Books are my life. Ever since I remember, I’ve loved books. I can say with utmost clarity, I’ve loved books even when I didn’t know how to read one. One thing, I categorically remember, when I was probably three years old (definitely didn’t go to school by then), I used to pretend to read magazines just to imitate my mom. I used to wonder, how could she look at one page for so long that doesn’t even have a picture on it. But I never said it out loud. I would just keep looking at a page that had something on it. It made me feel like a grown up. With that premise :), I am sharing some of the books that shaped me who I am today.
As a kid, I loved two things. One – Playing outside till cows came home and Second – Reading. I was ready for any amount of scolding from my mom, for the joy that playing outside gave me. But if anything could keep me glued to a couch, it was books. If I found a comic or a book, there was no moving me from my place.
Over the years, I’ve read hundreds of books of course :). However I’m sharing a few that have had a lasting impression on me. They have carried me on a journey in no less sense as your friends and family do (In fact more). The person I am today, has a lot to do with these books –
The Fountainhead
Anytime someone asks me about this one. My first statement is – After I read this book, I could not touch another one for at least six months. I read this book immediately after I graduated from college. I was in awe of the philosophical details the author (Ayn Rand) has dove into. In my opinion, Ayn has fleshed out each character in such a way, that each of them deserves their own book. I learned to be more confident about my views and to consciously have a why behind my actions. It gave me insight about the foundation of American constitution and reasoning behind capitalism defined back then. Mostly, it showed me how to be the individual I seek to be, unapologetically.
The Godfather
Although the book is about an Italian mob, it carries life teachings that most of us learn the hard way. The complex character of Don Corleone, who despite being a mob leader, lives by certain principles. He understands the life he has created for himself and doesn’t want the same life for his favourite son. His efforts don’t succeed and his son grows up to be more efficient and influential than him. Yet has the same dream for his children. I enjoyed learning about the importance of competence, power, friends and family.
Kane and Abel
I have read all the books by Jeffrey Archer and I loved most of them. This one, however is my favourite. This book taught me about faith in hard work and gave me hope. How one of the protagonist, Abel is able to get away from his poor life and build an empire for himself. How having a vision and passion for life can make you do wonders in life. From the other protagonist, Kane I learned the value of family values. How invaluable are the teachings and knowledge that is passed on to generations in families.
Gone with the Wind
Before reading Gone with the Wind, I had little knowledge about the Civil War in America. I loved the various, sometimes contrasting aspects of slavery this book highlights. I was also surprised to learn about the culture of that era. How the role of men and women were defined in a way that discouraged women to show if they were intelligent. The book showed me how, progress is almost never a one way street.
Pride and Prejudice
This book actually is one of the very first books I had read, while I was in college. While it is a pretty romantic story. This was the first time I was learning about the culture in the British society. I was enchanted by the language used at the time and the minute details about how men and women in an upper middle class are supposed to behave. Being an introvert, I was surprised to know the qualities people were judged for. One example being, to be able to converse about almost any subject. I fell in love with the culture, the characters and of course the author, Jane Austen. 🙂
Memoirs of a Geisha
This book was another eye opener. I can safely say, before this book, I hardly knew anything about Japanese culture. The whole book as the title elucidates, is a tragic story of a geisha that fortunately turns a bit positive towards the end. It taught me a lot about hard work and hope. It taught me how important it is to sometimes, just accepting the circumstances you have no control over. Yet, focusing on continue doing what you can and life unfolds. Beautiful book!
The Kite Runner
I might end up saying this for each book, however another eye opener for me. Although fiction, however Khaled Hosseini has beautifully captured the beauty and reality of Afghanistan during Russian invasion and the birth of Taliban. I was transported to the gorgeous mountains of Afghanistan, the snow fall, the pistachios and kite flying tournament. I was mesmerised with the innocence and commitment of friendship. Of course it is a tragic story, but I mostly want to remember the glimpses of a happy childhood spent in panoramic mountainous surroundings.
The Da Vinci Code
Now this one again a completely different environment, a different culture and history (fiction) of a different part of the world. If you are not able to see a pattern here, I love the books that dare to show things from a different perspective. I not only liked the controversial angle this books takes, but also the thrilling way of storytelling.
The Palace of Illusions
The pattern continues here. The book tells the story of Mahabharata (An Indian Epic), however focuses on the life of Draupadi. I also liked the way it showed another angle in the story of Karna and the chemistry between Karna and Draupadi. My interest to look at things in a different perspective was reinforced with the way this story flows.
Eat, Pray, Love
This book increased the interest towards biographies and autobiographies for me. The compelling story of a 30 year old woman (the author) who does not want to have kids and feels guilty about it, is certainly unconventional. The journey she embarks upon visiting three different countries with different objectives has been inspiring me to not give up ever. Anytime I am feeling low, I like to pick up the book and read about her experience.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Another inspiring autobiography of a woman who is lost in grief and how she finds her way back to life. One of the most difficult trails she chooses to walk and everything she discovers on the way urges and inspires one to forge ahead. When you are alone, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by vast landscape of desert or mountains, you unearth aspects of your character you had no idea about, and yet they prove to be the most important ones.
Open: An Autobiography
A very well written and an easy read by Andre Agassi. From this book, of course I learnt a great deal about Tennis. I was fascinated to read about the internal and external struggle Agassi went through. The story reintroduced me to the fact that, no matter who you are, life can be difficult. You can be most famous and talented, yet insecure and in constant need of well-wishers and wise counsel. Ultimately, life is long and when you learn to accept certain inevitable circumstances, it can pleasantly surprise you.
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
This is one of the most recent books, I’ve read and more than once already. I give credit to this book for reminding me of so many simple habits that were extremely beneficial in my early life. I appreciate and respect the way Jordan Peterson (Author) has untangled the complex situations we deal with as adults connecting with evolution and genetics wherever applicable. As a clinical psychologist, he has studied, researched and worked with countless patients to come up with the theories illustrated in his book. Since this is one of the recent ones in my list I can go on and on about it. However I will keep a detailed review for a later date. As of now I say, go read it! 🙂
I might keep adding to this list as and when I recall. However if besides books you are interested in some of the style inspiration, I’ve been sharing. Do check out my post about my Autumn Wishlist. 🙂
This post does not contain any affiliate links. Any products I mention, I’ve purchased myself and have been using these for years.
