Which Books By Sudha Murty Are Worth Reading?

Sudha Murthy is a popular writer whose writing is an apt blend of simplicity and profound moral reflection. Her novels are equally popular among students, working-class individuals, and housewives, providing guidance and lessons as well as some subtle social commentary. For those not familiar with her works, here is a list of popular books by Sudha Murty that are worth reading.

5 Best Sudha Murty Books Worth Reading

1. Wise and Otherwise

Wise and Otherwise is one of her most famous novels. It tells 51 heart-warming and very true stories from the author’s life during her trips around India. Every story ends with the author giving a wise reflection about life, empathy, humbleness, and other characteristics typical of human beings. Each story shows how simple people like teachers, peasants, conductors, paan-wallahs and so on are able to teach us.

Quote from Wise and Otherwise - “Life is an exam where the syllabus is unknown and question papers are not set. Nor are there model answer papers.”

2. Grandma’s Bag of Stories

Grandma’s Bag of Stories is an entertaining novel that reminds one of traditional Indian storytelling. It features a grandma telling stories of fairy tales and other Indian characters to her grandchildren. This novel is perfect for children and families.

Sudha Murty’s Quote from Grandma's Bag of Stories - “We should always have some aim in life which we must try to achieve while being of help to others.”

3. How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, and Other Stories is a collection of short stories that is well-known for its heart-warming portrayal of relationships, education, and personal respect. The story in which the granddaughter teaches her grandma how to read highlights the significance of continuous learning and the importance of respecting elderly ladies.

Quote from How I Taught My Grand Mother to Read and Other Stories - “Many a time, there is no perfect solution for a given problem. No solution is also a solution. Everything depends upon how you look at it. We make judgments on others depending upon what we think of them.”

4. Mahashweta

Mahashweta is a touching novel written by a renowned author. This is the story of a brilliant girl named Anupama, who is forced to live her life suffering from a deadly skin disease. The author explains various aspects of Indian society through this story, including issues of casteism and discrimination.

“Of the thousands of flowers that blossom on a tree only a few will bear fruit. And out of those few fruits, insects and squirrels will eat some. The tree does not keep anything for itself. Does that mean that the life of the tree is wasted?” - Sudha Murty, Mahashweta

5. Dollar Bahu

Dollar Bahu tells the story of an immigrant Indian family that has been living in the US. This novel talks about the conflicts between tradition and modernity, and the obsession with money, especially when it comes to getting a suitable son-in-law.

Sudha Murty’s Quote from Dollar Bahu - “A woman lives not only for herself, but for her family.”

Life Lessons You Can Learn From Sudha Murty Books

1. “If you try to please everyone, you will please no one. It is impossible to lead your life for others’ happiness.” ― Sudha Murty, Wise & Otherwise

2. “Vision without action is merely a dream; action without vision is merely passing time; but vision and action together can change the world.” ― Sudha Murty, Wise & Otherwise

3. “With my experience in life, I want to tell you that having good relationships, compassion and peace of mind is much more important than achievements, awards, degrees or money.” ― Sudha Murty, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk: Life Lessons

4. “We can give our children only two things in life which are essential. Strong roots and powerful wings. Then they may fly anywhere and live independently. Of all the luxuries in life, the greatest luxury is getting freedom of the right kind.” ― Sudha Murty

5. “Usually, people who are sensitive need more time to understand the real world.” ― Sudha Murty, House of Cards: A Novel

6. “Experience has taught me that honesty is not the mark of any particular class nor is it related to education or wealth. It cannot be taught at any university. In most people, it springs naturally from the heart.” ― Sudha Murty, Wise & Otherwise

7.“When a doctor makes a mistake, a person goes six feet below the ground. When a judge makes a mistake, a person is hung six feet above the ground. But when a teacher makes a mistake, the entire batch of students is destroyed. Don’t ever look down on teachers.” ― Sudha Murty, The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk: Life Lessons from Here and There

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8. “Money is one thing which rarely unites and mostly divides people.” ― Sudha Murty, The Old Man And His God: Discovering the Spirit of India

9. “Money should come slowly over a period of time. Then only does one respect it. Whether it’s a man or a woman, earning too much money in too short a period is as bad as excess liquor.” ― Sudha Murty, Wise & Otherwise

10. “Many a times there is no perfect solution for a given problem. No solution is also a solution. Everything depends upon how you look at it. We make judgements on others depending upon what we think of them.” ― Sudha Murty, How I Taught My Grand Mother to Read and Other Stories

11. “You should not be so sensitive. Sensitive people suffer a lot in life.” ― Sudha Murty, How I Taught My Grand Mother to Read and Other Stories

Why You Should Read Sudha Murty’s Books

Sudha Murty’s writing prowess is a unique and great combination of simplicity, warmth, and subtle wisdom. Wise and Otherwise, Grandma’s Bag of Stories, How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, and Other Stories, Mahashweta, and Dollar Bahu are some of her best-selling books with heart-warming stories, which are all about humility, compassion, truthfulness, education, and a simple lifestyle.

Reading these books helps one get to learn some important lessons, which include treating all people equally, finding happiness in small things in life, speaking the truth at any cost, and always continuing with learning.

ALSO READ: Top Secret Mantras By Sudha Murthy For A Happy And Successful Life

Additionally, Sudha Murty writes in such an easy and gentle style which would appeal even to the teens as well as grown-ups. She creates Indian family and society scenes so vividly and beautifully which touch one's mind, heart and soul. Most of the time, she does not preach morals; rather, she gives moral teachings through conversations in her stories.