By: Peter Thiel
Pages: 210
Business, Investments
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 14th Sep'17
Brief review: Peter Thiel was one of the co-founder of Paypal which was sold to eBay for 1.50 billion dollars in 2002. In this book, Peter shares his insights on startups and how to build the future. He discusses about founders paradox, mistakes startups do, the 2nd mover advantage, the importance of marketing, the power of initial feedback, and many other useful insights. He argues that the next set of innovations would be completely different from the ones we see today. We need to ignore a preconceived notion and pattern of previous ideas and inventions. Not only this; he elaborates on what should you look in a startup before considering an investment into it and what should be the expected payoff for the risk taken. Brilliant examples and wisdom from someone who has done it all. I definitely got a few ideas from this book. I loved reading this one.
By: Daniel Coyle
Pages: 246
Motivation
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 22nd Aug'17
Brief review: Why are so many great soccer players from Brazil? Why Italy produces so many world renowned painters and sculptors? Why younger kids in the family are the fastest runners? How Se Ri Pak change the outlook of Gold in South Korea? A brilliant book emphasizing that greatness isn’t born; it’s grown. Citing hundreds of research and real life examples, Daniel Coyle suggests that practice is the essence of our success. Not only that, the environment around us also plays a powerful role in shaping us. I am in big believer in the power of practice and this is one of the reasons I like this book very much.
By: Garry Keller
Pages: 238
Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 18th Aug'17
Brief review: The theme of the book is that “you must identify one single thing in life” for extraordinary success in that field. Written very lucidly with lot of examples. If you are struggling to find success & meaning in your life because you are involved in too many things, get your hands on this book and it can motivate and set your vision right. For those who are already working on their 'one thing’, this book will reinforce your commitment.
By: Darren Hardy
Pages: 200
Motivation, Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 10th Aug'17
Brief review: Everything we do; compounds over time. Darren Hardy himself is quite successful (owner of Success Magazine). He became a multimillionaire in his twenties. He makes his point by brilliant examples. How 125 calories every day can make you lose or gain 33 pounds over 31 months. How the routine of Michael Phelps made him a world champion. I liked this book because I am myself a big believer in the power of compounding. It's a no nonsense book. Concise and to the point. A must read.
By: Epictetus
Pages: 96
Philosophy, Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 7th Aug'17
Brief review: It’s not just a book name. It is actually a manual for living which you should keep with yourself and refer each day. Epictetus teaching’s are simple, crisp and effective. It carries wisdom in every word. It answers all your questions; like how should you live and carry out your activities in daily lives. What should be the ultimate purpose of life? How to be worry free? The most important message in the book is to focus on what is under your control and not to waste your energy and life pursuing things which are not in your control. A one hour read carrying wisdom of a lifetime. I would strongly recommend this book to one and all.
