My top reads of 2020
Last year 2020, was a year that mankind would never forget, with difficult situations due to pandemic and a lot of negativity around the world but we were still fighting the struggles to the best. I am glad that I have resumed the habit of reading books during lockdown which was in a quiescent state for years together.
Books are addictive, with books we can live the experience of people who have achieved great, books are treasure mines is what I have heard people say. To experience that is phenomenal as I am slowly getting into the pace of reading a lot of books making my thoughts euphoric.
I have read close to 12 books last year on multiple genres. Intent of this article is to share my experience on the top 4 books that I enjoyed reading around biographies, novels and literary fiction.
“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.” — Rene Descartes
“Quiet” by Susan Cain
Quiet by Susan Cain is a beautiful compilation of the two temperaments both extroverts and introverts. The start of the book explains what are the parameters of introverts and extroverts. The reader can also identify to which scale of temperament she falls on reading the book. The common myths like “creativity flows only when you collaborate and mingle”, “great leaders are probably extroverts”, “nature of temperament is destiny” and much more interesting facts are looked at from the other side of the coin. Introverts can also be leaders who are extremely creative is conveyed by taking inspirational stories from the great scientists and leaders of the world. The history of how extroverts are considered gregarious influencing the parents and in schools where students/kids who are introverted are usually cornered is portrayed in a thought provoking way. In a nutshell, if a person feels that she could be a squeamish introvert, then I bet “Quiet” would bring in a lot of positivity and provoke self confidence.
“Steve Jobs”- by Walter Isaacson
Steve Jobs is a book by Walter Isaacson that depicts the biography of Steve Jobs, the widely accepted visionary and genius. The book is a compilation of all the life incidents of Steve Jobs towards “Apple” and “Pixar” also a glance on his personal life. Steve Jobs approach towards solving problems and work ethics is commendable and awe inspiring. The book is about the roller coaster life of a creative entrepreneur whose passion and love for perfection has revolutionised the tech world. The book has a lot of takeaways on innovation, character, values and leadership. There are a number of goosebump moments throughout the book.
On unveiling the Macintosh, a reporter has asked what kind of market research was carried out for the product. Jobs replied, “Did Alexander Graham Bell do any market research before he invented the telephone?”
The evolution of the Mac, NeXT, Pixar, iTunes, Apple stores, iPhone and iPad are narrated with minute details throughout the book.
The last part of the book has some thoughts from Steve Jobs that lays emphasis on innovation, creativity, culture, work ethics in a beautiful way and also highlights the purpose of life from his eyes.
Steve Jobs, is a real genius!!!
“Gently falls the Bakula” by Sudha Murty
Gently falls the bakula revolves around the core principle of what is more important for a woman- A happy marriage or a successful career. A women centric novel dated four decades back and a tribute to thousands of women then and now who sacrifice their career for their family.
The common stereotypes women face after marriage especially the adjustments they need to make towards the newly prone family only because their gender is “female” and how the society always advises to be in the good books of the in-laws whether right or wrong. The interesting part of relating the title of the book to the bakula flowers which has no fragrance is portrayed in a melancholic way. An interesting and a dramatic read though.
“IKIGAI- The Japanese secret to long and a happy life” by Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles
The Japanese word Ikigai means the heart to do what you want and what means the purpose of life. Ikigai for one person need not be the same for the other. For many centenarians who live on Okinawa island believe Ikigai is the reason to get up in the morning. Here are some of the tips that are highlighted by the centenarians to lead a happy life
- A little stress is good for you
- A lot of sitting will age you
- Anti-aging attitudes pertain to both physical and mental health
The book helps us answer 4 main questions:
- What you love
- What you are good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
The best part of the book that I loved was on the “Flow”. Human’s need to work on an ordered flow to lead a happy life. The flow we create for ourselves should be challenging but not difficult. The flow should also have a concrete objective. Many engineers, artisans and inventors know the importance of flowing with their Ikigai.
The interesting fact is that Steve Jobs was inspired by a Japanese artisan on the perfect porcelain dishes the artisan had made. Steve Jobs also had a great fascination for the Japanese workmanship.
The book also has the gem of the words of wisdom from the longest living people in the world and also what they eat and drink that makes them healthy and happy.
Quick shots from the longest living people
- Don’t worry
- Cultivate good habits
- Nurture your friendships everyday
- Live a unhurried life
- Be optimistic
On the whole, IKIGAI- The Japanese secret to long and a happy life is a guiding light to help us realise how we live our life in a hurried fashion taking things for granted but also what’s the right way to find purpose in life.
“I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a book”- J.K Rowling
To Conclude
With a lot of entertainment in smartphones with the web series and movies budging in OTT platforms, we have lost connection to read good books. The information conveyed through a movie and a book looks the same, but actually not. This realisation happens only on reading more books and that has worked out well for me.
Have a happy reading!
Cheers!
