Best Books Recommended By Shashi Tharoor: Widely known as a renowned politician of India only a few people know that he is a prolific writer as well, penned various literary gems mostly non-fiction, additionally Tharoor has written critically acclaimed op-eds in prestigious publications and newspapers like Washington Post, and The New York Times.
Up until now, he has 23 published books ranging from fiction to nonfiction namely An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India, Inglorious Empire, The Great Indian Novel, Why I Am A Hindu, etc. His immense knowledge of geopolitical issues is a driving factor that bore such novels. As they say, reading breeds an articulate writer let’s delve into some of the best books to read as per the recommendation of the influential politician.
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Best Books Recommended By Shashi Tharoor: Our Top Picks
To gain perception into how Shashi Tharoor has a flair for writing, here are some of the recommendations for the books across genres. These books and novels cover from Indian political discourse to ancient Hindu mythology. Explore what ignited him on this intellectual journey and get an understanding through some of the best books to read in India.
1. The Mahabharata By Bibek Debroy
The epic story ever told in Indian mythology, The Mahabharat is a story of two factions of a family, the enigmatic turns of events in the books have held captive the reader’s imagination and thoughts making them to read constantly. Although the story portrays the dispute over land and kingdom between the warring cousins Pandavas and the Kauravas forms the chief narrative, the crux of The Mahabharata is about the strife of dharma.
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These conflicts are immense and powerful. Throughout the epic, characters cannot find clear signs of what is right and what is wrong since there are no absolute answers. Thus every possible human emotion feature in The Mahabharata is the reason for its continued hold over our imagination. The complete and unabridged Sanskrit classic is now accessible to contemporary readers. Book Price: Rs 3,263
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude By Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Nobel Peace Prize in literature the author has reached a wide spectrum of readers through One Hundred Years Of Solitude, which follows a dynamic story of the mythical town Macondo and its various circumstances like the rise and fall of the town through the Buendia family. Explore the mystical aga of town from the eyes of this family. Remarkable plots and themes make this one of the best books to read in India.
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The prolific writing of Gabriel and his creative way of weaving stories have made him an enigma in the publishing world, 2019 Shashi Tharoor wrote on Twitter now X that “One Hundred Years Of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez; extraordinary, magical reinvention of the Latin-American experience.” In another tweet, he wrote “One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Magnificent, uplifting, and profoundly moving, sweeping in its recreation of a magical world of never-ending enchantment, the “novel of the century”. Book Price: Rs 1,905
3. The Discovery of India By Jawaharlal Nehru
Nehru former prime minister of India wrote this novel when he was behind bars during the Quit India Movement (1942-1946) at the Ahmednagar fort as a prisoner. The Discovery of India is a highly influential literary work recommended by Shashi Tharoor. The story of the novel makes it one of the best books recommended by Shashi Tharoor.
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The book gives a reflection on ancient Indian history, where he goes through the Vedas, the Upanishads, and other crucial textbooks that are considered the core foundation of what came to be known as the spiritual literary lineage of ancient India. It ends with the emergence of colonialism in India with the British. A dynamic work of literary and political genius reflective of the immensity of Nehru’s vision. Book Price: Rs 4,559
4. The Legends of Khasak, The Saga of Dharmapuri, The Infinity of Grace, And After the Hanging Vijayan By O.V. Vijayan
The debut novel of Malayali novelist O.V Vijayan is originally known as Khasakkinte Itihasam. Published in 1968 the book was widely circulated in the world after being translated it into different languages. It is a metacommentary on the communist movement of Kerala in the 60s making it one of the best books to read in India.
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Depicts the story of a young college student with a promising future who chooses to take up the job of a primary school teacher in a village. Over time, he finds himself getting lost in the secret nature of the village, which is a concoction of surreal and dreamlike characters. He gives into these figments of imagination come to life, only to discover their amoral and rustic nature. Undoubtedly regarded among the best books to read in India acclaiming Vijayan as an intellectual writer. Book Price: Rs 493
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5. The Arthashastra By Kautilya
‘Arthashastra’ is among the oldest books with significant historical importance written by Kautilya or Arya Chanakya as he was widely known. Regarded as one of the most effective books ever written on the art of statecraft and the science of everyday living. The original piece was written in Sanskrit, this is the English translation of the book which demonstrates the role of Government in the lives of people and the vital responsibilities it should carry. The book also speaks a lot about economics, hence the name ‘Arthashastra’ has been used which is the Sanskrit translation of the word ‘Economics’.
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L. N. Rangarajan has translated this book into English, the book is a collection of 380 shlokas written in prose. It is narrowed down into 15 different sections for a better understanding of the readers. It recommends that there are certain things that a man should look forward to achieving during his lifetime and material wealth is also one of them. Book Price: Rs 466
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Disclaimer: No journalists were involved in the production of this article. The prices mentioned here are subject to change with respect to Amazon. Also note, the mentioned products are picked on user ratings and Her Zindagi is not responsible for the after-sale service of any products.
FAQs
1. Which Shashi Tharoor book should I read first?
If you want to explore his writing style then check ‘Great India Novel’ which is among one of the best books to read in India.
2. What is the 1st most read book in the world?
The Holy Bible is the most read book in the world. In the past 50 years, the Bible has sold over 3.9 billion copies