Are you having one of ‘those’ days? where everything just seems to be going wrong? Or you can’t be bothered to do anything? Or is it one of those days where you just need a good laugh and a little bit of faith?

If you said yes to all three questions or even one, fear no more because I have a solution! 

Recently, South Asian literature is on the rise. Every year, there are more South Asian authors writing in a vast range of genres. These books range from fantasy to comedy.

Here are five books by South Asian authors that you can add to your bookshelf this winter for a cozy Sunday morning or the end of a downer day!

'Brown Girl Like Me' by Jaspreet Kaur

Fans of memoirs will love Jaspreet Kaur’s 'Brown Girls Like Me'. This is an inspiring manifesto and guidebook that gives women the confidence and tools to tackle any difficulties that arise with intersectional identity. 

Jaspreet Kaur deconstructs key issues such as the media, the home, mental health, culture, confidence, and the body to assist South Asian women in understanding and addressing issues that affect them, as well as putting them in control of their own lives.

This book tackles these issues and difficult topics by interviewing brilliant South Asian women from all walks of life, to show and share what it's really like for brown women across the diaspora. 

This book is an essential read for all South Asian women who have an interest and will to speak about urgent conversations for change. 

'What Would the Aunties Say?' by Anchal Seda

Anchal Seda, a beauty influencer and podcaster, explores the shared experiences of "the brown girls," Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi women living in the Western world. ‘What Would the Aunties Say?’ is jam-packed with advice for dealing with South Asian culture, being yourself, living your best life – and, of course, dealing with the Aunties.

Seda’s book is filled with humour and warmth as she combines her own experiences with the stories and dilemmas of other young women in similar situations.

This book will make you nod your head in agreement and will also make you reflect on your own experiences and challenges. Most importantly, this book will inspire you to be unapologetically yourself.

'Sari, Not Sari' by Sonya Singh

'Sari, Not Sari' is just what you need if you’re looking for a quick, fun and fantastic rom com. It is the debut book from Sonya Singh and follows the adventures of a young and fierce woman trying to reconnect with her South Asian roots. 

Manny Dogra, CEO of Breakup, a start-up assisting those dealing with breakups, was the ‘All-American’ girl that unfortunately lost her ties and knowledge to her South Asian heritage. That was never a problem – until one day, her image was heavily photoshopped on a magazine cover which made her skin appear a lot lighter. 

To make matters worse, an irritating client Sammy Patel approaches Manny with an unusual request that provides the perfect solution for them both. 

Days of dancing, daal, roti and masala follow both Manny and Sammy throughout this book and along the way, Manny discovers more about herself than she could have ever imagined before.

'Dating Dr. Dil' by Nisha Sharma

Nisha Sharma’s new romantic comedy, 'Dating Dr. Dil', features the classic enemies to lovers, then to friends and finally to a match made in heaven journey.

Kareena Mann dreams of having the perfect love story just like her parents did, which is why on the morning of her thirtieth birthday she decides to enter the dating arena! After her sister’s engagement party, her widowed father makes the announcement that he is retiring and selling their house. Upon hearing this, Kareena strikes a bargain with him: if she can find her soulmate by the party date (which is in four months), he will give her the house as a gift, allowing her to carry on her mother's heritage.

'The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage' by Halima Khatun

A mother on a mission to matchmake and a British-Bengali girl looking to find her Mr. Right –  in this delightful debut novel from Halima Khatun, 'The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage' explores the intriguing world of British-Bengali matrimony. 

Halima Khatun is a former journalist (ITV and BBC) turned PR consultant and writer. Outside of work, Khatun runs a lifestyle blog catering to BIPOC audiences, and her passion for BIPOC stories comes through in her book.

Diving into the similarities between the modern arranged marriage and Tinder, ‘The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage’ is funny, light-hearted, and will definitely change your view on matchmaking for good.

Aiyesha Swarnn has been working as a freelance writer for over two years, focusing on her passion for climate restoration and youth advocacy. She's nearly done with a bachelor's degree in History and International Relations. You can find her on LinkedIn.