Over the past several months, I’ve been receiving countless messages about the books I read. Every morning, I post a good morning story with my tea and a book, and many of you reach out asking – What are the best novels to read? Is the book good? Should I read it too? Some even ask for full reviews. I realized we bonded over books in such a beautiful way—it truly deepened our friendship.
Episode 2: 8 Books That Changed My Reading Journe
Since that last video, I’ve read about 18–19 books. Not all were memorable, but a few really stood out. I’ve picked the top 8 books that made a lasting impression and I strongly feel these deserve a place in your life. These books might make your life more beautiful, and who knows, they may even help you fall in love with reading.
Book 1: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This book has undoubtedly been read by many, and for good reason. It’s a light and slim book, perfect for beginners. Although it’s fiction, it holds deep life lessons. If you’re at a crossroads, feeling lost or confused, The Alchemist brings immense clarity. It’s beautifully written and easy to understand. By the end of the book, you’ll wonder, “Why wasn’t this in my life earlier?” For anyone wondering What are the best novels to read?, this classic is a great place to start.
Books 2 & 3: The Immortals of Meluha & The Secret of the Nagas by Amish Tripathi
Years ago, I had met Amish Tripathi, the author of this mythological fiction trilogy. At the time, I hadn’t read his work. A few months back, my friend Sudeep gifted me The Immortals of Meluha. Initially, I couldn’t get past a few pages, but recently I picked it up again and finished it within a week. The book portrays Shiva as a human being and follows his journey to becoming Mahadev.
The second part, The Secret of the Nagas, starts where the first ends—right at a cliffhanger. It has a mid-book revelation that left me stunned. It’s powerful, subtle, and gave me goosebumps. The storytelling is brilliant. Anyone curious about Indian mythology or wondering What are the best novels to read? in Indian fiction must try these two books.
Book 4: Seriously, I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres
This book is like having coffee with Ellen herself. It’s humorous, light, and full of her classic charm. I listened to the audiobook first, then read the physical copy—it was just as entertaining. If you’re having a tough day, or need a fun break from studies or work, this book is perfect. I’ve gifted this book to many of my friends and family. For fans of Ellen, this one is unmissable.
Book 5: Jaya by Devdutt Pattanaik
Gifted to me by Sudeep, Jaya is a retelling of the Mahabharata in the most relatable way. With beautiful illustrations and a narrative that draws you in, it changed the way I looked at mythology. I never thought I’d enjoy reading Mahabharata so much. Even if you’re not a fan of mythology, the storytelling will keep you hooked. If you’re making a list of What are the best novels to read? in Indian mythology, this must be on it.
Book 6: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend
This gem is lesser-known in India, but it’s one of the funniest books I’ve read. It’s about a young boy who writes daily in his diary, but the author—Sue Townsend—is an adult woman. The humor is brilliant, and although it looks like a children’s book, it has many adult references. It’s light-hearted, requires no overthinking, and is pure joy to read. Highly underrated, this book is a treasure.
Book 7: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
We’ve all heard of Frankenstein, especially through TV cartoons. But reading the original book during my Europe trip gave me a deeper appreciation. Mary Shelley wrote this classic in Geneva, and some parts are set in places I visited like Chamonix. The language is slightly dated and heavy, but if you enjoy classics, this book is a must. Though slow-paced, it’s deeply rewarding and is an essential part of any serious reader’s list when asking What are the best novels to read?
Bonus Book (Still Reading): The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
I’ve only just started this one and I already love it. It’s gripping, intelligent, and a worldwide bestseller. I can’t wait for my next tea session to continue reading. Once I finish it, I’ll definitely include it in the next video. For anyone interested in thrillers and mysteries, this is one of the top answers to What are the best novels to read?
Conclusion: Reading Is a Habit Worth Building
Reading helps you focus, calm your mind, and sharpen concentration. If you enjoy this type of content—where I share book recommendations and reviews—let me know in the comments. We can turn this into a regular segment. Also, tell me what you’ve been reading and what you think I should read next. Remember, it’s never too late to start reading. Find joy in stories, escape into pages, and grow through words. Love and light, always.