The boy the mole the fox and the horse

 

The boy the mole the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy

This is a small book with lot of pictures/sketches by the author. It took about 30mins to read this book.

It's one of the best book I have read in recent times. I must have read it 5 to 6 times. It's beautifully soothing experience. 

The book is also made into a movie. Equally soothing to watch.

As the author says this book is for everyone... from eight to eighty :)

My rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My favourite quote from the book 

"What's the bravest thing you have ever said?" Asked the boy

"Help" said the horse.

Go Getter by Peter Kyne

 

The Go getter by Peter Kyne is a small ~50 pages book. I finished reading in 1hr.

I bought this book based on Amazon review comments. Once again I felt the reviews have mislead me. 

I expected it to be an inspiring book which makes you courageous to handle life challenges. I didn't quite like it. Its outdated tone of conversations. Didn't connect to the values highlighted in the book. 

Short summary:

An army guy Bill Peck loses his hand in the war and his army job. He applies for a job in a company.

His boss asks him to go buy a particular flower vase for him. He wants to gift it to his friend. He intentionally creates hurdles for Bill. But being trained in the army, Bill fights through all the unexpected situations and he finally buys the vase and delivers. Impressed by his go-getter spirit, he gets promoted with a good salary hike.

I felt the fight and the effort he put was not worth the cause. But its probably an inspiring story for that era. Job scarcity and many soldiers losing their livelihood was most probably common in that period (1921). It must have inspired many people to rebuild from scratch. But the morals and values don't resonate to today's life.

Go-getter | Classic British tone writing|Old military style motivational story|

My rating: 2/5

Psychology of money by Morgan Housel

 

Psychology of money by Morgan Housel is small book. Well written but strangely I took a few months to finish reading this book. I took a break and read 2 other books before I came back to this one. 

Its a fantastic book and the author has rightly titled it as Psychology of Money. The book is for all. You could be an ignorant investor to a seasoned money manager. It gives you the view point, that thin line, that can flip the financial situation completely. 

Author has quoted many stories of those who succeeded and those who failed financially. Ironically both approached with the same strategy. 

He quotes extracts from many books that supports his idea and adds his new angle of viewpoint which is very informative.  Unlike many books structured on similar lines, this book didn't feel like a textbook or collection of quotes and extracts from other authors. 

I strongly recommend that everybody should read this book to understand the paradoxical nature of money 

My honest rating: 5/5

Some extracts from the book that I  liked:

A genius who loses control of their emotions can be a financial disaster. The opposite is also true. Ordinary folks with no financial education can be wealthy if they have a handful of behavioral skills that have nothing to do with formal measures of intelligence.

*******

Ronald Read was patient; Richard Fuscone was greedy. That’s all it took to eclipse the massive education and experience gap between the two.

*******

A good definition of an investing genius is the man or woman who can do the average thing when all those around them are going crazy.

********

The ability to do what you want, when you want, with who you want, for as long as you want, is priceless. It is the highest dividend money pays.

********

The psychology of money review | Morgan Housel| Paradoxical nature of money| Right behaviour towards money

Strength first Goodness next by ARK Sharma

 

It's a small book of 150pages. Could have been much smaller. Many pages are repetitive. 

First of all....I personally did not like the title of the book. In my opinion the author has forcefully fit the extracts of Swami Vivekananda to the title of the book. Swamiji has inspired many souls to develop inner strength but he has no where even given faint hint that Goodness can wait. The author has a misunderstanding that being timid, being a pushover, being coward in the name of politeness.....as goodness. Swamiji insists to be bold. To fight for the truth and not fear the death. He did not say, develop strength over goodness. He says develop strength over weakness. 

The good part this book are those which has extracts of Swami Vivekananda's  speech/talks/works. 

Overall I didn't enjoy reading this book. My rating: 2/5

Man's search for meaning by Viktor Frankl

 Finished reading this book last week. This book is beyond my ability to rate. 

Viktor Frankl is doctor by profession,  survivor of Nazi's concentration camp. He derived a new theory of counselling called Logotherapy.

The first half of the book narrates his stay, struggles and survival stories in the Nazi camp. His analysis of his inmates, human behaviour in the extreme conditions,  the drift in the psychological mindset when they are suddenly free into the world.....

Its intense...but very depressing.  These are not merely stories but realities documented in detailed description of incidents and associated emotions. 

I took a long time to finish the book simply because it was emotionally heavy. 

I don't recommend this book because I didn't enjoy reading it.

Ikigai The Japanese secret to long and happy life by Hector Gracia and Francesc Miralles

Just finished reading this book Ikigai by Hector Gracia and Francesc Miralles.

In my opinion there is no secret and there's nothing Japanese about this book.

It was more like reading a blog. The authors have summarised some researches, interviews, books.... across the globe....consolidated it into a book.

I felt the word IKIGAI has been overused. Its forcefully fit into everything. 

For example,  if someone believes life is driven by Karma, they will perceive every incident of their life, people they come across..... as karmical repercussions. 

In this book Ikigai has been used in the same way.

If you read the epilogue of the book, I don't think you will find anything more than that in the entire book.

I felt the book was a drag. It felt like reading some textbook.  Didn't interest me. No wow factor. My rating 2/5

Few extracts to summarise the book:

The book summarises some of the methods of psychological counselling. Nothing Japanese about these :)

Logitherapy by Frankl Victor: You may want to read Man's Search for reading 

Morita therapy by Shoma Morita

Naikan meditation 

Csikszentmihalyi's book The psychology of optimal experience 

Owen Schaffer's DePaul University

Travel blog to 2 places in Japan:

Ogimi and Okivawa in Japan. The authors have included short interviews of some people who have lived a long life. 

Okinawa province diet: We have heard this concept multiple times by many dietitians: Hara Hachi Bu is eating 2/3rd of what u need

Description of how to do Exercises: Radio taiso, yoga, tai chi, chi kung, Shiatsu.

How to love by Thich Nhat Hanh

 

Just finish reading this book. Its a book of collection of quotes from various talks by the Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh.

I have watched some of the videos and read some quotes here and there by him. I loved it and hence bought 2 of his books. I didn't know that this book is collection of quotes. Had I known...I guess I wouldn't buy it.

Obviously its not a book to be read in a day or two or even rush through the quotes. I would read a few pages now and then and tried tomeditate on it the whole day. The beauty of this book is....its not random collection of quotes. Its organised to give a flow. All about love...starting from what is true love, how to cultivate, how to Express,  importance of self love, how to forgive myself,  others, life situation and loved ones........ how to support each other in love, how to sustain the love in the relationship.......

Very thoughtful,  mindful, compassionate expression of love.

It helped me gain some insights in some intense situations and regain my control over my emotions. So it was worth investing my time reading this book.

It was a slowwww. ....pleasant reading....

Only love is real by Dr.Brian Weiss

I have previously read the book Many Masters Many lives by Dr. Brian Weiss.  This book is equally good.  I loved the past life regression and the life lessons narrated. Its amazing how destiny finds it's way to unite the soul mates.

I liked the storyline of this book. It doesn't exaggerate the story of the 2 soul mates uniting. It rather justifies the title of the book. Every life and life situations bring a deeper lesson of love.

I loved reading this book:)

I also explored the past life regression meditation by the author from the YouTube link below .  I must admit I had some interesting experiences. 

https://youtu.be/sIcd5jlarqk

The Aghoris By Mayur Kalbag

 

Read this book a few months ago: The Aghoris by Mayur Kalbag.

The book was super interesting. I didn't want to get into the debate whether it is fictional or non fictional. I have heard of many real stories from authentic sources but at the same time I have never witnessed any Aghori Babas performing any miracles.

Irrespective of that the book, the stories, the details of the rituals, the detailed explanation of the author's experience of meeting the various Gurus....was very very interesting and attention grabbing. 

I loved the light sense of humor that blends with the flow of the scenarios. The story telling of the whole journey is simple, seamlessly realistic. 

Grandma's Bag of Stories by Sudha Murthy

 

I bought this book to read it out for my 6yr old son. I have previously bought some other story books for him....most of them were disappointing. Unfortunately many of the books titled Panchatantra stories/ Jataka stories are these days fake. They are not original. Some clueless person writes meaningless stories and publish them as Panchatantra/Jataka to cash on the market demand.

Here is a beautiful book by Madam Sudha Murthy. Original stories, told to her in her childhood. Very cute stories and they carry a simple moral for children to learn.Very well written...simple stories which keeps my interest and my son's....

Loved it!!!

This is the second book I am reading by the same author. Previously I have posted the review on Wise and Otherwise. She has won my heart and interest once again. I am yet finish reading this book. We are going one story at a time. When ever my son finishes his homework, he gets a bonus story :) :)

How To Develop Your Personal Mission Statement by Stephen Covey

Just finished reading this book. Its a small book of 40 pages. You can finish it one go. But you will probably take more time because it sets to on a thinking mode.

I liked the book from chapter 4 onwards. The first 3 chapters didn't give me the clarity on what exactly are we talking about!!! Is it a hobby, is it a wishlist,....

Its more on life purpose. But it didn't come to me easily through the book in the beginning. At one point I was loosing interest because I felt I am not clear on where this is heading towards.

Having said that, I guess its more of my limitation. Its not necessary that every reader would feel the same.

The book is also kind of a short summary of his other books. Especially the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Infact some of the paragraphs are literally a copy paste.

Do I recommend...yeah...kind of  :)

Wise and otherwise. By Sudha Murthy

       Wise and otherwise is a simple read with profound message. The book reflects the strong inspiring personality of the author Mrs. Sudha Murthy. 

I particularly admire her ability to discern the needy and the pretending to be needy. She has a perfectly balanced mind to understand what situation needs and how much help. Not less not more. It's not enough to be rich...it's important to know how to handle the power of money with humility and dignity. The author is a perfectly example for that.

Since a very young age I have always been her fan and often times I weigh her more than Narayan Murthy in her wisdom and balanced mind. This book has shown that my admiration is justified.

The book quotes many simple incidents of life which all of us encounter but the wisdom she derives out of it are the real gem stones.

I have bought another book by her. Yet to start reading it... I truly admire this book.

Richest man in Babylon by George S Clason

I completed reading this book on 1 May 2017. It was a good read. The stories are good. The advises of increasing your wealth are worth knowing. I did pick up some worthy points from the suggestions.

Having said that, the book didn't hold my attention with much enthu. If you have already read books like Rich Dad Poor Dad....I think the inputs from this book are not much. I have already trained myself to save reasonably from my earnings. I have also trained myself to budget and follow it stringently. So I gained less inputs from this book. However this is very personal opinion.

If you are someone having financial suffocation, unable to save, unable to understand where the money leaks out.....THIS BOOK IS A MUST. I know some of my friends who spend on obligations. They lend money to friends and relatives though they know it won't be returned. I also know of people who invest the money in wrong places and burn their purse. This book can open their eyes on many corrective measures.

Being me, Loving you by Dr. Marshall B Rosenberg

This is a guide to relationship handling. Basically the book documents a training session by Dr. MBR as it is....Word by word...

The conversations and examples give a very good perspective angle to deal with relationships. The correct choice of words to express the needs feelings and maintain the dignity of self and others.

I love the emphasis on being non judgemental about others and self. I endorse the freedom of expression with truthfulness in interpretation. I felt healed at my heart by simply accepting the definition of Love from NVC perspective.

The only set back of the book is... The prerequisite is... You should have read the book Non Violent communication. Else at times you feel a bit lost. Or you might assume you understand but the essence is missing because the background of the non violent communication book is important.
I also thought the free videos on YouTube are far more impressive than reading the same conversation in a book.

All said... It was worth reading. I would still rather recommend the book by Dr. MBR on "Non Violent Communication" than this book.

Link to the review of this book:
http://mybookpals.blogspot.in/2017/03/non-violent-communication-language-of.html?m=1

Secrets of Karma by Vijayraghavan

Here is my opinion about it:
1. I like the simplicity of the language. No jargons, no twists...just straight forward message. Its crystal clear.
2. Starting every chapter with a quote is very nice approach.
3. Throughout the book nothing was repetitive. Every chapter was unique and held my interest.
4. The stories are short simple and straight to the point. It was like reading a story book. Subject didn't feel heavy, at the same time holds on to the significance.
5. Though it quotes many stories and quotations from great saints, the book is author's original interpretation  of the subject. I like the way he has consolidated the teachings from Master, other studies and presented it in his own original style. It is not biased to any religion instead culminates all of them to point the universal truth.
6. The cartoons are very nice. Very relevant as well.

Just 2 points:
Should have included more experiences from personal life. This would help the reader connect to the author and the subject with respect to practical life.
The Law of Forgiveness supersedes law of karma. This should have been given more importance. This would have been the actual secret to break the chain of negative karma. 

Non Violent Communication-A language of life By Dr.MBR

Finally finish reading Non Violent Communication-A language of life!!!!
AMAZING book.... its a must read!!!
My heart filled tribute to Dr. MBR for authoring it.
The book demonstrates, provokes and motivates me to practice truthfulness to the coreeeee...towards self, others and in perception!! The drastic change in the view point to see, feel and express life AS IT IS gives deep relief and happiness that comes within.
The key to read the book is to go slow....Allow the message to sink in as deep as it can. There is absolutely no hurry to rush through the pages. You may also want to slow down in talking after the book has left its impact. Its not very hard to practice, but the first few steps could be hard to break the old norms and tendencies....I want to believe that the more I practice, I am likely to end most of my complications in life :)

Yes reading the book is the first step, whats more important is to imbibe the spirit of truthfulness. Now, every sentence I phrase opens a new angle of self understanding. This book has brought me one step closer to myself.

And what do I say about Marshal Rosenberg...... He certainly is an evolved soul who has shown that just the right usage of words, right sentences phrased will heal the deep self and transform the world around. What a way of illumination!!!! BRAVO....!!!! Yes though the book is simply about communication, my heart has sensed a lot of spiritual revealings in Dr.MBR and his book!!! A BIG THANK YOU :)

I have read this book twice so far. Every time I read, there is an improvement in my perception and expression. Time for the 3rd reading. Will update soon

The Dalai Lama's Cat By David Michie

Meow Meow!!!!
An amazing read after a long time. I feel like a meow in the monastery.
David Michie has done a splendid job in the description of the cat's perspective and yet imparting the glimpses of the immense compassion of His Holiness Dalai Lama.
For those who carry interest in spiritual read with a tinge of a light story line, this is an AWESOME book. I loved every page of this book. Didn't fall asleep even once :). Most of all....this book made me loose count of time...... Loved it!!!!

Many Masters Many Lives by Brian Weiss

Even if I started to read this book with a skeptical mind, with a conviction that I will only consider this book as a fiction and just collect pearls it offers.......Convictions broke apart....The book completely took over me.

Its an intro the life of Dr. Brian Weiss (hypnotist and psychiatrist) and his patient. The treatment leads to a mysterious turn when she starts narrating her past lives. In the intermittent phase between 2 lives, she meets the higher beings, who eventually start communicating and conversing with Brian directly.

The essence of the teachings is priceless. The impact was beautiful. After reading the book, for a few days, everything in life felt like a passing by event, like a dream which will eventually break. There was a constant anticipation to witness the waking....as if all this was as unreal as a story/fiction.

Anger, frustration, disappointments and everything else felt a useless emotion. It was much easier to let go and accept as things are in the present. It was much easier to choose to be happy despite the things were not as I planned.....

It was a temporary phase....impact period but atleast I know, its possible to take life much lighter... :)

Conversations With God Book One by Neal Donald Walsch

Finished reading this book. And I am surely going to read it again!!!
When I started reading the book, with the first few pages....I had to pause, close the book and talk to myself. I felt the book is a fiction, pure imagination...So I told myself, I will read it as a story book....pick up the contents which is in align with my beliefs and discard the rest.....

By the time, I had completed about 20 pages of the book....I believed the contents have been derived from a reliable source and there is actually nothing much to discard.
40 Pages: I was sure the answers are from an evolved soul with rich experience of illumination. I had a very interesting experience which lasted its impact for more than a week.
A colleague at work was angry with me for some silly reason. But surprisingly, my reaction to her was very saintly.....I looked at her and acknowledged that "I the GOD is experiencing anger through her form towards I the GOD in my form. Actually, there was nothing to be angry or upset about, because we are not two different entities but the same GOD in two different physical projections." As I starred at her with no emotions, she had nothing further to trigger the anger and she left. This is something I had not expected in the wildest of my dreams. By the way....not that I was out of my sense in deep bliss at that moment. I was completely aware and the acknowledgement came to me as if it was my true nature at ease.

I had to read this book with more focus and every line was now coming to me as highly important.
The book has changed my perception about God and his availability. The truth and its authenticity. My self and my abilities to choose, control and change whats best for me. That includes: Life, society, religion, money........ and I Me Myself

When I had completed the book by 80%, I was sure GOD is actually talking to me!!!!
This book is a must read. Read it over and over again....Its a worth conversation!!!!

Men are from Mars Women are from Venus by John Gray

Finish reading this book.  Good....not good...hmmm...dont know how to classify.
Let me list what I liked about the book:
1. The basic difference in the thinking pattern between men and women.
2. How to improve the understanding of the opposite gender.
3. How to ask for support...
4. Concept of love letter and writing the response
5. Difference in the scores men and women give.

If this book has helped people improvise the relationship....yes its true. It was worth reading....

What I didnt like about the book:
> Its too dragging. I skipped some pages, coz it was sooo repetitive.
> Tooo gender biased. Every communication and choice words have to be remembered with an additional check on whom are we talking to...man/woman
> In many places, I felt it was not justified, why the women is asked to have a greater patience....Or atleast that is the msg I derived.
> Through out the book, I had a tendency to compare the book to "Non Violent Communication" by Dr.MBR. That's a far more superior book compared to this one. Far more convincing and its irrespective of the gender.




After almost two years now...on this day (Mar 07-2017) I would like to write a different review of this book.
Consciously or subconsciously I have made some efforts to change my mode of communication. I have spoken differently to women and differently to men. I have made an attempt to use different expressions and chose different words to communicate. Not upto the mark as mentioned in this book....but just reasonably....
The results are remarkable. I am more tolerant. I can acknowledge the situation differently. My relationships have improved...especially with my father. I am glad I read this book.