“There are some who live in a world of their own, and there are those who, while living in this world, create their own. The latter are the readers of books.”
W.H. Auden couldn’t have said it better!
I’ve been a bookworm since my childhood.
Forget fancy toys and dresses! Receiving a book bundle used to be my best birthday gift.
And even now, not much has changed. My ever-growing bookshelf (okay, maybe overflowing!) is the proof.
I love collecting and reading different genres of books- historical fiction, non-fiction, self-help and biographies. And yes, I even read economics and business books. Being an economics student makes me weirdly curious about how it all works!
These books can be surprisingly thrilling. It’s like solving a puzzle, piecing together how the financial world works.
In this blog, I’ll share some of my favourite books across different genres and how reading has shaped my thoughts. I’ll also provide some tips and tricks to help you develop a reading habit.
My Favourite Reads
Here are a few of my personal favourites that I can’t recommend enough:
1. The Palace of Illusions
- Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Description: The book reimagines the epic Indian myth, Mahabharata, from the perspective of its often-overlooked female protagonist, Draupadi. The novel presents a refreshing and feminist take on the ancient tale, offering readers a deeper understanding of Draupadi’s character, her emotions, and the complexities of her relationships.
2. The Forest of Enchantments
- Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Description: This book offers a unique retelling of the Indian epic, the Ramayana, from the perspective of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. It explores Sita’s journey, her love for Rama, her challenges, and her resilience in the face of adversity. It reimagines Sita as a strong and independent woman who makes choices for herself.
3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
- Author: Mark Manson
- Genre: Self-help
- Description: The book challenges conventional self-help advice by advocating for a more realistic and nuanced approach to life. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense approach to personal development, you may find this book thought-provoking and impactful.
4. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
- Authors: Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
- Genre: Self-help
- Description: The book draws inspiration from the Japanese concept of ikigai, which represents the convergence of one’s passion, vocation, profession, and mission. It explores how finding and living in alignment with one’s ikigai can lead to a longer, happier, and more fulfilling life. It tells you about the lifestyle habits of the people of Okinawa, one of the world’s Blue Zones where people live longer and healthier lives.
5. The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule
- Author: Angela Saini
- Genre: Non-fiction
- Description: In this book, the author explores the roots of patriarchy and argues against the idea that it’s something natural or biological. The book provides a complicated history of how it started in societies and spread worldwide. The author travels to the oldest human settlements, analyses the newest research in science and archaeology, and follows cultural and political histories from places like the Americas to Asia to find the origins of patriarchy.
6. Good Economics for Hard Times
- Authors: Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo
- Genre: Non-fiction (Economics)
- Description: This book addresses some of the most pressing issues facing the world today: inequality, immigration, technological disruption, and climate change. Putting their economic expertise to work, the authors provide evidence-based insights and practical policy recommendations on these issues.
7. Poor Economics: A radical rethinking of the way to fight global poverty
- Author: Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo
- Genre: Non-fiction (Economics)
- Description: This book is a groundbreaking exploration of global poverty, challenging traditional assumptions and advocating for evidence-based approaches to poverty alleviation. The authors employ randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a rigorous scientific approach uncommon in development economics, to test the effectiveness of various poverty alleviation interventions.
8. One Indian Girl
- Author: Chetan Bhagat
- Genre: Fiction (Romance)
- Description: One Indian Girl” follows the story of Radhika Mehta, a successful investment banker working in New York. The novel is presented in the form of Radhika’s diary, where she reflects on her past relationships, family dynamics, and her attempts to reconcile her personal and professional goals. This book addresses contemporary issues and the challenges faced by modern women. It revolves around the themes of feminism, cultural expectations, and the complexities of modern relationships.
9. I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir of Life with Ratan Tata
- Author: Shantanu Naidu
- Genre: Biography
- Description: This book gives a sneak peek into the relationship between the author and Mr Ratan Tata, an industrialist, philanthropist and former chairman of Tata Sons. The author has beautifully depicted the other side of Mr. Tata which is unknown to the world. This book gives a glimpse of his goofy and witty side. Each character has been depicted with great detail, allowing the readers to feel they have personally encountered them.
10. Becoming
- Author: Michelle Obama
- Genre: Autobiography
- Description: In this powerful memoir, Michelle Obama offers a deeply personal glimpse into her life from her South Side Chicago roots to the White House. She paints vivid pictures of her childhood, career journey, and experiences as First Lady. In this book, Obama doesn’t shy away from discussing challenges like balancing career and motherhood, dealing with racism and sexism, and dealing with the pressures of public life.
11. A Thousand Splendid Suns
- Author: Khaled Hosseini
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Description: This book offers an insightful look into the turbulent history of Afghanistan. It tells the story of two remarkable women, Mariam and Laila, amid war, oppression, and unyielding resilience.The novel doesn’t shy away from showcasing the brutal realities faced by women under different regimes in Afghanistan, from forced marriages and domestic abuse to societal limitations and the constant threat of violence.
5 Surprising Reading Benefits I Found
Books haven’t just filled my shelves; they’ve filled my life with countless benefits.
- Reading different genres of books has exposed me to diverse perspectives and creative ideas. It has broadened my knowledge and understanding of the world.
- When I read, I learn new words and find better ways to say things. It’s not just about knowing more stuff, but becoming a more confident communicator.
- It has exposed me to different writing styles and techniques, which has improved my writing skills to a great extent.
- Reading a good book has been a great stress buster for me. It reduces stress and promotes mental and emotional well-being.
As J.K. Rowling has said, “No matter how much stress I’m under, if I can just sit down with a good book and lose myself in it, I’m able to relax and forget everything else.”
- Above all, reading has helped me cut down on screen time. Is there a better way to spend your free time than to read a good book (instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media)?
Reading isn’t just my hobby, it’s an investment in myself.
It’s made me a more knowledgeable, well-rounded, and expressive individual. So, the next time you pick up a book, remember the ripple effect it can have on your life.
Reading Tips That Worked for Me
Cultivating a reading habit can seem difficult. But trust me, the rewards are worth the effort.
So, if you want to transform yourself from a book avoider to a book lover, then follow these practical reading tips:
- Read books that you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s fantasy, thrillers, historical fiction, or graphic novels. When you’re having fun, sticking to the habit is way easier.
- Integrate reading into your daily routine. Dedicate specific times for reading, like before bed, during your lunch break, or on weekend mornings.
- Don’t overwhelm yourself by aiming for hours of daily reading. Set aside 15-20 minutes a day, gradually increasing as you get comfortable.
- E-books and audiobooks are fantastic options for on-the-go reading. You can listen to audiobooks while commuting, cooking, or exercising.
- You can join an online book club or participate in online reading forums, where you can discuss your favourite books with other book lovers. This is a fantastic way to stay motivated, discover new books, and deepen your understanding of the stories you love.
Remember, it takes time to cultivate a reading habit. Be patient, experiment, and most importantly, have fun!
Happy reading!
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