This summer reading list includes a history of patriarchy, a glimpse of Bombay and a guide to healthier living

We live in a world that has (nearly) forgotten the art of slowing down. According to a study conducted by Microsoft, the average attention span of human beings has reduced from 12 seconds in 2000, to eight seconds in 2022, and alarmingly enough, it’s likely to reduce further. It’s safe to say that only a few of us have the patience (even willingness) to take a pause, and spend more than just a few seconds noticing something, reading a story or watching content. So, this summer, if you’re looking to take out some me-time for yourself amidst a heavily filled social calendar—we’ve got just the thing for you. From self-help guides and stories that take you back in time, to those that are a slice-of-life and replete with lessons, take your pick from this summer reading list, which has something for everyone. 

The education of Yuri by Jerry Pinto 

The Education of Yuri tells the story of a fifteen-year-old Yuri Fonseca of downmarket Mahim, who navigates his way through the ‘80s Bombay in all its cinema-like glory with the help of a friend, from upmarket Pedder Road. “In a city that both claims and disowns him,” Yuri makes his way, learning about shame, desire, guilt, and happiness through life’s many adventures and experiences including his first sexual encounter and his time studying at the Elphinstone College in Mumbai. The read will leave you feeling nostalgic, taking you back to an old Bombay. 

The Patriarchs: How men came to be by Angela Saini 

British science journalist Angela Saini takes a deep dive into the history and roots of gendered oppression and strives to cover (and uncover) the complexities of patriarchy and all that it has brought with it over the years. She takes the reader on a journey, all the way back to the earliest human settlements and analyses archeological evidence, political and social history to address the part that we all (men and women) have played in keeping these patriarchal structure alive even today. It offers an exploration into the past and the consequent need to resolve it today. 

The everyday hero manifesto by Robin Sharma

Just as it sounds, The everyday hero manifesto by author and speaker, Robin Sharma offers guidance on how to maximise your productivity and fulfil your purpose. Sharma simplifies a transformational system to offer step-by-step techniques and habits, used by the world’s most creative people in order to live a healthier and purpose-drive life. These include methods to transform fear into a driving force, daily routines for increased discipline and productivity and even information that will enable you to have greater peace and spiritual freedom. 

Victory City by Salman Rushdie 

If you’re looking to transport your mind to another world, some centuries ago, laden with themes of magic realism, patriarchy, gender and mythology, then Victory City by author Salman Rushdie might just be the right pick for you. The novel follows the story set in fourteenth century southern India, where a nine-year-old girl has a divine encounter that changes the course of history itself. The victory city, led by Pampa Kampana, becomes her space to fight for equality, wars even…until the city becomes so distant from its initial purpose. 

Energise your mind by Gaur Gopal Das 

Ever wondered what it be like to live like a monk or live as mindfully as one? Gaur Gopal Das’s new book Energise your mind is a guide to mindful living—in the truest sense of the term. Das simplifies for us ways to improve our wellbeing without breaking our heads over it through tops, exercises and tricks that will drive us to change and revise our thoughts and actions. Das, through his nonchalant, conversational and anecdotal style encourages readers to embark on a healthy, happy and sustainable lifestyle. 

The book of Desire by Meena Kandasamy 

Originally written in the Tamil language by Tiruvelluvar, and translated by Meena Kandasamy, the book is divided in twenty-five sections, each containing ten couplets or poems on growth, love and desire. Through the translation, her aim is dualistic—to rid the Tamilian piece of literature of the shackles of Brahmanism and colonialism and second, to share a feminist expression of poems written by a man. Her magical lyricism shines through the various couples such as Pleasure of Sex, Renouncing Shame, The Delights of Sulking, and more. 

The Miracle makers: Indian cricket’s greatest epic by Bharat Sundaresan and Gaurav Joshi

 “This is going to be the most unique cricket tour since the Second World War.” Here’s one for the lovers of all things cricket. The Miracle Makers follows the journey of the Indian cricket team in the lead up to the Border Gavaskar trophy and the ultimate breach of the Gabba Fortress. The book, written by the only Indian origin journalist present at the time, narrates incidents, experiences, conversations with coaches that went beyond the boundary to tell a story with a never-imagined ending.