Seven books you must read in your lifetime
and share some great learning with your loved ones
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” Stephen King
Books have the power to connect people. An effortless conversation in a group about a book generally results in making new friends and a long-lasting impact on people. Books not only broaden your perspective, enhance your knowledge but also make you relevant in a conversation. This is the power of books in your life.
I have come across many books in my life however there are few books very close to my heart. These books not only expanded my horizon of knowledge, learning, and thinking but also impacted my perspective to see things around me. These books left a long-lasting impact on my life and certainly contributed to shaping up my personality. I firmly believe that these books have something very special for everyone who decides to read and imbibe them. With this intention and belief, I am sharing the seven best books I have come across till now.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari This incredible book is all about our history of evolution described in a very interesting way. It covers various evolutionary phases the human race has gone through to become what we are today. It starts with the cognitive revolution and moves to the Agriculture revolution, the unification of humankind, and the scientific revolution. This is a story of how the human race survives, spread across continents, builds many big empires, and enduring socio-economic norms. Reading this book suggests that you have a unique taste and an above-average intelligence quotient. Grab this fast if you have not read this book.
The Story of My Experiments With Truth by M K Gandhi
You should not miss the autobiography of one of the greatest leaders of modern history who came up with an unbelievable concept of Non-Violence. This great soul has forced the most powerful empire to leave India without throwing a single stone on them. This book covers his journey and experience, his quest to search truth in all religions and beyond, his amazing philosophy of experimentation, his power to connect with millions of people, his simple lifestyle, and honest confession about his shortcomings as a human. Reading and grasping the content of this book not only makes you a better person but also give a sense of satisfaction when you share learning & philosophy of non-violence with others.
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda
This book explores a new perspective to see yourself beyond our existence in this materialistic world. It gives you the answer to the most important question “ Who am I”. The book removes different layers of ignorance and gives a glimpse of true knowledge. This book has the power to change your life. It is a story of the life of Paramhansa Yogananda and his encounters with spiritual figures of east and west. This is indeed a life-changing book and I strongly recommend this ultimate piece of spirituality.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
This gives you an interesting insight into everything that happened in Apple as a company and in the personal life of Steve Job. A brilliant mind, difficulty personality, creative and strong-headed person. A person you admire for creating the world’s most valuable company — however never want a boss like him in your own professional life. Beautifully curated and written by Walter Issacson who has a great reputation and lineage of biographies ( Albert Einstein, Benjamin Faranklin and Henry Kisseinger)
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Mr. Khalid Hosseine is one of the best storytellers of modern times. All his books leave a deep impact on your heart. The premise of this story is set in Afganistan (like most of his books) during the communist and Taliban rules and depicts the atrocities on women in particular. The story of two women Mariam and Laila who represents two generations, their struggles to survive, resistance to domestic violence, their quest to find happiness amid ongoing atrocities, and their sacrifice for each other. Overall this is a mesmerizing story that remains in your heart for long and keeps your eyes moist whenever you remember this.
Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr Brian Weiss —
This is a true story of a doctor (Psychiatrist) and his Patient (Catharine). While doing regression therapy by hypnotizing Catherine to cure her chronic anxiety and recurring nightmares, Doctor astonished to observed that Catherine has gone back to her past lives (few she lived 3500 years earlier). As the story unfolds she experiences critical events of past lives during therapy and with each session her condition improves. When Catherine experienced the in-between lives phase (time between death and new life), evolved spirits (Master) interact with Doctor through Catherine. It is a fascinating true story with an excellent lesson of life & death coming directly from highly evolved spirits. A must-read book.
The Fountain Head by Ayn Rand
This is a masterpiece and modern classic book from Ayn Rand. It is a story of a young individualist architect Howard Roark who designs modernistic buildings and whose integrity was as unyielding as granite. Another character is Dominique Francon, an extremely beautiful woman who loved Howard Roark but married to his worst enemy. The theme of the book supports the philosophy of individualism and keep it superior to collectivism.
I wish, I come across many more fantastic books in the coming time and keep on sharing learning with you. Leaving you with a beautiful quote that says a lot in few words.
“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.” — William Styron
