As September unfolds, dive into a captivating array of new reads that promise to enrich your bookshelf and spark your imagination. This month, we’ve curated a diverse selection of ten compelling books, each offering a unique journey through politics, mystery, romance, and science fiction. From the gripping political memoir “Five Decades In Politics” by Sushilkumar Shinde and Rasheed Kidwai, to the suspenseful twists of “A Murderous Plot” by Sue Minix, and the poignant reflections in “The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay” by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi, there’s something for every literary taste. Whether you’re unraveling mysteries, exploring complex characters, or delving into futuristic worlds, these books are set to captivate and inspire. Join us as we explore the must-reads of September 2024 and find your next great adventure in the pages ahead.
1. Five Decades In Politics by Sushilkumar Shinde and Rasheed Kidwai
Sushilkumar Shinde’s political journey is a remarkable tale of perseverance and triumph, starting as a child laborer and ward boy to becoming one of India’s most influential leaders. From holding key positions such as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Union Home Minister, and UPA’s vice-presidential candidate, Shinde’s memoir, co-authored with Rasheed Kidwai, offers a candid account of his five-decade career. He shares the highs and lows of his rise to power, from being discovered by Sharad Pawar to overseeing pivotal events like the trials of Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru, the 2012 Delhi gangrape case, and the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. Shinde also reflects on the challenges faced by the UPA II government, including its defeat in 2014. As President Pranab Mukherjee aptly stated, “His story is the story of India,” and Five Decades in Politics stands as an inspiring and insightful narrative for many.
2. A Murderous Plot by Sue Minix
During her morning jog, retired amateur sleuth Jen stumbles upon a blood-covered amnesiac in the woods but vows to stay out of the case, focusing instead on her bookshop and writing her next murder mystery. However, when millionaire developer Simeon Kirby, who has long threatened her shop, turns up dead, Jen is unwillingly drawn back into the spotlight. With a police officer wrongly accused, Jen knows something is off and races against time to unmask the real killer before they strike again. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Ellery Adams, A Murderous Plot will keep readers guessing until the very last page.
3. The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay Paperback by Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
Nominated for the 2009 Man Asian Literary Prize, The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay follows young photographer Karan Seth, who arrives in Bombay to document the city of his dreams, only to be swept into a world of crime, politics, and heartbreak after a friend’s tragic murder. In the wake of a botched trial and a failed romance, Karan escapes to England seeking solace, yet like the flamingoes of Sewri, he is inevitably drawn back to Bombay. Through Karan’s journey, the novel reflects on a notorious murder trial that captivated India, while exploring the complexities of love, betrayal, and the redemptive power of friendship.
4. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
When Hazel stumbles upon a cryptic message hidden in a book at the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, she’s puzzled but determined to crack the code. With a series of mysterious clues leading her on a scavenger hunt, she enlists the help of Noah, the charming fisherman who’s always up for adventure—and happens to be smitten with Hazel. As their quest takes them through the picturesque Dream Harbor, the chemistry between them heats up, proving that their connection might be as irresistible as the bookstore’s famous cinnamon buns. The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is a cozy romantic mystery with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
5. Ten Days of The Strike: Selected Stories by Sandipan Chattopadhya and Arunava Sinha
Sandipan Chattopadhyay, a pioneering figure in modern Bengali literature, is celebrated as one of the foremost fiction writers of his time, known for his fierce anti-establishment views and championing of creative freedom. His works grapple with themes of class, gender, and the human condition’s absurdities, often blending mainstream and alternative narratives. In this collection, themes of freedom and revolution, passion and hatred, love and death, and memory and oblivion collide in strikingly bold and provocative stories. Readers will encounter a family facing the chaos of a blocked toilet, a man burning down his fictional worlds, and a boy permanently marked by a blue hand. Translated brilliantly by Arunava Sinha, Ten Days of the Strike introduces English readers to Chattopadhyay’s groundbreaking work for the first time.
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6. Black Sol By Sachin Warty
Haunted by his failure to prevent his sister’s tragic rape and murder and struggling with his own demons, Mihir—a decorated ex-special forces officer and recovering alcoholic—sees his world further shattered when his close friend Chris is found dead near his outpost. As he delves into the remote corners of Northeast India, Mihir uncovers a sinister conspiracy hidden beneath the region’s tranquil facade. With a loyal band of ex-soldiers at his side, he confronts a treacherous mix of betrayal, greed, and brutality, unearthing a deceitful network that extends well beyond the Seven Sisters. As he fights for justice, Mihir faces a harrowing quest to connect Chris’s death to a far-reaching conspiracy.
7. What A Way To Go by Bella Mackie
“I was profoundly relieved that, despite the horrifying circumstances of my husband’s death, he left this world with his clothes still on. Anthony Wistern, a man of staggering wealth with a glamorous wife, a slew of picture-perfect children, a French chateau, a Cotswold manor, numerous mistresses, and a penchant for bending moral boundaries, met a sudden end. With his fortune now at stake, every family member finds themselves under scrutiny, leading to a dramatic unraveling of their world.”
8. The Corporation in the 21st Century by John Kay
For centuries, corporations were seen as businesses run by capitalist elites, using their wealth to control production and wield economic power. Today, this view is outdated; our most coveted goods and services are digital, accessible through screens or stored in our minds, not in warehouses or ships. Despite our increasing consumption, big businesses face a legitimacy crisis: the pharmaceutical industry struggles with public distrust, the growing pay gap between executives and employees threatens social stability, and giants like Facebook and Google, despite their vast user bases, are widely criticized. John Kay, a leading economist, examines how the relentless pursuit of shareholder value has led to the downfall of major twentieth-century companies and offers a provocative redefinition of commercial success, leadership, and the future of modern corporations.
9. Swipe Right to Kill by Anirban Bhattacharyya
From a perfect romance to a chilling crime, the discovery of an abandoned suitcase on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway in May 2018 revealed the gruesome murder of 28-year-old businessman Dushyant Sharma. Within 48 hours, the Rajasthan Police cracked the case, uncovering the sinister machinations of Priya Seth, who confessed to deceiving thousands of men, and her accomplices Dikshant Kamra and Lakshya Walia. With insights from SHO Gur Bhoopendra Singh, bestselling author and producer Anirban Bhattacharyya—creator of Savdhaan India and Crime Patrol—presents a harrowing account of how greed and ambition led to one of the most infamous crimes in recent history, now known as the Jaipur Tinder Murder Case.
10. Loka by S.B. Divya
In S.B. Divya’s riveting epic, a girl embarks on a quest to define her place in the universe, blending space, humanity, and self-discovery. As a hybrid of human and genetically engineered alloy, Akshaya is destined to shape the future of Meru. However, she yearns to explore Earth, the birthplace of humanity, before settling her path. Against her parents’ wishes, she undertakes a daring journey with her fearless friend Somya, navigating Earth’s varied and stunning terrains—blue skies, sunrises, snow-capped mountains, and tumultuous oceans—without the aid of advanced technology or oversight from the alloy rulers of Earth. Through this transformative adventure, Akshaya uncovers love, forges new friendships, and discovers the profound meaning of human existence.
Which book(s) are you planning to read in September?
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