Intro: Between work, family and the endless scroll, reading is often the first thing to go. But the right book at the right time can change how you think, how you work and how you show up for the people around you. Here are five that deserve a place on every man’s shelf, plus a few more for when you want to keep going. 1. Man Up! (The Dangerous Book for Men) by Rod Green A throwback to the practical skills many of us never learned. It covers outdoor survival, navigating by the stars and other classic self-reliant know-how. Fun, useful and a good reminder that capability is a confidence booster. 2. The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida A thought-provoking look at masculine responsibility, purpose and drive, and how they play out in love and relationships. It’s worth reading if you want to think harder about what you want from your work and your partnership, and how to bring more presence to both. 3. No More Mr. Nice Guy by Robert A. Glover This one takes on what the author calls “Nice Guy Syndrome”: the habit of people-pleasing, avoiding conflict and hiding what you really want. It’s a candid push toward emotional honesty, healthier boundaries and being genuine rather than agreeable. 4. Atomic Habits by James Clear A simple, practical system for building good routines and dropping bad ones through small, daily changes. Its big idea is that habits are tied to identity, so every small action is a vote for the person you want to become. Easy to read and easy to start applying the same day. 5. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl A profound memoir of surviving the Holocaust, and an argument that purpose can carry a person through deep suffering. Short

As India celebrates the spirit of freedom this August, there’s no better time to revisit the stories, sacrifices and ideas that shaped the nation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an avid reader, or simply looking to reconnect with India’s remarkable journey, these books deserve a spot on your reading list. 1. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra One of the most authoritative books on India’s freedom movement, this landmark work traces the country’s fight against British colonial rule from the Revolt of 1857 to Independence in 1947. Rich in historical detail, it highlights the contributions of leaders, revolutionaries, peasants, workers and ordinary citizens, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the sacrifices behind India’s freedom. 2. India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha While many books end at Independence, this modern classic begins there. Guha explores the enormous challenges India faced after 1947, from Partition and integration of princely states to democracy, economic reforms and social change. It is a compelling account of how India evolved into the world’s largest democracy despite immense odds. 3. The Indian Struggle (1920–1942) by Subhas Chandra Bose Written by one of India’s most iconic freedom fighters, this book presents Bose’s firsthand account of the nationalist movement. It offers unique insights into the political developments of the era, the ideological differences among leaders, and Bose’s vision for achieving complete independence 4. The Battle of Rezang La by Kulpreet Yadav This gripping military history recounts one of the bravest chapters in the 1962 India-China War. It tells the extraordinary story of the soldiers of 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought against overwhelming odds in Ladakh. Their courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation make this an inspiring read for every Indian. 5. Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh Set during the Partition of

Intro: From introspective reflections on joy to gripping investigative journalism and atmospheric historical mysteries, this month’s bookshelf is as diverse as it is compelling. Whether you’re looking to pause and reflect, better understand your relationships, or lose yourself in a richly layered narrative, these new releases offer something for every kind of reader, thoughtful, engaging, and impossible to ignore. The Book of Joy Manoj V Jain The Book of Joy by Manoj V Jain is a thoughtful and visually engaging exploration of happiness, inner peace, and mindful living. Rather than following a conventional self-help format, the book unfolds through a series of reflective quotes, each page offering a pause for thought rather than prescriptive advice. Designed for today’s fast-paced world, it gently encourages readers to reconnect with themselves, shift perspective, and find clarity in everyday moments. The simplicity of its ideas makes it accessible, yet deeply resonant. What sets the book apart is its artistic dimension; each quote is interwoven with evocative artwork by Pradeep Mishra, creating a harmonious blend of words and visuals. Subtle yet impactful, The Book of Joy is not about telling you how to live, but inspiring you to reflect, reset, and rediscover joy in your own way. The Balancing Act Nedra Glover Tawwab From the bestselling author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace, The Balancing Act is a timely and insightful exploration of relationships, emotional boundaries, and self-awareness. The book centres on a simple yet powerful idea: every relationship requires balance. Too much dependence can make us lose ourselves, while too much independence can leave us isolated. Blending psychological insight with practical guidance, Tawwab breaks down concepts like codependency, attachment styles, and emotional needs in an accessible, relatable way. She offers tools to help readers recognise unhealthy patterns, communicate better, and build meaningful connections without compromising

Every successful entrepreneur shares one habit: they read constantly. Books allow founders to learn from decades of experience, failures, and breakthroughs in just a few hours. From Silicon Valley strategies to inspiring Indian startup stories, these titles have shaped how modern entrepreneurs think and build companies. Hashtag Magazines shortlists a few top recommendations. Global Bestsellers Every Founder Should Know The Lean Startup by Eric Ries This book introduces the famous “Build–Measure–Learn” cycle used by startups worldwide. Instead of building a perfect product first, entrepreneurs create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), test it quickly, and improve based on feedback.How to read it: Treat it like a playbook, pause after each chapter and think about how to test your own idea. Zero to One by Peter Thiel & Blake Masters A powerful guide on building truly innovative businesses instead of copying existing ones. Thiel explains why successful startups create unique markets rather than competing in crowded ones.How to read it: Focus on the concepts about monopolies, innovation, and long-term thinking. The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Unlike typical motivational books, this one talks about the real struggles of running a company, including layoffs, crises, and tough leadership decisions.How to read it: Read it as a leadership manual for difficult situations in business. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki A classic that changed how millions think about money. It explains why building assets and financial intelligence is essential for entrepreneurs.How to read it: Focus on the lessons about assets vs. liabilities and financial mindset. Inspiring Indian Bestseller Books for Entrepreneurs Stay Hungry Stay Foolish by Rashmi Bansal One of India’s most influential entrepreneurship books, telling the stories of 25 graduates from IIM Ahmedabad who left high-paying jobs to start businesses. The book sold hundreds of thousands of copies and