A pinch of humour
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, of course! The non-reader would become a reader (and also read MFA multiple times, as have I). The language, the humour, the stories, the amazing Durrell family….oh my! If it was a semi-reader, I would present Tiger Lessons by Sannapureddy Venkatarami Reddy, one of the most authentic novels I’ve read recently and also a great translation of the Telugu masterpiece, Kondapolam. If it was a total non-reader (no hope) I would give a calendar because that’s very useful reading.
Zai Whitaker, author, naturalist, teacher
Origins of a city
If I have to gift a book to a non-reader — I would give City of Gold: The Biography of Bombay by the late Gillian Tindall, or any other book that narrates the history of our city so that they can understand the context better.
Vikas Dilawari, conservation architect
Warm and fable-ous
For me, it’s a toss-up. One, a more contemporary choice. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. Besides the fact that he writes accessible and heart-warming tales about mostly good people, this is one example of a book that does something that only a book can do; or make you do.
The other, less contemporary, but greatly affecting for me, is Animal Farm by George Orwell. Allegory and dystopia in the form of a fable. Brilliant stuff.
Akarsh Khurana, theatremaker
Storyteller for all
I loved The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh. If there is one author to turn to read, it’s him. Once you read this book, you will want to read all his books. Honestly there is no storyteller like him. It’s history, geography, politics, through fiction, and no better than this one!
Shireen Gandhy, gallerist, director, Chemould Prescott Road
Urban language
The Language Of Cities by Deyan Sudjic is for anyone who is interested in city studies. This handy book brings together many different aspects – geography, socio-politics, topography, economics, history, ethnography, architecture, design, etc with his insightful text and images — which is why I find it immensely interesting.
Sameer Kulavoor, artist
More than a story
If I had to recommend one book to someone who doesn’t usually read, it would be The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. The novel beautifully captures the lifelong process of understanding and reshaping one’s identity. What makes this perfect for a non-reader is how effortlessly it flows. It’s more than just a story; it is a way to reflect on your own relationship with identity, while gaining a deeper understanding of those around you.
Mouli Pal, marketing executive
Gossip with purpose
Good Material by Dolly Alderton is a winner. It’s sharp, funny, and unpacks modern relationships with a fresh twist: a breakup from the guy’s perspective (and then both sides). It feels like gossip with a purpose — easy, engaging, and unexpectedly insightful. For a non-reader, it’s the perfect entry point: Proof that books can feel like friends you actually want to spend time with.
Aditi Mathur, urban workplace architect
Short and sure
Short story collections are always the best to start your reading journey — not because they demand less commitment but because of the intricate ways in which they capture you. The Night Train at Deoli by Ruskin Bond talks about love, loneliness, pain and humour through Bond’s life. Its relatability compels you to keep going.
Jaaiee Dharmadhikari, student
