15 Best Books at Pune Book Festival 2026: An Anecdote Reading Guide

A good book-fair list should not tell every reader to buy the same books. It should help a mystery reader find a tense investigation, guide a poetry lover towards the right emotional register and show a curious browser a subject they might not have considered before.

This guide to the best books at Pune Book Festival 2026 brings together 15 verified titles from Anecdote Publishing House. The selection moves across children’s storytelling, Hindi drama, poetry, crime, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, contemporary relationships, social questions and practical nonfiction.

Anecdote has confirmed that its complete catalogue will be available at the festival. The event is scheduled from 12 to 20 December 2026 at Fergusson College Ground, Pune, with public timings from 11 am to 8 pm. For transport, entry updates and wider visitor planning, use the separate Pune Book Festival 2026 visitor guide.

Best Books at Pune Book Festival 2026 by Reading Interest

The table is a starting point, not a ranking. Use the descriptions below to decide which books deserve a place on your personal fair shortlist.

Children’s Reading with Imagination and Purpose

1. Dr. D The Warth Of Tooth Monsters by Dr. Shivangi Sharma

Cover: Dr. D The Warth Of Tooth Monsters by Dr. Shivangi Sharma.

Catalogue genre: Children’s Book

Written by dentist Dr. Shivangi Sharma, this story places oral health inside a science-fiction-inspired adventure. Dr. D confronts the Tooth Monsters through science, courage and everyday habits, turning a subject that can make children anxious into an imaginative conflict they can understand.

The book may interest families seeking a story with a practical health theme, as well as educators looking for a conversational way to discuss dental care. Parents and guardians should examine the language and presentation themselves rather than relying on an invented universal age recommendation.

Hindi Drama and Contemporary Emotional Life

2. Jalan Se Jal Tarang by Ram Kumar Sharma

Cover: Jalan Se Jal Tarang by Ram Kumar Sharma.

Catalogue genre: Hindi Play

Jalan Se Jal Tarang uses the movement from jalan, or inner burning, towards the musical quality of a jal tarang as a metaphor for transformation. The work examines resentment, acceptance and harmony through the dramatic instincts of playwright Ram Kumar Sharma.

This may appeal to readers of Hindi literature who enjoy character conflict, theatrical expression and emotionally symbolic writing. It is also worth exploring for theatre enthusiasts who prefer a text shaped by performance as well as literary craft.

Poetry About Love, Society and Difficult Truths

3. Life & Other Illusions by Sourav G Roy

Cover: Life & Other Illusions by Sourav G Roy.

Catalogue genre: Poetry

This collection brings together 50 English poems by Sourav G Roy. Love sits at its emotional centre, but the poems also engage with faith, hypocrisy, injustice and social and political questions.

The free-form approach may suit readers who prefer contemporary poetry that moves between private feeling and the world outside the self. It may also make a thoughtful choice for someone who wants poetry to provoke questions rather than provide neat answers.

Nonfiction for Resilience and Uncertain Times

4. The Odyssey Equation by Amar B. Singh

Cover: The Odyssey Equation by Amar B. Singh.

Catalogue genre: Nonfiction

The Odyssey Equation is concerned less with predicting the future than with meeting change intelligently. Amar B. Singh organises the book around pattern awareness, mental resilience and the ability to act with perspective under uncertain conditions.

Readers interested in decision-making, adaptability and practical frameworks for pressure may appreciate this title. It is particularly relevant to those who prefer personal-development writing built around an articulated system rather than a collection of isolated motivational statements.

Society, Youth and the Unequal City

5. Apna Time Aayega by Aaditya SenGupta Dhar

Cover: Apna Time Aayega by Aaditya SenGupta Dhar.

Catalogue genre: Fiction

Mumbai’s prosperity and inequality form the background to Apna Time Aayega. The book follows young people from grassroots communities whose ambitions are not limited by the circumstances in which they began.

This may interest readers who want hopeful writing grounded in social reality rather than abstract encouragement. Students, families and reading groups may also find useful discussion points in its treatment of opportunity, aspiration and the different versions of one city.

Crime, Clues and Escalating Investigations

6. Connecting The Cuts by Nachi

Cover: Connecting The Cuts by Nachi.

Catalogue genres: Crime, Mystery Thriller and Suspense

DSP Arjun Iyer is called to Chennai after the unusual murder of a prominent businessman. The investigation grows into a chain of killings, each accompanied by a symbolic clue, leaving Arjun and Inspector Munuswamy to find a connection before another death follows.

Readers who enjoy fast investigations, recurring patterns and pressure on the officers solving the case may wish to examine this book. It suits those who prefer a thriller to keep widening its puzzle while retaining a clear procedural centre.

7. The Murder Of Gabbar by Venkat Raman V

Cover: The Murder Of Gabbar by Venkat Raman V.

Catalogue genres: Thriller and Suspense, Crime Thriller

When feared gangster Gabbar Singh is murdered in his own territory, DSP Gaurav must investigate before the situation becomes a gang war. Too many suspects have convincing motives, while political interference and competing alliances make the search for truth increasingly difficult.

This may appeal to readers who enjoy Indian police procedurals, morally complicated suspects and investigations shaped by power beyond the crime scene. The premise promises tension without requiring the article to reveal how its central mystery is resolved.

8. Shadow Play by Nitish Bhushan

Cover: Shadow Play by Nitish Bhushan.

Catalogue genre: Fiction

Ravi and Raaj lose their careers following cyber breaches that appear disturbingly similar. What first looks like professional negligence begins to suggest deliberate interference, concealed agendas and vulnerabilities rooted as much in people as in technology.

Readers drawn to cyber suspense, corporate settings and stories about revenge, trust and power may appreciate Shadow Play. Its author’s connection with SIBM Pune also gives local readers an additional point of interest without changing the book’s broader appeal.

Fantasy and Science Fiction Beyond Familiar Worlds

9. The Wars For Magisis by Namya Gupta and Yahvi Agarwal

Cover: The Wars For Magisis by Namya Gupta and Yahvi Agarwal.

Catalogue genre: Fiction

Created by teenage co-authors Namya Gupta and Yahvi Agarwal, Magisis is a planet divided between the Freeup, who fight for freedom, and the Ruleup, who seek control. Beneath the continuing conflict lies an older magical truth that may alter what both sides understand about their war.

This book may appeal to readers who enjoy invented worlds, rival factions, ancient secrets and youthful imaginative energy. Families considering it for a younger reader should inspect the book directly instead of relying on a fixed age label.

10. Kartik In Cosmic Chaos by Jigyasa Jyotika

Cover: Kartik In Cosmic Chaos by Jigyasa Jyotika.

Catalogue genre: Fiction

Kartik begins his journey through space with the excitement of exploration, but unfamiliar planets and alien minds gradually challenge his assumptions about intelligence, emotion and life. Scientific curiosity becomes a route towards understanding beings whose experience is very different from his own.

Jigyasa Jyotika’s background in neuroscience and science writing supports a story that joins imagination with questions about consciousness and connection. It may suit readers who like accessible science fiction with humour, unusual friendships and a philosophical undertone.

Historical Fiction and the Rise of an Indian Empire

11. WAR GAMES – The Indian Who Succeeded Alexander The Great by B Rachana Appachoo

Cover: WAR GAMES – The Indian Who Succeeded Alexander The Great by B Rachana Appachoo.

Catalogue genre: Historical Fiction

This historical novel places the rise of Chandragupta Maurya against the political upheaval that followed Alexander’s campaigns and death. Its large canvas considers warfare, imperial collapse and the formation of a dynasty that would reshape the ancient Indian world.

Readers who enjoy history-driven fiction, military strategy and stories built around civilisational turning points may find this a strong fair selection. As with any historical novel, it is best approached as imaginative storytelling grounded in research rather than a replacement for an academic history.

Fiction About Choice, Change and Second Chances

12. Seven Lives of Life by Shannen Dsouza

Cover: Seven Lives of Life by Shannen Dsouza.

Catalogue genre: Fiction

Isabella Harper discovers a hidden manuscript containing the story of Trevor, a reckless teenager whose choices lead him through a surreal sequence of transformative lives. The nested narrative uses those experiences to explore survival, boredom, hatred, beauty, destiny and purpose.

This may appeal to readers who like unconventional coming-of-age stories and fiction that places philosophical questions inside an imaginative structure. It is suited to someone comfortable with a narrative that asks for reflection as well as attention to plot.

13. Heart Overruled by Debanjana Mukherjee

Cover: Heart Overruled by Debanjana Mukherjee.

Catalogue genre: Fiction

Parineeta first meets Aravind at her sister’s wedding, but he sees her very differently from the way she sees him. Eight years later, their lives cross again at work, where attraction must contend with old trauma and the weight of social expectation.

Readers who enjoy contemporary romance, second chances and emotionally guarded characters may appreciate this novel. It may also suit those who prefer relationships to develop within the pressures of family, memory and convention rather than in isolation from them.

Gentle Philosophical Fiction for Younger Readers

14. Conversations with Shambhu by Dr. Sujata Sharma

Cover: Conversations with Shambhu by Dr. Sujata Sharma.

Catalogue genre: Fiction

Aditya is a teenager under pressure, feeling misunderstood and facing suspension from school. His encounter with a mysterious garden, Shambhu and a dog named Bholu opens a series of conversations about happiness, self-understanding and his relationship with the world.

The book may interest families looking for gentle philosophical fiction that can begin conversations about adolescent pressure. Dr. Sujata Sharma’s scientific background also adds an interesting dimension to a narrative that brings together spirituality, play and human connection.

India, Global Affairs and Civilisational Thought

15. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam by Dr. Reeta Chouchan

Cover: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam by Dr. Reeta Chouchan.

Catalogue genres: Self Help and Nonfiction

Dr. Reeta Chouchan examines the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family, in relation to India’s role within the G20. The book considers economic diplomacy, multilateral engagement and the place of civilisational thought in contemporary global governance.

This may suit readers interested in international relations, Indian philosophy and the meeting point between inherited ideas and modern institutions. It could also be considered as a gift for someone who prefers research-led nonfiction to general motivational writing.

How to Build a Balanced Book-Fair Shortlist

A fair can encourage impulsive buying, but a useful selection should reflect the time and attention you realistically have. Start with three reading moods: a book you know you will enjoy, a book that suits your present curiosity and one that takes you beyond your usual category.

For example, a suspense reader might combine a crime novel with historical fiction and poetry. A family could choose one shared title, one individual selection for each reader and a book that can support conversation after the fair.

Use the complete Anecdote catalogue before visiting if you want a longer list. The Anecdote genres page can also help you identify categories that are not represented in this particular guide.

For gift buyers

Choose according to the recipient’s demonstrated interests, not a broad assumption about age, profession or personality. A book connected with a subject they already discuss will usually be a more considered gift than the title with the most striking cover.

For families and educators

Read the product description and inspect the physical book before deciding suitability. The catalogue contains work for different readerships, but this article does not invent age bands that the publisher has not supplied.

For reading groups

Look beyond plot alone. Social inequality, resilience, political power, technology, historical change, emotional honesty and global governance are among the discussion themes represented here.

The Anecdote authors page can provide useful background when a group wants to understand the professional and creative experiences behind a work.

Planning Your Anecdote Visit in Pune

Anecdote’s complete catalogue will be available at Pune Book Festival 2026. The stall number, hall number and exact location have not yet been confirmed, so check Anecdote News and Events shortly before travelling.

The current National Book Trust exhibitor conditions require a minimum 10 per cent discount on books displayed at the fair. This does not establish an additional Anecdote-specific offer, bundle or giveaway. Check the edition, format, marked price and final billed amount at the display.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will all 15 books be available at Pune Book Festival 2026?

Anecdote has confirmed that its complete catalogue will be available at the fair. Stock of a particular edition or format can still change during the nine-day event, so confirm availability at the display.

2. How were these books selected?

The selection was made from verified Anecdote product pages and was designed to represent different genuine reading interests. Titles, authors, catalogue genres, descriptions, product URLs and original cover-image URLs were checked before inclusion.

3. Are these the only Anecdote books worth exploring?

No. This is the first of two distinct Pune reading guides and represents only part of Anecdote’s catalogue. The second guide will use a different set of 15 books rather than repeating this list.

4. Are the displayed covers the original book covers?

Yes. Every image uses the original full-size cover URL currently published on the corresponding Anecdote product page. The covers have not been redrawn, recoloured, cropped or regenerated.

5. Which books should a first-time Anecdote reader explore?

Begin with the reading-interest table rather than choosing a universal starting title. Identify whether you want suspense, poetry, romance, fantasy, history, social writing or practical nonfiction, then compare the relevant descriptions.

6. Are there books for children or younger readers in this guide?

The guide includes children’s storytelling, fantasy by young authors and fiction concerned with adolescence. Parents, guardians and educators should inspect each book directly because no unsupported age recommendation has been added.

7. Which books may suit a reading group?

Books involving inequality, political power, emotional resilience, technology, historical change and global governance can support substantial discussion. The right selection still depends on the group’s preferred length, genre and style of conversation.

8. Can I use this guide to choose a gift?

Yes, but begin with what the recipient already reads. Match the theme and reading style to their interests rather than assuming that a particular genre suits every person.

9. What is the Anecdote stall number?

The Anecdote stall number, hall number and exact location have not yet been confirmed. Follow the News and Events page for the current announcement instead of relying on information from an earlier fair edition.

10. Will any Anecdote authors be available for signings?

Anecdote is planning author meetings, book signings and reading sessions. Participating authors, dates, timings, approved venues and registration requirements have not yet been confirmed.

11. Will these books receive a fair discount?

Current Pune Book Festival exhibitor conditions require at least a 10 per cent discount on displayed books. No further Anecdote-specific promotion has been confirmed, and the applicable price should be checked when purchasing.

12. Where can I find full visitor information for the fair?

Use Anecdote’s separate Pune Book Festival overview for dates, venue, travel planning and entry updates. This article intentionally concentrates on book discovery rather than repeating the complete visitor guide.

Find a Book That Matches the Way You Want to Read

The best book-fair purchase is not necessarily the title that attracts the quickest glance. It is the book whose subject, voice and form continue to feel relevant after the fair has ended.

Use this guide to create a shortlist, then examine the books in person and speak with the Anecdote team about your reading interests. Explore the complete catalogue online and follow News and Events for the confirmed Pune stall location and planned activity announcements.