The plot dives into the life of a Muslim teen
South Asian books continue to flourish with a remarkable array of vibrant voices and narratives.
2024 promises an exciting lineup of books that delve into diverse cultures, untold histories, and contemporary issues.
From evocative storytelling to thought-provoking themes, the literary treasures on the horizon invite readers on an enriching journey through the South Asian experience.
In this exploration, we will unveil a curated selection of the best South Asian books anticipated in 2024, each offering a unique perspective.
Which one will be your favourite?
Stay with My Heart by Tashie Bhuiyan
From the mind behind Counting Down with You and A Show for Two comes a fresh YA contemporary tale.
This story revolves around a girl who unintentionally undermines the progress of a burgeoning local band and, in the process, finds herself drawn to the guitarist.
Meet Liana Sarkar, a music enthusiast with aspirations mirroring those of her A&R coordinator father.
Hoping to earn his attention, she immerses herself in the world of music, striving to succeed where her father has been consumed by work as a means of coping with her mother’s passing.
In an unexpected turn of events, Liana accidentally hinders the rise of the promising local band, Third Eye.
Determined to guide them toward success without revealing her role in their setback, she embarks on a mission.
However, as she grows closer to Third Eye, especially its mysterious leader, Skyler Moon, concealing the truth becomes increasingly challenging.
As both her emotions and the future of Third Eye hang in the balance, Liana faces the daunting task of undoing the damage she inadvertently caused.
Will she succeed in salvaging their prospects and, in the process, mend her own heart?
Expected publishing date: January 2, 2024
Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat
The hustle and bustle of Shaadi preparations is in full swing, involving lehenga shopping, taste testing, dance rehearsals, and, best of all, the return of Arya’s sister, Alina.
The Khanna family is reunited, and Arya is eager to savour the moment.
Suppressing her lingering resentment toward Alina, she takes on the role of mediator in her sister’s conflicts with their mother and warmly welcomes her future brother-in-law.
Meanwhile, Arya’s aspirations are unravelling at school.
Juggling classes and her part-time job as a bookshop assistant, she grapples with the aftermath of a painful breakup between her two best friends and a strained partnership with her rival, Dean Merriweather.
Arya is determined to maintain harmony both at home and in school.
Yet, in the midst of it all, Arya learns that sometimes, the person you least expect can provide a glimpse of your dream sequence just when you need it most.
Structured like a Bollywood film, Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment, promises to be one of the most sought-after South Asian books.
Expected publishing date: January 9, 2024
My Big, Fat Desi Wedding by Various Authors
Join in the chaos orchestrated by nosy aunties and uncles – all against the backdrop of the universal language of love.
This anthology is a vibrant celebration of Desi weddings, embracing the rich cultures of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Within the pages of this collection, authors from diverse corners of the Desi community weave genre-defying tales that delve into the opulent traditions of their homeland.
The stories are presented through the lens of the Ultimate Family Gathering.
Immerse yourself in a tapestry of hope, love, and family as you embark on a literary journey through eight enchanting stories.
Whether penned by award-winning authors or making their debut, these narratives promise to captivate the hearts of avid readers and book lovers alike.
Expected publishing date: January 16, 2024
A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel
16-year-old Manisha has spent years escaping from creatures, ranging from those that prowl the jungle to the King’s army that drove her people, the naga, to the furthest reaches of the planet.
17-year-old Pratyush is a well-known monster killer, one of the King’s most valued warriors, and a regular visitor to the floating temples.
Years are added to the slayer’s life for each monster he defeats.
Although one may assume that a warrior with such might could accomplish anything, the King possesses true power.
After years of conflict, Pratyush is worn out and wants nothing else to do with his former life.
Upon meeting, Pratyush and Manisha recognise the potential in one another to forge out on their own.
Sadly, the influential people in the kingdom have different ideas.
Manisha is sexually attacked by a temple guest, who then pushes her down the mountain and into a pit of vipers.
A month later, before he thinks about releasing Pratyush, the King orders him to slay one last monster.
Unbeknownst to Pratyush, the girl he aspires to marry is the very “monster” he has been ordered to dispatch.
Sajni Patel skillfully combines rich language, high stakes, and page-turning suspense while alternating between Manisha’s and Pratyush’s points of view.
Expected publishing date: January 16, 2024
The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala
Filled with love triangles, prank wars, and a simmering sweet romance, this novel is tailor-made for enthusiasts of Sandhya Menon and Jenny Han.
Deepa is an unabashed romantic with a mile-long checklist for the perfect boyfriend.
Inspired by her parents’ fairytale love story, she believes romantic success is a family trait.
When her grandmother gifts her a jasmine flower, promising it will fulfil her heart’s greatest desire, and a new boy moves in across the street, Deepa is convinced he’s her wish come true.
Rohit seems to tick every box on Deepa’s list.
As the story unfolds, Deepa grapples with the question of whether her good fortune is mere luck or the result of magic.
Faced with her grandmother’s warning that the wish is only permanent if sealed with a kiss, Deepa realises she needs to act swiftly.
Despite Rohit being the perfect boy in every way, she can’t shake the feeling that he might not be the right choice.
Expected publishing date: February 13, 2024
The Partition Project by Saadia Faruqi
In this compelling middle-grade novel, Saadia Faruqi explores the story of a contemporary Pakistani American girl deeply passionate about journalism.
Upon Dadi’s arrival in Houston from Pakistan, Mahnoor anticipates significant disruptions to her life, having to take care of her grandmother.
Amidst these adjustments, Mahnoor faces a challenging assignment from her journalism teacher.
As Dadi acclimates to life in Houston and Mahnoor searches for a suitable documentary subject, their conversations delve into Dadi’s childhood in northern India.
The narrative unfolds as Mahnoor initiates a dialogue about her grandmother’s experience during the Partition.
Before she realises it, Mahnoor has discovered the perfect subject for her documentary.
The Partition Project vows to be one of the South Asian books that bridges the gap between generations.
Expected publishing date: February 27, 2024
Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana
In this dynamic debut, reminiscent of All My Rage and The Poet X, the plot dives into the life of a Muslim teen navigating her identity in post-9/11 America.
Nida has long been recognised as Mamou Abdul-Hafeedh’s niece, destined to step into her uncle’s poetic shoes after his wrongful incarceration during the war on terror.
Yet, for Nida, exposing herself to a world prone to stereotyping her faith and her hijab is not a viable option.
The turning point occurs when Nida experiences an illegal frisking at a Democratic Senatorial candidate’s political rally.
In response, she pens a searing poem about the politician, going viral just before Election Day.
To her surprise, Nida discovers that her poem has claimed first place in a national contest she never entered, thrusting her quiet life into chaos.
Sarah Mughal Rana’s Hope Ablaze will be among the South Asian books that are imbued with magic, poetry, and a heart-wrenching narrative.
Expected publishing date: February 27, 2024
Maya’s Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja
A bride-to-be, convinced of her romantic misfortune, sees her luck take an unexpected turn.
Maya Mirza is steadfast in her belief that she’s cursed in matters of love, going so far as to devise a set of laws to justify her convictions.
However, a shift is on the horizon. Maya is en route to Pakistan for an arranged marriage with a handsome, accomplished doctor who seemingly fulfils all the criteria.
Right from the outset, Maya’s journey is fraught with calamity, exacerbated by the presence of a cynical lawyer seated beside her on the plane.
Stranded in a stormy Switzerland, she and the lawyer become unlikely companions.
In no time, Maya begins to question whether she’s encountered the pinnacle of misfortune—meeting the right man just days before she’s set to marry someone else.
The catch? Maya might be the least equipped to keep such a significant secret.
Expected publishing date: March 26, 2024
Match Me If You Can by Swati Hegde
Embark on a romantic journey in the bustling streets of Mumbai with Jia Deshpande, a confident fashionista and magazine writer.
While crafting cliché articles about finding “the One” for Mimosa, Mumbai’s top women’s magazine, Jia’s real passion lies in revealing the messy truth of love on her anonymous blog.
But, Jia finds herself tasked with proving her matchmaking prowess by setting up a coworker for her new column.
Jaiman Patil, Jia’s close family friend, is captivated by her meddling spirit.
Having known each other since childhood, their bond strengthened while their fathers bonded over business.
Now an honorary member of the Deshpande family, Jaiman harbours deep feelings for Jia, though confessing them seems impossible.
As Jia’s attempts at office matchmaking spiral out of control, jeopardising her relationships, she must reevaluate her own beliefs about love.
For the first time, Jia faces the challenge of juggling the obstacles ahead, realising that love may be more complex than she thought.
Expected publishing date: June 4, 2024
If I Loved You Less by Aamna Qureshi
Humaira Mirza, a native of Long Island, has always been captivated by love, and her matchmaking triumphs speak volumes.
Having successfully orchestrated the perfect matches for both her aunt and sister, the 23-year-old now seeks a bit of romance for herself.
Enter the ideal candidate: the handsome Rizwan Ali.
However, as Humaira employs her distinct talents to secure the perfect match with Rizwan, she finds herself facing the disapproval of long-time family friend Fawad Sheikh.
Despite their history of playful banter, Humaira and Fawad have exchanged barbs for years.
Yet, as her romantic interventions lead to unintended escapades, she makes a startling realisation – could she be starting to care about what Fawad thinks?
Expected publishing date: August 2, 2024
As we eagerly anticipate the literary gems set to grace bookshelves in 2024, the South Asian literary landscape stands poised to hypnotise readers.
From tales rooted in tradition to narratives that challenge societal norms, these upcoming releases promise to offer immersive experiences.
So, gear up for an unforgettable literary journey as you immerse yourself in the best South Asian books of 2024.
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