By: Dirk Bechmann
Pages: 182
Business
My recommendation: 6 / 10
Date read: 17th Apr'16
Brief review: Apple is the world leader in its category. Bechmann dives into what made apple what it is today; a charismatic boss, vision, process, quality, unique marketing, etc. He explores what would apple do if it ventured into other businesses, let's say - an apple car, an apple tv, an apple travel agent or an apple newspaper. It's about using the thinking process and success model of Apple into other businesses by people connected or not connected with Apple. A short and crisp reading.
By: Harsha Bhogle
Pages: 196
Motivation, Sports
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 10th Feb'16
Brief review: Harsha Bhogle is among the finest in the history of Cricket commentary. His observation, analysis and sharpness is unparalleled. In this book, authors (Harsha and his wife Anita) dwell upon the recipe of success. They explore as to why some teams keep on winning while others can't keep the momentum going. It's a simple read and you will find some meaningful insights from someone who has witnessed the world's best players from a close angle. The key message in the book is (1) Work ethic is non negotiable (2) Blaming others is a recipe for failure and (3) Hunger, passion and energy are the attributes of success.
By: Sanjay Sharma
Pages: 258
Inspiration, Sports
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: Year 2015
Brief review: There is no limit to human potential. If you set out to do and achieve what no one expected could be done, you become an inspiration to the world. This is so true for ten sportspeople featured in this inspiring book. It is the story of athletes who brought glory to India, both in the national and international arenas. Not deterred by the the limitations of the human body, these men and women showed extraordinary courage and resilience to overcome adversity to became champions in their respective sports. In this book you will read about the 'magician on the badminton court', 'the one eyed cricketer', an iron lady with polio who won golds for India' and others. The book also takes cognizance of the fact that the country's bureaucrats need to be more sensitive towards such extraordinary stars. True stories related to sports are always inspiring ro read.
By: Paulo Coelho
Pages: 287
Fiction
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: Year 2015
Brief review: It's a story of a young woman who is bored with her monotonous life leading her to have an encounter with a politician who was her high school boyfriend. It leads to a life altering choice which she needs to make. What will it be? Paulo Coelho uses his imagination in his writings, without being judgmental about the right and the wrong.
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.
By: Ayn Rand
Pages: 1088
Fiction
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: Year 2015
Brief review: Another classic from Ayn Rand (after Fountainhead). It's a long read. I started twice and stopped. Then years after, I picked it up again and read it and I loved it. Ayn Rand is a brilliant story teller with a lot of philosophy attached to it. The book is about successful industrialists abondoning their fortunes as a protest against governments unfavorable regulations. I was quite impressed with the characters of 'Hank Rearden' and 'Dagny Taggart'.
By: Donald Trump
Pages: 157
Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: Year 2015
Brief review: This is a compilation of Stephen R Covey's lifelong teachings. Stephen Covey is the best selling author of numerous books including '7 habits of highly effective people'. While I would recommend to read other books written by him, if you are short on time and want the summary of his wisdom and teaching, you would do well to read this one.
By: Ayn Rand
Pages: 720
Fiction
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: Year 2015
Brief review: This book is about a young architect who refuses to compromise his work quality and style under any circumstance. While the story keeps you enthralled throughout, it also gives you some valuable life lessons in a subtle way. Ayn Rand is able to connect all the characters brilliantly and keeps you guessing what next. It's a long but one of the finest fiction philosophy you will ever read.
By: Ritu Singh
Pages: 159
Biography
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: Year 2014
Brief review: Narayan Murthy is credited to having changed the way management of Indian businesses worked. He rose from nowhere to become an icon of India's IT revolution. He lead Infosys and made it among the top IT company in the world on the pillars of ethics, quality and hard work. This book is a journey of Narayan Murthy, his struggles and success.
By: Rashmi Bansal
Pages: 305
Business, Motivation
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: Year 2014
Brief review: The book talks about the inspiring stories of 20 entrepreneurs without an MBA who dared to find their own path. These stories are a testimony that to follow your dream you don't necessarily have to have a fancy degree or a rich legacy. It takes you through the journey of Sunita, daughter of a government doctor, who built a company of over 200 crores from a scratch. It tells you the story of Kalyan Varma who made a choice to become a wildlife photographer, leaving his job dream job at Yahoo. And many more...
