September brings with it an interesting range of non-fiction books by Indian authors. The books range from one by William Dalrymple on the East India Company to a memoir of a person coming to terms with his sexuality, and from a political book to one that will tell you how to go viral on the internet. You also have a book about a crime journalist’s wrongful incarceration, another one which tells of a country’s chequered history and a memoir of a road trip from the U.S. to India. If you are into non-fiction by Indian authors, September is a great month for you. 

01

The Game Of Votes

Farhat Basir Khan

Reading about politics and elections is never boring- especially in light of the recent abrogation of Article 370. In 2019, many political battles are fought using multimedia, fake news and advertising agencies. Proving a historical context to why voters vote the way they do, this book will give you key insights into why Modi won in 2019, and compare his campaign to that of both Obama’s and Trump’s. Read about how all political parties try to “deliberately confuse, misguide and misinform the people, instead of sharing objective facts with them” and how “the use of stand-up comics, poets, filmmakers, actors and stars has only gone on to create a credible and believable narrative.”

Releasing of September 05, 2019. Buy it here.

02

A Gift Of Grace: The Essence Of Guru Nanak’s Spirituality

Daler Aashna Deol

Guru Nanak was a spiritual leader who had a huge impact on millions of lives and was the founder of one of the world’s most important religions- Sikhism. Divided into three parts, this book attempts to bring Guru Nanak’s message to the modern reader. In the first part, Deol explores the foundation of Nanak’s views and his beliefs about the nature of God. She talks about topics he often discoursed on, such as living in harmony with nature and being compassionate towards others. Part two is the Japji Sahib, his seminal text in its entirety, and part three is a selection of his hymns.

Releasing on September 06, 2019. Buy it here.

03

So Now You Know: Growing Up Gay In India

Vivek Tejuja

Growing up gay in India isn’t easy- especially given that till last year it was still effectively punishable by law. In 1991, Vivek Tejuja realised that while he was in love with his male best friend, he didn’t want to be like the stereotypical gay male portrayed in Hindi cinema. Therefore, he forced himself to be someone he was not and behave in a manner that was not natural to him. So Now You Know is a deeply moving, funny and poignant memoir of a young man’s journey living in India as a homosexual male and his struggles with accepting himself.

Releasing on September 06, 2019. Buy it here.

04

Colour Matters? The Truth That No One Wants To See

Anuranjita Kumar

Having worked in multiple countries, veteran HR expert Anuranjita Kumar, has seen how people with a different skin-colour from the majority are perceived and treated across the world. Despite the fact that at our core we all respond to the same emotions, our skin colour affects our identity. It has just as much power to unite as it does to divide. Using personal anecdotes, Colour Matters? recounts the stories of people who have lived and worked in foreign countries, attempts to establish that we should not treat people differently because of the colour of their skin and talks about the psychological effect it has on individuals if we do do so.

Releasing on September 10, 2019. Buy it here.

05

The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, And The Pillage Of an Empire

William Dalrymple

In 1765, the East India Company defeated and forced the young Mughal emperor to set up a new government, one run by English traders. This moment marked the change of East India Company from a trading company to a colonising power disguised as a corporation. During the next 50 years, it trained 260,000 men to conquer an entire subcontinent, all the while being managed from a boardroom in London. William Dalrymple brings to us a never before explored angle of the colonisation of India by the East India company in The Anarchy, a story of the world’s first corporate rise to power.

Releasing on September 10, 2019. Buy it here.

06

Behind Bars In Byculla: My Days In Prison

Jigna Vora

When a famous journalist was murdered by the Chotta Rajan gang, another journalist, Jigna Vora, was wrongly arrested in connection with the crime. In Behind Bars In Byculla, she recounts her time in prison. Vora has a unique perspective on life in prison as she has seen it closely from both sides- as a crime reporter and as an inmate. She takes you through what it takes to survive in jail as well as tells you of the various hierarchies within prison that determine how you live your life whilst behind bars.

Releasing on September 18, 2019. Buy it here.

07

Discover Your Real Wealth: If Money Is The Means, Then What Is The End?

Sirshree

Spiritual guru Sirshree releases his doctrine on what true wealth is this September. While some only want to chase after money, no matter what the cost, others think money is the root of all evils and decide to live a life of austerity. Sirshree talks about how it is the control over your thoughts and emotions that has an impact on your life and relationships, and not how much money you have. This book discourses on how if you function without stress and negativity, then what you will get what you want – whatever it may be. In these times of high-stress and anxiety, Discover Your Real Wealth promises to be a calming and reassuring read.

Releasing on September 18 2019. Buy it here

08

Fast, Cheap And Viral: How To Create Game-Changing Content On A Shoestring Budget

Aashish Chopra

Nowadays, who doesn’t want to be a ‘viral sensation’ and create content that is viewed by millions? But we often mistakenly assume that we need to have deep pockets to be able to create such content- Aashish Chopra busts that myth in Fast, Cheap And Viral. His video content has over 350 million views but when he started off he had no money or equipment- just business, internet and social-media savvy. In this book he teaches you how to grab attention, increase engagement and build your own brand, amongst other equally relevant topics.

Releasing on September 20, 2019. Buy it here.

09

Riding Towards Me: A Thousand-Day Road Trip From Chicago To Chanakyapuri

Jay Kannaiyan

Motorcyle journeys and epic road trips are always exciting to read about, and Riding Towards Me promises to be as exhilarating as the author’s journey itself. Jay Kannaiyan spent more than three years on his bike, driving from the U.S., all the way back to New Delhi. Crossing Latin America, Europe and Africa, Kannaiyan developed a unique perspective of the world. He encountered interesting people, spent many days driving by himself and learnt how far humility and friendship can take you.

Releasing on September 30, 2019. Buy it here.

10

The Lacquered Curtain Of Burma

Eugene Lawrence

Myanmar, erstwhile Burma, has been our neighbour for centuries, but not many of us are aware of its history. In The Lacquered Curtain Of Burma, Eugene Lawrence demystifies two of the most important events that shaped Myanmar’s history- the British colonisation and the Japanese occupation during World War II. Half-Indian half-Burmese (his mother belongs to the Karens) himself, Lawrence goes onto to inform us of the post-independence conflicts, insurrections, and finally of Aung San Suu Kyi’s rise to power and fame. Amongst other topics, this book explores what drove one time innocent civilians to pick up arms in this war-ravaged country.

Releasing in September 2019.

Disclaimer: Some of these books were previously available on Kindle or as international editions which were available for import. This list features Indian editions of these books, which tend to be more affordable. The information featured here is accurate as of August 23, 2019.

Which of these non-fiction books by Indian authors do you find most interesting? Are you planning to buy any of these books by Indian authors? Do you recommend any other books by Indian authors releasing in September 2019? Share with us in the comments.