Books of the week: From Saima Mir's The Khan to Savita Hiremath's Endlessly Green, our picks

We love stories, and even in the age of Netflix-and-chill, there’s nothing like a good book that promises a couple of hours of absorption — whether curled up in bed, in your favourite coffeehouse, or that long (and tiresome) commute to work. Every week, we’ll have a succinct pick of books, across diverse genres, that have been newly made available for your reading pleasure. Get them wherever you get your books — the friendly neighbourhood bookseller, e-retail website, chain store — and in whatever form you prefer. Happy reading! For more of our weekly book recommendations, click  _here_ _._ *** – FICTION The Khan By Saima Mir Westland Publications | Rs 499 | 336 pages Writer and journalist Saima Mir’s novel follows Jia Khan, a successful London lawyer. When her father Akbar Khan – leader of the Pukhtun community and overlord of the crime syndicate Jigra – is murdered, Jia must leave her life and take his place. As she prepares, she has to keep her family together and convince the all-male Jigra of her worth. Falling By TJ Newman Simon & Schuster India | Rs 499 | 304 pages Writer TJ Newman’s debut novel is set on a flight for New York which her protagonist has boarded, with 143 other passengers. Thirty minutes before the flight took off, the pilot’s family was kidnapped. For the pilot’s family to live, everyone on the flight must die, since the pilot has orders to crash the plane. Read more about the book here. – MEMOIRS and BIOGRAPHIES Fiercely Female: The Dutee Chand Story By Sundeep Misra Westland Publications | Rs 399 | 168 pages Author and journalist Sundeep Misra tells the story of Dutee Chand, from growing up in a small village in Odisha to winning at national and global events. The dream came to a halt when she was dropped from the 2014 Commonwealth Games on the charge that she was ineligible to compete as a female athlete. The book details how she took the fight to higher courts until her ban was suspended, and how she has since won several medals. – NON-FICTION Endlessly Green: Solid Waste Management For Everyone By Savita Hiremath Simon & Schuster | Rs 450 | 320 pages Journalist Savita Hiremath’s book looks at the history, science, and art of composting and sustainable waste management, weaving through philosophical, moral, and ethical intricacies. This field guide offers practical inputs about segregation, composting, organic farming, and making sustainability a reality. Read more about the book here. Jali: Windows of Divine Light in Mughal Art and Architecture By Navina Najat Haidar Mapin Publishing | Rs 2950 | 272 pages MoMA Department of Islamic Art curator Navina Najat Haidar’s book explores the beauty of over 200 jalis across India, which bring filtered light into enclosed areas, where masters were able to evolve an aesthetic language of light. The book covers temple designs of the Gujarat Sultanates, Sufi allusions in Mughal jalis, calligraphy in stone relief in the Deccan, and more. Read more about the book here. equALLY: Stories by Friends of the Queer World Edited by Ramkrishna Sinha, Srini Ramaswamy Rupa Publications | Rs 595 | 168 pages Writers Ramkrishna Sinha and Srini Ramaswamy edit this collection of 45 stories by individuals who have spoken up for the LGBTQ+ community and created safe spaces at home, educational and work places, and in society. These include professionals, parents, teachers, and more, conveying their solidarity towards the community. Read more about the book here.