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7 Best Books by Sudha Murthy you Must Read in 2024

Synopsis

Sudha Murthy is a renowned educator, writer and philanthropist. Born in Shiggaon, Karnataka, she went on to become the first female engineer at TELCO and is now a chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. Through her irreplaceable contribution to English and Kannada literature, she has inspired both kids and adults alike, therefore we bring to you this list of the best books by Sudha Murthy that you must add to your reading list.

Best Sudha Murthy BooksTeam ProductLine
Sudha Murthy is a prolific writer who is known for her immense contribution to Indian literature. Her work has been translated into several Indian languages and is even included in the school curriculum in several parts of the country. She is known for her unique ability to be able to tell a deep and meaningful story through a simple narrative that can easily engage people of different age groups

Sudha Murthy has been honoured with the R.K. Narayan Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006. She is also a recipient of the Attimabbe Award for Excellence in Kannada Literature in 2011. Here’s a list of some of the best books by Sudha Murthy that will offer you some valuable life lessons. Whether you are looking for a book that is suitable for kids or a mature story for adults, this list has got you covered as it has something for everyone.

List of the best books by Sudha Murthy

1. Mother I Never Knew: Two Novellas

Published in 2014, Mother I Never Knew is a set of two novellas. This beautiful book by Sudha Murty is a tale of two men who set out on a journey to find out about the mothers they never knew. While Venkatesh is grieved by his father’s hidden past which involves an abandoned wife and child, Mukesh is dealing with the reality of being an adopted son as he sets out to find his biological mother. This book delicately deals with complicated emotions as it delves into certain prejudices that a single mother faces in this society. Therefore, this book easily makes it to the list of the best books by Sudha Murthy.
Click here to buy Mother I Never Knew: Two Novellas


2. Magic of the Lost Temple

This illustrated and easy-to-read book is the first full-length children’s fiction novel written by Sudha Murthy. So, if you are searching for a Sudha Murthy book for kids aged between 8 and 12 years then the Magic of the Lost Temple could prove to be an ideal choice. This engaging book will take your child on a magical journey along with the protagonist Nooni whose visit to her grandparents’s village in Karnataka turns into a heart-warming adventure. This is one of the best-selling books by Sudha Murthy.
Click here to buy Magic of the Lost Temple


3. How I Taught My Grandmother to Read: And Other Stories

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read is another delightful story that recalls several real life incidents witnessed by the author. This is one of the best Sudha Murthy books as it teaches us that there is no age limit for learning. The book describes the journey of an old lady who is determined to make herself literate so she could read the stories so that she doesn’t have to depend on anyone to read out a story or novel to her. This inspiring collection of short stories by Sudha Murthy takes you on an important journey that teaches you valuable lessons on courage, believing in your dreams and the humility required to learn at any age from anyone.
Click here to buy How I Taught My Grandmother to Read: And Other Stories


4. Wise and Otherwise: A salute to Life

Another gem by Sudha Murthy, this book delves deep into the imperfections of the society and the moral conundrum that is often faced by people in tough situations. Each of the 51 stories of the book that will take you to a journey across the length and breadth of India, will grab your attention through its skilful narration. This book has the ability to redefine your thought process and understanding of human nature, making it one of the best books by Sudha Murthy.
Click here to buy Wise and Otherwise: A salute to Life


5. Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories

This is yet another collection of short stories by Sudha Murthy that will win your hearts. These stories will take your kids on a magical journey that has a clever princess, determined to marry a man who will ask her a question she cannot answer, a distressed couple who are saved by a magic drum and a shepherd who has a bag full of word kings, misers, princes and paupers. The book contains several stories that the author heard from her grandparents as a child, making it one of the most special Sudha Murthy books for kids.
Click here to buy Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories


6. Three Thousand Stitches: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives

This book is a collection of 11 short stories that are based on the real life experiences of Sudha Murthy. This book is highly recommended for adults and is among the best Sudha Murthy books. The book showcases her impactful work for the devadasi community and her trials and tribulations as the only female student in her engineering college. Through her skills she carefully unmasks the beauty and ugliness of human nature through this profound book.
Click here to buy Three Thousand Stitches: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives


7. Grandma's Bag of Stories

This is yet another book that is inspired by the wonderful tales that are passed down to us through our grandparents. Be it the story of kings and cheats, princesses and onions, monkeys and mice, this book has it all. Being one of the best-selling books by Sudha Murthy, this bag of Grandma’s stories is accompanied with colorful illustrations, to ensure that it can be enjoyed by a child as young as five years old.
Click here to buy Grandma's Bag of Stories

FAQs: Best Books by Sudha Murthy


Q1. Which is the best book by Sudha Murthy?

Ans. Sudha Murthy is among India’s best-selling authors. Some of the best books written by Sudha Murthy have been listed below:

  • Magic Drum and Other Favourite Stories
  • How I Taught My Grandmother to Read: And Other Stories
  • Wise and Otherwise: A salute to Life

Q2. Who can read Sudha Murthy books?

Ans. Sudha Murthy has written a number of books for both the adult and young audiences. While her book Grandma’s Bag of Stories can be enjoyed by children between the ages of 5-12. Her works such as Mother I Never Knew: Two Novellas and Three Thousand Stitches: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives, are highly thought provoking for the adult audience.

Q3. How many books did Sudha Murthy write?

Ans. Sudha Murthy has written over 30 books across various genres. Her books are primarily in Kannada and English but have been translated into many Indian languages. Many of her books are based on her real life experiences, adding a personal touch that makes them unique and heartwarming.
( Originally published on Apr 29, 2023 )
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