10 Bestselling Books you Can’t Afford to Miss as Summer Reads in 2024

The season of summer always brings a different shade of anxiety where everything seems boiling from the sun to earth. But one thing is for sure that no matter what, we have to keep our head cool. And what could be better than reading the lovely masterpieces from different genres. It simply is a euphoria which no other thing can match in this unbearable heat. Considering this fact, The Literary Mirror suggests you these ten bestselling books which you can’t afford to miss as Summer Reads.  These ten masterpieces contain fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short stories collections to cater to your literary taste.

1. Song of the Trinity: The Rise of Kali by Vadhan

‘Song of the Trinity: The Rise of Kali’ is a book that transports readers to a world of fantasy heavily hinging on ancient Hindu literature. Written by Sai Chandravadhan Bommadevara, a law professional who writes under the pen name of Vadhan, the book promises intrigue, action, and epic fantasy.

Nicknamed SOTT, short for Song of The Trinity, the book comprises 52 chapters that takes readers through an odyssey traversing across the universe. Vadhan says, “Creating a universe with many fantasy worlds is made so much easier only because Indian mythology is founded on scientific data and courses through not just Earth but other worlds like Indralok, Narak, Pathaal to name a few”. The foundation of the book is a story about good v/s evil. Only, it’s the ultimate evil of Hindu lore. The author has surpassed himself in creating an ultimate villain so powerful he can match up to the Parabrahman.

Kali, the Lord of Kaliyug, languishes in an impregnable prison, craving revenge and to destroy the universe as we know it. His vassals and savants exploit every flaw and frailty to help their liege break free from captivity. The squabbling gods have to quickly form an alliance to face unfettered evil. In the midst of this cosmic turmoil, a group of bravehearts emerge comprising Aswathaman, cursed immortal warrior, Shatru, a never-before seen demigod, Kalakala, a sage of fiery temper and strange songs and Kris, an orphan extra-terrestrial enshrouded in enigma. Will the heroes be able to thwart such evil that can wilt a god just by staring? Will the Gods unite to face Kali or is it already too late? Or will Kaliyug simply take us all down?

The book is available in all major bookstores, airports and online.

2. Scarred Earth by Bhaswar Mukherjee

‘Scarred Earth’ is the heart-breaking story of Baruni and Muneim. Though ravaged by their circumstances, they refuse to succumb. It is a story of two strong personalities who collide but do not coalesce. Why does Banguran village burn in the conflagration of ethnic strife? Why and how do the fiery adolescent girl Baruni and her family become victims in its vortex? What personal price does Baruni pay in the hands of the heinous police officer Kalicharan? Does she escape?

Discover the answers as the juggernaut of developments keep you riveted. In a parallel story set in Kolkata, meet the distinctive teenager Muneim and how he chooses a far more difficult life than that offered by his wealthy family. What obstacles does he face? How does he meet Baruni? Who is Payal and what role does she play in the devastation in Muneim’s life The plot swiftly moves to Siliguri where Baruni arrives to further her studies after her class ten boards. Here she meets and is drawn to Kunal, who too is attracted to her. How is he connected to her difficult past? Hold your breath as the narrative hurtles towards a shocking denouement. Scarred Earth is the engaging tale of the indomitable human spirit of two unusual adolescents, which will immerse you completely.

3. On The Way.. They Gave A Hand by Payel Dutta

Every travel has a story, right? Everywhere you go, what you see, how you feel, all these combines to a rainbow story in your life, isn’t it?

This book talks about the travel chronicles of a Solo- Lady traveler; some fun, some not so fun episodes from her travelogue with a bit of levity. The focus of this book is the people she met during her journey and how they impacted her life, how they became someone known from mere strangers, and then what happens after the journey ends? Do they bond, keep in touch? These are simple stories. Simple yet mindful. Happens-everyday kind events still leave a mark. The book tells you, moments are precious, only depending on how you pursue them.

4. Rx for Resilience by Dr. Saroj Dubey

Driven by a poignant incident that shattered the author’s world, Rx for Resilience uncovers the extraordinary power of embracing life’s darkest moments as catalysts for profound growth. In the heart of despair, the author finds an unshakeable source of resilience and joy.

Through thirteen illuminating chapters, the author guides the reader to accept life’s uncertainties, stay in the present moment, navigate turbulent times, and tap into the magic of mindfulness and meditation. Immerse yourself in the exploration of emotions as pathways to serenity, and discover the key to your authentic self, a vast expanse that beckons beyond the confines of the self. Unravel the complexity of your thoughts, allowing your mind to flow freely and creatively.

Enriched with practical exercises, this book serves as a guiding light for those seeking solace and yearning to live with more vibrancy and purpose. Whether you’re facing unexpected challenges or treading the demanding corridors of high-pressure careers, Rx for Resilience offers a roadmap to joy, fortitude, self-discovery, and the gift of presence.

5. 75 Innovations by India and Indians by Capt. Manmeet Singh

For many a decade and a few centuries, the western civilization has been looking down at India as a 3rd world country. Here comes a book that trashes that thought. The author has highlighted 75 innovations from India’s past and present. He has further included 13 future innovations. Whether its India’s achievements in Space, reaching the south pole of the moon, or reaching Mars on the 1st attempt or discovering water on the moon or India’s fabulous leadership in fintech enabling UPI transactions by almost all its citizens or recording details of all its citizens via Adhar. We are a part of a country to be proud of. From inventing Fibre Optics to Wi-Fi & USB, all were innovated by Indians.

After a long time comes along a book that makes one’s heart swell with pride of what India has achieved. The world is standing up & looking at India in awe. That respect has been earned by the hard work of Indians across the world. From Nobel Prizes to global accolades our scientists have accomplished so much. The author instead of slipping into a data heavy book based on research has penned in such a way that every Innovations journey has been captured with that of the innovator, that makes this a must read. If you are an Indian this book deserves the pride of place in your bookshelf.

The Foreword has been penned by India’s Chief Scientist & Head of Innovation Foundation, Dr. Vipin Kumar. Dr. Kumar says, “Through meticulous research & insightful commentary, the book meticulously chronicles 75 groundbreaking innovations that have not only shaped India’s trajectory but have also left an indelible mark on the global stage.”

 6. Curfewed Night by Basharat Peer

Curfewed Night is a memoir on the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan. It primarily focusses on the ongoing anti-India insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. Curfewed Night is a winner of the Crossword Prize for Non-Fiction. It has also been included in 2010 issues of ‘Books of the Year’ list by The Economist and ‘A Year’s Reading’ by The New Yorker. It has been praised by various eminent writers like Kamila Shamsie and noted historian William Dalrymple while writing in The Guardian. Basharat Peer wrote the script of Bollywood film Haider which is based on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Curfewed Night.

7. Power of Employee Engagement by Hemant Agarwal

‘Power of Employee Engagement’ is the quintessential increasing employee engagement and improving employee satisfaction with proven strategies that apply to any industry. The book offers 151 Employee Engagement Practices and activities that an organization needs to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.  Inside, you’ll find:

• Cost-effective ways of encouraging positive interaction
• Tips to improve morale.
• Proven strategies to not only help your employees work smarter but to make them care about their work and the organization as a whole.
• Ways to improve their health and lower their stress levels via holistic approaches like yoga and meditation.
• Ideas to implement work life balance without hurting your operations.
• Tips to incentivize their accomplishments with rewards and employee recognition.
• Ways to offer unlimited medical leaves to help ease employees mind and so much more!

Engaged employees can go the extra mile for their organization, by so imputing effort in their work far and beyond expectation. They are always willing and eager to work extra hours thus focusing their inspiration, experience, energy, and abilities to be successful for themselves and the company they work with. If you want to ensure you increase employee engagement and create an environment in which everyone from upper management to entry-level employees feels respected and as if they’re part of a winning team, buy your copy of ‘Power of Employee Engagement’ today!

8. Islands in the Stream by Sonal Singh

‘Islands in the stream’ is a collection of 48 poems that showcase nature and life. The book is author Sonal Singh’s first solo publication. The book is divided into two sections. The first section is titled ‘Nature’s Rhapsody’ and has 20 poems which pay an homage to nature and are reminiscent of poetry written by poets in the 18th and 19th century except for the last two poems which are a tribute to life after Covid-19. This section is a celebration of nature – of beautiful mornings, languid evenings, dusk and the seraphic moon, of sunflowers, the rain and fireflies and much more. A whimsical note runs as a common thread through the verses in this section.

The second section is titled ‘Life’s Foibles’. This section has 28 poems which are representative of modern-day life, as we see and experience it around us. These verses speak of dreams, hope, childhood, memories, loneliness, loss, pain, peace and other serene or tumultuous emotions that make up the comportment of us humans.

The verses in the book are mostly written in unrhymed, free verse except for perhaps, a few poems which are rhyming.

The book has won several accolades such as

• Second place in the Poetic Caesura awards in 2021
• The Best Debut Poetry Book – Asian Literary Society in July 22
• Second Runner-Up position in The Lit Digital Awards 2022

9. Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry

Nariman Vakeel is a 79-year-old Parsi widower beset by Parkinson’s disease and haunted by memories of the past. He lives with his two middle-aged stepchildren. When Nariman’s illness is compounded by a broken ankle, he is forced to take up residence with his daughter Roxana and her husband Yezad, along with their two sons. This new responsibility for Yezad, who is already besieged by financial worries, proves too much, and pushes him into a scheme of deception with devastating consequences.

Parallel to this narrative is the story of Mr. Kapur who envisages peace and freedom from political terror in the city.

 10. Colour Transfer & Other Stories by Nitish Raj

Is love simply a sea of emotions between two people or is there something else? Is it just undying commitment and trust for each other? Surely! It does not seem as easy as has been perceived, especially when a lot of other aspects come into the picture. This collection of 21 short stories will not just take you into a labyrinth of romance but also let you ponder life’s finer nuances, which will prompt you to think about the life that will question the veracity of your own moral dilemma. Mr. Raj in this upcoming collection has tried to decipher the thought-process of an individual while riding on the ship of romance.