Must-read books 2026.
Spilift Media's latest article features 8 must-read books of 2026, highlighting inspiring stories, powerful ideas, and fresh perspectives from the world of literature. These books offer readers valuable insights, new ways of thinking, and meaningful experiences through the power of words.
The House of Anand Rathore
In The House of Anand Rathore, Yogesh Arvind Puranik crafts a masterful exploration of memory, cultural inheritance, and the understated architecture of family love. Set against the sun-baked expanse of Rajasthan, the novel centers on Nandini Rathore. Arriving at a Jodhpur haveli as a young bride in 1968, she slowly becomes its pulse, evolving into the steadfast custodian of her family's ethos. Spanning five decades, the narrative eschews melodrama in favor of the profound intimacy found in daily rituals. Through Nandini's journey, Puranik meditates on the bedrock of family life: quiet kindness, integrity, belonging, and the silent sacrifices that ripple through generations. The novel's emotional triumph lies in this literary restraint. It urges readers to rethink inheritance - not as material wealth, but as the enduring values and habits passed wordlessly from parent to child.An educationist, investor, and award-winning author of over twenty books, Puranik consistently marries intellectual inquiry with emotional depth. He continues his exploration of timeless wisdom this Dussehra, October 20, 2026, with the highly anticipated launch of Decoding The Ramayana: An Ancient Blueprint for the Modern Mind. Ultimately, The House of Anand Rathore stands as a beautifully reflective portrait of the invisible, indelible bonds that hold families together long after the household falls quiet.
The Shadow Weaver
The Shadow Weaver Explores the Infinite Possibilities of Human Life
In a compelling blend of fantasy, science fiction, psychology, and philosophy, The Shadow Weaver by Ssamridhi Gulati explores a profound question: What happens to the choices people never make and the lives they never live? A Forbes-featured author and TEDx speaker, Gulati brings psychological insight and imaginative storytelling to themes of identity, destiny, and human potential. The novel follows Mayaa, a young woman who discovers that reality extends beyond a single predetermined path into a web of possibilities. As she journeys through parallel worlds, she encounters alternate versions of herself, forgotten aspirations, and the consequences of roads left unexplored. Through this imaginative narrative, the book examines consciousness, identity, and the complexities of human existence. A psychologist and storyteller from Jammu and Kashmir, Gulati holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master's degree in Psychology. Her academic background shapes her exploration of human emotions, personal choices, and the unseen forces influencing individual lives. Her debut novel achieved Amazon bestseller status and received recognition at prominent literary platforms, including the New Delhi World Book Fair, London Book Fair, Dehradun Literature Festival, and Kashmir Literature Festival. Gulati has also been named among the Top 30 Most Influential Women of Jammu and Kashmir and received the Shaan-e-Bharat National Award for literary excellence and social contribution. The Shadow Weaver also received the Authors Inkswell Award for Best Book in Introspective Fiction and was nominated for the Crossword Book Awards. Through her writing, Gulati encourages readers to question reality, reconsider their choices, and reflect on the countless possibilities that shape their lives. The Shadow Weaver ultimately invites readers to explore the paths left behind and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
Zindagi
In a world driven by technology and fast-paced living, Zindagi by Mandar Palshikar explores the emotions, memories, and experiences that shape human life. Blending simple Hindi with the richness of Urdu, this poetry collection reflects on love, relationships, nostalgia, and the deeper meaning of existence. The inspiration for Zindagi began during Mandar's college years between 2002 and 2007, when he developed a deep appreciation for legendary poets such as Mirza Ghalib, Mir Taqi Mir, Wali Dakkani, and Mirza Rafi Sauda. Their timeless verses influenced his understanding of shayari and shaped his poetic expression. The collection took form in 2020, marking an important milestone in his creative journey. The book captures different phases of life, from nostalgic student days to the responsibilities and emotional experiences of fatherhood. Its poems explore quiet nights, vast deserts, and the joy of love, inviting readers to connect with their own memories and feelings. Dedicated to his wife, Preeti, Zindagi explores universal emotions through accessible Hindi and expressive Urdu, creating a meaningful reading experience for poetry enthusiasts and those discovering shayari. Mandar Palshikar is a seasoned technologist with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Alongside his professional career, he has nurtured his passion for poetry and music. He has also created, composed, and sung his debut audio album, Zindagi, inspired by the poems in the book. The album is available on leading platforms, including Spotify.
BEYOND Goodbye
Some stories emerge from imagination, while others are born from life's most profound experiences. Author Tanishka Chugera's debut book, BEYOND Goodbye, is a heartfelt memoir that transforms personal loss into a message of hope, healing and resilience. Tanishka's journey towards authorship began after the sudden passing of her mother in 2022. Struggling with grief and unexpressed emotions, she began writing letters to her mother as a way of preserving their bond and expressing the words left unsaid. What started as a private healing practice gradually evolved into a deeply personal literary work exploring love, spirituality and self-discovery. Through BEYOND Goodbye, Tanishka shares her experiences of navigating loss, finding comfort in meaningful coincidences and learning to embrace life while keeping the memories of loved ones alive. The book offers readers a compassionate perspective on grief, encouraging them to understand that healing does not mean forgetting but learning to carry love forward. Married young and devoted to raising her two children, Tanishka never initially envisioned becoming an author. Her transformation from homemaker to published writer reflects the possibility of discovering a new purpose even during life's most challenging chapters. Launched on 18 June 2026 in loving memory of her mother, BEYOND Goodbye has been recognised among White Falcon Publishing's Top Sellers for June and July 2026. The book has also reached readers internationally, including in the USA and Canada. Tanishka was additionally featured by Mid-Day among "Inspiring Women Personalities to Watch Out This Independence Day 2026."Through her writing and healing-focused community, Tanishka Chugera continues to inspire readers to transform grief into growth, love into strength, and personal pain into a meaningful purpose.
Courage within Indian Tales of Grit & Values
Some books entertain, while others shape how a generation thinks, chooses and grows. For Dr. Sushant Rajput, Courage Within: Indian Tales of Grit and Values addresses an essential question: are we preparing children not only to become smarter, but also stronger human beings? An Amazon bestselling author, educator, corporate leader and mentor with over two decades of professional experience, Dr. Rajput writes at the intersection of learning, leadership and human behaviour. Following his earlier bestselling books, I Wish Someone Told Me This Before My First Job and Mindful Momentum, his third book focuses on character. Designed primarily for readers aged 10-15, Courage Within presents 21 culturally rooted Indian stories exploring honesty, empathy, discipline, resilience, integrity and courage. Rather than preaching values, the stories encourage children to discover them through relatable situations and meaningful choices. The book also invites parents and educators to foster reflection and conversations that connect timeless Indian values with contemporary challenges. Often described as a modern-day Indian Panchatantra, Courage Within reminds readers that while technology may transform how children learn and live, values shape who they become.
The Heart That Restarted
Rajat Mehrotra is a corporate leader, author, speaker and lifelong learner who believes that life's most meaningful lessons often emerge from relationships, personal challenges and the courage to begin again. With extensive corporate experience, Rajat understands the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal well-being and meaningful connections. A devoted husband and father, he draws inspiration from everyday experiences, personal reflections and the complexities of human relationships. A self-proclaimed "survival cook," he also finds parallels between cooking and leadership, both requiring adaptability, patience and problem-solving. His debut book, The Heart That Restarted, reflects his philosophy that life's unexpected pauses can become opportunities for transformation. Through the fictional characters Kabir and Rhea, the narrative explores ambition, love, vulnerability, marriage, mistakes and personal redemption. It encourages readers to reconsider their priorities and rediscover what truly matters beyond professional achievements. Rajat approaches writing not as someone with all the answers, but as an individual continually learning through life's experiences. His storytelling draws upon observations, personal growth and the understanding that meaningful change often begins with self-reflection. His writing motto captures this perspective: "I don't write because I have all the answers. I write because life keeps asking questions worth reflecting on. "Through his work, Rajat hopes to inspire readers to nurture relationships, embrace life's uncertainties and recognise that setbacks do not necessarily signify defeat. Sometimes, taking a pause provides the clarity needed to move forward with renewed purpose and understanding.
While Life Was Loading
Author and Learning & Development professional Anusha Rhoda explores the uncertainties of life in her book While Life Was Loading..., offering readers a thoughtful perspective on patience, personal growth and the pressure to achieve milestones within a certain timeline. The book reflects on the moments when life seems to stand still, whether in careers, relationships, personal ambitions or dreams yet to take shape. Through relatable reflections, it encourages readers to reconsider the feeling of being left behind and recognise that everyone's journey unfolds differently. Drawing on her understanding of people, learning and personal development, Anusha addresses the emotional challenges that accompany uncertainty and change. Her writing invites readers to pause, reflect on their experiences and appreciate the growth that can happen even during periods when progress feels invisible. With over a decade of professional experience, Anusha brings a people-centred perspective to her work. Through her writing and platform, Healing in Silence, she encourages conversations around emotional well-being and self-understanding. While Life Was Loading... offers a gentle reminder that not every phase of life requires immediate answers. Sometimes, growth happens quietly, and learning to trust one's own timeline can be an important part of the journey.
Oh Anxious Mind
Author Anusha Rhoda explores the complexities of anxiety and the human mind through her book Oh, Anxious Mind. The book offers a thoughtful look at the thoughts, fears and emotions that often remain hidden beneath the surface, encouraging readers to better understand their inner experiences. Through relatable themes such as overthinking, uncertainty, emotional exhaustion and persistent worries, the book examines how anxiety can influence everyday life. It sheds light on the internal conversations that are often difficult to express, even when everything appears normal on the outside.Rather than approaching anxiety merely as a concept, Rhoda focuses on its personal and emotional dimensions. Her writing aims to create a sense of connection for readers who may struggle to articulate their feelings or feel isolated by their experiences. An author and Learning & Development professional with over a decade of professional experience, Rhoda brings her interest in human behaviour, learning and personal growth to her writing. Her work reflects a commitment to encouraging meaningful conversations around emotions, self-awareness and emotional well-being. Through her platform, Healing in Silence, she encourages people to acknowledge their emotions without shame and recognise that struggles do not need to be visible to be real. With Oh, Anxious Mind, Anusha Rhoda seeks to foster understanding, encourage introspection and remind readers that they are not alone in navigating the complexities of their emotional worlds.
