Must Read
Gripping reads to add to your shelves this month.
How to be Less Useful
Priyanka Mattoo shares her own journey about what we choose to systematically cut out or overlook as we mature. Activities that gave us pleasure earlier lose their spark as the days pass as we become more productive. This narrative pushes you to learn to be happy and more present and engaged in our dynamics with family, friends and partners.
Stations
Spanning 25 years from 1982 to 2007, Stations is a powerful sophomore novel that follows the tumultuous relationship between Róisín and Red. The setting shifts from a small Irish town in Kildare to a gritty 1980s London characterised by squats, counterculture and the shadows of the Northern Irish Troubles. The story explores the haunting, lifelong consequences of the past.
Tiger's Mouth
Tiger's Mouth by Lucy Tan unfolds across a tech internship at a healthcare technology giant and stretches over subsequent years. It follows a working-class caterer's son from Queens and the depressed son of a tech billionaire whose initial connection evolves into a fierce rivalry as they chase each other's lives. Through them, the book delves into the complex dynamic of family and success.
Must Watch
On-screen recommendations for this month.
Student of the Year: After Dark
Student of the Year: After Dark reimagines the traditionally glossy, glamorous franchise into a dark murder mystery. It follows Aditi Malik as she goes undercover at St. Teresa Heritage School to investigate the suspicious death of her popular twin sister, Aayesha. Set to release on Hotstar on November 13th, it revolves around toxic youth competition and deep emotional angst.
Blade Runner 2099
After fifty years of Blade Runner 2049, Replicants hold power and humans are second-class citizens. Starring Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer alongside Dimitri Abold and Tom Burke, the series explores what it means to be human, shifting societal hierarchies and the blurred lines between flesh and machine. It releases on November 25th on Amazon Prime.
Black Doves Season 2
Keira Knightley as Helen Webb continues passing state secrets to the covert organisation Black Doves while her husband Wallace prepares to become Prime Minister. Starring Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire and more, the narrative dives into high-stakes family betrayal, espionage and political ambition. Available to stream on Netflix from November 5th onwards.
Must Listen
Albums to set the tune.
Worst Christmas Ever
Worst Christmas Ever! is a holiday compilation album by Sufjan Stevens, which distils his famously sprawling 5-hour festive catalogue down into 16 definitive tracks. Coming out on November 6th, the album serves as a bittersweet exploration of the holidays, pairing traditional joy with themes of family dysfunction, grief, seasonal isolation and religious redemption.
Pirouette
The fifth studio album by 2Hollis, Pirouette, explores themes of romantic intimacy, vulnerable self-expression and a deeper experience with love, signalling a more emotional shift from his previous works. The album centres around high-impact electronic production, underground synthesisers, and emotionally charged pop songwriting.
How's It Going
Conceived as a deeply personal ‘love letter to Canada,’ How’s It Going is themed entirely around Bryan Adams’ home country's rich history, diverse landscapes, prominent historical figures and contemporary political affairs. Musically, the album delves into a distinctly rootsy, folk and country-rock landscape.
Must Attend
Events to look out for.
The Wonderment Tour
A.R. Rahman’s highly anticipated The Wonderment Tour serves as a sweeping celebration of musical legacy, blending nostalgic 1990s hits with high-production contemporary soundscapes. The event's theme weaves together a grand retrospective of iconic film soundtracks from his evergreen albums.
Art Mumbai
The fourth edition of Art Mumbai 2026, presented by Birla Opus Paints, is officially scheduled to run from November 12 to November 15, 2026. The event explores how Mumbai's dynamic cultural landscape shapes artistic practices alongside modern and contemporary South Asian experimentation. A massive lineup of 94 leading galleries will be showcasing a diverse array of artists.
Shillong Literature Festival
Held at Ward's Lake in Shillong from November 12 to 14, the Shillong Literature Festival highlights a special initiative to discover new writing from the Northeast. The three-day event centres on literature, culture, society, contemporary ideas, local folklore and storytelling traditions of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities.
Must ELD
Ambient new spaces to dine at.
Nara Thai, Delhi
Nara Thai brings its Michelin-recognised, authentic culinary heritage to Delhi. Now at Worldmark 6 in Aerocity, the brand was originally founded in Bangkok by female entrepreneurs Narawadee Yuki Srikarnchana and Sirisopa Jean Chulasewok. Their ambience masterfully complements the food, featuring high ceilings, opulent gold and purple accents, breezy rattan textures and expansive, sunlit glass walls.
Makaan, Mumbai
Co-founded by Karan Shah and Samyukta Nair, Makaan is a 58-cover pure vegetarian restaurant located in Juhu. The all-day eatery focuses on a kitchen execution model inspired by the Shah family's long-time household cook, delivering soulful, unpretentious comfort food like panki and locho. Their ambience invites visitors into an urban, lived-in Gujarati home with a traditional swing in the outdoor alfresco area.
Bar Find X Circa 11, Bangalore
Founded by entrepreneur Diganta Chakraborty, Bar Find is India’s first travelling cocktail bar. Their menu features avant-garde serves like the Gilda Martini, Spicy Margarita along with a unique Pistachio & Coffee concoction. This nomadic bar invites visitors into a Dark Academia-inspired speakeasy vibe; it is currently stationed in Bengaluru after completing pop-up chapters in Kolkata and Mumbai.
Words Platform Desk
Date 3.11.2026
