“Life is about making right choices and enjoying those choices through reading.” R.K. Narayan’s words are a quiet reminder in today’s fast-paced world. In present times when screens consume every minute of our attention , picking up a book becomes a praiseworthy act because it is a conscious choice to slow down and let imagination take wings. There is perhaps nothing better than feel of the paper and the words printed on it.
With exams getting over and vacation approaching, what could be a better time than summer to rediscover the quiet joys of reading?
We got around Delhi’s beloved bookstores such as Bahrisons, Faqir Chand & Sons in Khan Market, and Midland in Hauz Khas, to handpick some promising titles. Fromprize-winning novels to the best sellers of the month at the book shops, here is a list of books that create a buzz and help to spend meaningful summer afternoons.
Books to read from Bahrisons
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Heart Lamp by Bany Mushtaq (Shortlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025)
Through 12 compelling stories, Bany Mushtaq captures the intricate lives of women in southern India’s Muslim communities. A must-read for those who love brave and bold stories
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie(2025)
Adichie’s latest masterpiece follows four women across continents, linked by hope and healing. It helps to This novel invites you to reflect on the invisible threads that connect us all.
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki (2024)
Imagine a magical café in Kyoto that appears only during full moons. This whimsical tale, the first in a series, is perfect for dreamers and romantics who believe in the magic of second chances.
(From Bahrisons, Khan Market)
Books to read from Faqir Chand & Sons
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (2019)
In 1953, amidst the political turmoil of Tehran, two teenagers find solace and love in a quaint stationery shop. But fate has other plans. This bittersweet story of enduring love and missed opportunities is an evocative journey through Iran’s rich history and culture.
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky (originally published in 1848)
Under the perpetual twilight of St. Petersburg’s white nights, a lonely dreamer encounters a woman with her sorrows. Over four nights, their fleeting connection explores love, longing, and human vulnerability. Dostoevsky’s classic is a poetic ode to the beauty and pain of transient relationships.
Happy Place by Emily Henry (2023)
Harriet and Wyn are pretending to be the perfect couple on a sunlit Maine vacation, even though they’ve broken up. This novel can be your delightful, feel-good summer escape.
(From Faqir Chand & Sons, Khan Market)
Books to read from Midland
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji (2025)
Spanning 80 years and three generations, this powerful debut follows the Valiat family through personal and political upheavals, exploring identity, heritage, and resilience across continents. Mahloudji’s debut is a powerful meditation on belonging and resilience.
The Book of Disappearance by Ibtisam Azem (2014)
What if all Palestinians in Israel vanished overnight? This provocative novel explores the fallout through the eyes of Alaa, a Palestinian writer, and Ariel, an Israeli journalist who discovers Alaa’s diary. Azem’s speculative tale compels readers to question the fragility of identity.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang (Winner of the Man Booker International Prize 2016 )
When Yeong-hye decides to stop eating meat after a disturbing dream, her family unravels. Dark, poetic, and deeply unsettling, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page.
(From Midland, Hauz Khas)
For the young readers
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Bahrisons’ special for young readers
Almanac 2025: A comprehensive resource, filled with incredible photos, fun facts, crafts, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and conservation for curious kids.
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey (2016): Join the hilarious, heartwarming adventures of a half-dog, half-human police officer. Perfect for early readers with big imaginations.
A Mummy Ate My Homework by Thiago de Moraes (2020): A schoolboy’s homework turns into a time-travelling escapade to ancient Egypt. This humorous, educational tale is a hit for kids who love history and fun.
Shivam Mishra and Shashank Kumar Singh
Published – April 18, 2025 02:10 pm IST
Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/books-to-read-this-summer/article69463962.ece