non-fiction books by Indian authors November 2019

Much like the fiction, there is a plethora of excellent and must-read Indian non-fiction releasing in November. There is a book which teaches women how to become powerful leaders and one which explores the consumer revolution. Go behind-the-scenes at the Tihar Jail or go on walking journey of Kabul through two of the books releasing next month. Memoirs and political books also make an appearance in November, which promises to be an exciting month for non-fiction lovers.

01

Love, Loss, And Longing In Kashmir

Sahba Hussain

In Love, Loss, And Longing In Kashmir, Sahba Hussain documents her interaction with the people of Kashmir. She spoke and listened to the locals, and formed friendships with many, during her time working in Kashmir. Through these relationships, she explores the health of the people; the changing meaning of militancy for them; their search for justice; migration; and women’s rights. The book highlights the Kashmiris’ hopes for a future free from violence and their love for their land. This is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the people of Kashmir and their anger and despair as they are caught in conflict and violence.

Releasing on November 1, 2019. Buy it here.

02

The Consumer Revolution: Tipping The Balance Of Power

Naren Nath

In The Consumer Revolution, Naren Nath explores the significant shift in power from corporations, producers, and manufacturers into the hands of consumers, and the impact of this shift. He traces the history of important revolutions in the history of human civilisation, from political systems to how commerce is conducted, and from the development of various forms of media and entertainment to the Internet. In the process, he also discusses new business ideas and shows us the negative impact this consumer revolution can have if it isn’t harnessed correctly. This book is essential reading for anyone who believes in consumer empowerment and also for those who cater to consumers.

Releasing on November 5, 2019. Buy it here.

03

Step Up

Sailaja Manacha

Step Up is author Sailaja Manacha’s aim to provide women with a toolkit that will enable them to become powerful leaders. She explores the commonly held beliefs women have of themselves and others, the behavioural patterns they follow and the choices they make, and how this informs the lens through which they view the world. Awareness of these beliefs, patterns and choices are critical if women are to look at the world differently and make changes. Manacha also looks at well-known frameworks like generative leadership and transactional analysis to teach women how to become effective leaders and break the barriers created by society.

Releasing on November 05, 2019. Buy it here.

04

The Weight Of A Cherry Blossom

Shruti Buddhavarapu

In this memoir, Shruti Buddhavarapu explores what it means to be an adult in the modern world. What is home when you are constantly on the move? How do you find love when you don’t stay in a city long enough? What does it mean to belong? The Weight Of A Cherry Blossom is a funny but poignant meditation on urban loneliness, family, friendship, self-discovery and loss. It is the story of a woman who has lived with her heart on her sleeve.  

Releasing on November 05, 2019. Buy it here.

05

India Automated: How The Fourth Industrial Revolution Is Transforming India

Pranjal Sharma

In India Automated, Pranjal Sharma busts the myth that automation is a threat to employment. Using case studies of private companies and government departments, Sharma shows that automation is actually making India’s professionals more efficient, accountable and accurate, and the government’s functioning more transparent. Further, new technologies like AI, drones, blockchain, and cybersecurity are also opening up new employment opportunities. Sharma makes a compelling case for India to embrace this revolution to ensure that it enhances her growth while mitigating any potential negative impact.

Releasing on November 07, 2019. Buy it here.

06

Black Warrant: Confessions Of A Tihar Jailer

Sunil Gupta & Sunetra Choudhury

In Black Warrant, the authors pull the curtain back on what goes on inside Tihar Jail, the largest prison in Asia. Gupta spent almost four decades as an officer at Tihar Jail and has interacted with everyone from Charles Sobhraj to former CBI head, Alok Verma. In this book, you’ll find out what happens when a man is hanged but does not die and whether Ram Singh, Nirbhaya’s rapist, committed suicide or was murdered. In the process, you’ll also get a glimpse of India’s judicial and criminal justice system.

Releasing on November 10, 2019. Buy it here.

07

Turbulence & Triumph: The Modi Years

Rahul Agarwal with Bharathi S. Pradhan

There is no doubt that Modi is a polarising leader who has changed Indian politics from the day he took office as the Prime Minister. He has impacted both individuals and institutions in some way or the other. In The Modi Years, the authors paint a compelling picture of Modi as a politician, leader, orator, and ascetic. Accompanied by a collection of fascinating photographs, this book gives us an insight into the man who “inspires as much fan-frenzy as fear-fury”.

Releasing on November 15, 2019. Buy it here.

08

The Panama Papers: The Untold India Story Of The Trailblazing Global Offshore Investigation

Ritu Sarin, Jay Mazoomdaar & P. Vaidyanathan Iyer

In 2015, an anonymous whistle-blower leaked 11.5 million financial and legal records of offshore entities. This led to a collaboration amongst 100 news organisations from 80 countries to expose the crime and corruption of those who hide their wealth in tax havens. The Indian Express was the only Indian publication that participated in the exposé, and in The Panama Papers, award-winning journalists Sarin, Mazoomdaar and Iyer tell the Indian story of the Panama Papers investigation. This book is an eye-opening take on the need for tax reforms, black money and financial corruption.

Releasing on November 18, 2019. Buy it here.

09

Ghalib: A Thousand Desires

Raza Mir

In this biography of Mirza Ghalib, Raza Mir brings one of the most widely translated Urdu poets to life. Through engaging anecdotes and trivia, he captures the essence of Ghalib’s life and work and shows us his genius. Ghalib also consists of some of the poet’s most well-known and relevant poems and ghazals, accompanied by commentary from the author. This commentary helps us further understand the themes and meanings in Ghalib’s verses.

Releasing on November 22, 2019. Buy it here.     

10

The ISIS Peril: The World’s Most Feared Terror Group And Its Shadow On South Asia

Kabir Taneja

In The ISIS Peril, Kabir Taneja shows us the impact of ISIS on South Asia. He delves into the psychology of South Asian jihadists by discussing narratives from Kashmir to Kerala; how ISIS is using Twitter, Facebook and Telegram for online propaganda to radicalise and recruit the youth; and the recent church bombings in Sri Lanka. Using primary sources, he explores the challenges in defeating ISIS and, more importantly, the ideology it represents.

Releasing on November 25, 2019. Buy it here.

11

Shehnaz: A Tragic True Story Of Royalty, Glamour And Heartbreak

Sophie Naz

In Shehnaz, Sophia Naz tells the story of her mother, Shehnaz, a beautiful and erudite woman from the royal family of Bhopal who almost got the role of Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam. Naz paints the portrait of a woman who led a revolt in her household for women to be educated; her post-marriage glamorous life in Mumbai that hid the trauma of an abusive marriage; her subsequent divorce and loss of custody of both her children; her second marriage; and her life thereafter. Naz paints a poignant picture of a woman who spent her life pining for her older children and died with the name of her oldest daughter on her lips.

Releasing on November 25, 2019. Buy it here.

12

Shadow City: A Woman Walks Kabul

Taran N. Khan

In 2006, Taran Khan arrived in Kabul armed with the warning to never walk. For the next seven years, she did the opposite and got to know the city the way you can only do by walking it. She talks of the glitter of wedding halls and the freedom that women experience in mental health hospitals, and even weaves in an anecdote about the bookseller behind The Bookseller Of Kabul. In Shadow City, Khan maps a city we only know of as war-torn but, in reality, is so much more.

Releasing on November 25, 2019. Buy it here.

13

Madrasas In The Age Of Islamophobia

Ziya Us Salam & M. Aslam Parvaiz

In Madrasas In The Age Of Islamophobia, the authors shed light on the reality of madrasas and destigmatise them as a breeding ground for terrorism. Salam and Parvaiz explain that while, today, madrasas are considered ‘dens for terrorism’, in the past, they schooled leaders like Rajendra Prasad, Motilal Nehru, and Raja Rammohun Roy. However, over time, madrasas have gone from educational institutions to places with stigma attached to them. Interspersed with real-life stories and interviews, Madrasas shows us the problems plaguing madrasas and what can be done to fix this. 

Available in November 2019. Buy it here.

Disclaimer: Some of these books were previously available on Kindle or as international editions which were available for import. This list features Indian editions of these books, which tend to be more affordable. The information featured here is accurate as of October 25, 2019.