By: Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Pages: 366
Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 28th Sep' 2025
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 caution about the risk of historical evidence in life and business. Taleb advocates ot take positive exposure to black swan events. Simply outstanding. (Note: Starting this book is easy but you need ot 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: Robert Maurer
Pages: 173
Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 9th June' 2022
Brief review: A short and brilliant book on changing habits and achieving goals by taking small steps, the kaizen way. Whether your goal is to lose weight or to improve relationships, it is all possible if you make daily progress. If you want to practice meditation but are unable to focus, start with one-minute meditation a day. If you want to cut caffeine, just take a sip less every day. Once you start reading this book, it is unputdownable.
By: Derek Sivers
Pages: 133
Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 16th Sep'2021
Brief review: Short and sweet. That is how I will introduce this book. Full of personal experiences by someone who is living a life of choice. You will find many anecdotes and examples that you can relate to your own life. The main idea behind this book is to focus on your most important work and goal and say No to everything else. The book is available only on Derek's website You should also check out other books of Derek (Anything You Want & Your Music & You) that I have read and reviewed here.
By: Ray Dalio
Pages: 552
Investments, Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 10th Aug'2021
Brief review: As the name of the book suggests, it talks about principles to follow in life, work, and investing. Ray Dalio founded the world's largest hedge fund 'Bridgewater'. He is an extraordinary individual who started his journey from a two-bedroom apartment and reached the pinnacle, in personal and professional life. A few key messages in the book are, build what you want to use. Do one thing great, not many things average. Make a small to-do list. Whether you are starting out in your life or a seasoned professional, this book has to offer something which you won't get anywhere else. The first half of the book was really nice and it got a little preachy in the second half. I will recommend this book to all.
By: Cal Newport
Pages: 263
Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 13th July'2021
Brief review: Many books have been written on the concept of focussed work. ie., spending a few hours every day in total solitude without any interruptions into your most important craft, developing skills, or a meaningful project. Sometimes, even days and months. Though the concept is simple, I liked most were the examples of great men and women who achieved remarkable success using deep work principles. If you struggle to get things done on time or lack focus on that one thing that can bring lasting success and happiness, you should read this book.
