By: Rujuta Diwekar
Pages: 288
Health
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 2nd Dec'17
Brief review: Rujuta Diwekar is a celebrity dietitian, with a difference. She makes you eat a lot and still lose weight. She suggests that diet has a lot to do with our family culture, location and lifestyle. She tells you what should you eat and more importantly, when should you eat. What are the things you must avoid and that exercise is non negotiable. I have read a lot of books on fitness and diet and even experts have a different take on many issues though they do agree on the basics. If you are looking to lose weight, read this one.
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: Neil Strauss
Pages: 421
Non Fiction
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 22nd Nov'17
Brief review: It takes a lot of courage to tell the truth about your intimate life, addiction and struggle to change. Neil Strauss does exactly the same in this 'uncomfortable' book about relationships. He introspects sex addictive life and questions his own beliefs of what 'freedom' means. After breaking up with the love of his life, he sets out on his own to find difficult answers to his own questions and finally discovering himself which changed his own beliefs and understanding about love, sex and relationships.
By: Dr. Spencer Johnson
Pages: 96
Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 18th Nov'17
Brief review: In this short and simple book you will find life lessons. Using fictional characters of Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw; the author tells a compelling case to change as per changing circumstances. Each new challenge brings with it a new opportunity. Reading this book whenever life seems to be unfair will give you a renewed hope and motivation.
By: Tynan
Pages: 122
Health
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 12th Nov'17
Brief review: Willpower doesn't last long; habits do. The key to a good life and success is then dependent upon the type of habits we have. Tynan transformed his life by cultivating rich habits and in this book he gives a step by step guide to forming good habits. I am strong believer in the power of habit and routine. I had a lot of takeaways from this book and I am sure you too will. If you are looking to make changes in your life by forming good habits, this book is for you.
By: Chip Healh & Dan Heath
Pages: 292
Psychology, Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 11th Nov'17
Brief review: It's a brilliant book written on being the change agent. How Dr. Donald Berwick helped save over 1,00,000 lives by catalyzing a simple change among doctors and health care providers. How Molly Howard redefined teaching which got her the U.S. Principal of the Year award out of 48,000 candidates. How Paul Butler saved an endangered specie by bringing in a change in the society. Authors suggests to become self motivated because self control doesn’t work for long. In their view knowledge does not change behavior, practice does. Superb examples and real life stories which will keep you engrossed.
By: Peter F. Drucker
Pages: 396
Business
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 10th Nov'17
Brief review: Peter Drucker is considered a top management thinker of the 21st Century. He wrote over 30 books and numerous essays and this book is a summary of his most powerful ideas. Curated by Joseph A. Maciariello, the book gives you 366 insights on business and management. I liked these snippets and there is wisdom for everyone but a lot of his thoughts and ideas will resonate more with CEO's and top management of national and global corporate giants.
By: Bob Burg & John David Mann
Pages: 148
Business, Sales, Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 9th Nov'17
Brief review: What a book! I bet if you start reading it, you will finish it at one go. A perfect recipe for success. Few books have ever been written in a gripping story format giving the essence of life and business. It's about a struggling salesman Joe who finds a super successful mentor, Mr. Pindar teaching him the five laws of stratospheric success. The key message in the book is - 'when you give, you get' and 'your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them'. A must read of everyone.
By: Henry David Thoreau
Pages: 280
Non Fiction, Philosophy
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 8th Nov'17
Brief review: The book is based on the author's experience of two years he spent in solitude in a cabin he made all by himself near the Walden Lake. First published in 1854, the book is considered to be one of the best works of Henry David Thoreau. Through the book, the author advocates living a simple life and that being wise is not enough; we should live a worthy life. The book is a detailed experience of everyday life he lived during those two years and may get monotonous for the reader after a while. It's not for starters. If you love philosophy and stoic way of living, read this one.
By: Don Sexton
Pages: 297
Business, Sales
My recommendation: 5 / 10
Date read: 6th Nov'17
Brief review: It's a book on marketing. It has some useful tips on promoting your products and services but it misses the punch. There is too much of theory and technical stuff filled in the book. Could be used, at best, as a reference book by big marketing heads of top companies. Nothing much for the rest. A lot of example of Donald Trump and his organisation is used. A few take away from the book - (1) marketing could be effective only if the product itself is good, (2) Understand your customers well and (3) Identify target segment for effective marketing.
