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On the reading list this week is a poetry collection that features cityscapes and broken husbands, a volume on how disease reshaped colonial policy, and how its politics is present even in contemporary India, and a comprehensive book devoted to the practice  of a defining painter of India’s first post-colonial generation

HT Picks; New Reads

The author of the Booker-longlisted Helen of Nowhere on the absurd nature of her work and the philosophical questions she was thinking about while writing it

Makenna Goodman: “Love is about finding a place of true relating”

Translated from the Urdu by Kamna Prasad, the poet-administrator’s memoir provides insights into his life in a nation emerging from the shackles of colonialism

Review: A Celebration of Memories by Kanwar Mohinder Singh Bedi ‘Sahar’

A collection of essays by Jagadish Chandra Bose, translated from the original Bangla by Sumana Roy, takes us on a journey through the scientist’s life

Review: The Man Who Made Plants Write

Poet Adil Jussawalla’s memorabilia that has been made available online provides some fresh details about post-independence Indian poetry in English

A poetic time capsule

A look at a few books that point out that even if greenhouse gases from all other sectors are eliminated, food production alone will increase global temp

Are we devouring the planet?

Wit, tenderness and an unsparing eye are evident in these stories about unreliable memory, difficult families and the truths we invent in order to live with ourselves

Review: It Will Come Back to You by Sigrid Nunez

From a family bookstore in Mobile to a nearly 50-yr-old indie landmark in Birmingham, these five bookshops in the US state offer a different way into the place

Sweet bookstores in Alabama

The author of Never Logged Out on writing about the Indian Gen Z Internet experience, identity formation, and online authenticity

Ria Chopra: “While the Internet makes us open, it also makes us overexposed”

Sarah Waheed on Chand Bibi, the Muslim warrior queen from the Deccan sultanates, who triumphed over the formidable Mughal imperial armies in 1595

Sarah Waheed: “Chand Bibi’s legacy unsettles modern nationalisms”

Set in pandemic-era Bangalore, "The Whistleblower’s Wife" explores themes of sexual harassment, bureaucracy, and personal turmoil through the intertwined lives of two women.

Review: The Whistleblower’s Wife by Biman Nath

This week’s pick of interesting reads includes a murder mystery set in a small town, a volume that looks at how social policies shape everyday life, and a book about a sanctuary of nature and learning

The author of The Web Beneath the Waves on the growing influence of Big Tech over the Internet’s undersea cables, and the political implications of this

Samanth Subramanian: “All technology is human”

The book "The New Divide" explores AI's hidden human labor, biases, and costs, despite lacking a cohesive narrative or original reporting.

Review: The New Divide by Jibu Elias

Debilitating endometriosis that makes intimacy painful and has left her body tormented has meant the writer has recalibrated what she expects from a romantic relationship

Chronic illness and the quest for love

Translated from the Bengali by Shabnam Nadiya, these macabre and hyperreal works of short fiction convey a larger picture of a classist society

Review: The Meat Market by Mashiul Alam

Written by a member of the Bene Israel community, this book is a reminder that the Jewish presence in India stretches back many centuries

Review: Sweet Malida by Zilka Joseph

Ahead of Sunrise on the Reaping getting to cinemas, a look at why Suzanne Collins’s vision of dystopia continues to pull in readers and viewers

The world can’t get enough of Panem

The author of the Booker-longlisted Black Bag on his novel’s humour and its portrayal of academia, marriage and the loneliness of our times

Luke Kennard: “Even in the worst situations, there’s usually something funny”

The author of Principles of Prediction, which was first published in 2020 and has been reissued this year, talks about “the manic fiction” of her twenties

Anushka Jasraj: “The stories became a way to process ideas for myself”

This week’s pick of interesting reads includes a volume on the begam who attempted to unite different factions during the First War of Independence, a contemporary translation of the Gita Govinda, and a book that focuses on the Internet’s unseen circulatory system

On her fifth poetry collection, egrets, while war, how birds are both witnesses and warnings to her, and why poetry can still help us imagine other possibilities

Tishani Doshi: ‘Writing a poem can be a hugely optimistic act’

A novel that presents two very different couples brought together by the need to feel less alone in the world, this is a study of love as a journey into the self

Review: Unfolding by Rahul Singh

Translated from the original Malayalam by Ministhy S, this true story of a man who retrieves bodies is also a picture of a society that’s cruel to those who perform its most essential functions

Review: The Corpse Collector by Vinu P and Niyas Kareem

Translated from the original Arabic by Roger Allen, this is an epic multigenerational tale of power, love and revenge

Review: Al-Qata’i; Ibn Tulun’s City Without Walls by Reem Bassiouney

A tribute to the Goan monsoon, the festival presented mix of musical performances in a range of genres including Hindustani and Carnatic classical and retro-pop

Report: Malhar and the Sea 2026

An optimistic and insightful work that combines history, geopolitics, economics, and demographic sociology to look at the emerging world order and the nation’s place in it

Review: Era of India by Minhaz Merchant

On National Librarians’ Day, a look at the unlikely collaboration between an American librarian and an Indian maharaja that sparked a reading revolution

Remembering the American who built Baroda’s library network

At the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, the Irish author of Constellations talked about the rage and defiance in her work, and about being influenced by visual art

Sinéad Gleeson: “In fiction, you can do anything”

The screenwriter of Bard of Blood, Delhi Crime, and Ragini MMS,  among others, on his journey and influences

Mayank Tewari: “The film industry is full of false gods”

Latest Books - Find the detailed information about Books and their Author name. Also find Most Popular Books in India and the World at Hindustan times.

**Poetry Pick: Absurd Theatre** is a powerful collection by Parikh-Mundul that explores diverse themes, including the complexities of corporate life and personal struggles, using bold, experimental language. The poems merge intimate emotions with civic issues, creating a sharp, feminist voice. This collection reflects contemporary existential dilemmas against a backdrop of societal expectations and realities.

In *Helen of Nowhere*, the protagonist reflects on her life of self-sufficiency and connection to the land, embodying themes of love, power, and identity. The author breaks conventional storytelling, treating the narrative like a play to foster deeper engagement. The book also explores philosophical questions about life and relationships, inviting readers to reevaluate their perceptions of storytelling and meaning.

Kanwar Mohinder Singh Bedi 'Sahar's memoir, *A Celebration of Memories*, offers a unique glimpse into a life intertwined with India's significant historical moments, revealing his staunch secularism and honesty as a bureaucrat during turbulent times. His journey underscores the importance of integrity and communal harmony in pre- and post-Independence India, making his experiences resonate deeply today.

In "The Man Who Made Plants Write," Sumana Roy recounts Jagadish Chandra Bose's fascination with the touch-me-not plant, linking it to his exploration of plant communication. Her lyrical translation of Bose's essays showcases his dual identity as a scientist and poet, emphasizing his belief in nature's interconnectedness while addressing his patriotism and advocacy for accessible science. Bose, a pioneer with a profound love for nature, inspires awe for the natural world.

Poet Adil Jussawalla's memorabilia, spanning the 1960s to the millennium, has been digitised and made accessible online at www.thebombaypoetrycrawl.com, showcasing significant letters and photographs that illuminate the history of Indian poetry in English, including his relationship with Nissim Ezekiel. This initiative supports scholarly exploration of Indian literature and its evolution.

The food production sector significantly hinders climate progress, contributing enough emissions to raise global temperatures by 2°C by 2100, despite net-zero commitments. With demands for farmland surging, the balance between food cultivation and carbon storage is jeopardized. Effective solutions require systemic change, prioritizing sustainable practices to feed a growing population while restoring ecosystems and mitigating impacts.

Sigrid Nunez's *It Will Come Back to You* explores how memories resurface unexpectedly, impacting relationships and self-perception. Through 13 interconnected stories, Nunez examines the blurred lines between truth and imagination, revealing the complexities of human connection, regret, and identity. Characters grapple with their pasts, embodying Nunez's nuanced portrayal of memory's unruly nature in life and storytelling.

Independent bookstores in Alabama serve as vital community spaces and cultural hubs. The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, originating in 1941, and Page & Palette in Fairhope, founded in 1966, exemplify rich local histories. Other notable shops, like Little Professor and Sweet Home Books, offer diverse programming, creating intimate spaces for readers to connect and explore literature, reflecting local identity.

"Never Logged Out" by Ria Chopra explores the complexities of Internet culture, particularly within India, highlighting its unique generational experiences. The book emerges as a response to personal reflections on identity and societal shifts post-2016 Internet access revolution. Chopra grapples with authenticity and vulnerability in an increasingly digital world, emphasizing the nostalgia for a simpler, less tech-dependent past.

Chand Bibi's legacy as a powerful queen challenges traditional views of female authority in early modern South Asia, showcasing how Muslim women historically exercised sovereignty in the Deccan. Her strategic diplomacy, military leadership, and enduring impact reveal deeper narratives beyond patriarchal constructs. The neglect of her memorials reflects broader issues in preserving Deccan history amidst dominant imperial narratives.

In "A Grim Tableau," Uma and her husband Jayan move to troubled Manamadurai, where communal tensions simmer beneath a calm surface. Soon, they are engulfed in a chilling murder mystery following the arrival of a severed head. As Uma uncovers dark secrets amid growing fear and a brewing cyclone, their fragile marital bliss hangs in the balance.

Samrat Choudhury reviews Jibu Elias' "The New Divide," highlighting the biases and hidden costs of AI, rooted in its history, from the Mechanical Turk's deception to contemporary labor injustices faced by gig workers in the Global South. The book offers a thematic exploration of AI's complexities but lacks a unified narrative. It serves as a broad primer on significant AI issues.

The article explores the challenges faced by a woman diagnosed with endometriosis, highlighting societal pressures surrounding motherhood and relationships. Despite a longstanding desire to adopt, her condition complicates her views on intimacy and partnership, leading to feelings of isolation. She grapples with health issues while seeking self-acceptance beyond patriarchal expectations, ultimately striving for a fulfilling life.

Bangladeshi writer Mashiul Alam's short stories, translated by Shabnam Nadiya, explore intense political themes through macabre and hyperreal narratives. From a distressed mother’s milk drying up to grim societal indifference in a murder, Alam’s work unveils dark realities, challenging readers’ perceptions of possibility. An acclaimed Bengali author, Alam's stories provoke thought about class and humanity.

Zilka Joseph’s *Sweet Malida* reflects the rich history of Jewish communities, particularly the Bene Israel, in India, emphasizing their arrival due to persecution or shipwrecks, not for modern tourism. This anthology intertwines personal narratives with cultural memories, showcasing food and assimilation, while preserving identities amid emigration, ultimately illustrating the harmonious coexistence of diverse traditions in India’s Jewish heritage.

In "Black Bag," the author explores the struggles of contemporary artists, examining themes of loneliness amidst digital connection and the challenges of pursuing art in undervalued environments. The narrative intertwines monologues reflecting on personal and societal isolation, while touching on academia’s competitive nature. Ultimately, it critiques modern existence and seeks to revive spiritual significance in art.

Saudamini Jain’s short stories in *Principles of Prediction* explore love and desire in millennial relationships, blending themes of queerness and non-monogamy through diverse characters. Written over ten years, these narratives reflect a decade of shifting dynamics in relationships. Jain's new paperback edition removes two stories, adding fresh explorations of AI and motherhood, capturing contemporary complexities.

Begam Hazrat Mahal (1820–1879) emerged as an unlikely leader during India’s First War of Independence, assuming command after the annexation of Awadh by the East India Company. A courtesan turned royal consort, she united disparate rebel factions and executed military strategies amidst adversity. Historian Rosie Llewellyn-Jones highlights her pivotal yet overlooked role in history.

Poet Nawaid Anjum explores the unknowable nature of birds, drawing inspiration for his work from their symbolism and flight. Living by Chennai’s coast deepens his reflections on mortality and the fragility of life. Anjum believes poetry offers a unique elasticity to address urgent themes like environmental destruction and loss, providing a transformative space for hope and connection.

Rahul Singh’s debut novel, *Unfolding*, explores love through two parallel narratives: the open relationship of Ojas and Ralph, and the struggles of Zubina and Aadil, shaped by trauma and societal expectations. Set in Kolkata during Durga Puja, the story examines intimacy, acceptance, and self-discovery, highlighting love’s profound impact across diverse lives.

**The Corpse Collector** explores the life of Vinu P, a dedicated corpse collector in Kerala who, despite offering dignity to unclaimed bodies, faces societal stigma and ostracism. Despite police support and his compassionate efforts, he remains marginalized, revealing the cruel reality of caste and taboo within society. The translation by Ministhy S highlights this essential yet invisible work.

In "Al-Qata’i," award-winning author Reem Bassiouney intricately depicts Egypt's 9th to 10th-century Tulunid dynasty through power struggles, love, and revenge. The narrative, spanning three tales, highlights Ahmad Ibn Tulun’s legacy amid local and regional conflicts. Leveraging historical richness, Bassiouney's novel underscores Egypt's quest for identity, resonating with contemporary challenges while revisiting the past.

Malhar and the Sea festival, held from July 24 to 26 at Taj Exotica, celebrated the Goan monsoon with diverse musical genres, including Hindustani classical and Sufi. Highlights included performances by Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar and Anup Jalota. The festival aims to promote Goa as a monsoon destination and will expand internationally in the future. Background includes a photography exhibition by Rohit Chawla.

India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, reshaping global power dynamics as no European nation will be among the top three. Minhaz Merchant in "Era of India" explores this potential resurgence, highlighting India's historical wealth and contrasting its growth model with that of the US and China. The book positions India’s rise as a non-acquisitive, democratic alternative in a shifting global order.

In the early 1900s, Baroda's public library system, led by American William Alanson Borden and supported by progressive Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, established over 400 libraries promoting egalitarian access to literature. This innovative network emphasized community empowerment through education. Borden’s legacy persists today, influencing library models and cultural literacy in India, despite his lack of recognition.

In "Hagstone," the author delves into the complexities of embodiment and artistry through her protagonist, Nell. The novel blends realism with folklore, reflecting on the female experience and the intersections of art and identity. Drawing from Irish cultural narratives, the title "Hagstone" symbolizes visibility and transformation within storytelling, demonstrating how creative expression serves as a form of political resistance.

Screenwriter Mihir Chitre’s journey began with a passion for writing, nurtured through school dramatics and journalism, leading to screenwriting ideas while working as a reporter in Delhi. Influenced by notable writers and filmmakers, he co-wrote the cult film "Suleimani Keeda" and tackled various projects, revealing his critique of mainstream cinema’s limitations.