MUST-READ
Three powerful stories that span memoir, fiction, and forgotten history.
Coming Home by Brittney Griner
In her powerful memoir Coming Home, basketball star Brittney Griner recounts the 10 months she spent detained in a Russian penal colony. Arrested in 2022 for carrying prescribed cannabis oil, Griner was thrust into an international political storm. Co-written with Michelle Burford, the book chronicles her time in prison, the toll it took on her mental health, and the eventual U.S. prisoner swap that brought her home. At once deeply personal and politically urgent, Coming Home is a raw, eye-opening account of resilience and advocacy.
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
In his long-awaited fiction debut, poet Ocean Vuong tells the story of Hai, a college dropout standing on the edge—literally—until an unexpected connection changes everything. When he meets Grazina, a lonely elderly woman facing the fog of dementia, their bond becomes a lifeline. Set in small-town Connecticut, The Emperor of Gladness is a deeply moving meditation on found family, survival, and the fragile beauty of second chances. Ocean’s poetic sensibility shines in every line, offering a story as tender as it is haunting.
The Forgotten Cities of Delhi by Rana Safvi
Rana Safvi’s latest book is a lyrical and loving excavation of Delhi’s lesser-known historical sites—monuments, tombs, and ruins quietly fading amid modern chaos. Interwoven with Sufi couplets and personal anecdotes, The Forgotten Cities of Delhi is both a historical chronicle and a poetic tribute. For anyone who has ever wandered Delhi’s alleys and wondered about the whispers of its past, this book is a gateway into a layered, often-overlooked world.
MUST WATCH
Highly anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
The Phoenician Scheme
Wes Anderson is back with The Phoenician Scheme, releasing in select theatres May 30. Set in the crumbling corridors of a family business, the film is a father-daughter story layered with Anderson’s signature symmetry, deadpan humour, and pastel-drenched chaos. Featuring a knockout cast—Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Rupert Friend—this promises to be a cinematic confection with a bittersweet centre.
Poker Face Season 2
Natasha Lyonne’s human lie-detector returns for a second season of Poker Face, with Charlie Cale solving one eccentric mystery after another while staying on the run. With appearances from John Mulaney, Cynthia Erivo, Melanie Lynskey, and more, these 12 new episodes promise quirky cases, snappy dialogue, and unexpected emotional depth. Rian Johnson’s murder-of-the-week gem just keeps getting better.
Deaf President Now!
Premiering May 16 on Apple TV+, Deaf President Now! tells the story of a pivotal but often-overlooked moment in civil rights history. In 1988, students at Gallaudet University—the world’s only university for the deaf—staged an eight-day protest demanding a deaf president. Directed by Davis Guggenheim and featuring activist and model Nyle DiMarco, the film captures a youth-led movement that reshaped representation and empowerment in the Deaf community.
MUST LISTEN
New albums making noise across genres—from indie and hip-hop to K-pop.
The Scholars by Car Seat Headrest
After a five-year hiatus, Car Seat Headrest returns with The Scholars, a sharp, introspective record that marks a new chapter in the band’s sonic journey. Releasing May 2 via Matador Records, the album channels themes of disillusionment and self-discovery, pairing classic indie grit with experimental flourishes. Expect sprawling guitar work, cryptic lyricism, and the kind of restless energy that has defined the band’s cult following for years.
Jonatan by Yung Lean
Yung Lean’s upcoming album Jonatan promises a deep dive into the Swedish rapper’s more intimate, artistic side. With direction from fellow Drain Gang member Ecco2K, the album pairs stark production with surreal visual storytelling. While not much is known beyond a cryptic Instagram post and a sold-out Stockholm show, Lean fans can expect his signature fusion of melancholy and genre-bending invention when the album drops this spring.
K-pop’s rising stars BOYNEXTDOOR return with their fourth EP No Genre on May 13. True to its name, the record breaks boundaries, featuring tracks that oscillate between bubbly pop and dramatic flair. Alongside the digital single If I Say, I Love You, the group has also collaborated with Warner Bros. to celebrate Tom & Jerry’s 85th anniversary. Watch out for their role as celebrity ambassadors at this year’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, because their global takeover is in full swing.
MUST ATTEND
Events that you should attend:
Hari Se Hari Tak
A rare musical confluence awaits as Hariharan and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia share the stage for the first time. Blending ghazals with classical flute melodies, Hari Se Hari Tak promises an evening of spiritual resonance and masterful performance. Part of HSBC’s Living Legends series, the concert takes place at Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi, on May 30, 2025, from 7 PM onwards.
Guns N’ Roses come to India
Marking their return to India after more than a decade, rock legends Guns N’ Roses are set to perform with their original lineup—including Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan. As part of their 2025 Asia tour, the band will bring their iconic energy and classic hits to Indian audiences on May 17, 2025, in a live concert that promises to be loud, legendary, and unforgettable.
Metamorphosis
Curated by Sanya Malik, Metamorphosis is an expansive exhibition of Varanasi-based artist Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi’s work, spanning two decades. From early pen-and-ink figures caught in existential tension to later abstract explorations of form and space, the show reflects a layered evolution of thought and craft. Presented at Bikaner House and Black Cube Gallery in Delhi, the exhibition runs from May 3 to May 30, 2025.
Words Platform Desk
Date 30.04.2025