Lockdown Reading: 5 Must Read Books

Books are our best friends, they say! and the one who reads cannot agree more. Books indeed gives a new perspective, make us think, upgrade our knowledge and definitely don’t ditch us in our hard times.

During these Quarantine Days, I have read the following books and I have had a positive experience and thus thought of sharing it. The 5 must read books for everyone:

#1 Maybe You Should Talk To Someone –

Normally, when we realize that someone in our circle is suffering from a serious personal problem or a mental illness to an extreme, we advise them to talk to someone and seek a professional help through a therapist. But have you ever wondered what if the person with the problem happened to be the therapist themselves?

     In “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone”, Lori Gottlieb narrates how people often overlook themselves about their problems with the intense fears that underlie those problems and the factors to conquer those fears. It is important to acknowledge the problem and express the emotions so to start working towards it and gain the sense of freedom.

#2 The Alchemist –

Do you know the meaning of the word ‘Alchemist’? Well, Alchemist is the person who practises alchemy – who transforms or creates something through a seemingly magical process. Ever needed a source to know how to pursue your dreams and transform life?

In “The Alchemist”, Paulo Coelho takes us on the journey of self-discovery through a story of shepherd boy named Santiago that highlights many lessons of inspiration to practice in life. Right from having a purpose in life to why you should listen to your heart and follow your dreams while living in the present watching the signs that the universe sends you and strongly believe in “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

#3 Rich Dad Poor Dad –

Sometimes when we look around we may find plenty of financially ignorant people dealing with the same dull situations without taking much actions to overcome and all these gives a thought of securing our financial life. Are you interested in money, investing and economy?

In “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, Robert Kiyosaki tells the story of two fathers, one rich, one poor to help develop the mindset and financial knowledge one needs to build a life of wealth and freedom. It explains the importance of financial independence, describing the difference between an asset and a liability plus some other finance notions, also the perspective of how rich dad went about making money and the mistakes that poor dad made.

#4 The 80/20 Principle –

Would you like to know how to achieve more by putting in less efforts or actions by minimizing the unnecessary activities to get the desired results and have that leisure time to get along with other things you were planning from soo long?

  In “The 80/20 Principle”, Richard Koch examines Pareto’s Law which states that the majority of results, outputs or rewards come from minority of causes, inputs or efforts. It is observed and said by the author that 20% of the inputs or activities are responsible for 80% of the outputs or results and it is found to be applied in business, studies, health, relationships and social interactions. It encourages us to identify and work on things that give us more results and create room for improvements and new opportunities.

#5 IKIGAI –

Do you wish to live a long and happy life but it is difficult to jump out of bed each morning to start your day? The Japanese technique called “IKIGAI’, which means ‘a reason for living’, helps you to decode the secret. Have you found your Ikigai yet?

  In “IKIGAI: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”, Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles outline the concept of Ikigai and tries to explain the deep art of staying young while growing old. We just cannot suddenly find our Ikigai, it needs our intuition and curiosity. Our aim should be to find a thing which satisfies these four components, viz. Passion, Profession, Mission and Vocation which comes from a combination of what you love, what you are good at, what you can be paid for and what the world needs.

Each book gives a meaningful insight and surely some beautiful lessons for lifetime. Simple Reading! Happy Reading!