21 Must-Read Books for Older Readers (Ages 15 and over)

Unlike past generations, young adults today are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment. Books have to compete with the likes of video games, social media, television and a whole galore of alternatives. We’ve made that choice easier – check out our list of enthralling books for older readers that demonstrate why reading is delightful!

Budgie, Bridge and Big Djinn by Ranjit Lal

A thrilling adventure story that also brings forth the perils of environmental degradation…

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Candid Tales by Adithi Rao

Based on the actual five-month-long journey of renowned biker Candida Louis, Candid Tales: India on a Motorcycle rides off the beaten trail to discover eccentric and beautiful people (living and otherwise!), heart-warming cultures, and secret places in which she left her heart behind.

Get your copy here!

Dear Sweet Pea  by Julie Murphy 

The first middle grade novel from Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin’ (now a popular Netflix film), is a funny, heartwarming story perfect for our young adults!

Get your copy here!

The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin

The endless and incredible illustrations of his theories, the detailed maps, diagrams, quotes from conversations between Darwin and other theorists and drawings of Darwin’s house and his work area make this book rich and interesting for every reader. It is a life science theory and contains the theory of evolution.

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How to be a Writer by Ruskin Bond

This book is an exclusive glimpse into the writing credo of Ruskin Bond, an author who has had an incredibly successful writing career spanning over seventy years, in his characteristic understated, tongue-in-cheek, humorous style.

Get your copy today!

Science by John & Gribbin & Mary Gribbin

From the discovery of microscopic worlds to weighing the Earth, from making electricity to the accelerating Universe and gravitational waves, this stunning book by renowned science writers John and Mary Gribbin tells the fascinating history of science through the stories of 100 groundbreaking experiments.

Get your copy here!

The Secret Life of Debbie G. by Vibha Batra

The Secret Life of Debbie G. is the story of a sixteen-year-old who becomes an online sensation overnight. Except, it’s her online persona that hits big time. Equal parts poignant and fun, this is a bittersweet coming-of-age story.

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Story of My Life

This book has been specially prepared to meet the need. Matters which are not likely to be of much interest to school children have been omitted, and the language has been simplified where possible.

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What Maya Saw by Shabnam Minwalla

Almost from the moment Maya steps into St Paul’s College, she is afraid. Everywhere she goes, she encounters questions and secrets. Not to mention the Shadows – a bunch of drop-dead gorgeous students who she realizes will do anything to keep their youth and beauty. Even kill…

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The Hobbit (Film Tie-In) by J. R. R. Tolkien

The prelude to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies since its publication in 1937, establishing itself as one of the most beloved and influential books of the twentieth century.

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Bena’s Summer by Vibha Batra

Eight-year-old Bena is perhaps the happiest child you know until one summer that bubble bursts when Bena is witness to riots, death, destruction and abuse, in a setting that explains little, and expects children to forget it all. But Bena, defined by her grit and audacity, is different. This, then, is the story of Bena’s Summer…

Get your copy here!

Amrita Sher-Gil: Rebel With A Paintbrush by Anita Vachharajani

An artist? A dreamer? A rebel? Who exactly was Amrita Sher-Gil ? She was a little bit of all these things, really.Join her on a journey through her life, a journey that takes her family through World Wars and political turmoil as they travel in pursuit of love, a home and a modern, artistic education for Amrita.

Get your copy here!

Faster than Lighting by Usain Bolt

In this complete autobiography, Usain tells his story in his own words: from humble beginnings in Jamaica, to the new heights of superstardom he has reached since lighting up London 2012. Full of the charm and charisma that has made him the most popular sporting figure of our time and a universal celebrity, this is a book that Usain’s millions of fans will love.

Get your copy here!

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

In this heart-warming debut graphic novel, Nidhi Chanani weaves a tale about young Priyanka Das, or Pri, and the hardship and self-discovery that is born from juggling two cultures and two worlds.

Get your copy here!

Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie’s most daring crime mystery – an early and particularly brilliant outing of Hercule Poirot, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, with its legendary twist, changed the detective fiction genre for ever.

Get your copy here!

Life Of Mahatma Gandhi by Louis Fischer

Louis Fischer’s Life of Mahatma is a memorable biography of Gandhi, the man who led the fight for Indian Independence from British rule. Fischer was an American journalist who knew Gandhi well and understood his unique strategy of satyagraha, or passive resistance, which earned him the admiration of millions throughout the world.

Get your copy here!

All of Me by Venita Coelho

A beautiful novel for young adults that tackles sensitive subjects with great ease. Castor is discovered locked away in a basement. He has been there for five years, but he hasn’t been alone. The Family has kept him company. These are his multiple personalities that have emerged out of the dark…

Get your copy here!

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, the first book in Shelby Mahurin’s stunning fantasy duology will leave readers burning for more.

Get your copy here!

Blood & Honey by Shelby Murin

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide. To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

Get your copy here!

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

The book that topped the international online poll held in Agatha Christie’s 125th birthday year to discover which of her 80 crime books was the world’s favourite.

Get your copy here!

India Discovered by John Keay

Two hundred years ago, India was seen as a place with little history and less culture.Today it is revered for a notable prehistory, a magnificent classical age and a cultural tradition unique in both character and continuity. How this extraordinary change in perception came about is the subject of this fascinating book.

Get your copy here!

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