7 Indian Books So Easy to Read, You’ll Forget Scrolling Ever Existed
Manika | Jun 18, 2025, 19:40 IST
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Highlight of the story: It was during a particularly overwhelming phase of life—college deadlines, hostel drama, and the constant pressure to "stay online"—that I realised I hadn’t read a book in over a year. I wasn’t lazy. I was simply addicted to the quick hits of dopamine social media offered.Then came a turning point.While waiting for a friend in Bhopal last year, I picked up Life Is What You Make It by Preeti Shenoy from a tiny railway station bookstall. I didn’t expect much. But by the end of my train journey, I had tears in my eyes and hope in my chest. That book didn’t just get me back into reading—it made me feel.This article is a tribute to books like that—stories written in simple, accessible language but filled with emotional depth and relatable characters. If you're new to reading or just trying to escape the scroll spiral, these 7 Indian books will pull you in and keep you turning pages like you forgot the internet even exists.
1. Life Is What You Make It by Preeti Shenoy
This is not your typical love story. It’s a tale of mental health, ambition, and inner battles. Set in the 1980s, it follows Ankita, a bright, ambitious young woman whose life takes a sharp turn when she is diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
What makes this book ideal for beginners:
Short chapters
Simple yet powerful language
Deep emotional resonance without being preachy
It's honest, raw, and leaves you with a strange mix of heaviness and healing. You’ll relate, reflect, and rethink your life decisions—all in under 250 pages.
2. Wise and Otherwise by Sudha Murty
This book doesn’t demand your time; it invites it. Each chapter is a self-contained story—perfect for beginners who might not want to commit to a long plot.
Why it's perfect:
Real, relatable stories
Short format—read one a day
Teaches life lessons without sounding moralistic
3. The Girl in Room 105 by Chetan Bhagat
This book is a murder mystery meets campus romance. It follows Keshav, a heartbroken IIT coaching teacher, who stumbles upon the dead body of his ex-girlfriend and becomes entangled in finding out who killed her.
Why it works for non-readers:
Conversational tone
Suspense keeps you engaged
Easy language, no dictionary needed
4. Pyjamas Are Forgiving by Twinkle Khanna
Best part? The humor. Even if you’re not a reader, her sarcasm will hook you.
Why you’ll love it:
Witty, sharp, and relatable
Deals with real emotions without getting heavy
Feels like reading a Bollywood rom-com
5. You Are the Best Wife by Ajay K Pandey
If you're looking for something emotional yet very readable, this autobiographical love story will melt you. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the author’s late wife. There’s romance, marriage, tragedy, and ultimately, resilience.
You’ll cry. But you’ll also heal.
Beginner-friendly aspects:
Written in simple, honest prose
Fast-paced yet deep
Makes you value life and love
6. Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh
Set during the Partition of India in 1947, it narrates the story of a small village where Hindus and Muslims lived peacefully—until the national tragedy crept into their lives.
Though serious in theme, the storytelling is incredibly engaging. It gives you the real emotions of that dark time through characters you'll remember for long.
Why it’s worth reading:
Short novel with big impact
Introduces historical fiction in an engaging way
Builds empathy while teaching history
7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Bonus: Not Indian, But a Must)
It tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd who follows his dream of finding treasure in Egypt. Along the way, he learns about love, fear, purpose, and listening to one’s heart.
Why it’s worth bending the rules:
Global bestseller, super beginner-friendly
Inspirational without being overwhelming
Simple language, deep meaning
5 Bonus Books
Books you can't resist
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1. The Secret Wishlist by Preeti ShenoyIf Life Is What You Make It worked for you, this one will feel like a warm extension. It's about Diksha, a woman caught in a dull marriage, rediscovering her passions through a secret list she once made as a teenager.
2. Mrs. Funnybones by Twinkle Khanna
3. I Too Had a Love Story by Ravinder Singh
4. Gently Falls the Bakula by Sudha Murty
5. The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan
Why These Books Work for New Readers
Emotionally Relatable: Whether it’s heartbreak, hope, or healing—these books speak your language.
Short and Sweet: All these books are under 300 pages. No epics here.
Real Characters: They feel like people you already know.
From Scrolls to Stories
Reading isn’t about becoming an intellectual. It’s about feeling. And these books? They make you feel everything.
You don’t have to start with Tolstoy. Start with Twinkle. Or Preeti. Or Sudha. Just start.
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