On the shelf: From corporate giants to wild capitals

Explore the top new book releases of January 2026, featuring Sanjiv Mehta’s leadership memoir ‘A CEO’s Brew’ and Binod Chaudhary’s ‘Made in Nepal’.

5 Must-Read Books to Kickstart Your 2026 Library
5 Must-Read Books to Kickstart Your 2026 Library

A CEO’s Brew

Sanjiv Mehta

Penguin Random House

Pp 392, Rs 799

Sanjiv Mehta began his career at Union Carbide India following the tragic Bhopal Gas disaster. He later joined Hindustan Lever (now Hindustan Unilever) in 1998, initially leading operations. In 2013, he became the chairman and MD of HUL. Under his leadership, HUL’s market capitalisation grew significantly, making it one of India’s top five most valuable companies. Held with some career-defining moments, A CEO’S Brew is a must-read memoir for aspiring leaders.

Made in Nepal

Binod Chaudhary

HarperCollins

Pp 272, Rs 699

From a time when global competitors barely recognised Nepal on the map, Binod Chaudhary has transformed that perception by building an international enterprise whose presence stretches from Serbia to Kazakhstan, Egypt to Bangladesh and across Asia, Europe and Africa. Today, Wai Wai stands as one of the world’s most widely loved noodle brands, proof that a product born in Nepal can thrive in any market. 

Wild Capital

Neha Sinha

HarperCollins

Pp 320, Rs 700

Neha Sinha takes us on a journey through the hidden wilderness of Delhi, where she finds wild creatures, ecological histories and a deep sense of meaning that binds us to the places we call our own. Exploring the city over many days and nights, Sinha traces the memories and stories of extraordinary human lives, discovering centuries-old groves of trees and neglected rivers, mammal tracks and bird calls, words forgotten and then re-found.

The Art of Being Fabulous

Shalini Passi

Penguin Random House

Pp 224, Rs 399

In this memoir, Shalini Passi speaks of the celebration of living beautifully and with dignity. Blending style and soulful philosophy, she distills a lifetime of art, fashion and spiritual wisdom into ten rules for a life lived on your own terms. Passi reveals how true fabulousness isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence, purpose and power. With a mix of grace and grit, she invites readers to embrace individuality and nurture inner strength. 

The Alphabets of Africa

Abhay K

Penguin Random House

Pp 288, Rs 399

The Alphabets of Africa is an ode to a continent that continues to define the human journey. Through time, space and memory, these poems map Africa, celebrating its vast and vibrant tapestry. From the splendour of its ancient civilisation to the pulse of contemporary African cities, to inspiring icons and leaders, this book summons Africa in all its depth and glory. The book is drawn from Abhay K’s travels across the continent.

This article was first uploaded on January ten, twenty twenty-six, at thirty-four minutes past nine in the night.