Every year, I make a promise to myself: read more, scroll less. Some years, this promise blooms into a full-blown book affair, while other years—well, let’s just say Instagram won the battle. Last year, however, was a literary triumph. I read books that made me laugh, cry, question my existence, and once, accidentally miss my train stop. So, grab your coffee (or chai, no judgment here) as I take you through my top reads of the year. And yes, I’ve created an Instagram carousel for this because, apparently, I’m a modern-day Renaissance soul.
1.Don’t Believe Everything You Think By JOSEPH NGUYEN
What it’s about: Discover how to overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and self-sabotage by understanding the root cause of psychological suffering and achieving freedom of mind. This book offers timeless wisdom to help you end emotional pain, find peace, unconditional love, and joy, and create the life you desire—regardless of circumstances. It’s not about tactics or rewiring your brain but expanding your consciousness to reveal the truth you already know within.
Why I loved it: Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen is a thought-provoking guide to understanding and training the mind. It beautifully distinguishes between thought and thinking, offering practical insights to overcome overthinking and embrace a happier, more peaceful life.
2. I Remember Loving You By Shravani P.T
What it’s about: I Remember Loving You is a poetry collection exploring the depth of human emotions, struggles, and resilience. It reflects on living, loving, losing, and finding hope amidst life’s chaos..
Why I loved it: A must-read for poetry lovers, this collection captivates with its diverse themes and exceptional writing.
3. Corridor By Sarnath Banerjee
What it’s about: Set in Lutyens’ Delhi, this story follows Jehangir Rangoonwalla, a tea vendor and bookseller, and his eclectic customers navigating love, identity, and urban alienation in a vibrant mix of text and imagery.
Why I loved it: Corridor by Sarnath Banerjee is a delightful graphic novel blending Delhi and Kolkata’s iconic charm with clever storytelling and humor-rich art. The vividly crafted characters and engaging visuals make it a standout read. While some endings feel abrupt, they spark imagination, adding to its unique appeal. A refreshing, must-read for art and graphic novel lovers!
Check the complete review here
4. The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm in a Busy World By Haemin Sunim
What it’s about: This bestselling mindfulness guide by Haemin Sunim offers wisdom on slowing down, finding inner peace, and nurturing well-being across relationships, love, and spirituality. Accompanied by calming illustrations, it inspires balance in a fast-paced world.
Why I loved it: Heartwarming and profound, this book offers soothing wisdom in simple words. It came to me at a challenging time and helped me reconnect with myself.
5. The tree of my life: The lessons learnt By Madhumita Sinha
What it’s about: This work blends philosophical wisdom from poets like Rumi, Ghalib, Tagore, Maya Angelou, and Robert Frost with personal narratives and insights. It includes my own poems, inspired by their profound thoughts, offering life lessons and solutions to everyday challenges.
Why I loved it: Okay,Madhumita Sinha’s Tree of My Life is a poetic masterpiece that intertwines the timeless verses of Kabir, Tagore, and Neruda with the author’s own inspired creations. Through her unique interpretations, Sinha adds fresh layers of meaning to classic poetry, creating a harmonious dialogue between the old and the new. A beautifully curated celebration of the enduring power of words.
Check the complete review here
6. Good Vibes, Good Life By Vex King
What it’s about: This beautifully designed book offers inspiring quotes and practical wisdom on using positivity to create a fulfilling life. Vex King shares personal experiences and intuitive insights to guide readers in cultivating self-care, mindfulness, and positive habits, ultimately helping them manifest their goals and find their higher purpose.
Why I loved it: Good Vibes, Good Life is an uplifting and inspiring book that has the power to transform your outlook on life. A must-read for positive change!
7. All the Missing Words By Monica Singh
What it’s about: All the Missing Words follows Vrinda’s journey through a 12-hour literary adventure at Marshall’s Book Cafe in Pune, blending writerly challenges, unexpected romance, and the magic of books.
Why I loved it: All the Missing Words by Monica is a delightful contemporary romcom that captures Vrinda’s 12-hour literary escapade at Marshall’s Book Cafe in Pune. With a blend of writerly struggles and unexpected romance, it celebrates books, serendipity, and creative exploration. Monica’s smooth storytelling makes this a quick, enjoyable read!
Check the complete review here
The Instagram Carousel Moment
Now, I know you’re curious about the Instagram carousel I made for these books. It’s a chef’s kiss mix of aesthetics and wit. Expect doodles, memorable quotes, and captions that’ll make you laugh harder than a rom-com. You can check it out here.
Why Books Matter
Reading isn’t just about escaping reality; it’s about diving into new worlds, perspectives, and experiences. These books reminded me of that in the best way possible. So here’s to another year of getting lost in stories, dog-earing pages (sorry, purists), and finding little pieces of myself in every book.
What were your favorite reads last year? Let’s swap recommendations—because life’s too short for bad books.
