October brings an eclectic mix of powerful memoirs, sharp non-fiction, sweeping novels, and unforgettable voices. From Arundhati Roy’s first memoir to Kiran Desai’s Booker-shortlisted novel, this month’s releases are as bold as they are diverse.
Here’s the complete list of books to read this October!
Hundred Greatest Love Songs – Biswamit Dwibedy
A genre-bending memoir told in a playlist of 100 short chapters. From small-town Iowa diners to the arts scene of New York, it’s a story of art, poetry, friendship, and belonging. A powerful ode to how literature and music can heal and transform lives.
Gita for the Young and the Urban – Nityanand Charan Das
A modern guide to balance and purpose for today’s overworked, overstimulated lives. Through reflections on karma, the mind, and surrender, this book bridges ancient wisdom and modern city living.
Nepal 2043 – Sujeev Shakya
A visionary take on Nepal’s future and its path to becoming a high-income nation. Covering hydropower, migration, tourism, and digital transformation, this book also doubles as a playbook for other emerging economies.
Sheher Mein Gaon – Ekta Chauhan
An exploration of Delhi’s urban villages—spaces caught between tradition and modernity. This book reveals how these neighbourhoods tell the story of culture, conflict, and change in India’s capital.
The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II – Gautam Hazarika
The untold history of INA soldiers, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Indian POWs. With stories of resilience, daring escapes, and wartime sacrifice, this book sheds light on a neglected chapter of India’s independence struggle.
Assembling India’s Constitution – Ornit Shani & Rohit De
A paradigm-shifting history of India’s constitution, told not just from the Assembly halls but from the perspectives of citizens and communities. A people-powered account of how democracy took root in India.
The Money Ball – Sarthak Ahuja
A practical playbook for entrepreneurs and startups—covering leadership, finance, marketing, and growth. Written by an experienced business consultant, this book is packed with actionable insights for building sustainable ventures.
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny – Kiran Desai
Booker Prize 2025 shortlisted. A sweeping diaspora novel of love, family, and belonging. Sonia and Sunny’s journey spans India, New York, and generations, exploring the bonds that connect—and complicate—our lives.
Mother Mary Comes to Me – Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy’s first memoir—an intimate portrait shaped by her relationship with her extraordinary mother. Fierce, tender, and deeply personal, it is a story of love, loss, and becoming.
The Sirens of September – Zeenath Khan
A historical novel set in Hyderabad, 1948. A tale of aristocracy, espionage, and shifting loyalties during a time of political upheaval, where love and betrayal entwine with history.
Booms, Busts and Market Cycles – Maneesh Dangi
A unique, character-driven book on investing that draws from Indian ethos and real-world market cycles. Not a formula manual but a guide to thinking like an investor and navigating uncertainty.
The Sky Husband – Easterine Kire
A lyrical collection of stories rooted in Nagaland. Gentle, profound, and deeply human, these narratives capture the richness of the region’s culture and the universality of love and memory.
The Lost Author – Chris Barkley
A literary mystery on a remote island in 1949. A missing manuscript, a mentor’s death, and secrets waiting to be uncovered—this is a haunting story of ambition, grief, and legacy.
The Forever Green Lore and Legends of Kerala – Sreekumari Ramachandran
An immersive dive into Kerala’s folklore and spiritual traditions—from snake boat races to temple legends. A celebration of devotion, history, and culture.
The Monk in the Corner Office – Gopi Krishnaswamy
Through the story of Sid, a burnt-out young professional, this book delivers timeless lessons in emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Perfect for anyone navigating modern work and life.
Being Modern: A Biography of Ananda Ram Dhekial Phookan – Gunabhiram Barua, trans. Banani Chakravarty
The biography of a visionary Assamese thinker who championed Assamese language and identity in 19th-century Assam. A fascinating blend of personal story and regional history.
The Art of Conversation – Khurshed Dordi
A guide to mastering communication in every setting—from interviews to pitches to everyday interactions. Practical, insightful, and empowering.
Press 9 for a Crime – Shailendra Jha
A cybercrime thriller set across Delhi and Cambodia. A missing brother, a desperate search, and a family pushed to the edge—this is a high-stakes story of deception and redemption.
Talking to the Baby in the Womb – S. Andal Bhaskar & S. Bhaskar
A holistic guide to Garbha Vidya—bonding with your unborn child through mindfulness, music, and positive communication. Rooted in Indian tradition, this book offers wisdom for modern mothers.
The Heartfulness Way, Vol. 2 – Kamlesh D. Patel & Elizabeth Denley
A continuation of Daaji’s much-loved Heartfulness Way. This volume guides readers through expanding consciousness and finding balance, happiness, and purpose in daily life.
In the Silence You Left Behind – Sumitra Manda
Some heartbreaks don’t come with loud goodbyes—they slip away quietly, leaving you to carry the weight alone. This moving book is for anyone who has loved deeply, lost silently, and is still learning to let go. Honest, gentle, and comforting, it’s a companion for those navigating the ache of memory and the slow journey of healing.
Which one’s going on your TBR?
This October’s list spans memoirs, history, business, fiction, poetry, and more. Whether you want to be swept away by a love story, challenged by new ideas, or hooked by a thriller, these books are waiting for you.
