12 Books Everyone Should Read At Least Once
- Team Salis Mania
- Mar 31
- 9 min read
Discover timeless reading treasures with our curated list of Books Everyone Should Read At Least Once. From classic novels that shaped generations to modern masterpieces that challenge perspectives, this blog is your guide to must-read books that leave a lasting impact. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just beginning your reading journey, these books promise to inspire, educate, and entertain. Dive in and find your next unforgettable read!
Modi’s Bharat
Book by Amit Bagaria & Savio Rodrigues
Published by BlueOne Ink
From the world’s tallest statue to the largest office complex, from the world’s largest digital public infrastructure to the longest riverfront, from the world’s highest airfield and tunnel to the largest capital city redevelopment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi really thinks big.
We have witnessed a speed and scale of development made of dreams. While Vande Bharat trains and Amrit Bharat railway stations are a symbol of railways’ modernisation, driving on 12-16 lane highways makes us think we are in Europe. Bharat Mandapam makes us proud, but when three Indian astronauts go up on an Indian spaceship in late-2025, we will have tears of joy.
The previous UPA government of late Dr. Manmohan Singh (controlled by Sonia Gandhi) announced ambitious projects but fell asleep. Modi did not just complete projects launched by his own government, but also UPA-era ones that didn’t start or were not complete.
Dr Singh was a tripos in Economics and held most of India’s major economic posts over 24 years, but a chaiwallah managed the economy much better.
India’s share of the world’s GDP (by Purchasing Power Parity) went up from 6.18% in 2014 to 7.73% in 2024. Per Capita Income went up 212% from ₹68,572 in FY14 to ₹2.14 lakhs in 2024.
Modi either launched or significantly improved the delivery of 450+ welfare schemes. For example, in less than 6 years since the launch of PM Jan Arogya Yojana, over 354.35 Health Cards were issued, and around 78 million free hospital treatmentsworth ₹1,07,000 crore were provided to low-income families. In five years, ₹3,46,000 crore was paid as direct income support to average 101.3 million farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme.
More than 9 million affordable middle-income group homeshave been delivered in urban India and 2.33 million are under construction. Average time for issuing income-tax refunds has reduced from 93 days to just 9–10 days. Apartment dwellers in multi-storey buildings can now choose what type of electrical connection they want (regular or rooftop solar).
Power distribution companies must install meters to check consumer complaints within 5 days. A citizen with Aadhaar card and one more ID proof gets a new passport in 2–3 days (10 days minimum in 2014) for tatkal applicants and 5-7 days otherwise (16–22 days in 2014). No bribes need to be paid now.
Everything Modi achieved was despite the world being at a virtual standstill for 19 months due to Covid19. This means that Modi’s achievements should be multiplied by 1.21 to get a more realistic picture, especially when we compare them with the UPA-era.
Modi’s Bharat is a comprehensive account of almost everything done by Modi in his first two terms as prime minister of the world’s largest nation and 3rd largest economy (11th largest when Modi took charge), with over 3,000 data points.
Stronger
Book by Dinesh Palipana
Published by Macmillan Australia
A puddle of water on a highway changed Dinesh Palipana's life forever. Halfway through medical school, Dinesh was involved in a catastrophic car accident that caused a cervical spinal cord injury.
After his accident, his strength and determination saw him return to complete medical school - now with quadriplegia. Dinesh was the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland, and the second person with quadriplegia to graduate medical school in Australia.
Despite all of the pain and hardship he's faced, Dinesh now sees his accident as a turning point for the better in his life. He believes it has made him a better doctor, with a better grasp of the concerns and fears of his patients, and a more sensitive, open human. He fights for equal and equitable access for disabled people, and is a compassionate and skilled doctor working in one of Australia's busiest hospitals.
After everything he's been through, Dinesh believes he is now happier, stronger and more capable than he was before the accident. It helped him to clarify what is important in his life, and taught him that happiness and strength can always be found within.
The Mosaics of Time
Book by Mona Mohanty
Published by Literary Lounge
Reema’s life seemed picture-perfect—until the fractures appeared. A best friend’s betrayal was only the beginning. The ultimate treachery came from her husband: not just unfaithful, but calculating and cold, he plotted to take her life.
Left for dead but armed with unyielding determination, Reema refuses to become a victim. Rising from her despair, she embarks on a journey of survival and revenge, transforming pain into strength. Yet, as she battles her cunning husband in a deadly game of wits, the past reveals secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew.
Joined by an unexpected ally who could become her partner, friend, or even lover, Reema’s pursuit of justice is fraught with peril. Each move she makes brings her closer to reclaiming her life.
The Mosaics of Time is a gripping tale of resilience, betrayal, and redemption, where revenge takes center stage and nothing is as it seems. A thrilling page-turner that will leave you breathless until the final twist.
The Teen Factor
Book by Dr. Jawahar Surisetti
Published by BlueRose Publishers
In a world where innovation is the currency of progress, "The Teen Factor" emerges as a clarion call to harness the untapped potential of youth. Acclaimed futurist Dr. Jawahar Surisetti's masterpiece transcends the traditional boundaries of corporate wisdom, inviting readers to explore the vibrant minds of Maya, Alex, and Ben, thereby giving birth to a new genre that he calls "self-help fiction.".
These teenage protagonists are not just characters; they are the vanguards of a new era, their digital prowess a beacon in the fight against a formidable cyber threat. This book is a dual-threaded tapestry, interlacing thrilling fiction with actionable insights and offering a unique blend of narrative and self-help strategies. It's an odyssey that promises to dismantle age-old barriers and ignite a revolution in creative problem-solving.
"The Teen Factor" is not just a read; it's an experience that will redefine your perception of innovation and leadership.
The Puppeteer
Book by Ajit & Anil
Published by Westland
The Sandesar brothers seek asylum in Albania after robbing Indian banks of US $700 million, setting off a dangerous chain of events. In Albania, President Tefik Metta colludes with Xi Wang, Chairman of the Peoples Republic of China, to win the next elections and stay in power. Chairman Xi Wang has his own secret plan in motion-pushing his One Path, One Road agenda, which will soon trap half the world in China's debt.
In this fraught geopolitical climate, the US feels increasingly threatened and President Hussain Akhmu considers sacrificing India's friendship to safeguard his country's interests, even as rumours fly thick and fast about the People's Liberation Army of China's plan to sabotage India's nuclear programme.
With the nation under threat from inside and outside, everyone in India looks to one man-Prime Minister Damodar Das, aka The Panther-and his elite counter-terrorism group, The Panther's Ghosts. Will India's new defensive offence doctrine mitigate the nation's threats? Will the Ghosts survive this mission? Most importantly, is it time for the Puppeteer to enter the arena?
Inspired by real-life covert operations that follow India's new doctrine of defensive offence, The Puppeteer pays homage to the unsung heroes who live and die to keep our nation safe from terror.
The Good 365 Days
Book by Eknoor Juneja
Published by Notion Press
Amaya is an Indo-American and a young generous girl who works for a magazine company under Mrs. Russell. Being a very responsible person, she is praised for the dedication she has for her work.
Then, Mrs. Russell’s son Samuel joined their company. Enthralled by Amaya’s charm, Samuel falls deeply in love whereas, Amaya is confused due to her mixed-up feelings. There’s this tragic event that moved everyone when Samuel met with a sudden accident.
Will Samuel be able to recover? Will he be able to confess to his lady love or will the tables take an unexpected turn?
Finding the Happener
Book by Sharmistha Chakraborty
Saanvi and Daksh's paths repeatedly intertwine, sparking questions about whether their encounters are merely by chance or something more profound. As they continue to cross paths, they wonder if destiny is at play or if an unseen force is guiding their interactions.
SAANVI:
After experiencing heartbreak from both my boyfriend and best friend, I swore off love. When I encountered an attractive man at the airport, I resolved to keep my emotions in check. However, the events surrounding my wedding made it increasingly challenging to resist his positive presence in my life over time.
DAKSH:
I've had casual relationships before, but she's different. I feel authentic and comfortable when I'm with her. I understand she's been through difficult experiences in the past, so I'm patiently waiting for her to trust me at her own pace. I'm not the type to pressure her or force the issue. If I can't win her heart genuinely, I will respect her decision.
Explore the unexpected occurrences and positive surprises that have come into their lives as a result of these serendipitous events.
Immerse yourself in "Finding the Happener," an Indian romantic comedy infused with heartfelt Indian values and emotions. Prepare for a rollercoaster of laughter, tears, and witty banter as you experience the real world alongside the charming Saanvi and Daksh, who will steal your heart in this unforgettable journey of love and self-discovery.
Introducing the inaugural installment of the Serendipity Series, a collection of wholesome and light-hearted romantic comedies that will leave you smitten.
Jyestha Devi: The Goddess of Misfortune
Book by Aboli Mane
Published by Inkfeathers Publishing
Jyestha Devi: The Goddess of Misfortune is the tale of Jyestha, the elder sister of Goddess Lakshmi. When Jyestha the goddess of misfortune emerges from the churning of the ocean neither the Devas headed by Indra nor the demons headed by Virochana want her.
Stung by the rejection and by her unwanted marriage to Rishi Dussaha, Jyestha undergoes various tribulations in the three worlds governed by the Trimurti. Silently, she vows vengeance for her mistreatment.
Nursing envy towards her sister Lakshmi while craving her fortune, Jyestha’s rise to power is a tale filled with self-discovery, feminine grit, family drama, and romance. This mythological fiction is a feminine narrative shedding light on a young goddess’s ambition and desire.
Mostly Mundane
Book by Saugata Chakraborty
Published by Redgrab Books
‘Mostly Mundane’ is a humorous collection of 19 short stories following Shantilal Biswas, a middle-class man who constantly stumbles into misadventures. From nosy neighbours and meddling colleagues to odd side hustles and career detours, Shantilal finds humour in the everyday.
These slice-of-life tales celebrate the joy and laughter hidden in life's most mundane moments.
Unveiling the Mahabharata
Book by Tanya
Published by Garuda Prakashan
While most retellings of the Mahabharata begin at the beginning and conclude at the end, this is not how the epic itself is structured. The author, in exploring the original text, observed that even the backstories within the narrative contain their own backstories. A significant emphasis is placed on cause and effect—on why events unfolded as they did. This aspect intrigued the author, who chose to focus on the epic's non-linear flow rather than imposing a standard chronological structure. Staying true to this design, each chapter begins on the battlefield and then journeys back to connect the dots across different timelines, lifetimes, or even realms.
The Mahabharata, with its complex characters and intricate stories, is a universe in itself. While many may be familiar with its characters and events, this novel delves deeper to explore why the characters were shaped the way they were and why they acted as they did. By examining the motivations and causes behind their actions, the novel seeks to uncover the deeper intent of the epic. Was it merely a straightforward tale of two warring factions, or did it hold a more profound purpose?
Dark
Book by Harish Kamath
Published by Notion Press
'Dark' by Harish Kamath is a book about the struggles of a teenager, Ravi, with the transition to adulthood. He starts off with a negative image of himself but things start improving for him when he makes some new friends in his apartment building. But even as he starts getting more comfortable, he is intrigued by the erratic behavior of one of his new friends, a girl named Shyama, towards him.
At once friendly and interested, she is cold and indifferent in the very next instant. Ravi’s world is further rocked by family problems that turn his life upside down. One of his other friends turns hostile and all these happenings keep piling on the pressure on Ravi’s young, impressionable mind till in the end he finally breaks and unleashes his ‘dark’ side.
Ten Tales of Torment
Book by Kunal Hariani
"Ten Tales of Torment" by Kunal Hariani contains ten creepy stories that are not meant for weak minded. Some of them are filled with twists and turns. Others are outright bizarre. Yet, all of them will send chills down your spine.
A whisper in the cave that tells you about future, but listening to it comes with a heavy price. A mysterious disease that slowly kills generations of a family. A corpse that demands blood from its servants in return for rewards.
And many more…
What will victims do? Will they give up or will they survive?
