5 (+1) Must-Read Hindi Books
When was the last time you read something in Hindi? For many Hindi speakers, Hindi is a language we know—we speak it, understand it, and hear it in our homes or communities. But reading in the language has rarely crossed our minds. I share this in hopes of encouraging you to consider reading in Hindi as it may open up a whole new world—like rediscovering a language you thought you already knew, uncovering new depths in its (and maybe even yours!) words, expressions, and emotions — just like it did for me.
Rediscovering Hindi Through Samvednaayein by Geeta Sinha - My Personal Journey.
Ten years ago, I picked up my first Hindi fiction novel to read, Samvednaayein by Geeta Sinha—a
book that delves into the entrenched colorism practiced in Indian social circles of the 1960s. Gifted to me and signed by the author—a close friend’s mother—I took it along on my holiday trip to Nicaragua.
At first, it was daunting—I had barely engaged with Hindi for fifteen years, let alone reading a Hindi novel. As I patiently worked through the book, with plenty of help from an online dictionary, I surprised myself. I connected deeply with the author’s story and characters, having experienced rampant colorism myself while growing up in small-town India in the ‘90s.
When I turned the last page two weeks later, I felt heard, seen and understood in ways I hadn’t expected. Geeta Sinha’s storytelling kept me engaged throughout and opened the door to a world of Hindi literature I hadn’t realized was waiting for me all along. Since then, reading in Hindi has helped me connect with my heritage—and with myself—in profound and meaningful ways.
Now as a parent, I find immense joy in sharing this experience with our children— and with you.
Ready to Begin Your Hindi Journey?
If you’re ready to take that first step, don’t be intimidated. Reconnecting with Hindi doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s all about pacing yourself, choosing something that resonates with you, and savoring the process of rediscovering a language that has so much to offer.
Here are FIVE Hindi books from my collection over the past decade. These recommendations cater to a variety of interests and levels—from beginner-friendly to advanced—and invite you to explore Hindi through its vibrant world of words.
1. Beginner-Friendly: "Azaadi Meri Brand" by Anuradha Beniwal
Genre: Travelogue, Social Commentary
Why You’ll Love It: This book is a perfect starting point for anyone reconnecting with Hindi literature. Written in fluid and conversational Hindi, it narrates Anuradha Beniwal’s inspiring journey as a small town Indian girl exploring foreign lands as a solo female backpacker among strangers.
Through her stories, Beniwal delves into themes of wanderlust, freedom, safety, and self-discovery, while shedding light on the socio-cultural norms and challenges that women face simply stepping out of their homes in her homeland. What makes this book unique is how relatable and personal Beniwal’s voice feels—like a conversation with a friend. If you enjoy this, you’re in for a treat because there’s a second book in the series, “Log Jo Mujhme Reh Gaye,” which I’m excited to dive into next.
Why I Recommend It: This book is light, engaging, and thought-provoking. As a small town Indian girl myself who has been living independently and exploring the world since the age of sixteen, I found this book deeply resonant. It’s a must read for anyone who enjoys empowering stories that inspire us to break free from ingrained beliefs and reclaim our independence
2. Medium Level: "Raag Darbari" by Shrilal Shukla
Genre: Satire, Political Commentary
Why You’ll Love It: If you’ve ever been fascinated by the quirky, layered realities of Indian rural life—like those depicted in Amazon Prime’s Panchayat—you’ll love Raag Darbari. Often considered a masterpiece of Hindi satire, this novel dives into the intricacies of politics, corruption, and human relationships in India’s villages.
Set in the fictional village of Shivpalganj in Uttar Pradesh, Shrilal Shukla paints a biting yet hilarious picture of how things function (or don’t) at the grassroots level despite two decades of self-governance. Published in 1968, the novel exposed the deep-rooted corruption in Indian society. Its humor and sharp critique of societal norms remain just as engaging and relevant today as they were six decades ago.
Why I Recommend It: While the language occasionally requires referring to a dictionary, the wit and effortless flow make it worth the effort. It’s a rewarding experience filled with insight, humor, and unforgettable characters.
3. Beginner to Medium Level: "Chandrakanta" by Devaki Nandan Khatri
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery
Why You’ll Love It: Published in 1888, this book was ahead of its time. Forget what you remember from the old ’90s TV series—Chandrakanta is so much more! This thrilling novel masterfully blends science fiction and fantasy with captivating mysteries, secret codes, and skilled spies. It’s one of the earliest Hindi novels and an absolute delight to read, offering a whirlwind of romance, espionage, and adventure in a richly imagined world.
One of the highlights of Chandrakanta is its focus on the art of spying, complete with unique Hindi terminology like Tilism (magical maze) and Aiyyar (spy or trickster), which make the experience even more immersive.
Why I Recommend It: The language is straightforward in parts but still introduces advanced vocabulary and storytelling techniques. Its pace and mysterious twists will keep you hooked. This novel helped popularize Hindi literature and inspired countless readers to learn the language just so they could experience it firsthand. Perhaps it will inspire you too! 😊
4. Beginner-Friendly: "Gubbare-si Halki Hai Zindagi" by Praveen Kumar Gangrade
Genre: Self-help, Non-Fiction
Why You’ll Love It: A book that truly lives up to its title, Gubbare-si Halki Hai Zindagi permeates a sense of lightness, not just through its name but also through its insightful content. This short yet impactful book offers practical tools to help us live with ease and simplicity in our daily lives.
The author’s use of simple Hindi makes this a quick and accessible read, while also introducing readers to rich vocabulary for discussing emotions and self-help concepts.
Why I Recommend It: It’s a great tool for self-reflection and a wonderful choice for parents looking to share similar concepts with children in Hindi. At under 200 pages, its brevity and positivity make it an uplifting read.
5. Advanced: "Ret Samadhi" by Geetanjali Shree
Genre: Period Fiction, Experimental Prose
Why You’ll Love It: A slow-burn masterpiece, Ret Samadhi pushes the boundaries of Hindi literature. It narrates the story of an elderly grandmother who embarks on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, delving into the depths of human emotion, identity, and relationships.
The book’s experimental use of Hindi is stunning. Geetanjali Shree doesn’t just write—she plays with the language, bringing out its lyrical beauty and complexity. While its English translation (Tomb of Sand) won the Booker Prize, the original Hindi text shines brighter.
Why I Recommend It: This book requires a LOT of patience. It took me a year to finish due to its dense prose and layered storytelling. Perfect for readers ready to immerse themselves in a complex narrative (think 100 Years of Solitude!) and appreciate the artistry of the Hindi language which Geetanjali Shree has so brilliantly mastered.
Reconnecting With YOUR Hindi: Pick The Book That Motivates YOU To Finish.
It’s OK if you don’t know all the words—just as we encourage children to underline and learn new words, we too can learn with the help of dictionaries (print and digital). You might feel frustrated with your reading pace—that’s OK too! Relearning, just like learning, is a process and as we often tell our children, joy is in the process.
If you’d like to encourage young and aspiring readers in your life to explore Hindi alongside yourself, consider adding my bilingual Hindi book, My Heart Would Like Some More, Please!, to their library. Books are a joyful way to build positive relationship with Hindi heritage. Together, we can empower ourselves to explore the worlds of Hindi—one word at a time—growing our bilingual tribe of explorers of words and worlds.
If you read any of these recommendations, I’d love to hear from you!
Happy Exploring Explorers!