Nov 12, 2005 12:30 PM
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(Updated Nov 12, 2005 12:30 PM)
I have been an avid reader all along and thus selecting 5 of my favourites is a tough task. However I skimmed through my entire collection(I have about 500 books at home) and this is what I came up with(in alphabetical order):
1) ATLAS SHRUGGED by Ayn R
This is a very famous book by an equally famous author, most known for her unique philosophy. It is a story of a man who said he would stop the motors of the world, and he did. John Galt, the protagonist, has been portrayed as a person who is very clear about his priorities and beliefs, and does not give in to anyone. He single-handedly picks up a fight against the mightiest in the world, and wins it.
As the book says, Atlas Shrugged, is a mystery story, not about the murder of a man's body, but about the murder-and-rebirth of man's spirit. The central theme of the book is: What happens to the world when its prime movers go on strike? A must read, this is the book that made Ayn not only one of the most popular novelists of our century, but also one of its most most influential thinkers.
2) God Loves Fun by Sri Sri Ravishankar
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of The Art of Living foundation, travels and teaches internationally, reminding us that the great spiritual traditions have common goals and Values. His simple message of love, continues to inspire people from all walks of life.
This book, a collection of talks given by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar, has cleared many clouds and brought back the smiles on many faces. The central theme of the book is: Sing and Celebrate, for God Loves Fun. The book is written in a very simple format and clears a lot of doubts about life and beyond. This is strongly recommended for the philosophically inclined. Let me end this with the first sentence of the book for you to ponder:'When we realise the futility of words, then we should know that our life is going deeper. We have started living.'
3)Jonathan livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
The most inspirational book I have ever read, this is a masterpiece. The book is very short and could be finished in a day, even for the slowest of readers. This is a book that everyone must keep handy and turn to when things are not going one's way.
As the title suggests, this is a story of a seagull, Jonathan, who is very different from the rest of the pack. Most gulls learned flight only to be able to hunt for food, but John was not interested in eating, he was in love with the thrill of flying. This was against the ethics of the gulls and Johnathan had to face the wrath of his community. But he never gave up his dreams, and even after being dismembered from the community, he kept at it, all alone.
This is a story of believing in your dreams against all odds, and working towards them, till your last breath. Brilliantly written, immensely inspirational.
4) The Company by Robert Littell
The Company is an engrossing, multigenerational, wickedly nostalgic yet utterly entertaining and candid saga bringing to life the nearly fifty years of a secretive and powerful organisation, popularly known as CIA. It is an astonishing novel that captures the life and death struggle of an entire generation of CIA operatives during a long Cold War.
Behind every manoeuvre and counter-manoeuvre, though, one question spans the length of the book …. Who is the mole within the CIA? I must say that this book is the mother of all spy-thrillers, the best book that I have read in this genre.
5) The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
Though I am not one for self-help books, this one was different. It is a captivating story that teaches as it delights. This inspiring tale provides a step-by-step approach to living with greater courage, balance, abundance and joy.
A wonderfully crafted fabble, the book tells the extraordinary story of Julian mantle, a lawyer forced to confront the spiritual crisis of his out-of-balance life. On a life-changing odyssey to an ancient culture(India) he discovers powerful, wise and practical lessons that teach us to live life to the fullest. In short, it is a fable about fulfilling your dreams and reaching your destiny.
I hope that my summary motivates you to pick up any of these books and read them, for I challenge you, it will change your life, for good. Happy Reading.
