Few writers have the gift of telling stories that feel like conversations with a loved one. Sudha Murthy’s writing belongs to that rare category. Sudha Murthy, celebrated author, philanthropist, and chairperson of Infosys Foundation, is one such voice. Her stories don’t need complicated plots or flowery words. Instead, they carry the fragrance of simple living, family bonds, and the small joys we often forget to notice.
Reading her books is like sitting in your grandmother’s courtyard, sipping hot chai, while listening to tales that make you smile, think, and sometimes shed a quiet tear. If you are looking for books that bring comfort and remind you of home, here are 10 Sudha Murthy treasures you shouldn’t miss.
1. Wise and Otherwise
Imagine listening to 50 different life stories, each teaching you something new. From an old man abandoned by his children to strangers showing unexpected kindness, Sudha Murthy captures the many shades of human nature. It’s not just a book—it’s a mirror to society, told in her trademark simple yet powerful style.
2. The Day I Stopped Drinking Milk
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This collection is based on her travels across India as a social worker. Each story feels like a diary entry, sharing moments of generosity, struggles, and hope. One story might make you laugh, another may bring a lump to your throat. Together, they remind us that humanity lives in the little things.
3. How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories
One of her most loved books, this is a nostalgic ride into her childhood in Karnataka. The title story, about her grandmother learning to read Kannada at the age of 62, is both heartwarming and inspiring. Every story in this collection is a gem that celebrates relationships, teachers, and the lessons of childhood.
4. House of Cards
A beautifully written novel that explores ambition, love, and sacrifice. It tells the story of Mridula, a selfless woman, and her husband Sanjay, a man driven by success. As wealth and ambition grow, relationships begin to fray—a struggle many families can relate to. Realistic and touching, it shows that true wealth lies not in money, but in love and values.
5. Something Happened on the Way to Heaven
What’s special about this book is that the stories aren’t just from Sudha Murthy—they are true stories collected from real people she has met. They talk about courage, love, sacrifice, and destiny. These tales of ordinary people doing extraordinary things remind us that goodness is everywhere if only we look for it.
6. Dollar Bahu
A classic Murthy novel that explores the dream of settling abroad and its impact on Indian families. It tells the story of Gouramma, a mother who favors her daughter-in-law living in the U.S. over her Indian bahu. As the story unfolds, she realizes money can never replace love. This book beautifully captures the emotional conflicts many Indian families face.
7. The Mother I Never Knew
This book has two compact stories, both centered around men who discover shocking family secrets. In one, a bank manager learns about a second family his father had. In another, a man meets a mother he never knew existed. Both stories explore identity, family, and the longing for belonging—making you reflect on what truly defines “home.”
8. The Magic Drum and Other Favorite Stories
This is Sudha Murthy’s playful side! A collection of folk tales full of wit, magic, and life lessons. From talking animals to clever tricks, these stories are perfect for children—but adults will also find themselves smiling at their simplicity and wisdom. It feels like sitting in your grandmother’s lap, listening to stories on a summer evening.
9. Three Thousand Stitches
This is a collection of anecdotes from Murthy’s own life, ranging from her philanthropic work to her personal experiences. The title story, about her efforts to rehabilitate devadasis, is deeply moving. Other stories talk about her college life, her work with Infosys Foundation, and even humorous encounters. It’s a glimpse into her journey as both a writer and a human being.
10. Grandma’s Bag of Stories
If one book can bring the whole family together, it’s this one. A grandmother tells stories to her grandchildren during the summer holidays. The tales are full of fun characters, moral lessons, and the kind of homely warmth that makes you nostalgic for your own childhood summers. It’s a book meant to be shared and read aloud.
Where to Begin Your Sudha Murthy Journey?
New to Sudha Murthy? Start with How I Taught My Grandmother to Read—short, nostalgic, and perfect for beginners.
Want something emotional and family-centered? Go for Dollar Bahu or House of Cards.
Prefer real-life experiences? Pick Wise and Otherwise or Three Thousand Stitches.
Reading with children? Choose Grandma’s Bag of Stories or The Magic Drum.
Looking for inspiration? Something Happened on the Way to Heaven will leave you full of hope.
Final Thoughts :
Sudha Murthy’s books don’t dazzle with big words or complex plots. Instead, they touch the soul with simplicity, honesty, and love. Each story is a reminder that home is not just a place—it’s the warmth we feel in relationships, kindness, and little everyday moments.
In every page Sudha Murthy writes, there’s a piece of home waiting for you—warm, simple, and unforgettable. All you need to do is open the book and let your heart settle in.