Well I’m quite a bibiliophile or to put it very simply a bookworm since my childhood, and they have been my best companion since childhood. Even marriage, kids, TV and net have not made much of a dent in my reading habits, and I still pick up a good read. Quite difficult to name 5 best ones, when there are so many, but I have narrowed down to 5 best books in fiction as well as non fiction.
NON FICTION TOP 5
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Great book by Stephen Covey, about how to really make a difference in your life. This is my all time favorite since my life did indeed change a lot after reading this.
Who Moved My Cheese?
Fantastic one by Spencer Johnson. Using a simple tale of 4 people as an allegory, he explains how we adapt to change and cope with it. Must read book.
The Great Indian Dream
Arindham Chaudhuri comes up with a brilliant and incisive analysis of the problems with the Indian economy, and the best part is he comes up with eminently practical solutions to tackle them. I do hope all the people in High Places do read this book.
Freedom At Midnight
I recommend this book to all Gen Xers who just seem to have no idea behind the struggle, the pain and the anguish that led India to independence. Larry Collins and Domnique Lapierre provide a brilliant potrait of India’s independence, the power struggles, the problems than any professional historian does.
Lee Iacocca, An Autobiography
This is a must read for any person who wants to make a career in management. Lee Iacocca took over Chrysler when it was running into losses and how he turned around this company is a text book study in management. He also gives brilliant insights on the American economy and also how Japan was able to make inroads into the US. But it was so sad, that many of the management students whom I met didnt even have a clue about this man. Speaks a lot about the quality of management graduates we are getting in India.
FICTION
Kane and Abel
I started this book and just couldnt put it down until I finished reading it. It sure is a modern day classic. Jeffrey Archer’s best work to date, showcases the trials and tribulations of two men William Kane and Able Rosnowoski born at the turn of the century in 2 different continents in completely different circumstances. Their rivalry, their struggle and their life makes this an all time classic.
The Day of The Jackal
This is one of the best thriller novels I have ever read so far. Frederick Forsyth, the master of the political thriller comes up with one of the most tense and gripping thrillers that revolves around a plot to assasinate Charles De Gaulle.
The Alchemist
A magical tale of hope and dreams from Paul Coelho. It follows the story of a young Andalusian shepherd who follows his dreams of finding a treasure in the Pyramids. Compelling and vividly written, this is just too good.
The Fountainhead
One of my all time favorites by Ayn Rnd. Deals with the story of Howard Roark, who fights against a society to maintain his own standards. If this novel does touch a chord in me, its because many of the situations are the sort we have faced some time or other in life. Especially in Indian society where individualism and non conformity is always frowned upon.
H.M.S. Ulyssess
Alistair Maclean is usually known for his racy thrillers, but his first book is one of the best. It deals with a story of the convoy of British fleet ships which are under attack by German U Boats during WW2 in the North Atlantic. The hardships the sailors face at sea, the harsh nature of sea life, the bitter battles fought makes this a great classic. Some of the parts are really moving and make you realize the tough lives those men lead.