Books and I go a long way back. There was a time when I used to spend my whole day just reading. I read Famous Five, Secret Seven, Hardy Boys, every book in the TinTin series, and almost all the Asterix series. Nothing to be proud of though, Why? I was seventeen when I indulged in this content where students my age would quote Jeffery Archer and whatnot.
When I entered college, I still had the reading thirst, but now I had two options- Read my course books or Start exploring the books I always wanted to read. I could have done both easily, but the short-term pleasure of getting validated in the form of marks made me feel guilty of even thinking about the thought of picking a non-course book. Validation, huh! (A topic for some other day)
So, I studiously completed my bachelors and then went on to pursue my masters. It was the same old story until I came to Jamshedpur for my job. With no course books to haunt this time and in the name of work-life balance, I chalked out a plan to read a book a month. And it seamlessly worked for me. Took time, but I found my quality match in books!
I believe there is always a story of how you land up reading any book. In this post, I describe my short story and highlight my favourite quote from the book. I hope some of these books will make their way to your library, and I’ll become part of your story.
Have a good read!
Let's begin...
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book was one of the five books I received from my father. I picked it up first since I found the title very intriguing.
Who should read this book?
Everyone (If you haven't already!)
My two cents
James Clear has written a masterpiece. The book describes the science behind habit formation and the necessary principles to sustain any habit. You'll get the answer to the question - How what you do today defines your tomorrow? A must must read for all the twenty somethings.
My top quote from the book
"If you want to predict where you’ll end up in life, all you have to do is follow the curve of tiny gains or tiny losses and see how your daily choices will compound ten or twenty years down the line."
2. Ikigai by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia
I was always curious about knowing the Japanese concept of Ikigai. A friend of mine had finished reading this book, so I borrowed it from him.
Who should read this book?
Those who want to seek the secret to happiness and longevity
My two cents
I went with preconceived expectations, but surprisingly the book turned out to be altogether different. The authors present you with findings from the livelihood of the people who live the longest. Also, you'll end up knowing more about Japanese culture. A must read for all the twenty somethings!
My top quote from the book
"Dealing with new situations, learning something new every day, playing games, interacting with other people seem to be essential anti-aging strategies for the mind."
3. The Culture Code by Clotaire Rapaille
If I hadn't received this book from my father, maybe I would never have read it. Thanks to him! This book is a gem. The Culture Code satiates my curious interest in knowing how marketing strategies work.
Who should read this book?
Marketing enthusiasts, Entrepreneurs, and Advertisers
My two cents
Clotaire lucidly breaks down the reasoning behind consumer behaviour in different cultures. I got to know that each culture has its code for everything from car to beauty product. The book lays down principles that can help in making marketing strategies work in different cultures. A big hit!
My top quote from the book
"Combination of experience and its accompanying emotion creates an imprint. Combination of imprints define us."
4. The ride of a lifetime by Robert Iger
I got this book as a gift from a friend. A pleasant break from the type of books I was reading. I found it very easy to read and finished it in two to three short sittings.
Who should read this book?
a. If you are interested in knowing how a leader emerges from ground zero
b. If you are clueless about Disney and its operations
My two cents
Robert Iger takes you through his journey which is truly a ride of a lifetime. From where he began his career, you'll never be able to guess that he'll end up being one of the successful CEOs of Disney. How he built relations and his leadership principles were some of the things I take away from this book.
My top quote from the book
"If you are in the business of making something, be in the business of making something great."
5. Jaya by Devdutt Pattanaik
Always wanted to revisit Mahabharata. Hence, the purchase!
Who should read this book?
If you are interested in Mahabharata, this book won't disappoint.
My two cents
The book is a retelling of the major events of Mahabharata. The book helps in giving a holistic view of the epic. The writing style of Devdutt with his self-drawn illustrations will keep you hooked till the end.
My top quote from the book
"Life is like a river. You can struggle to change its course but ultimately it will go its own way. Bathe in it, drink it, be refreshed by it, share it with everyone, but never fight it, never get swept by its flow, & never get attached to it. Observe it. Learn from it." (Bhishma to Yudhisthira)
6. Tatalog by Harish Bhat
Ever since I joined Tata Steel, I wanted to explore the history of the Tata group more. Tatalog, in this regard, was an absolute no brainer.
Who should read this book?
Those who are interested in knowing about the inspiring stories from the Tata Group
My two cents
The book presents eight stories of pure inspiration that leave you in awe of this ever-growing group. My personal favourite is the one about India’s very first car, Tata Indica. This particular story teaches so much about entrepreneurship and what having faith in one’s vision means.
My top quote from the book
"I think we were more brave than foolish actually...It is important, particularly for the younger people in India, to believe in what we are doing and that we can do much more...They need to believe in and recognise the potential of their own capabilities."
(Ratan Tata on Indica, the spirit and the heart of courage)
Half way through... Pheww...
7. India grows at night by Gurcharan Das
At an airport, you can often find me at the bookstore nitpicking through my next reads. One such time, a single glance at the title made me immediately buy this book.
Who should read this book?
If you are interested in knowing the Indian state of affairs
My two cents
Gurcharan Das takes you down the history lanes and analyses the Indian state during the different periods. I, personally, learned about the ways how people have been at the forefront of making India grow throughout its history.
My top quote from the book
"Some nations possess a code word which, like a key, unlocks their secrets. That word is ‘liberty’ in America’s case, ‘equality’ in the case of France, for India it is ‘Dharma’. Dharma can mean many things but mostly it is about doing the right thing."
8. Animal Farm by George Orwell
I bought this book with the sole motive to explore the work of George Orwell. I got the top two recommended books of his- Animal Farm and 1984.
Who should read this book?
If you are interested in satirical writing or want to explore George Orwell's work
My two cents
With power comes great responsibility, but does it hold in most situations? Animal farm is a satirical take on society and its governance through a light-hearted story of a group of animals at an ordinary farm. It’s a short read (only 100 odd pages) that keeps your interest hooked up till the end.
My top quote from the book
"The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again: but already it was impossible to say which was which. (Didn’t understand it? Go get yourself a copy while those who get it, Cheers!)"
9. Day to Day Economics by Satish Y. Deodhar
This choice was out of pure love for economics. I am a sucker for books on philosophy, economics, and history.
Who should read this book?
Economics enthusiasts
My two cents
Day to Day Economics is a book in the IIM Ahmedabad series of books. It is a foundational book that updates you with the basics of economics. A good book for someone who is just beginning to read about economics.
My top quote from the book
"The term economics comes from the ancient greek word oikonomia (oikos- house, nomos- custom or law), meaning ‘rules of a household’."
10. Act Like a Leader, Think Like a leader by Herminia Ibarra
I needed a book to quench my thirst for leadership skills. Herminia Ibarra to the rescue!
Who should read this book?
Anyone who wishes to lead someday
My two cents
A good book on how to redefine your job, start networking, and develop your leadership style. I found quite a few interesting insights in the networking section of the book.
My top quote from the book
"Acting like a leader is not just about what you do, but also about the company you keep."
11. The quick and easy way to effective speaking by Dale Carnegie
I was searching for a book on communication skills when I found this on the web.
Who should read this book?
Everyone (Communication is important!)
My two cents
Thoroughly enjoyed it. You’ll find everything a to z on how to speak effectively. Must read!
My top quote from the book
"If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half already done. Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
Finally...
12. Mind Master by Viswanathan Anand
2020 saw a big craze for chess. I have been a fanatic of the game ever since I got introduced to it in my childhood. When I got to know about this book, I had to get it.
Who should read this book?
Chess enthusiasts, Anand Fans
My two cents
Viswanathan Anand takes you through his defining moments in his professional chess career. It was fun reading the part where he described his thoughts about the game where he took almost 1 min 43 seconds to play just the fourth move in a blitz game (Watched this game numerous times on Youtube, gives me chills every time I watch).
My top quote from the book
"To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time."
What a quote to end this post with!
Which books did you find interesting? Any book you would like to recommend? Drop your response in the comments.
P.S. In 2021, the reading game is now a notch higher!
I believe The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle is a great book to co-read with Atomic Habits. I like your recommendations and highly recommend this book list, they are in tune with the theme of self-development : https://impacttheory.com/reading-list-2/