The year 2025 has been a remarkable one for literature, and the vibrant literary community of Bengaluru has been at the heart of it. Prominent writers from India's Silicon Valley have shared their personal reading journeys, revealing the books that moved, inspired, and captivated them over the past year. Their recommendations offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse tastes that define the city's intellectual landscape.
A Diverse Palette of Literary Recommendations
The list of favorite reads is as varied as the writers themselves, spanning genres, geographies, and themes. Anjum Hasan, the acclaimed novelist and poet, found profound resonance in I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee. Hasan praised the book for its "honest and witty" exploration of modern anxieties, describing it as a work that skillfully balances darkness with relatable humor.
For writer and translator Shinie Antony, the standout was The Book of Love by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kelly Link. Antony was mesmerized by the novel's ambitious scope and its magical, immersive quality, highlighting its unique narrative power.
Literary critic and journalist Veena Rao selected Choice by Neel Mukherjee, a book she described as "devastating and brilliant." Rao commended Mukherjee's fearless prose and the novel's unflinching examination of complex human dilemmas, marking it as a significant literary achievement of the year.
Celebrating Indian Voices and Debut Authors
The recommendations also shone a spotlight on powerful works from Indian authors. Yamini Pustake Bhalerao, a writer and editor, chose Mother Tongue by Tania James. She was deeply impressed by the novel's intricate storytelling and its poignant exploration of language, identity, and the immigrant experience, noting its emotional depth and narrative craftsmanship.
Debut authors also found favor among Bengaluru's literati. Mohan Kumar, a senior executive turned writer, highlighted My Life at the Bottom by Dola Basu Singh. He appreciated the book's fresh perspective and its engaging narrative style, showcasing the community's support for emerging talents.
Furthermore, the list reflected a keen interest in global narratives. Books like Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar and There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib were mentioned, indicating the city's readers have a truly cosmopolitan appetite for stories that cross cultural boundaries.
Reflections on Reading and the City's Literary Culture
Beyond just listing titles, the writers' reflections underscore the vital role reading plays in their lives and creative processes. For many, these books were not just entertainment but sources of inspiration, comfort, and intellectual challenge. The curated list acts as a powerful testament to Bengaluru's thriving literary culture—a culture that values both international acclaim and homegrown talent.
The collective recommendations serve as an excellent guide for any bibliophile looking to explore the best of contemporary literature. They highlight trends, from autofiction and magical realism to hard-hitting social commentary, that are shaping global and Indian bookshelves in 2025.
This annual sharing of favorite reads has become a cherished tradition, fostering a sense of community among writers and readers in Bengaluru. It not only promotes a culture of reading but also strengthens the connective tissue of the city's intellectual life, proving that in the age of technology, the power of a great book remains undiminished.
