By: Howard Marks
Pages: 180
Investments
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 23rd June'2021
Brief review: Howard Marks is the chairman and co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management which manages assets over $100 billion. Over the years he has given wise advice through his famous 'memos' to investors in which he often mentions 'the most important thing' which investors should do in order to achieve good investment performance. He finally summed up all his advice in this book. It is a book every investor and investment professional should read. If one can follow his advice, it will surely bring in better rewards.
By: Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
Pages: 272
Philosophy, Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 20th June'2021
Brief review: The book is based on Alfred Adler's theory of human psychology. Adler is considered to be one of the greatest in history in the area of human behavior, alongside Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. He suggests that we all have the power to change our lives from this moment onwards. His theory is based on teleology (the purpose) and not aetiology (the cause and effect). The book is written in a conversation mode between a philosopher, who advocates Adler's theory, and a youth who wants to question it. The arguments are brilliant. There were a lot of take-aways from me and I believe you too will have more clarity in life.
By: Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Pages: 157
Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 13th June'2021
Brief review: Taleb does it again. This time through aphorisms. Short and crisp messages that will shake your own self. Taleb's thinking is deep and has a lot of clarity. He doesn't mince words to please anyone. Full of life lessons, it will provoke you to look inside out. Easy reading and a must-read.
By: Chris Bailey
Pages: 218
Self Help
My recommendation: 5 / 10
Date read: 3rd June'2021
Brief review: The book talks about the concept of focusing on the most important job a few hours every day, away from distractions. That's it. While this is good advice, it's been talked about in many other books in a much better way. To argue the importance of this point, the author takes 200 pages to explain. Frankly enough, it could have been done in 5 pages. You can skip reading this one.
By: Eric Jorgenson
Pages: 228
Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 31st May'2021
Brief review: Naval Ravikant is a successful individual and professional who lives a life of choice. The book offers many tips on living a good life, making good decisions, and becoming successful. I found it very practical and inspiring. The key message in the book is to 'earn with your mind, not with your time' and to be a voracious reader. The way he explains things with simplicity is commendable. A lot of wisdom in the book. You will definitely like this book. It is available free in PDF or you can prefer to buy it from stores. A must-read for everyone.
By: Tom Wright & Bradley Hope
Pages: 380
Non Fiction
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 25th Feb'2021
Brief review: An astonishing story of how Jho Low, a young graduate from Wharton Business School, siphoned billions of dollars from 1MDB, a sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia. It went on to become one of the biggest financial scandals of all time. Even the Hollywood blockbuster - 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is argued to be produced with this money. Jho Low spent this money so lavishly as to put on shame the wealthiest kings of all time this world has ever seen. The biggest celebrities in the world were regular at his parties. It all seems to be a fictional story, though it is all real. The authors have done a brilliant job.
By: Morgan Housel
Pages: 238
Business, Investments
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 4th Feb'2021
Brief review: It is one of the finest books I have read on managing money which has a lot to do with one's behavior. Morgan Housel shares his own journey of wealth creation as well as his experiences and learnings along the way. It is truly timeless. Morgan suggests that we need to follow a simple strategy rather than being hyperactive while handling our money. He says, even being average can make us wealthy and supports his view with real examples. It is not just a business book. Apart from money, it gives a solid perspective on living a happy life and its relationship with money. It is a simple and easy read. Everyone must read this one.
By: Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
Pages: 271
Business
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 20th Jan'2021
Brief review: Simply brilliant. Written by successful entrepreneurs, it is filled with practical ideas that will encourage you to make meaningful changes you should make in your own life and at work. Some of the advice given in the book will seem radical, yet you will wonder why you never thought that way. Do less. Say no more often. Meetings are toxic. Long to-do lists don't get done. Make tiny decisions. Underdo your competition. Speed changes everything, and many other small bites make it a very interesting read. Though it is classified as a business book, it should be read by everyone.
By: Jared Diamond
Pages: 463
History, Non Fiction
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 14th Jan'2021
Brief review: It's a book on how nations deal with crises and how it eventually shapes the future course of that country. The author selects 7 nations (Finland, Japan, Chile, Indonesia, Germany, Australia & U.S), go deep into their history when they faced upheaval and examines how they handled the situation. Not only it gives a perspective on how world leaders react and behave during a challenging situation that sometimes lasts more than a decade, but it also enriches readers' knowledge about historical events and their consequences to the modern-day world. A long but engrossing read.
By: Rumi
Pages: 176
Philosophy, Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 7th Jan'2021
Brief review: Rumi lived in the 13th century. He is considered to be one of the best poets and writers who ever lived. This book is a collection of 105 short stories and fables with such deep meaning that will make you dive into the wonderland of your own world as you will relate it to your own life and the people around you. Even after a thousand years, Rumi's words echo in our hearts and illuminate like a shining star in a dark night. If you love Rumi's writings, you can't ignore this book. If you haven't known Rumi, this short book will be a good start. Teenagers can also read.
