Books of the week: From Suchita Malik's The Nest of the Recluse to Vaasanthi Sundaram's Rajinikanth, 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 Eminently Forgettable Life of Mrs Pankajam By Meera Rajagopalan Hachette India | Rs 399 | 200 pages Author Meera Rajagopalan’s novel follows Mrs S Pankajam, who has always lived two lives: a fulfilling one as a wife and mother, and the other one of desires that only her mind knows about. When she starts losing her memory, her doctor recommends she keep a diary. As she starts writing, she finds that her childhood keeps rearing itself as she tries to document her present. Read more about the book here. The Oracle of Karuthupuzha: A Novel By Manu Bhattathiri Aleph Book Company | Rs 699 | 320 pages Writer Manu Bhattathiri’s novel is set in the town Karuthupuzha, where Nareshan sells milk to the inhabitants until his daughter Sarasu is possessed by the demon-god Chaathan. Faithful now come to visit and receive blessings. The sceptics believe this is a ploy to make money. When the rich widow Ponnamma comes to seek help for her son Nanu, the fate of Nareshan and his family is set to change forever. Read more about the book here. Ghosts in Our Backyard: The Ramsays’ real-life encounters with the supernatural By Alisha ‘Priti’ Kirpalani HarperCollins India | Rs 299 | 200 pages Writer Alisha Kirpalani tells the story of the Ramsays, India’s first family of horror, synonymous with gore and the supernatural. Through their series and films, they introduced the country to churails, ghouls, and ghosts. But behind the production and sets was a more sinister story. For the Ramsays, the supernatural didn’t just stick to the screen; it creeped into their lives too. Read more about the book here. The Nest of the Recluse By Suchita Malik Rupa Publications | Rs 295 | 288 pages Author Suchita Malik’s novel follows five characters who are tangled in complex relationships that make them break away from routine and seek refuge in art, spiritualism, travel, and more. Shubhojit is living in a hut, exploring a rural way of life. Yashodhra, his wife, finds peace in travelling. There’s also Manidhar, who caused a ripple in all their lives, and their children Neelakshi and Hemant, who are trying to grapple with their own lives. Read more about the book here. – MEMOIRS and BIOGRAPHIES Rajinikanth: A Life By Vaasanthi Sundaram Aleph Book Company | Rs 699 | 280 pages Writer Vaasanthi Sundaram presents a biography of Rajnikanth, born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, who went from working as a coolie and bus conductor in Bangalore to a superstar who defies all conventional analyses. With over 150 films to his name, the devotion of his fans hasn’t waned in the 40-odd years of his stardom. Over time, he has emerged as a ‘thalaivar’ or leader, and is worshipped by many as if he were their god. Read more about the book here. – NON-FICTION Age of Anxiety: How to Cope By Amrita Tripathi, Kamna Chhibber Simon & Schuster India | Rs 399 | 384 pages Writer Amrita Tripathi and therapist Kamna Chhibber present a book about anxiety, answering questions like ‘what does it mean when someone says they have anxiety?’ and ‘will I ever get better?’ among others. They distinguish between as temporary and anxiety as a disorder which needs treatment. They also detail what can be done about anxiety, given the global pandemic we’re all living through. Read more about the book here. – YOUNG READERS Teaching A Horse to Sing: Tales of Uncommon Sense from India and Elsewhere By Delshad Karanjia Aleph Book Company | Rs 699 | 364 pages Journalist Delshad Karanjia retells some of the best-known stories featuring characters like Akbar and Birbal, Krishnadeva Raya and Tenali Raman, Vikram and Vetal, and Mullah Nasruddin, among others from around the world. Read more about the book here.