Fresh Reads for June
New releases to add to your reading list this month
June brings a rich and varied harvest of new books — from political histories and spiritual journeys to business playbooks, wellness guides, and musical biographies. Here are the titles we’re most excited about this month.
Gurudev: On the Plateau of the Peak — Bhanumathi Narasimhan
Few books offer the kind of intimacy this one does. Written by a student who has spent decades in close proximity to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, this is a portrait of a spiritual teacher drawn not from the outside but from within — through lived experience, quiet observation, and deep devotion. For anyone curious about the inner life of a master, this is an essential read.
Chasing Like Dhoni — Aayush Puthran & Samod Sarngan
What makes a finisher? What does it take to chase, under pressure, with the game on the line? This book draws lessons from MS Dhoni’s legendary approach to high-stakes cricket and translates them into a framework for how we might handle pressure in our own lives. Brisk, entertaining, and surprisingly instructive.
The Skincare Guide That Will Change Your Life — Deepali Bhardwaj
Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, one of India’s most trusted dermatologists, cuts through the noise with a no-nonsense guide to understanding your skin. From ingredients to routines to myths, this is the book for anyone who wants to make sense of what actually works — and why.
Swayamsewak: The Lives of Ten RSS Foot Soldiers—Malini Bhattacharjee
One of India’s most consequential organisations is often discussed at the level of ideology and leadership. This book does something rarer: it goes to the ground. Through ten ordinary lives, Malini Bhattacharjee examines what it means to be a swayamsewak — the motivations, the sacrifices, and the quiet conviction that drives those who keep the machinery running.
Unlocking Success — Manish Maheshwari
A former Twitter India MD and NewsLaundry co-founder, Manish Maheshwari has navigated some of the most turbulent corridors of India’s media and tech world. In this book, he distils his experience into an honest and accessible guide for those looking to carve their own path.
The Inspired Leader — Anil Sachdev
What separates a good manager from a truly inspired leader? Anil Sachdev, founder of SOIL Institute of Management, brings decades of learning to this question, offering a model of leadership grounded in purpose, empathy, and the courage to build cultures that actually work.
The Girl in Chains — Devashish Sardana
A gripping work of fiction that keeps you turning pages well past your bedtime. Sardana writes with urgency and precision, crafting a thriller that is as emotionally resonant as it is propulsive. Pick this one up only if you have nowhere to be the next morning.
Wealth Networks — Akshay Chavan
Personal finance with a twist — Chavan argues that wealth isn’t just about money, it’s about the networks you build. A fresh perspective on financial success that takes seriously the social and relational dimensions of how people actually grow prosperous.
One Insane Idea: 15 Ideation Techniques to Spark Breakthrough Business Ideas — Apoorv Singhal
Every great business begins with a single strange idea. In this energetic and practical book, Singhal unpacks fifteen proven techniques for unlocking creative thinking — giving readers the tools to generate not just good ideas, but genuinely transformative ones.
Who Owns the Past?: How Historians Rewrote India’s Past & Present — Shaan Kashyap
History is never just about what happened — it’s about who gets to say what happened. Kashyap’s bold and meticulously researched book examines the ideological forces that have shaped the writing of Indian history, and asks what it means to reclaim a more honest understanding of the past.
I Died Too Early — Sumitra Manda
Intimate, surprising, and quietly devastating. This work of literary fiction explores loss, time, and the unlived life with a sensitivity that lingers long after the final page. Sumitra Manda announces herself as a writer of genuine power.
Strategy For Life — Surya Ramkumar
What if you applied the same rigor to your personal goals as a CEO applies to a business strategy? Ramkumar makes a compelling case that clarity, planning, and iteration are not just corporate tools — they’re the building blocks of a well-lived life.
Wisdom that Works — Madan Sundar Das
Drawing from ancient tradition and lived practice, Madan Sundar Das offers spiritual wisdom that is rooted, practical, and applicable to the everyday. For readers looking to bring more depth and meaning to their daily lives, this is a thoughtful companion.
Made in Fire: A Playbook for Builders, Believers and Future Founders — Rajnish Kumar
From one of India’s most respected banking leaders, this is a book for those who build — and for those who dream of building. Rajnish Kumar shares the lessons, setbacks, and convictions that have shaped a remarkable career, offering a candid guide for the next generation of founders.
Zubeen Garg: The Voice that Bridged Worlds — Prosenjit Nath
A deeply felt tribute to one of Assam’s most beloved musicians. Prosenjit Nath traces Zubeen Garg’s extraordinary journey — from the Brahmaputra Valley to the hearts of listeners across India and the diaspora — exploring the music, the man, and the bridges he built between worlds.
All titles available at penguinbooksindia.com and leading bookstores from June 2026.
