Hallo Readers!
Today let's talk about books. So 2023 is finally here, and it's time to load the book shelf with some good reads. So what books should you read this year?
1. Think Like a Monk
Jay Shetty
Many people believe that to be a monk; one must wear robes, get bald, and leave everything right, but not necessary. Jay Shetty is a modern monk who emphasizes the importance of a monk mindset. He has also mentioned various techniques and methods which can be applied in fast-moving lives to overcome stress, anxiety, procrastination, and overthinking.
My favorite quotes from the book:
"The more we define ourselves in relation to the people around us, the more lost we are."
"But when we look for the good in others, we start to see the best in ourselves too."
"If you don't break your ego, life will break it for you."
2. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
Robin Sharma
This book is for you if you are a self-help aficionado pondering self-improvement. It is one of the finest books I have ever read. It motivates you to throw your hat in the ring and guides you to discover your destiny with a simple yet most promising fable of a lawyer who gave up his profession and started living like a monk in the valleys of the Himalayas. He renounced all his material possessions and decided to write a new chapter in his life with the quill of ancient teachings of sages of Sivana. It prompts you to think about your goals, ambitions, and happiness.
The book reveals the most effective and fruitful techniques for self-growth and productiveness.
My favorite quotes from the book:
"Never regret your past. Rather, embrace it as the teacher that it is."
"You will never be able to hit a target you cannot see."
"Life doesn't always give you what you ask for, but it always gives you what you need."
3. The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is a record-breaking bestseller by Paulo Coelho. According to Google, 'an alchemist is a person who transforms or creates something through a seemingly magical process. The author suggests that as the alchemist turns metal into gold, in the same way, one must transform themselves into someone capable of achieving the Personal Legend. When someone truly wants something, the universe conspires to help to achieve it. One must pursue their dreams by following their heart's desires; with each passing obstacle, there is a lesson to be learned. The attitude and approach towards the situation determine success and failure, so stay optimistic and never lose hope when faced with adversity.
My favorite quotes from the book:
"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
"The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times."
"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting."
4. The Demonologist
Gerald Brittle
This book is for you if you are a horror movie/book connoisseur and love anything guaranteed to scare your pants off. A beautifully written encyclopedia by Gerald Brittle on the world beyond the mirror.
Ed and Lorraine Warren, known as THE WARREN, were American paranormal investigators and authors associated with prominent haunting cases. The ominous doll Anabella is one of their most notable cases.
The book talks about the difference between the human and inhuman spirit(something never walked the earth in human form), the three different stages of demonic activity, namely manifestation, infestation, and possession, the painful process of exorcism, and the brave and courageous people (including Warrens) who perform it and suffers from this. However, it didn't cover all the most important and famous cases, but If you think ghosts are only responsible for hauntings, think again.
My favorite quotes from the book:
"Diabolical forces are formidable. These forces are eternal, and they exist today. The fairy tale is true."
"We work with any clergy of any religion that teaches the love of God and love of your fellow man. We work with all people of all faiths."
5. A Thousand Splendid Suns
Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a masterpiece beautifully written by Khaled Hosseini. The story is remarkably written, and the ending can leave anyone flabbergasted. It is a simple yet elegant story of two Afgan women struggling and sacrificing their rights and freedom when the Taliban invaded Afghanistan. The pain they endure and how they go through it with the love and support of each other is so captivating. Hosseini's writing style is exquisite and flawless, and you can easily read it in one go.
My favorite quotes from the book:
"Marriage can wait; education cannot."
"A society has no chance of success if its women are uneducated..."
"Behind every trial and sorrow that He makes us shoulder, God has a reason."
Now all you have to do is find a comfortable place, grab your book and coffee, and start reading :)
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Cheers!!
Welp! Time to get my stoicism robe and pay a visit to Diogenes and Aurelius.
Have read the first one, it was great and will try to read the others also. Thank you for the suggestion and summary thought, really appreciate your work.