By: Daniel Kahneman
Pages: 448
Psychology
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 8th Mar'18
Brief review: Written by a Nobel Prize winner, the book is about human bias, emotions, probabilities and luck. It digs deep into the human mind and reveals interesting behavior patterns which we never new existed. It's a brilliant piece of work after decades of research. We may think ourselves to be smart though we may just be lucky. It gives a lot of insight on how we perceive risk and the vulnerability of first impressions. Why so called experts choose complexity over simplicity and why doctors are reluctant to take chances with new forms of treatments with terminally ill patients. Read it slow. It will change your paradigm of thinking.
By: Sam Walker
Pages: 352
Sports
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 4th Mar'18
Brief review: A brilliant book. It's a result of an extensive study and research done by Sam Walker, founding editor of The Wall Street Journal’s sports section, on 'what is the single most important factor in building a successful team?'. He analysed thousands of teams across various sports and shortlisted 16 teams which fitted in his carefully devised formula of most successful teams in the history of sports. Some of names included were - Barcelona and Brazil (Football), All Blacks (Rugby), Yankees (Baseball), Cuba Women's team (Volleyball), France (Handball), beside others. The singular factor that emerged to be the reason for success of these teams was their captains. The book gives an account of these captains - their personality, action and perseverance. It will motivate you to the core. A must read, specially if you are a leader or into sports.
By: Yuval Noah Harari
Pages: 466
History
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 24th Feb'18
Brief review: A brilliant insight into the history of humankind. A synopsis of how the human species progressed right from the beginning to the current day world. Looking back at history, it seems (surprisingly) we are currently in the most peaceful era of humankind. Because of rapid scientific and technological advancement, humans may be at the cusp of overcoming 'natural selection' and become God. A masterpiece by Yuval Noah Harari. If you have interest in the evolution of human species, history of mankind and the possible future that lie ahead; this book will serve your purpose quite well. It's a long but a worthy read.
By: Tim Urban
Pages: 549
Business
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 24th Dec'17
Brief review: It's a brilliant piece of work. Why will Tesla change the rules of the game in the car industry? How will Elon Musk colonize Mars? Today, Elon Musk is arguably the smartest, most courageous and visionary entrepreneur in the world. He has founded four billion dollar companies in just under 2 decades; including Tesla and Space X. He asked Tim Urban to look from inside and tell the world what his companies are trying to do. Tim is a world famous blogger and he wrote a series of 4 blogs on Elon Musk and his companies. It's a fascinating read.
By: John Wooden
Pages: 272
Biography, Sports
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 14th Dec'17
Brief review: I am a fan of John Wooden. He was the first person to be honored with Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player as well as a coach. The book gives a glimpse of his life and career, mostly his coaching stint at UCLA. He guided UCLA to a record 10 NCAA titles (including 7 in a row). You will be enriched with many life lessons and awed with the simplicity of John Wooden. He candidly talks about his mistakes (though they were few). I found a few chapters too detailed and a bit technical at times (since I don't follow basketball much), yet this book is a gem. A must read.
