BOOKS WE RECOMMEND THIS WEEK

From a book centred on the Japanese concept of ikigai, to a short story collection featuring evocative stories translated from the Hindi, our book picks this week, curated by Chirdeep Malhotra

FICTION

“Me Ki Gai” by Atul Khekade

This book features the story of Parth, a young adult who discovers his ikigai through his own experiences. In this journey, Prabhudas, the mystic character, guides Parth with a systematic process that would help readers discover their own. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being". Ikigai is discussed as a zone of effortless energy and productivity for an individual, and it combines purpose, passion, vocation and profession. While ikigai may be presented as a philosophical concept, its discovery is unique to every person. This book, having elements of self-help, presents this premise for the readers with a fictional story.



NON-FICTION

“The City-Makers” by Renana Jhabvala and Bijal Brahmbhatt

This book features the inspiring and incredible journey of Mahila Housing SEWA Trust (MHT), which has mobilized and empowered urban poor women, and supported their access to adequate housing. Aptly subtitled ‘How Women are Building a Sustainable Future for Urban India’, it tells the stories of the courageous individuals who took the steps, individually and collectively, to bring about transformation at the personal and community levels. The book also emphasises the central message of the Mahila Housing Trust's mission – that women living in urban informal settlements must be taken along if India wishes to make its cities participatory, inclusive and sustainable.



SHORT STORIES/ TRANSLATION

“The Greatest Hindi Stories Ever Told”, edited and translated by Poonam Saxena

This book contains twenty-five stories, which represents the finest short fiction in Hindi literature. The short-story collection has stories of darkness, hope, triumph, anger, and irony; and features writings of early literary masters of the form such as Premchand, Chandradhar Sharma Guleri, Bhisham Sahni, Harishankar Parsai, Mannu Bhandari, and Shivani to contemporary greats such as Asghar Wajahat, Uday Prakash, Sara Rai, and others. The compelling stories showcase an unforgettable range of brilliant styles, forms, and themes; and have been selected and translated by editor, writer, and translator Poonam Saxena.



MYSTERY-THRILLER

“Silent Murder” by Nupur Luthra

This is a murder mystery novel, and features the protagonist Nick, who lives in New York with his wife Bridget. A secret about a murderer leaves Nick with some startling questions about what could have happened, and he is determined to find some answers. He discovers that his grandfather is not who he thinks he is, and this intrigues him. As his grandfather seems to be hiding the truth, he looks for answers. The book’s premise is whether Nick would ever find out the truth or would it remain a secret forever.