12 new books to light you up this Diwali

As the festival of lights dawns upon us, we should know by now that Diwali is not just about hanging fairy lights, bursting firecrackers, and lighting oil-lamps. Beyond the gift-giving rituals and all the stories about good versus evil, Diwali signifies the enlightenment of one's soul -- and the triumph of happiness over sorrowful thoughts. This Diwali, take up a book, and set yourself up for a journey that will cheer you up and enrich your mind. Here are 12 books, released this year, to help you with that.
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A heartwarming memoir by an Italian journalist who has lived in India for about 10 years, 'Mapillai' is a collection of memories, lessons and cherished moments. 'Mapillai', a Tamil word, literally translates to son-in-law, which refers to Pizzati being married to the Indian poet Tishani Doshi. The book is thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking, and will definitely light you up.
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The New York Times wrote in a review of the book, "Ravishing and faithful, marked by what Nabokov once called ‘the precision of a poet and the imagination of a scientist.’ Majmudar has a gift for imagery…Godsong reveals how beautifully this 2,000 year-old-book lends itself to the careful, loving work of translation". The verse translation of Gita captures the many tones and strategies Krishna uses with Arjuna - strict and berating, detached and philosophical, tender and personable. A Gita for non-believers, the book seeks to be an accessible form of the Gita, where all the messages and tenets are retained, and when read, it'll charge one up with a strong, positive outlook towards life that is indeed illuminating.
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An explosive novel that asks difficult questions about modern Muslim identity in a world on fire, Fatima Bhutto's 'The Runaways' is a relevant exploration of the rise of religious fundamentalism and its impact on today’s youth. The book follows the life of Anita Rose, Monty and Layla, three kids from different social circumstances, whose lives cross paths in the middle of a desert, and where their closely guarded secrets will force them to make a terrible choice. Wonderfully constructed with a searing narrative, Bhutto's novel will undoubtedly enlighten you.
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One of the most popular life coaches from India, Gaur Gopal Das, in his first book, seeks to distil his experiences and lessons about life into a light-hearted, thought-provoking read. The book tries to look at different spheres of everyday life and drawing insights from objects around us, the monk wants his readers to discover their true potential.
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Coelho's most autobiographical novel to date, 'Hippie' takes his readers back in time to re-live the dream of a peace-loving generation that dared to challenge the social norms, the establishments, politics, conservating thought-processes, consumerism, and everything that was a product of excessive wealth and power. It is a fictional autobiography and has a fast-paced, stirring narrative.
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Sudha Murty’s 30th original work and her third book in the popular series featuring unusual stories from Indian mythology, this book includes the charming stories about Rama and Krishna, who, despite being reincarnations of the same god, have very distinct personalities. A lovely book for young readers, 'Unusual Tales about Rama and Krishna' retells not-so-popular gems from mythology in Sudha Murty's unique, engaging style.
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A light-hearted love story will always light one up. Especially, when it is a Bollywood love story built on Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Saranya Rai's book follows Vicky Behl and Kritika Vadukut, two of Bollywood's leading superstars who meet on the sets of the period drama 'Ranjha Ranjha'. As they dance to romantic numbers and spend time between takes on the glamorous sets of Sudarshana Samarth's film, Vicky and Kritika find it hard to keep their attarction for each other buried deep in their hearts.
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Book one in the series 'The Legacy of Orisha', the story is told from three different perspectives- of Zélie, Amari, and Inan. Amari and Inan are from a royal family and offer insight into the life of the privileged, though their personalities are quite apart. Zélie, on the other hand, is from the magical minority which is targeted by the rulers. The book shows the reality of classism, racism, oppression, privilege and brutality inflicted upon the Nigerian people by law enforcement. But all in all, it is a self-affirming and heartwarming book that teaches everyone about inclusivity, the blurring of racial boundaries, and that magic belongs to everyone with a good heart. Utterly enjoyable and delightful, Adeyemi's debut work of fiction is a luminous addition to this year's list of fantasy fiction.
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In this wonderful sequel to the bestselling 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven', Mitch Albom follows the story of Eddie's heavenly reunion with Annie, the little girl he saved on earth, in a heartwarming novel of how our lives and losses intersect. Poignant and beautiful, this book is filled with unexpected twists that is sure to light up your soul.
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The book traces through the world and times marked by: a scientist who studies trees and talks to them, a man who travels around the furthest corners of colonised India giving names to places, octogenarian lovers, a yeti who craves for human companionship, etc. A brilliantly conceptualized novel, Swarup's tale blends natural with supernatural, human with otherworldly. It is a book that will confuse you, make you laugh, and warm your heart with the coziest light.

A delightful read, the book follows Alfonse Carducci, a former literary giant who's had everything in his life one could wish for —lovers, alcohol, parties, and literary rivalries. But as he arrives at the Bar Harbor Home for the Elderly to spend the remainder of his days among likeminded individuals, Alfonse finds a muse who returns him to the passion for writing he thought he lost. A book that is sure to light up a spark in any bibliophile's mind, 'The Bar Harbor Retirement Home for Famous Writers' promises to be a heartwarming and charming read.
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The first Indian survivor to speak out about rape, Sohaila Abdulali not only recounts her story when she was gang-raped as a teenager, she also charts out her inspiring journey that led her to come out of darkness and depression and made her shatter the taboos related to victim-shaming. Writing from the perspective of a survivor, writer, counsellor and activist, Abdulali in her book looks at what women, men, politicians, teachers, writers, sex workers, feminists, sages, mansplainers, victims and families -think about rape and what we have to say. An insightful book that is inspiring and thought-provoking at the same time, Abdulali's account is one that charges us up with positivity and light.
Image: Penguin Random House