Celebrating literary excellence: books you should read in July

As July approaches, the literary world prepares to honor its greatest creators. This month, the spotlight is on authors whose words have captivated readers and on books that have sparked the imagination. Here, we showcase the diversity and power of contemporary literature. Join us as we delve into the pages that have defined this month, revealing stories that inspire, inform, and entertain.

1. Be your own stress buster by Vishal BhantiVishal Bhanti combines his technical expertise with a knack for storytelling. His book, “Be Your Own Stress Buster,” was inspired by the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Observing global uncertainty and widespread anxiety, Vishal was driven to provide people with practical strategies for managing stress. “Be Your Own Stress Buster” is a transformative guide to meeting the challenges of modern life. This book offers a comprehensive framework for stress management, highlighting contemporary stressors such as the relentless pace of technology, the pressures of social media, and demanding workplaces. At the heart of the book is the “Stress Buster Framework,” which includes identifying unique challenges and understanding the concept of utility versus meaning. Vishal Bhanti’s work seamlessly integrates technical knowledge with empathetic storytelling, providing readers with valuable insights for overcoming adversity.
2. Unraveling a story of love, ambition and moral dilemmas by Vishesh Kumar DubeyVishesh Kumar Dubey, a promising new voice in literature, presents his debut novel, “The Last ‘Sutta’”, a gripping narrative woven from personal experiences into a captivating fictional story. Set against the backdrop of Dubey’s hometown of Jamshedpur, the novel delves into human emotions and ambitions through the protagonist, Abhay. Abhay, a lower-middle-class young man, navigates heartbreak and social prejudices after being dumped by his wealthy girlfriend. Determined to defy the odds, he embarks on a transformative journey marked by cigarettes that symbolize pivotal moments from his past. As the story unfolds, Abhay’s quest for revenge evolves into a complex exploration of power and morality, culminating in his rise as a formidable political figure. Dubey’s narrative deftly captures the nuances of love, ambition, and moral dilemmas, resonating with readers on a personal level.
3. Redefining romance with Nihara Hareesh's 'Unlovable'Nihara Hareesh, a towering figure, has conquered the romance fiction genre with her debut novel, “Unlovable.” Nihara has carved a niche for herself as a versatile creator, combining her rich life experiences with a vivid imagination to create captivating narratives. Her journey from a childhood immersed in books to becoming a bestselling author reflects her dedication and passion for storytelling.

   “Unlovable,” set to release in 2023, has resonated with readers around the world, weaving together love triangles, betrayal, and the challenges of adulthood into a gripping coming-of-age story. Nisha Kumar’s journey in New Delhi, navigating relationships with “The Greek God” Rivan and “The Book Boy” Felix, has captivated audiences and cemented Nihara’s position on the bestseller lists. As Nihara continues to work on her debut trilogy, her multifaceted talents, from blogging to filmmaking, underscore her status as a modern-day polymath inspiring creativity globally.

4. Revealing the dynamics of relationships in Atul Ajmera's 'Zero and Infinity'Atul Ajmera, an accomplished author and educational entrepreneur, brings over 15 years of experience in educational leadership. Atul’s book, “Zero and Infinity: Journey Together – Understanding the 5 Stages of Relationships,” delves into the complexities of human connection akin to the relationship between zero and infinity. He challenges popular perceptions of “happily ever after,” offering insights into the psychological nuances of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. By unraveling the stages through which relationships evolve, Atul empowers readers to cultivate fulfilling and long-lasting partnerships. His work not only enriches understanding between genders but also guides therapists in helping people navigate the aftermath of failed relationships, encouraging self-discovery and resilience. Atul Ajmera’s legacy as a mentor and author underscores his profound impact on youth development and relationship psychology.
5. Empowering Youth with the “Teen Trilogy” and More, by Dr. Monisha K GumberDr Monisha K Gumber, an acclaimed author known for her insightful portrayal of contemporary challenges facing young South Asian women, presents her latest work, ‘Teen Trilogy’. This collection combines her much-loved young adult graphic novels – ‘Sick of being Healthy’, ‘Dying to Live’ and ‘Dolly won’t Play’ – into a cohesive narrative that follows the intertwined lives of Tara, Megha and Dolly. These characters navigate the complexities of adolescence, including relationships, school life and societal expectations. Gumber’s storytelling is at once conversational and uplifting, yet poignant and insightful, and resonates deeply with her extensive online community. ‘Teen Trilogy’ tackles sensitive topics such as child abuse and academic pressures with a refreshing blend of humour and empathy, highlighting the importance of kindness and confidence in the lives of young teenagers.
6. How to Navigate Financial Leadership in “UNMASKING YOUR TRUE SELF” by Navneet KampaniNavneet Kampani has a distinguished career in financial services spanning over three decades. She recently completed the Proctor Gallagher Institute’s “Thinking into Results” course and embarked on spiritual growth through Self Realization Fellowship at Yogoda Satsang Society. In 2020, “UNMASKING THE REAL YOU” reflects Kampani’s personal journey and accumulated wisdom. The book chronicles her evolution from awareness to action, striving to achieve a harmonious balance between her professional obligations and personal life. Drawing an analogy with the wheel of a cart, she explains how our lives are interconnected, where “Pro” represents the professional wheel and “Per” the personal wheel, connected by the hub of our subconscious mind. Kampani draws from both spheres of her life to enrich readers’ understanding, highlighting how people often take on roles that mask their true selves, leading to imbalance. This introspective work marks the author's serious effort to guide readers toward the rediscovery of their authentic identities.
7. Exploring the Mental Phenomenon by Professor Uttam PatiProfessor Uttam Pati, eminent biotechnologist and former Dean of the School of Biotechnology at Jawaharlal Nehru University, presents “The Phenomenon of Mind,” a groundbreaking exploration of the complexities of the human mind. This groundbreaking work delves into the concept that the expression of the mind spans from the molecular to the psychological, combining insights from neuroscience, quantum physics, chemistry, and metaphysics. Pati’s book ignites curiosity and self-exploration, unravelling how consciousness evolved from single-celled organisms to humans and delving into the origins of behavioural tendencies. He eloquently analyses the boundless intertwining of mind and body, exploring phenomena such as superposition and manifestation.

   “The Mental Phenomenon” appeals to experts, practitioners, and general readers alike, offering insightful perspectives on mind-body interactions beyond conventional rationalization.

8. A journey of resilience and empowerment by AmbigaDiscover the transformative power of Rajinikanth’s wisdom in “The Rajini In Me,” an autobiography that delves into how his charisma guided one person through life’s trials. This book celebrates the resilience that comes from embracing the core tenets of Rajinism. Explore the deep connection between cinema, life and empowerment, and discover your own path to strength. Ambiga’s life journey is a testament to empowerment. Armed with a counseling degree from SUSS, she began her career with the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, passionately helping reintegrate ex-drug offenders into society. Her life took an unexpected turn when multiple sclerosis confined her to a wheelchair. Undeterred, she turned adversity into inspiration, expanding her impact through radio and television appearances. Ambiga’s admiration for Rajinikanth’s philosophy added a unique dimension to her journey, infusing her life with resilience and positivity. His story exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
9. Revealing the mystery and romance in Ruchi Sharma's 'Moonshine and the Porthole Scandal'Ruchi Sharma, an accomplished Indian author, discovered her passion for storytelling at the tender age of five. Sharma’s journey as a writer has been marked by a number of intriguing milestones. She took up poetry in her youth and achieved her first publication in a London coffee table book during her tenth grade year, setting the stage for a career dedicated to refining her craft as a writer. Moonshine and the Porthole Scandal unfolds with innocent flirtation that escalates into chaos when the priceless trinket, Moonshine, is stolen by an old acquaintance, Mr. Hawthorn. Amidst the confusion, a forbidden romance blossoms between David and Becca, leading to unexpected complications. As international intrigue unfolds around the missing jewel, questions arise: Who is the real thief? Will Mr. Hawthorn or the international criminal recover Moonshine? How do David and Becca become entangled in this web of mystery and romance? This captivating narrative of love, theft and scandal promises to leave readers enthralled.