In 2015, I decided that I needed to pursue my passion in the midst of work. I decided I had to read. I took on the challenge of finishing a book each month. I did it because I had to nourish my soul and feed my dreams. I had to travel through the text. So I accepted the 12 month, 12 book challenge. Most of the books I read were randomly chosen, some were my allegiance to that particular author, and some were required reading. I was always sure that I would document my reviews for all my book-reading friends. So here is my review of the books.
January: The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga
I started reading a best-seller. This book is an eye opener on the life of car drivers in India. His perception of the rich and the poor. It takes you through the life of the protagonist who wants to lead a decent life as the town bus ticket collector. However, he becomes corrupted as the story progresses. He manages to lead a richer life, but how? This one definitely deserves to be read.
February: Ashwin Sanghi’s Chanakya’s Chant
A very cleverly written book that travels between two eras. Chanakya’s wisdom carves personalities simply to save India. A political background makes the book interesting. Chanakya’s strategies prove to be useful in both business and politics even today. Don’t skip this one, it’s worth building up tension.
March: Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul at Work by Various Authors
A light and motivating read, for when you don’t feel happy with work. His many stories will help you move forward at work.
April: Obama
May: Princess Secrets To Share by Jean Sasson
Jean Sasson, is an acclaimed author known for conveying the plight of women and her victories in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, and more. This is a moving book that revolves around the life of Princess Sultana, who is the central character in all the books, and her fight to save the lives of women and even men, this time from Yemen, ISIS and Pakistan. . Read it if you can handle the bitter truths of our society.
June: Reach the top of Suhel Seth
This book is a helpful guide on how to get people to like you, accept you in their social circles, and become a social success. The language is simple and the rules are easy to remember. A fun book worth reading.
July: India Vs Pakistan: Why can’t we just be friends? by Husain Haqqani
One of my perennial favorite topics of discussion. This book provides a startling insight into the minds of Indian and Pakistani people of authority. It also takes us back to a time before the division of India, cricket and more. The author ends on a positive and hopeful note by providing solutions to strengthen the bonds between the two lost brothers.
August: Mrs. Funny Bones from Twinkle Khanna
I actually thought this book would be silly and it turned out to be a fun read. I finished it in one day. The book is a page turner. It gives you a glimpse into the celebrity life of Ms. Funnybones ie. Twinkle Khanna, but it’s not what you imagined. You will like it if you like to read Moni Mohsin. Good job done by Twinkle Khanna.
September: Family Wisdom by Robin Sharma
My mom got this as a gift on tour. DIY manuals are my least favorite, however at the moment I didn’t have any books to read and money was limited. Therefore, I plan to read this. Although this book is intended for parents, I am glad I read it at this stage in my life. It is a book that talks about how to create great family values and goals and how to bond with your children.
October: An Indian Girl from Chetan Bhagat
You may hate his work, but I read his books for the love stories, the Indianness, and the plain language. Yes, I am a fan of most of his books. However, you can leave this one out. It’s too hairy. What I liked is that it is written from the point of view of a girl and CB is right.
November: Stories Collected by Gabriel García Márquez
I got this as a gift from my best friend. If you get scared too easily or get bogged down with sad and depressing stories, avoid this book altogether. Almost all the stories are about death and ghosts. What makes it bad is that it is very descriptive of dark and rotten details. Not for those who instantly feel the negativity and dismiss it. I returned the gift to my friend but only with a look of disgust.
December: Cloak
Short stories from the once-famous author Sadat Ali Manto. His work is written during, before and after Independence. It captures human emotions and situations in a very raw way. Within the pages of this book, you will feel the Indian culture and a Hindustan of a few decades ago.
To sum up my experience, I almost got out of breath from the continual reading of books. Just because I knew I had but, one month for each book. I’m glad I made time for my hobby once again. And as expected, I have a nourished soul, I have traveled through time and I have new dreams! I hope you can reconnect with your hobbies just like I did.
