George R.R. Martin believes that “a reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.” Keeping aside the frustration with how long it is taking for Martin to write and release the last Game of Thrones tome, he is absolutely right. Books are pure magic. Not only can they transport you into a whole new world, they can also help you introspect and understand yourself better. Here are a few you ought to add to your list of books to read in 2020.
1. Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh
If you haven’t read this gem from the annals of history yet, 2020 is the year to do it. Released in 1956, Train to Pakistan is just as relevant today because of the unique human perspective Singh brings to the otherwise politically debated issue of the partition of British India.
2. Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
In this debut novel, Anappara takes you into the mind and life of a 9-year-old Indian boy investigating the disappearance of his classmate and other children in the neighbourhood.
3. The Free Voice: On Democracy, Culture and the Nation by Ravish Kumar
Journalist and Senior Executive Editor of NDTV India. Ravish Kumar is known for his sharp, fearless, and incisive political commentary. With his fingers firmly on the pulse of what the citizens of India care about, Kumar presents a collection of nine essays that marry his personal encounters with the larger threats to Indian democracy.
4. An Obedient Father by Akhil Sharma
Delve into the workings of Indian family businesses and culture in Sharma’s book. He also offers insights into the shrouded issue of child abuse and the cultural perspectives on this difficult topic.
5. Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury
The walks of life we have no access to are understandably the ones we are most curious about. Feeding the innate curiosity about Asia’s largest prison, Gupta gives you an inside view of what happens to Tihar jail inmates awaiting their execution. From the notorious Charles Sobhraj to Afzal Guru and Nirbhaya’s rapist Ram Singh, Gupta had front-row seats to their ‘black warrant’, and this is what he shares with his readers.
Also Read: Girl Power By Neha J Hiranandani Is A Perfect Inspirational Read With Great Illustrations
6. Latitudes of Longing by Shubhangi Swarup
Swarup’s debut novel has already added her name to the who’s who of Indian literary circles. Shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature, and winner of the Tata Literature Live! Fiction Award, Latitudes of Longing weaves together diverse and multifaceted stories of a dictator mired with superstition, octogenarian lovers, a yeti, a turtle who turns into a woman, and several other characters who will stay with you for a long time to come.
7. You Never Know by Akash Verma
Sit back with your cup of coffee and jump into Verma’s latest romantic thriller. This fast-paced novel delves into the darker sides of love and adultery, with a generous dollop of crooked politicians and suspense that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Take up a book challenge or two in the New Year to feed your mind and soul.
Also Read: Author Ashwin Sanghi Unveils The Cover Of His New Book 'The Vault Of Vishnu'