Amid the hunt for the next bestseller, editors at publishing houses come across thousands of books before they actually select a handful of them to publish and put out into the market. However, amid those numerous books that the publishers approve or commission, there are always some books that stay with them or leave a lasting impression on them. For Rashmi Menon, the executive editor at HarperCollins India, there are four such books which she says everyone must read at least once.
Here’s her list:
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
With a plot that unravels itself so masterfully and an ending that took me by surprise (being an editor, this doesn’t happen to me often!), this book is by far one of the best I’ve read in recent times!
Shaolin: How to Win Without Fighting by Bernhard Moestl
The subtitle of this book won me over from the get-go. Don’t we all want to win without getting into confrontational situations? Simple, refreshing and meaningful, this book brings together the most practical words of wisdom I’ve ever come across.
If I Have to Be a Soldier by Nikhil J. Alva
Seamlessly blending history and fiction, If I Have to Be a Soldier thrusts readers into the heart of Mizoram’s tryst with insurgency and struggle for independence in the 1960s. Building on this, Nikhil J. Alva, in this brilliantly crafted debut novel, delves into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the devastating costs of war. A gripping tale set against the backdrop of a forgotten and turbulent period from India’s history, it challenges us to confront the haunting choices made in the name of survival.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Even if you’ve seen the movie, you have to read this book! Just like Mr Darcy, I think Ove is going to be a character that will be talked about for a long, long time to come! Unforgettable, unputdownable, this book made me laugh and cry in equal measure.
Pick up any or all of the books suggested by Rashmi Menon from any Kunzum store or WhatsApp +91.8800200280 to order. Buy the book(s) and the coffee’s on us.
About Rashmi Menon
Rashmi Menon is the Executive Editor at HarperCollins India. She has been a part of the publishing industry for fifteen years, commissioning and editing many bestselling works of fiction and non-fiction. Rashmi loves acquiring books that are both timely and timeless. When reading too many manuscripts makes her go cross-eyed, she switches to audiobooks in her non-stop quest to decode bestsellers.
You can follow her updates at: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Very good information Rashmi
It can’t be for nothing that Rashmi Menon has been placed as Executive Editor of publishers Harper Collins. Even as a professional, having to sift through volumes of manuscripts and works in order to discern the best from better, involves inherent flair, a sharp analytitical mind, high degree of erudition and unlimited patience. Young Rashmi has it all. I cant wait to ensure my foot fall to grab her recommendations. Best wushes!