- By Bound Team
Welcome to 2025! A new year means new beginnings, and I know we’ve all scribbled down some goals that we promise to stick to this time. It’s easy on Day 1 but staying consistent? That’s the challenge.
Now, while we can’t help you hit the gym or flex those gains (that’s all you), we can help you with one resolution that practically everyone has on their list: reading more books! Whether you’re diving into epic adventures, unravelling mysteries, or soaking up some self-help wisdom, we’re here to make sure this is the year you finishing a book a week!
For readers who are just starting to read or who finish books in two days, the Bound team has put together the books to add to your online cart in 2025. These lists cover a variety of genres suitable for a diverse audience! So buckle in and scroll to find some new books which will surely get you hooked on reading!
1. Great Eastern Hotel by Ruchir Joshi:
Set in August 1941, on the sorrowful day when Rabindranath Tagore dies, five individuals from the city find their lives intertwined on this very day. They get entangled with those living at the hotel: an American solider playing jazz at the nightclub, a genius French chef, an heiress fleeing from her nightmare from Europe and a group of military officers secretly running a secret intelligence operation. This book traces a slow-burn pause at a crucial part of history, shedding light on new views and perspectives about our present, the political environment, nationalism, love and art.
2. Masalamandi by Sadaf Hussain:
This is not just any cookbook about the plethora of Indian food, it is about the very intricate history of masalas in Indian history. Hussain delves into the world of spice blends and what it makes up of. The different masalas used in different states, the distinctive cuisines of the North and the South, and how it varies from winter to summer. The book is a quest in itself to unravel a single dish and the comprehensive exploration of the history, mythology and significance of Indian masala.
3. Unknown City by Amitabha Bagchi:
With his book about fifty-year-old professor and novelist Arindam Chatterjee, Bagchi dismantles the façade of masculinity. In his previous life in America, Arindam finds himself going back to his relationships from his twenties, including with the activist Lisa, who wanted a conscious partner rather than one who was absent. Or Razia, the author, who aspired to feel wanted and needed. Looking back on his previous relationships, Arindam discovers that he had no idea what a human heart felt like beneath the façade of masculinity.
4. Nalanda: How it Changed the World by Abhay K:
Abhay K digs deep into the history of Nalanda and its journey over a millennium. Conducting extensive research, Abhay reveals the contributions of Nalanda in the fields of science, mathematics, philosophy, art, architecture, and poetry. The story highlights the unparalleled reputation and knowledge of great luminaries who elevated this monastery. It is a thrilling read which will enlighten all on Nalanda.
5. The Burnings by Himanjali Sankar:
As unexplained fires rage across the country, Shalini is drawn to her estranged first love, Akshar, now a broken man in his crumbling ancestral mansion. The house harbours eerie residents, haunting secrets, and a malevolent legacy. As Shalini uncovers its dark past and confronts her own, she must decide if she can escape its grasp or become another ghost within its walls. This gripping and gothic novel must be on your reading list!
6. The Mind Electric by Pria Anand:
In The Mind Electric, neuroscientist Pria Anand explores the complexities of the brain and the thin boundaries between sanity, illness, and wellness. Through case studies, history, fables, and memoirs, she reveals how even the strangest neurological symptoms illuminate universal truths about humanity. Anand’s journey spans from treating patients in Boston to her roots in India and travels across the Caribbean and West Africa.
7. The Tiger’s Share by Keshava Guha:
This book traces the sibling relationship between Tara and her brother. Tara is steadfast, independent and a successful professional whose ambition never seems to end. Her brother is the exact opposite. However, when their father retires, he comes out of his shell and turns out to be not what Tara imagined him to be. And this triggers the family into an unstable turmoil. Lila, Tara’s friend, also has it all. Her brother shoots straight ahead and grabs what’s his, leaving Lila and Tara in the same boat, forcing them to confront the meaning of their ambition and success in a patriarchal Delhi society. This novel is a mirror facing society.
8. Beyond the Heaven-Born Service by Pushpa Sundar:
Pushpa Sundar’s novel is as candid as can be. From her transformative journey as a dedicated IAS officer to a pioneering figure in Indian philanthropy, she lays it all bare for readers to witness. She shares her experiences and worldview having grown up in Nagpur in the 50s as well as the college years spent at prestigious institutions, including the Delhi School of Economics. Her experiences and insights make this book more than a memoir but as a guideline and testament to women and how they can redefine success on their terms.
9. Saraswati by Gurnaik Johal:
The story revolves around Satnam, who finds water in a previously dried-up well while returning to his ancestral village in Punjab for his grandmother’s funeral. A contentious scheme to unearth the fabled Saraswati River, a representation of Hindu nationalism, is sparked by this discovery. The lives of seven people—including a Bollywood stunt double, a Mauritian pest exterminator, and a Canadian eco-activist—are deftly interwoven throughout the book against the backdrop of a rapidly changing India.
10. Live While You’re Alive by Shiv Khera:
The best-selling author Shiv Khera presents his ways to combat stress and how to achieve lasting success in his new book. He offers his own unique takes on how to deal with stress at a personal or professional level and in his witty one-liners, he managed to be relatable with the readers. This book aims to motivate you to take control of your life!
Kickstart the year on a high note by diving into an eccentric mix of genres. This curated list showcases fresh and unique reads from the Indian publishing industry, offering something special for every kind of reader. Explore new stories and perspectives to make this year an unforgettable literary adventure!
Do share books which we might have missed out on in the comments and happy reading!
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