By: Epictetus
Pages: 96
Philosophy, Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 7th Aug'17
Brief review: It’s not just a book name. It is actually a manual for living which you should keep with yourself and refer each day. Epictetus teaching’s are simple, crisp and effective. It carries wisdom in every word. It answers all your questions; like how should you live and carry out your activities in daily lives. What should be the ultimate purpose of life? How to be worry free? The most important message in the book is to focus on what is under your control and not to waste your energy and life pursuing things which are not in your control. A one hour read carrying wisdom of a lifetime. I would strongly recommend this book to one and all.
By: Tom Rath
Pages: 240
Self Help
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 4th Aug'17
Brief review: Tom Rath has been living on the edge for last 25 years after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 16 years. This has resulted in his perspective of life being quite different. It contains lot of well researched data and analysis on human behavior, health, life and happiness. A good read for beginners.
By: Miyamoto Musashi
Pages: 160
Self Help, Sports
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 1st Aug'17
Brief review: Written in the 17th century by undefeated samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Though the book was written for martial artists but it possesses timeless principles which can be learned and applied by anyone reading this book. The book is widely recommended but I was not sure of reading it considering the subject of the book (martial arts). In the end I am glad I read it. It carries deep learning’s in a subtle way. Musashi suggests that we should practice daily to become an expert in whatever we do. When practice accumulates over time you make no misses, ten times out of ten. In his words, 'a thousand days of practice should be followed up with ten thousand days of practice for refinement'. The whole book is full of wisdom. I specially liked a few lines from the book (1) It is essential to see to both sides without moving the eyeballs. It is possible with practice (2) Speed is not the true way, rhythm is. (3) The performance of an expert seems relaxed but does not leave any gaps. A must read book by all.
By: Khalil Gibran
Pages: 128
Philosophy, Self Help
My recommendation: 10 / 10
Date read: 29th Jul'17
Brief review: Originally published in 1923, it is known as the Gibran's best work. It offers timeless wisdom on matters like love, pain, laws, freedom, time, friendship, beauty, religion and many more. It is short yet powerful. I have read this a few times and I would very strongly recommend this book to everyone having interest in philosophy.
By: Ryan Holiday
Pages: 224
Motivation, Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 4th Jul'17
Brief review: This book is inspired by the thoughts and writings of some great leaders and philosophers like, Marcus Aurelius, Heraclitus, Virgil and others. As the title suggests, Ryan believes that through the obstacles, there is a way. We need to recognize our power, control emotions, alter perspectives and to think differently. Ryan uses examples of great men in history who defied all challenges and marched ahead. John Rockefeller became the wealthiest American simply by his discipline of perception. Rubin Carter, a top contender for middleweight title, recognized his power and spent every minute to fight his own case to walk out of prison after nineteen years. Ryan is an authority and proponent on stoic way of living. Strongly recommended.
