By: Robin Sharma
Pages: 314
Self Help
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 26th Dec'18
Brief review: The book is all about waking up at 5 AM to make the most of your day and life. It's written in a fictional story format of a self made billionaire who coaches a couple of highly potential but struggling entrepreneur and artist. Robin persuades readers to own your mornings giving examples of some of the most successful and celebrated individuals of the modern world. The key concept is the 20/20/20 rule, suggesting that the first hour of the morning should be used for exercising, planning and reading. The concept is really good, though the author took 300 pages to explain something which could have been done in 3 paragraphs. I guess, the message could have been delivered in a much simpler and effective manner.
By: James Clear
Pages: 271
Self Help
My recommendation: 8 / 10
Date read: 29th Nov'18
Brief review: James Clear is an habits expert. He disciplined habit of writing two articles a week got him over 5,00,000 email subscribers within a few years. Not only this, he has transformed his life by developing positive habits which he talks about in the book. Over time he has become a habit coach to thousands of people. He suggests that a small change on a regular basis brings in big results over time. He urges his readers to focus on systems rather than goals. He explains his concepts through various diagrams and charts which are easy to understand. Reading this book can help you take a closer look at your own routine, follow good habits and quit bad ones. Though the book has several examples, it also has a lot of unwarranted theory which I didn't find interesting and skimmed through. Overall, a good book to read.
By: Cal Newport
Pages: 304
Self Help
My recommendation: 5 / 10
Date read: 23rd Mar'18
Brief review: Most of us believe that we should follow our passion. In this book, Newport debunks this belief. Rather, his advice is to be so good in your work that people can't ignore you. This comes from years and years of hard work. Apart from his own hypothesis, he uses examples of other researches like Anders Ericsson who coined the idea of 'deliberate practice' and Malcolm Gladwell who talks about the '10,000 hour rule'. It's a good read as a stand alone book but when I consider the alternatives, I would suggest you to give it a pass.
By: Deepak Chopra
Pages: 96
Philosophy, Self Help
My recommendation: 9 / 10
Date read: 19th Feb'17
Brief review: In this short book, Deepak Chopra talks about seven laws which when practiced can give you lifelong success and happiness. Explained in simple language and sometimes hard hitting, you will find lots of wisdom in the book. The book is a little philosophical too. Key learnings are - know self, practice meditation, cut ego, doing less can accomplish more, uncertainty is the real freedom and many more. It's kind of a pocket book. Do read.
By: Simon Sinek
Pages: 140
Self Help
My recommendation: 7 / 10
Date read: 15th Feb'18
Brief review: It's not a story. It's a collection of quotes and life lessons in form of a fable. Every message is illustrated through an image which makes it even more powerful and absorbing. The presentation of the book is amazing. It a short read of about an hour. If you want some motivation, inspiration and wisdom, you can get you hands on this book.
