Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra is a sprawling, multi-layered novel that blends crime thriller with political and philosophical themes. Set in Mumbai, it follows Sartaj Singh, a weary Sikh police inspector, who becomes entangled in a decades-long mystery after receiving a cryptic tip from notorious gangster Ganesh Gaitonde. As the narrative unfolds, it interweaves personal histories, underworld violence, religious tension, espionage, and the legacy of colonialism. Written in rich, lyrical prose and incorporating multiple languages and cultural references, Sacred Games offers a gritty yet deeply introspective portrait of modern India, questioning fate, morality, and the nature of power.
An Indian novelist and screenwriter, known for his ambitious and intricately structured works that often blend historical narrative with contemporary crime and technology. His epic novel, Sacred Games, a sprawling crime thriller set in Mumbai, was adapted into a major Netflix series. Chandra's meticulous research, vivid characterizations, and ability to weave complex plots demonstrate his masterful storytelling, offering a rich and panoramic view of modern India.
by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt's The Secret History is the original American campus novel. When Richard Papen joins an elite group of clever misfits at his New England college, it seems he can finally become the person he wants to be. Donna Tartt's The Secret History is the original American campus novel. When Richard Papen joins an elite group of clever misfits at his New England college, it seems he can finally become the person he wants to be. But the moral boundaries he will cross with his new friends - and the deaths they are responsible for - will change all of their lives forever. The Secret History recounts the terrible price we pay for mistakes made on the dark journey to adulthood.
by Erika Robuck
The Invisible Woman is a groundbreaking examination of gender bias in data and design. Caroline Criado Perez exposes how the world is built around a “default male,” leading to systemic inequalities in everything from healthcare and workplace policies to urban planning and technology. Using a wealth of research and real-world examples, Perez shows how women are often overlooked in data collection, making them invisible in decision-making processes. Urgent and eye-opening, the book is a rallying cry for inclusive design and policy. It challenges institutions to confront the hidden ways women are excluded.
by Hank Green
In 'An Absolutely Remarkable Thing' by Hank Green, readers plunge into a world where a mysterious figure known as Carl transforms society with a series of perplexing statues around the globe. The protagonist April May becomes an overnight celebrity as one of the first to discover and share information about these statues. As the story unfolds, themes of social media, fame, relationships, and the consequences of rapid change become central. Green expertly weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of human nature and the allure of power and recognition. With a mix of humor, suspense, and reflection, this book challenges readers to contemplate the impact of their actions in an increasingly connected world.
Fight Club is a dark, satirical novel that explores identity, consumerism, and rebellion. It follows a disillusioned, unnamed narrator who forms an underground fighting ring with the charismatic Tyler Durden as an outlet for male aggression and existential frustration. As the story unfolds, it delves into mental instability and the loss of self in a corporate, image-driven society. Palahniuk’s raw, punchy prose captures a generation’s rage and alienation. The novel, adapted into a cult classic film, remains a provocative critique of masculinity, conformity, and the search for meaning in a dehumanizing world.