By: Rafael Nadal
Pages: 297
Sports
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 11th Oct'2018
Brief review: Rafael Nadal is arguably the best tennis player of his times and definitely among the best of all times. He has won 18 grand slam singles title including a record 11 French Open singles title. In this autobiography, written around year 2011, Rafa talks about his childhood, his growth as a player, his career threatening injuries and his win over Roger Federer in the epic 2008 Wimbledon finals which John McEnroe called 'the greatest game of tennis ever played'. It's a great book for every tennis fan and otherwise.
By: Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
Pages: 202
Non Fiction
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 5th Oct'2018
Brief review: There are so many myths floating around us. We are believing many of them for ages. Did Einstein failed school? The truth behind low nicotine cigarettes. Is black box really black? The suspense of Bermuda Triangle. Why isn't a quantum leap huge? What 'Cat years' actually mean? The author gives scientific and seemingly justified answers to all this and many more. A good read in your free time.
By: Amit Haralalka & Amitabh Thakur
Pages: 294
Business, Inspiration
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 23rd Jun'18
Brief review: The book is a collection of stories of twenty five IIM Lucknow Alumni who became successful entrepreneurs by following their passion. Almost everyone faced challenges but negotiated them well to make a mark in their respective fields. If you looking to get some inspiration or want that last hit on the nail to pursue your dream of becoming an entrepreneur, you can lay your hands on this book.
By: David Epstein
Pages: 353
Sports
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 19th Jun'18
Brief review: In this path breaking and award winning researched book, David Epstein thread bares the secret of success of athletes and goes on to suggest that human genes has a lot to do with why they excel. While hard work, dedication and practice definitely yield results, having a special gene makes an athletes job much easier. So much so that sometimes, less practice is good. It is surprising but being a descendant of certain tribe, living in a certain environment or being blessed with specific genetics can help you skip the queue to become a champion. Endless examples from the real world of sports will keep you engaged, though at times, the author gets into too much detail. A long book which can be read by skipping the part where it gets too deep to understand the composition of human body.
By: William C. Taylor & Polly LaBarre
Pages: 304
Business, Inspiration
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 13th June'18
Brief review: The world is changing rapidly and non-stop innovation is happening. Still, there are few companies and people who are make headlines. They are called Mavericks at work. The book identifies such companies and their leaders. You will find examples of how companies like Google, Southwest Airlines changed the rules of the game. You will come across bold strategies of little known leaders which made them icons of the business world. The book is a collection of several such stories which will keep you excited to read the next page.
By: Malcolm Gladwell
Pages: 300
Non Fiction
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 6th June'18
Brief review: The essence of the book is about our inner instinct of knowing something in a flash (blink of an eye) without having to process loads of data about the subject. We make an opinion about something in a moment without knowing why. 'Blink' gives you interesting accounts of how fire fighters make life saving decisions instantly, how army men make their choices without having sufficient information and how someone can decode your life history by just looking at you for a second. Sometimes, our gut feeling is more effective than cautiously made decisions. An interesting book.
By: Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Pages: 304
Non Fiction
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 20th May'18
Brief review: Another masterpiece by Taleb. This is the 4th book of Taleb that I have read. A little different than the previous ones. Taleb says 'your actions and advise makes no sense unless you too have skin in the game'. In today's world, most bureaucrats, politicians, financial advisors, nobel prize winners and many other so called intellectuals take decisions and advise people without being negatively affected by the outcome of their actions. You need time and patience to read and understand Taleb. Could be heavy for first time readers but a brilliant read for regulars.
By: Robert M. Pirsig
Pages: 404
Philosophy
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 10th May'18
Brief review: Written in 1974, it's work of subtle philosophy using motorcycle maintenance as the underlying theme. The author says we buy expensive motorcycle but don't want to learn how to maintain it. We think it's tough and irritating to fix a motorcycle when it gives any trouble. On the other hand if we know how to maintain the motorcycle, it could be fun and last longer too. He relates this to life beautifully. A large part of the book is toward discussing and describing what defines 'quality'. I started this book with a lot of excitement but it became too deep and too monotonous at times. Definitely not the first of the books to be read but a good read for someone who has interest in philosophy.
By: Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko
Pages: 273
Investments, Non Fiction
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 3rd May'18
Brief review: In this well researched book, the secrets of millionaires are revealed. How are they made and why a good earning may not necessarily make you a millionaire. Mostly, it's the concept of savings and investments which is responsible for becoming a millionaire. We have to choose between living a flashy lifestyle versus achieving financial independence. Most millionaires restrain from buying expensive cars, high label clothes and other lifestyle goods just for status symbol. They mostly live a frugal but a life of choice. Since the book is based on American culture, a few chapters could be skipped. While a few concepts are overstretched, still it makes a good reading for those looking to achieve financial independence.
By: Josh Waitzkin
Pages: 266
Biography, Sports
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 29th Apr'18
Brief review: It's a remarkable story of Josh Waitzkin won the U.S. Junior Chess championship in 1993 and 1994 and also went on to become the world champion in Tai Chi Push Hands within two years of starting to learn martial arts. While many top athlete struggle to be on top of their game consistently, Waitzkin achieved excellence by his sheer dedication and practice. The book is about his art of learning. One of the things he talks about is 'investment in loss' meaning to learn by 'going down first and knowing your weakness' as an effective way to master new skills. The book is a journey of an extraordinary champion and his constant introspection and search for peace. The movie 'Searching for Bobby Fischer' is based on the book written by his father on his life as a chess player.
