With the lockdown upon on us, we are all trying to get back to an old hobby, finish tasks we left unfinished and of course catch up on our sleep (or it this one just me?)
Nevertheless, while the lockdown has kept us confined to our homes, there is still a way we can explore the world. How so, you ask? Haven’t you heard; “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
Here is a list of 10 books you could pick up to get back to reading this quarantine season. These are in no order of preference, feel free to pick up any that interests you!
1) 21 lessons – by Yuval Noah Harari
21 lessons for the 21st century is the 3rd book written by Mr Harari. While his first book, Sapiens, talks about the collect history of the human species, the second one, Homo Deus, gives us a glimpse of the possible futures we can have given the current state of technology.
21 lessons talks about the problems and challenges faced in today’s modern world and gives his take on how we can individually and collectively acknowledge them and tackle them. A great book to pick up during this period to help you get rid of those dark times when you can’t help but spiral into dark thoughts about the world coming to an end!
2) Permanent Record – by Edward Snowden
Before we get into the book, a little about the author- Edward Snowden is a former Intelligence Community officer and rose to fame as being one of the most prominent whistle blowers of all time.
Permanent Record is a 2019 autobiography comprising of his revelations throughout his time that sparked a global debate about surveillance. The fact that Snowden has worked across Multiple US government agencies from the CIA to the NSA, his story and his revelations as to what these government agencies are capable of doing will give surely make you think twice before trusting your government.
There are 3 parts to the series, we’re sure completing the first one will leave you wanting more!
3) Quiet – by Susan Cain
Be it Teamwork in the corporate world or working groups in schools and colleges, everyone is convinced that the idea of making different individuals work together and discussing ideas out loud will almost always lead to a good outcome.
Most activities today are suitable for extroverted people. But what about those individuals who are better off when working alone/quietly?
Quiet’s author describes how much we undervalue introverted people in today’s age. But through numerous real life examples and examples studies conducted, Cain has beautifully explained why it is Introverted people who more often than not, do better in difficult times.
4) Blink – by Malcolm Gladwell
The time it takes to blink an eye. Instantaneous.
This book is all about your gut feeling. Blink tells us what that ‘gut’ feel of ours is all about and what happens when you listen to your gut feel, and also why these instant snap judgments are most of the times more efficient and true as compared to our own conscious reasoning and analytical skills.
Your subconscious is most often the fastest filter of information from the outside world, however minute it may be.
5) Ikigai -by Hector Garcia
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being”.
The phrase speaks of reflecting on ones actions in order to make purposeful decisions and act in a way that is justified and in life with one’ thoughts. It provides readers an opportunity to rethink and relook at their life from a different lens.
Ikigai closely reflects the inner self of an individual, and has been associated with health and longevity.
In these tough times, it becomes increasingly important to stay positive and focus on keeping ourselves healthy – thereby making the motivational book a must have this quarantine season.
6) Bottle of Lies – by Katherine Eban
“Your pills are killing you”.
The simple yet powerful tag line is a compelling reason for anyone to pick up this book. This is a story of Generic Medicine and Ranbaxy, once one of THE biggest companies in the field of generic made icing.
This book vividly explains as to how generics, the cheaper versions of life saving drugs, are extremely essential to bring affordable and lifesaving healthcare to the masses. But, if left unchecked, can lead to disastrous consequences all across the globe.
What follows is the story of how Ranbaxy risked the life of millions of people on the planet.
7) Who moved my cheese? – by Dr Spencer Johnson
This book is a motivational business fable.
The book talks about change in one’s work and life, and four generic reactions to these change by two mice and two “Littlepeople”, during their search for cheese.
Allegorically, Who Moved My Cheese? Features four characters: two mice, and two Littlepeople, human metaphor, “Hem” and “Haw.” They live in a maze, a representation of one’s environment, and look for cheese, representative of happiness and success. What ensues is how they try and find happiness amidst being caught in a maze
8) Animal Farm- by George Orwell
Animal Farm is an allegorical novella by George Orwell, a well-known classic.
The book tells the story of a group of farm animals who go against their human farmer, in the hope of a society where the animals can be equal, independent, free, and happy.
The book is play on the society at large wherein minorities are ruled over by the majority part. The relevance and similarity of the story to recent trying times of colliding governments, countries at work is what keeps you glued to the end.
9) Sputnik Sweetheart – by Haruki Murakami
Murakami investigates simple themes for example, the impacts of solitary love, growing up in an overwhelmingly traditionalist society, and the fight between following one’s fantasies and clipping down on them so as to fit into society, however his point of view on these seemingly simple topics is something that will leave you pondering more.
For those of you who are reading Murakami for the first time, you are sure to find his style novel and this is a great short book to start!
10) 5 People you meet in Heaven – by Mitch Albom
The Five People You Meet in Heaven that follows the life and passing of a man named Eddie who dies and sent to paradise, where he remeets five individuals who had a critical effect upon him while he was alive.
It was published in 2003 and remained on the New York Times Best Seller list for almost 95 weeks! The book is a simple and short read and while you’d assume it would take a dark turn, it is actually a book that leaves you with a new found approach to living life.
So feel free to pick up these short yet beautifully written books to brush up and get back to reading! The more you read, the more you know!
Recommended Story – Under Quarantine? Here’s what you can do!
Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.