By: Richard Branson
Pages: 571
Biography, Business
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 26th Nov'17
Brief review: Richard Branson is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. He is fearless. He is sharp. He is powerful. It is one of the finest autobiographies you could read. Branson gives an honest account of his personal and professional life starting from launching the 'Student' magazine at age 15 to launching Virgin airlines in his thirties to his philanthropic initiatives in later years. Taking on the might of British Airways is just one remarkable episode in his adventurous life. He lived on the edge every single day and created one of the most admired brands worldwide. The story of Richard Branson is too good to be true. A must read.
By: Sam Walton
Pages: 334
Biography, Business, Sales
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 25th Oct'17
Brief review: Walmart is the largest retailer in the world having over 11,000 stores spreading over more than 25 countries. It's sales were over US$485 billion in 2016. It all started with a single store in 1962 and within 25 years, Sam Walton became the richest American. How did he do it? What were the core philosophies, regrets and high points in the life of Sam Walton? The book is the inside story of Walmart and Sam Walton himself. It is rich, engaging and inspirational. I would recommend this book to everyone - from CEO of a fortune 500 company to someone considering a startup and from a seasoned business person to young adults.
By: Benjamin Franklin
Pages: 231
Biography
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 29th Sep'17
Brief review: This is probably among the most impactful autobiographies in the world. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He achieved great success in his lifetime. The book is a testimony to his hard work, discipline and vision. For me, the message in the book was; 'if you do your job sincerely, use your time well and be unbiased; you can achieve great success in life. You may find the language of the book a little tough. The book will provide you with great insights but may not be the very reader friendly.
By: Elie Wiesel
Pages: 158
Biography, Non Fiction
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 20th Sep'17
Brief review: Elie Wiesel was the winner of 1986 Nobel Peace Prize. But before that, when he was just a 15 year old teenager, he was put into the Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Unbelievably, he was among the few who survived the traumatic experience at the camps. He wrote this heart breaking real account of his experience at the camps after 10 years of silence. This is a story of how he survived and what happened at the camps. His faith was consumed forever. There were no Gods; only the gallows. You need to read this to know what happened in those camps during the World War II. I have read stories of holocaust before but this broke my heart even more. Sometimes, it is important to know how bad life could treat you so that we respect it more than we do.
By: Deepak & Sanjiv Chopra
Pages: 366
Biography
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 25th Jul'17
Brief review: Two brothers; Deepak and Sanjiv Chopra made their own mark in the world of medicines like no one else has ever done before. One chose the alternative medicine and the other chose the modern medicine. Both became highly successful. In this book, both brothers give account of their life from childhood to current day life. The choices they made and their learning's along the way. Inspite of their busy lives how they found time for family engagements and bonding. The respect both of them showed to each others view point though they practiced completely different style of treatment. It's not a very heavy read.
