#BazaarReads: Book recommendations to start the year right

As we step into a fresh chapter, there’s no better way to set the tone for the year than with a carefully curated reading list. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, escapism, or a deep dive into the stories that shape our world, these books promise to spark curiosity, soothe your soul, and keep you turning pages well into 2025. From thought-provoking memoirs to heartwarming fiction, here’s your guide to starting the year with the perfect literary companion. 

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

Starting the list with Nicholas Sparks, his novel Counting Miracles follows three strangers—Tanner, Kaitlyn, and Jasper, whose lives unexpectedly intertwine. Tanner, a wanderer, sets out for Asheboro after his dying grandmother reveals the name and location of the father he never knew. Kaitlyn, rebuilding her life after a divorce, meets the solitary Tanner and discovers a sense of longing she didn’t realise she had. Meanwhile, Jasper, a recluse burdened by a tragic accident decades ago, lives a quiet life with only his dog, Arlo, for companionship. Their meeting changes everything, leading them to uncover love, belonging, and redemption in unexpected ways.

SILKEN GAZELLES by Jokha Alharthi

Jokha Alharthi’s Silken Gazelles follows Ghazaala, who’s devastated when her childhood friend Asiya’s forced to leave their village. After moving to Muscat, Ghazaala marries a violinist, while balancing the duties of a new wife—caring for her husband, their home, and their twin boys—Ghazaala resumes her education and enrolls in university. It is here where she befriends Harir, whose diary chronicles their transformative bond, shaped by Asiya's lingering presence.

Courtesy of Criticism by Kirtinath Kurtkoti

Kirtinath Kurtkoti’s Courtesy of Criticism, translated by Kamalakar Bhat, not only explores Kannada literature’s profound depths but also exemplifies the art of thoughtful criticism. Kurtkoti approaches literature as both a mirror of society and a bridge to timeless philosophical inquiries. From the lyrical brilliance of DR Bendre to the dramatic innovations of Girish Karnad—the book offers incisive critiques that resonate with the universal human experience.

Murder by Candlelight 

Murder by Candlelight presents ten classic tales of mystery, murder, and mayhem by the genre’s greatest writers. Featuring works by legends like Dorothy L Sayers, Carter Dickson, and Cyril Hare; these stories will puzzle your mind and chill your blood in equal measure. Whether spinechillingly supernatural or all-too-human, the ghastly protagonists of these stories are always one step ahead.

Another day in Landour by Ruskin Bond

The final recommendation is Ruskin Bond’s Another Day in Landour, set to release in February 2025. This journal, written over the past two years, is a treat for fans of Bond’s warm, witty prose and his charming observations of nature. From the joy of a blooming flower to the annoyance of an unshakable toothache, Bond captures life’s simple moments with his signature grace and humour.

 

This story originally appeared in the print issue of Harper's Bazaar India, December 2024. 

Lead image: Pexels

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