she desperately craves.
7. Shah Rukh Khan: Legend, Icon, Star by Mohar Basu
Shah Rukh Khan, a dazzling superstar living in the spotlight of cameras and headlines, has had his fervor, artistry, and grace extensively chronicled. Yet, beyond the films and charismatic persona lies a man who resonates deeply with a vast family of fans. From Rahul Raichand to Raj Malhotra, and Mohan Bhargava to Rizwan Khan, the diverse characters that ‘King Khan’ has embodied are etched in the hearts of countless movie lovers. This book explores Shah Rukh’s inspirational journey, revealing what he means to people worldwide—a taxi driver in Paris, an Irishwoman in London, three generations of women in Pakistan, and adoring fans across Europe, Asia, the US, the Middle East, and India. A heartfelt tribute to his illustrious career and the man behind the magic, this compilation is a treasure trove of intimate stories, fan experiences, and rare photographs of the one who captures the hearts of over half the world—the star, the icon, the legend: SHAH RUKH KHAN.
8. The Extraordinary Life of Max Bulandi by Sidharth Singh
Curious whether India will ever give rise to a world-class rock band? Look no further—The Flow is here! Enter the life of Nirvana, a disillusioned journalist and jilted lover mired in boredom and addiction, stuck in a rut until he stumbles upon a stack of vintage Junior Standard magazines from the 1970s. One article about a legendary rock contest featuring a band called The Flow and their charismatic frontman, Max Bulandi—touted as India’s answer to Jim Morrison—ignites his curiosity. A chance meeting with an old Bombay rocker fuels his quest to uncover the mysterious Max and the origins of India’s rock scene. As he traverses the bustling streets of Bombay, Calcutta, Shillong, and Benares, Nirvana discovers a vibrant world of music that transforms his life entirely. Exhilarating and refreshingly original, The Extraordinary Life of Max Bulandi is not just a coming-of-age story but also a tribute to the legends of Indian rock music.
9. 2024: The Election that Surprised India by Rajdeep Sardesai
2024: The Election That Surprised India delves into the riveting story behind one of the most dramatic chapters in Indian politics and society, exploring why pollsters and pundits miscalculated election forecasts, why mainstream media presented a skewed narrative, and how the relentless ‘char sau paar’ campaign for Modi’s BJP failed to resonate with voters. It highlights Rahul Gandhi’s surprising comeback, examines the significant shifts that occurred over the past five years, and sheds light on the strategic workings of the Modi-Shah duo. With critical questions about the fairness of the election and the role of enforcement agencies, this unflinching account unravels the evolving dynamics of state battles, ultimately revealing who truly won and lost in 2024. Rajdeep Sardesai offers an unmissable narrative filled with insights into power politics and the key players shaping today’s headlines, following his best-selling explorations of the 2014 and 2019 elections.
10. Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
In her powerful new novel, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni tells the poignant story of three sisters—Priya, Jamini, and Deepa—living in the tranquil village of Ranipur, Bengal, in August 1946, just as India stands on the brink of monumental change. Their sheltered lives shatter when their father, Dr. Nabakumar Ganguly, is killed on Direct Action Day, thrusting them into a world of chaos. Priya, the youngest, determined to follow in her father’s footsteps as a doctor, finds support from zamindar Somnath Chowdhury, while dutiful Jamini grapples with feelings of resentment and a secret longing for affection. Meanwhile, beautiful Deepa faces a life-altering choice as she falls in love with Raza, a Youth Leader in the Muslim League. As the nation partitions and the sisters become separated, they must navigate their fears and discover the true meaning of independence and the heavy price it entails, all set against the backdrop of India’s struggle for freedom.
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