5 books to read on a rainy day

The monsoons have arrived and we’re all for it. For some, a rainy day calls for a spontaneous long drive with your best friend, while for some it means snuggling into blanket by the window and spending the afternoon with a book—the kind that will transport you to another world or make you feel a tad bit warmer on a rainy day. So, we’ve rounded up what we think are the perfect reads this season—from classics and romantic dramas, to self-help and non-fiction books. Take your pick. 

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom 

We often lose track of our life’s purpose as we continue in its daily hustle and bustle. But all too often, we have some people in our lives—mentors, parents, or grandparents, who help us navigate our path when we’re lost. For writer Mitch Albom, this person was Morrie. Tuesdays with Morrie follows the story of Albom as he visits a terminally ill Morrie, every Tuesday, and the conversations that filled their dates. The book is a much-needed reminder about the little things in life that truly matter—love, kindness, people, and relationships. The read will leave you feeling like you’ve received the tightest hug in the world. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 

If you’re in the mood for a full-fledged romantic classic, what's better than Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice? You will be mesmerised and awed by the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as they fall in love against the backdrop of a rather peculiar and charming era of Regency England. The title remains one of the most popular novels of the English language. If you happened to watch the movie, and want to get into the nitty-gritty of the steamy romance, we’d definitely recommend reading (and re-reading) the book. It’s a timeless tale. 

God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

“Smells like music, hold memories. She breathed deep, and bottled it up for posterity.” Lovers of literature consider God of Small Things by award-winning author Arundhati Roy, a gem. The book is set in 1969 Kerala and takes the reader through the intricacies of a broken family, the innocence of childhood and the unpredictability and inevitability of life. Through its many characters and beautifully crafted dialogues, Roy focuses on themes of love, madness, hope, and challenges political convention and norms to make a powerful statement. 

The Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn 

While most of you may have watched the stunning series on Netflix, reading the book is a charming experience. The first one in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn is set in the Regency era. The Duke and I follows the tumultuous journey of Daphne Bridgerton, seeking a match on the marriage mart and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Amidst a myriad of balls, opera performances, and in-between lunches and dinners, they end up falling in love with each other. Read the book for charming and flirtatious conversations, steamy encounters, and more. 

Wise and Otherwise by Sudha Murthy 

If you are in the mood to read stories and experiences of real people, there’s couldn’t be anyone better than Sudha Murthy to tell it. Her book Wise and Otherwise, takes the reader through the length and breadth of India, telling the stories of people's wisdom, kindness, empathy, compassion and more. Simply put, the Murthy tells the tale of the various facets of human nature. The book will leave you feeling inspired and in awe of the people of India—through their struggles, experiences, and passion.