By: Deepak Chopra
Pages: 102
Philosophy, Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: Deepak Chopra is considered to be the pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine. In this short book, he explains various laws of life, mind and body, using which one can attain affluence. I am influenced by Deepak Chopra's writings and I would suggest you to read his book, including this one.
By: Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Pages: 305
Non Fiction, Psychology
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: Taleb describes a black swan as "a surprising or virtually unpredictable event that can have a massive impact. He challenges the notion of success and proves that most of it could be simply because of luck. Filled with numerous examples and research, this book will definitely hit your thinking pattern and the way you use probability in your life. His arguments and data points are brilliant. In one of the chapters he subtly says; don't cross the river if it is (on average) four feet deep. It is one of the finest books you can read which cautions about the risk of historical evidence in life and business. Taleb advocates to take positive exposure to black swan events. Simply outstanding. (Note: Starting this book is easy but you need to focus hard to finish it. The book carries too much depth and you should give time to read it. Don't hurry up into this one.)
By: W Somerset Maugham
Pages: 340
Fiction
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: This classic fiction is a story of a young American in search of his life's meaning. His journey towards finding himself leads him to thrive whereas the other materialistic and power hungry characters lose their shine and might. No doubt, Vintage Maugham is able to capture the attention of the reader. A good read for fiction lovers.
By: Stephen Covey
Pages: 336
Inspiration, Motivation
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: Stephen Covey wrote one of the finest books of the 20th century, ”7 Habits of highly effective people”. This hook is a compilation of true experiences of people who read that book and used the habits to change their circumstances in real life. Motivational and inspiring.
By: Edward de Bono
Pages: 103
Non Fiction, Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: Edward De Bono is one of the best thinking minds on the planet. In this book, he wants us to have 'a free mind' by observing the world around, questioning our own perceptions and to have an open mind. Each time I read Edward De Bono, I feel enriched a little more. A short book but a powerful one.
By: Stephen M.R. Covey
Pages: 322
Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: Trust is becoming a rare commodity and as such its value is increasing by the day. Stephen suggests that trust is the underlying principle which governs our personal, professional and social life. The quality of life we live and the success we achieve is directly proportionate to the level of trust we create in the eyes of the world. I liked reading this one. It may seem to be a general and boring topic but the force with which the book has been written and the examples given will make a lasting impression on you.
By: Tim Feriss
Pages: 377
Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: It's an excellent book which can help you free up a lot of your working hours. It talks about how Tim cut down his 80 hour work week to 4 hours per week while increasing his income from $40,000 per year to $40,000 per week. Among several of his ideas, two key ideas is to look for automatic income and use the principal of 80/20. The book is exhaustive and it may be difficult to apply everything that Tim talks about but I bet you will definitely connect with a few which would be worth implementing. I am a great beneficiary of this book and I am sure you too would be. Strongly recommended.
By: Malcolm Gladwell
Pages: 320
Non Fiction, Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: In this brilliant book, Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success. He suggests that apart from strength and perseverance, a lot of other subtle factors play an important role, like; family, culture, upbringing, environment around, etc. He explains why Asians are good at math, what are the secret of software billionaires and how can you become a great soccer player. All in all, a fascinating book.
By: Mark H Mccormack
Pages: 199
Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: If you are looking for 110% solution to issues like - choosing life goals, managing yourself and colleagues, negotiating to win, sticking to discipline and getting out of comfort zone, get your hands on this book. Written by a successful entrepreneur himself, the ideas in the book are simple and easy to follow. Lots of motivating examples are shared. I had a lot of take away from this book. Better than many of the books in the self help category.
By: Richard Koch
Pages: 284
Non Fiction, Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: The 80/20 principle has made a remarkable impact on my life and working. The assumption of this principle is that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. For eg. 80% of sales come from 20% of the relationships, 20% of lawyers win 80% of the cases and 80% of the world's wealth belongs to 20% of the population. This principle was named after an Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto who first noted the connection between 80/20 in 1896. Numerous books have been written on the subject but I guess this one written by Richard Koch is among the best. A must read to make a remarkable change in your life.
