By: Edward de Bono
Pages: 232
Non Fiction, Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: Year 2013
Brief review: Edward de Bono is a expert in creative thinking. He advocates that we need to have a beautiful mind rather than just having a beautiful body. He argues that having a sharp mind with empathy and creativity will make your mind beautiful and irresistible for others to engage with you. In this simple and interesting read, he provides useful ideas on how to agree, disagree or differ. How to listen, respond and be interesting. How to express our opinion and what should be our attitude during discussions. It's an easy and useful read.
By: Hugh Prather
Pages: 159
Non Fiction
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: It's a book on self exploration. After failing to successfully write a book, the author composed a book on his random thoughts on and off which he recorded in his diary. It became 'Notes to Myself' and went on the become an international best seller. You will find it silly, interesting, truth, contradicting and introspecting.
By: Sudha Murthy
Pages: 220
Non Fiction
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: Before 2013
Brief review: The book captures the essence of human nature through 51 short stories (based on real events). It covers the most generous to somewhat cruel display of human behavior and action by men and women of everyday life and makes us introspect our own self. From humor to sarcasm and from empathy to avoidance, it has everything. These stories will surely touch your heart and mind. Read it and also ask your kids to read it.
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: 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.