80 Books To Look Forward To In 2025

From thrilling debuts to highly anticipated sequels, this list features works from established authors and emerging voices, each promising to captivate readers with fresh perspectives, compelling narratives, and thought-provoking themes. Get ready for a literary journey that will shape the year ahead!

65 Books To Look Forward To In 2025

1. Tumhari Aukaat Kya Hai

A no-holds-barred memoir by Piyush Mishra, one of Bollywood's most creative rebels. It blends his life story with poetry and lyrics, offering fans a deeper glimpse into his journey.

2. A Picture Of Aryan Pasha: The Girl Who Never Was

A compelling biography of Aryan Pasha, India's pioneering trans man bodybuilder, showcasing his resilience and triumph against societal odds.

3. Escape from Kabul: How I Escaped the Taliban

A first-person account by Dr Enakshi Sengupta, detailing her harrowing escape from Kabul during the Taliban takeover in 2021.

4. Readings from the Bhagavad Gita 

Om Swami simplifies the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, offering relatable anecdotes and profound wisdom for navigating life’s challenges.

5. Secrets of the Arthashastra

Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai distils Chanakya's ancient wisdom into practical lessons for personal and professional success in modern life.

6. The Magic of Seva: Sikh Secrets for a Happy and Meaningful Life

Harteerath Singh explores the Sikh philosophy of selfless service, highlighting its role in creating a meaningful and impactful life.

7. Legally Yours: The Ultimate Guide to Women's Rights in India

A comprehensive guide by Manasi Chaudhari that educates women about their legal rights in India, written in an accessible and practical manner.

8. If Truth Be Told: A Monk’s Memoir

Om Swami recounts his journey from a successful entrepreneur to a mystic, sharing lessons on spirituality and self-discovery.

9. Chanakya in Daily Life

Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai provides practical advice for applying Chanakya's principles to improve daily decision-making and leadership skills.

10. Mind Full to Mindful: Zen Wisdom from a Monk’s Bowl

Om Swami combines Zen teachings with practical advice to help readers embrace mindfulness and mental clarity.

11. The Book of Kindness

Om Swami encourages compassion and generosity through personal stories and actionable suggestions for a kinder world.

12. Arthashastra Unplugged

Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai explores how Chanakya’s teachings can solve contemporary personal and professional dilemmas.

13. The Resilient Life

A memoir by Aryan Pasha that dives into his tumultuous journey, highlighting resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

14. Hemkunt Diaries: The Spirit of Seva

Harteerath Singh narrates the inspiring humanitarian efforts of the Hemkunt Foundation during the pandemic, showcasing Sikh values of service.

15. The Liver Doctor: Stories of Love, Loss and Regeneration

Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips’s unique book sheds light on the liver as the body’s second 'brain' and a portal to overall wellness.

16. Ayurvedic Habits: Easy Practices for Health and Vitality

Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharya’s Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science, this book presents 11 transformative habits for gut health, vitality, and mental well-being. With routines and food practices grounded in Ayurveda, the book simplifies age-old principles to address contemporary health issues.

17. The Satvic Way: Ayurvedic Wisdom for Holistic Living

Anushruti RK’s guide combines Ayurvedic science with modern living, offering satvic recipes, daily rituals, and practices to promote physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. The book emphasizes sustainable health practices to combat lifestyle diseases and foster holistic wellness.

18. Healing Autoimmune Conditions: The Holistic 6-Step Program to Beating Your Disease

Author Rachna Chhachhi’s empowering guide outlines a six-step program to reverse autoimmune conditions by addressing root causes, dietary triggers, stress, and daily routines. Packed with practical advice and evidence-based insights, it offers a holistic path to recovery.

19. Eight Weeks to a Healthy Gut

Author Smriti Kochar’s book focuses on gut health as the root cause of chronic ailments, this book provides an eight-week plan to reverse digestive disorders and improve overall health. With nutritional guidance, exercises, and lifestyle tips, it’s a comprehensive roadmap to better well-being.

20. Do Sharks Have Bellybuttons?: How to Answer Your Child's Weird and Whacky Questions

Jose Covaco's book dives into 50 of the most commonly asked yet difficult-to-answer queries with humor and simplicity. Designed for parents who want to provide thoughtful, amusing, and accurate answers, this guide helps tackle awkward topics with flair.

21. Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons

This book by Anand Neelakantan explores the incredible diversity of the Ramayana across centuries and cultures. Discover unknown narratives, like Surpanakha as a victim, Sita as Ravana's daughter, or a Ramayana where Sita marries both Rama and Lakshmana. 

22. Kuru Katha: Tales from the Mahabharata You Have Not Read

This book by Satyarth Nayak explores lesser-known stories from the Mahabharata, Satyarth Nayak's book explores alternate narratives, including Yudhisthira's transformation into a white giant, and Arjuna's secret romance with Duryodhana's wife. 

23. Dynasties of Devotion: The Secrets of 7 Iconic Hindu Temples

This book by Deepa Mandlik, Translated by Aboli Mandlik explores the spiritual and architectural grandeur of iconic Hindu temples across India and Cambodia. It delves into the history, mythology, and cultural significance of these magnificent structures, serving as both an insightful reference and a guide for travelers.

24. Badass Begums

This book by Anoushka Jain explores feminist history and uncovers the stories of begums and courtesans who defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on India's cultural and architectural history. 

25. Sindh: Sindhi Recipes and Stories from a Forgotten Land

This cookbook by Sapna Ajwani celebrates the vibrant flavours and rich history of Sindhi cuisine, featuring over 120 authentic recipes. Through food, Sapna Ajwani beautifully captures the resilience and cultural identity of displaced Sindhis.

26. How to Eat Better

MasterChef finalist Natasha Gandhi introduces a healthy, gluten-free, and millet-based approach to Indian cooking. With simple instructions and creative recipes, this book proves that eating better can be delicious and exciting.

27. Loal Kashmir

This book by Atehaè Jamal has the struggles of love and communication during Kashmir's periods of unrest, particularly under the 2019 communication blockade. It weaves personal stories against the backdrop of historical conflict.

28. Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife

Puja Pujara gives an insider’s view into the life of cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, capturing his journey through her eyes. The book explores the trials, triumphs, and daily nuances of their life together.

29. The Indian Constitution: Conversations with Power

This book by Gautam Bhatia offers a fresh perspective on the Indian Constitution as a dynamic terrain of power struggles, debates, and transformations. It delves into the evolving identity of India through the lens of its foundational document.

30. Modi's Last Term

Derek O’Brien analyses the state of Indian democracy under the Modi government, reflecting on the erosion of parliamentary practices and the challenges of misinformation. The book is a critical take on power politics in contemporary India.

31. Another Day in Landour

Through journal entries, Ruskin Bond shares snippets of his life in Landour, reflecting on nature, seasons, and personal moments. A gentle and warm narrative capturing the essence of simple joys.

32. The One

Shikhar Dhawan opens up about his life, blending cricket, friendships, and personal relationships into a heartfelt narrative. As one of India's most celebrated opening batsmen, Dhawan recounts his middle-class upbringing in Delhi and his career, filled with iconic victories and emotional milestones.

33. Bombay Duck: A Culinary History

Meher Mirza’s cookbook is a rich culinary journey through Bombay's history, exploring how food mirrors the city’s cultural melting pot. From ancient Koli kitchens to contemporary street food, the book highlights the influence of communities and their role in creating Mumbai’s diverse gastronomic landscape.

34. Long Walk to Success: The Story of Metro Shoes

The inspiring story of Rafique Malik, who turned his father’s shoe business into Metro, India's most valuable footwear brand. From early successes to navigating obstacles and rebuilding from scratch, it’s a tale of resilience and entrepreneurship.

35. Innovating to Zero

Sarwant Singh’s visionary exploration of "Innovating to Zero" delves into the pursuit of zero-emission technologies, zero waste, and sustainability. It reimagines a safer, smarter, and more eco-conscious world driven by innovation across industries.

36. Natural Born Disruptor

A biography of Kanwal Rekhi, a trailblazer in Silicon Valley who revolutionized the tech industry and mentored countless entrepreneurs. Rekhi’s journey from an immigrant to a tech pioneer and philanthropist underscores his role in shaping the global startup ecosystem.

37. Searches

Vauhini Vara’s book is a collection of essays exploring the intersection of technology and humanity, inspired by interactions with GPT AI. Vara examines how language and technology influence our emotional and spiritual lives, offering a profound critique of modern tech culture.

38. Hot Water

This book by Bhavika Govil is a lyrical and confident debut novel exploring the complexities of motherhood, family dynamics, and forbidden desires. Its storytelling is compared to The God of Small Things and The Lost Daughter.

39. Absolute Jafar

This book by Sarnath Banerjee is a poignant graphic novel blending satire and profound observations on relationships, identity, and geopolitical tensions. It revisits the iconic character Brighu from Corridor while narrating a bittersweet Indo-Pak romance.

39. Melanin

This book by Jeet Thayil is a genre-defying novel traversing continents and blending fiction with memoir and poetry.

40. Mudritha

This book by Jissa Jose is by Jayasree Kalathil and is a detective story interwoven with intimate narratives of ten women and one man. It delves into the gendered aspects of contemporary life, merging mythological tales with modern struggles.

41. Too Good to Be True 

This book by Prajakta Koli is a witty and relatable romantic comedy revolving around Avani, a romance enthusiast, and Annan, a seemingly perfect suitor. It will release in January 2025.

42. Gunboy

This book by Shreyas Rajagopal is a coming-of-age revenge story set in rural Maharashtra, where a bullied boy stumbles upon a legendary weapon, sparking a gripping tale of retribution.

42. The Housekeeper

This book by Akshat Gupta is a psychological thriller uncovering the dark past of Savita, a seemingly simple woman, and exploring identity and survival.

43. Stars Will Guide You Home

This book by Stuti Changle is a heartfelt exploration of love and technology, centering on a couple rekindling their romance via an AI-based dating app after a decade apart.

44. Great Eastern Hotel by Ruchir Joshi

Set in 1941 during World War II, this novel explores Calcutta in its final moments before catastrophe strikes, featuring intertwining lives and political upheaval.

45. Unknown City by Amitabha Bagchi

The protagonist, Arindam Chatterjee, revisits his past relationships and struggles to understand the women in his life, reflecting on his own masculinity and emotional growth.

46. The Last Jet-Engine Laugh by Ruchir Joshi

A blend of history, politics, and personal introspection, this novel looks at contemporary India through a surreal, imaginative lens.

47. Half the Night Is Gone by Amitabha Bagchi

A compelling narrative that intertwines personal history with the political landscape, winning the DSC Prize and drawing from Bagchi’s rich storytelling.

48. Above Average by Amitabha Bagchi

This debut novel introduces Arindam Chatterjee, a professor who returns to India from the US and grapples with his past relationships and evolving identity.

49. Tales from Planet Kolkata by Ruchir Joshi

A collection of documentary essays capturing the complexity and contradictions of life in Kolkata, blending personal observations with social and political analysis.

50. Granta, India Magazine, Man's World, Seminar by Ruchir Joshi

A selection of Joshi’s thought-provoking essays published across influential journals, touching upon political, cultural, and societal issues in India.

51. THE TAMILS: A Portrait of a Community

This book is written by Nirmala Lakshman and is a definitive study of one of India’s (and the world’s) oldest continuous cultures. Nearly 90 million people around the world identify as Tamil—a proud and ancient community (there is recent archaeological evidence that shows the Tamil country was inhabited 1.7 million years ago) with a unique language, history, and culture. This is their story. 

52. Thoo! by Aathma Nirmala Dious

Set in a futuristic Abu Dhabi, this debut sci-fi novel follows Anaswara, a Malayali expat investigating mysterious deaths linked to defenestrating buildings.

53. The Courtesan, Her Lover, and I by Tarana Husain Khan

A middle-aged woman, after her husband's downfall, returns home to revive her dream of writing, weaving together personal history, heartache, and love.

54. Alfaaz ki Mehfil trans. Satya Prabhakar

A collection of Urdu poetry translations, capturing themes of love, loss, mysticism, and revolution with fresh, accessible language.

55. You Can’t Be Serious! by Prajwal Hegde

A tale of unexpected love between two individuals torn between family legacies and modern ambitions, questioning whether love can survive.

56. A Hiding to Nothing by Chhimi Tenduf-La

A gripping thriller about the extreme lengths parents will go to protect their child, filled with shocking twists and dark secrets.

57. The Himalaya in Twelve Pieces by Anuradha Roy

A unique travel narrative that redefines the Himalayas, offering new perspectives and personal reflections on one of India’s most iconic regions.

58. Becoming Bangalore: Stories That Shaped a Hometown by Roopa Pai

A captivating look at how Bangalore transformed from a 16th-century settlement to one of India's most vibrant cities, shaped by its rich history.

59. Running Behind Lakshmi by Adil Rustomjee

 An insightful look at the 200-year history of the Indian stock market, detailing its evolution and current state in the modern financial world.

60. Insight Edge by Vivek Banerji

A transformative guide for leaders and organizations to turn data, observations, and creativity into actionable intelligence, offering fresh perspectives on decision-making.

61. The Comeback

This novel by the award-winning novelist and playwright Annie Zaidi is a moving story about the price of betrayal, friendship and forgiveness, second chances, and the transformative power of art.

62. Life and Teachings of Ramakrishna by Himadri Bhattacharya

A narrative translation of Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings, curated for modern readers, offering insights into self-improvement and spiritual growth.

63. Quick and Concise Buddhism by Amar Bandhyopadhyay

An introduction to Buddhist philosophy, covering the core teachings, legends of Buddha, and their relevance in the context of modern-day spirituality.

64. Quick and Concise Philosophy by Shamik Chakravarty

A creative and engaging exploration of key philosophical concepts, from Art to Beauty, and Reality to Identity, questioning some of the greatest ideas in philosophy.

65. Quick and Concise World Geography by Paromita Roy

A comprehensive yet concise exploration of physical and human geography, offering insights into the world’s features, climatic zones, and population trends.

66. Nalanda: How It Changed the World                          

The book by Abhay K. chronicles the rise, fall, and eventual re-rise of Nalanda Mahavihara, shedding light on its contributions to various fields like science, mathematics, philosophy, art, architecture, and poetry.

67. Money, Myths and Mantras : The Ultimate Investment Guide

Money, Myths and Mantras by Devina Mehra is the ultimate guide for retail investors looking to demystify the complex world of finance. Written with clarity and expertise, the book dispels common myths surrounding investing and offers a balanced perspective on various asset classes. 

68. Courtesy of Criticism: Selected Essays of Kirtinath Kurtkoti

Courtesy of Criticism is a collection of essays by Kirtinath Kurtkoti, one of Kannada literature’s foremost critics. Through this selection, Kurtkoti provides an in-depth exploration of Kannada literary history, theory, and criticism, focusing on the evolution of literary practices and the intersection of classical and folk traditions.

69. The Hindi Heartland

The Hindi heartland, which comprises the states and UTs of Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, covers a quarter of the country’s area and is home to a third of its population. Award-winning journalist and writer Ghazala Wahab, a native of the region, gives us a magisterial account of the Hindi belt.

70. The Sensual Self

In her numerous books, best-selling author Shobhaa De has blown the lid off subjects that were seldom tackled by Indian writers before she exploded onto the cultural scene. In her latest book, she offers bold and explicit insights into sex and sexuality in India as well as closely observed descriptions of love, romance, passion, and the battle between the sexes in the country today

71. Uttarmarga- Where Freedom Reigns

Pratibha Ray's Uttarmarga: Where Freedom Reigns is a paean to the courage and sacrifices of ordinary people during the freedom struggle. It is a political allegory debunking the notion that Gandhi and Nehru alone orchestrated the fall of the British empire. 

72. A Stitch In Time: The Biba

Meena Bindra's story of a woman who was able to overcome her challenges when all odds were against her, through sheer perseverance and grit. Alongside, it captures the story of the Indian fashion industry from its inception to the phenomenal growth as we see it today, through challenges, opportunities and much excitement.

73. Festival Foods Of India

Sujata Shukla Rajan’s book answers what India eats during festival times. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Gujarat and Rajasthan to the North-East and Eastern regions of India, this book journeys across the country from one festival to another to explore the role that food plays in festivals.

74. Rama, Bhima, Soma: Cultural Investigations into Modern Karnataka

Srikar Raghavan’s Rama Bhima Soma is an enterprise of translation and rediscovery, packed with stories and conversations. The life and times of legends like Kuvempu and Shivaram Karanth; the fall of Socialism and the rise of the Hindu Right; the intellectual ruminations of U.R. Ananthamurthy, D.R. Nagaraj and M.M. Kalburgi; the wildly popular television serials of T.N.

75. I Am on the Hit List: Murder and Myth-making in South India

As journalist Rollo Romig follows the trail of Gauri’s life and death, and the investigation that followed, he unravels a world of political extremists, fearless writers, organised crime and shadowy religious groups.

76. Maryam & Sons

Mirza Waheed’s book is the story of a British mother whose son goes missing and then comes under suspicion as ‘the Swordsman’ in videos from Iraq. Maryam Ali refuses to believe that her beloved Dil and the swordsman could be one and the same, even as evidence mounts.

77. Uprooted: A Graphic Account of the Struggle for Forest Rights

Ita Mehrotra’s narrative that emerges is a collection of notes, a way of thinking through, a way of bearing witness and hopefully pushing for asking age-old questions about justice, ecology and citizenship that can never be asked too many times.

78. The Beast Within

Rudraneil Sengupta’s book is about an underage domestic worker who falls to her death in a posh South Delhi colony. As Inspector Kumar and his team set about investigating the case, shadowy forces, the sleaze of power and money, and their own histories thwart and confront them at every turn. 

79. No Place to Call My Own

Alina Gufran’s book covers an intimate, arresting portrait of millennial angst in a mercurial, volatile world. Sophia feels trapped in a society that is quick to undermine her—constantly making assumptions about her religion, her sexuality, her ambition, her worth.

80. Dapaan: Tales from Kashmir’s Conflict

Ipsita Chakravarty’s book is set in Kashmir, folktales often begin with the word dapaan—‘it is said’. So too do the stories in this haunting, probing book. From Partition to the 2019 Indian crackdown, Ipsita Chakravarty discovers a vivid, distinctly Kashmiri vision of events that have often been narrated from the top-down. Her interviewees conjure a kaleidoscope of towns and villages shaping their own memories.