By: Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Pages: 450
Non Fiction, Psychology
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 15th Mar'17
Brief review: Taleb claims to have read over 30 hours every week for over 40 years and it clearly shows in his quality of writing. He knows his subject well. His has mastery over ‘probabilistic theories & randomness’. In the book, Taleb discusses about what is 'antifragile'. He suggests that antifragile are things that not only gain from chaos but need it in order to survive and flourish. Apart from many things, Taleb heavily criticizes the medical world for its excessive use of medicines and surgeries citing well researched data and historical evidences that most of it doesn't work. Though I sometimes feel he is too brutal and fierce about his views but at the same it is difficult to counter his arguments and statistics. A brilliant read. I have read most of the books of Taleb and love his writings. A little heavy but a must read. Some of your firm thinking will definitely be shaken by this book.
By: Harvey Diamond
Pages: 416
Health
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 8th Jan'17
Brief review: A must read for all who are looking to prevent illness and live a healthy life. Harvey explains the composition of human body in simple language and how we can take care of our body by eating right. You would perhaps not find a simpler book on health than this. I would recommend to read cover to cover for best results.
By: Rold Dobelli
Pages: 312
Psychology, Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 5th Jan'17
Brief review: A masterpiece by Rolf Dobelli. In our every day lives we take so many decisions, small and big. A lot of such decisions are based on our cognitive biases. Though we think we are rational in our actions, the book will prove otherwise. It is much more common that we overestimate our knowledge than that we underestimate it. Is Harvard a good school? What is 'sunk cost fallacy'? Are you suffering from 'confirmation bias'? Are news anchors better than chauffeurs? What is action bias? Are you a victim of 'effort justification'? You are bound to find examples which will seem like yours. It's a small book with 99 nuggets. Don't hurry up to read this. Read slowly and sink in with every chapter. It will be worth it. A very interesting read for all.
By: Lao Tzu
Pages: 128
Philosophy
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 25th Oct'16
Brief review: The book is attributed to philosopher Lao Tzu (though still debated). It is said to be written around 4th century BC. Tao Te Ching means 'The Way'. It discusses the objective of human life and how to live an ethical life. It also addresses the problem of governing a country from the point of view of a person who follows "the way". I am mesmerized by this classic chinese text. I guarantee you too will fall in love with this book.
By: Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Pages: 291
Non Fiction, Psychology
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: Year 2015
Brief review: Taleb is a world authority on the probabilistic theory. He argues that randomness and luck plays a far bigger role in our lives than we think they do. This book will shatter your beliefs and convictions about the power of talent and skills. Not that they are not important but probability plays a bigger role in success. His arguments and examples are super. I truly enjoyed reading this book. Could be a little heavy and technical at times but I would say it's a good read.
