May has arrived with a powerhouse list of new releases that span politics, poetry, leadership, startups, and stories from the frontlines—both military and emotional. Whether you’re a history buff, a startup enthusiast, a literary fiction lover, or a seeker of personal transformation, this month’s new books offer something remarkable for everyone.
Here are 20 must-read books released in May—each one ready to challenge your thinking, spark new ideas, and leave a lasting impact.
Apostles of Development: Six Economists and the World They Made by David C. Engerman
Explore the remarkable lives of six legendary economists—Amartya Sen, Manmohan Singh, Mahbub ul Haq, Jagdish Bhagwati, Rehman Sobhan, and Lal Jayawardena—who shaped the conversation on global poverty and development. An eye-opening history of development thinking from the Global South. A must-read for those interested in economics, inequality, and global change.
This Place of Mud and Bone by Sanjay Bista & Anurag Basnet
A sweeping literary novel that captures three decades of life and unrest in Darjeeling during the Gorkhaland movement. Told through the intertwined stories of six schoolmates, it explores how politics and violence shape identity and fate.
Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari: War-room to Boardroom by Lt Gen KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon
What does it take to lead in crisis—whether on the battlefield or in business? Drawing from real military experiences, General Dhillon shares powerful lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose. A motivational read for professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Indira Gandhi and the Years That Transformed India by Srinath Raghavan
A compelling biography of India’s first female prime minister and the events that shaped modern India. From the Emergency to her assassination, this is a definitive exploration of Indira Gandhi’s powerful, polarizing legacy.
Meet the Savarnas: Indian Millennials Whose Mediocrity Broke Everything by Ravikant Kisana
A bold and necessary exploration of caste privilege in modern India. Kisana shifts the focus from the oppressed to the privileged, offering a fresh, unapologetic critique of India’s urban upper-caste elite and their failure to deliver on the ‘Great Indian Dream’.
Commanded by Destiny: A General’s Rise from Soldier to Statesman by General S.M. Shrinagesh
The life story of one of India’s greatest generals who helped modernize the Indian Army and became the first military officer to serve as a state governor. Based on personal notes, this biography is a rich tribute to a true patriot and visionary.
The Ghadar Movement by Rana Preet Gill
Unearth the forgotten history of India’s revolutionary fight against British rule, led by Indian immigrants in the US. This deeply researched book brings to light the courage, betrayals, and legacies of the Ghadar heroes.
Startups of Bharat by Aditya Arora & Surya Pasricha
Meet the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs who are reshaping Bharat from the ground up. With inspiring stories of founders under 30 and a practical startup framework (RISING), this book is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Adivasi or Vanvasi by Kamal Nayan Choubey
A deeply researched exploration of the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram’s evolving role in tribal India, revealing the untold story of its political and social influence across regions. A vital read for understanding modern India’s complex socio-political landscape.
Death of a Gentleman by Riva Razdan
A gripping psychological thriller set in Mumbai’s elite circles, where the sudden death of a wealthy father exposes dark secrets, rivalries, and the true cost of ambition and survival.
The Storypreneur’s Playbook by Prateek Roy Chowdhury, Nitin Babel
Discover the entrepreneurial hero’s journey through fifteen inspiring stories of India’s trailblazing founders, packed with practical lessons and emotional insights for aspiring changemakers.
The Game Changers by Yuvnesh Modi, Rahul Kumar, Alok Kothari
Twenty extraordinary success stories of IIT Kharagpur alumni who dared to dream big, showcasing the grit and passion behind some of India’s most impactful entrepreneurial ventures.
Plated by Parth
A delightful baking guide filled with step-by-step recipes, expert tips, and creative twists to help both beginners and pros master the art of baking delicious treats at home.
The Penguin Book of Poems on the Indian City — edited by Bilal Moin
An immersive anthology capturing the spirit, struggles, and stories of 37 Indian cities through 375 evocative poems spanning centuries and languages.
The M Factor by Anubha Doshi
A heartfelt collection of essays by mothers exploring Indian parenting through mindfulness, autonomy, and real-life emotions, offering fresh perspectives on motherhood.
The Man Who Became Cinema by Ashok Chopra
An in-depth tribute to Dilip Kumar’s cinematic genius, analyzing his iconic performances and the artistry behind India’s first Method actor.
R.D. Karve: The Champion of Individual Liberty by Nadeem Khan, Dr Anant Deshmukh
The fascinating biography of a radical social reformer whose pioneering work on birth control challenged orthodox society in early 20th-century Maharashtra.
The Co-Intelligence Revolution by Venkat Ramaswamy, Krishnan Narayanan
A visionary guide to the future where human creativity and AI co-create new value, transforming industries, ecosystems, and how we live and work.
Timeless Skills by Nishant Saxena
A practical playbook revealing the traits and wisdom behind career success, offering a framework for professional growth and life enrichment.
The Cheating Husband James Caine
A twisting psychological thriller about deception, love, and dark secrets, perfect for fans of gripping, mind-bending mysteries.
21 Big Ideas That Will Change Your Life by Darius Foroux
Timeless wisdom distilled from history’s greatest minds to challenge how you think about success, happiness, and living a meaningful life.
