The Story Map: A Proven Storytelling System That Makes Your Audience Listen, Believe and Act by Sandeep Nair

 The Story Map: A Proven Storytelling System That Makes Your Audience Listen, Believe and Act by Sandeep Nair

Most books on communication tell you to "be engaging," but Sandeep Nair gives you a practical framework instead. Drawing on his fifteen years in brand building, he shows that storytelling isn't an innate talent—it's a skill anyone can learn and practice.

The book breaks storytelling down into three core elements:
🌼The Soul: The author helps how to define your purpose and emotional intent so your message actually lands.
🌼 The Body: The author helps to set up the structure and narrative loop to keep your audience from drifting.
🌼 The Spirit: The author helps you how to read the room and adjust your tone depending on whether you're pitching to an investor or chatting with your team.

The author shares an important lesson from his early work with RFID systems at Tata Motors. Rather than acting like a technical expert with all the answers, he spent time talking to the operators who used the system every day. That experience highlights a simple truth: knowing your audience matters just as much as knowing your topic. A message fails if it doesn't meet people where they are.

What makes The Story Map so useful is how it takes the intimidation out of sharing ideas. You don't need to be a born performer to communicate well. With diagnostic paths, chapter summaries, and action steps, the book turns storytelling into a clear, repeatable system for everyday work.

For anyone who gives presentations, manages teams, or pitches ideas, this is a straightforward guide worth keeping nearby.

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Spiritual Wealth Codes: Awaken Your Inner Power for Abundance, Healing & Lasting Success by Dr. Reshma Jain

 Spiritual Wealth Codes: Awaken Your Inner Power for Abundance, Healing & Lasting Success by Dr. Reshma Jain

Are you chasing money or the Money is chasing you? Surprised, what if I tell you that I read a book that guided me to identify my inner self, to improve my energy field. This book is none other than, " Spiritual Wealth Codes" by Dr. Reshma Jain. 

In this book, I get to know about our chalra system and how each chakra is alligned with different responsibilities. If any of this doesn't work then it may create a chaos for the person. One needs to indentify his pattern of energies before maintaining a balance. 

I learnt about the Luo shou grid that is specifically made based on your energies. I was bit surprised to know how openly the author shares about her shortcomings and how she applied the same to improve herself. 

These spiritual wealth codes are a daily practice and cannot be assumed to be fulfilling all of our wishes. These little activities have the power to change our circumstances. 

I learnt a lot of spiritual wealth codes to execute and gained a lot. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend the same to all. 

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The Art of Travelling Light by Dr. Ketaki Chavan

 The Art of Travelling Light by Dr. Ketaki Chavan

"The Art of Travelling Light" is a thought-provoking read. It is divided into four phases. Each chapter helps the reader to explore what he is still carrying as baggage and needs to let go for smooth living. There is a TO-DO exercise after each chapter that makes it easy to understand your choices and baggage.

Dr Ketaki shares that letting go can feel like losing a part of your body. If you let go of that object or person, at one point in time, you may feel a strong urge to go back. It simply means that your mind is still trying to adjust to a new reality.

Quote from the book that piqued me:
💖"It is not the situation itself that decides how we feel. It is how we choose to look at it."

💖 "If you are always available, always understanding, always there no matter how you are treated, you are not building a relationship. You are building a habit. You are the old sweater they reach for when they are cold and toss on the floor the second they warm up."

He uses "simple yet impactful" wording full of understanding, and ideas make you ponder on your choices. I liked the story of three men who made a home near a seashore. The first one built his house with cheap wood and spent his extra money on his living the moment luxuriously. The second one built his house with reinforced stone. He worked overtime. 

But there was a third builder who also made his house of stone. But he also worked on building his muscle power. When the storm came, all houses were gone. The third person still survived. He understood that the real reward for his hard work was never the house itself. The reward was the strength he had built while putting it together, stone by stone.

Overall, this is a life-changing book. I enjoyed reading Thmakesook and would recommend this book to all.

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THE CHROMATIC WORLD ORDER: The Fiction That Rules Our World; A Brief History of its Genesis and Other Stories by Sajid Mohamed

 THE CHROMATIC WORLD ORDER: The Fiction That Rules Our World; A Brief History of its Genesis and Other Stories by Sajid Mohamed

The claims of civilization or epistemic superiority remains trapped within the language of ethnocentrism. The book argues against race, and it's consequences. 

It is a book that explains of the racial prejudices that is present in this International Law through evidence researched and gathered from history. It offers a rigorous examination of how contemporary international relations, legal systems, and diplomacy operate within a framework where historical racial hierarchies continue to dictate global power dynamics. 

It explains why the UN and NATO were quick to jump in the condemnation and sanctioning of Russia following its war on Ukraine while it continues to slap Israel's wrists over the most grotesquely naked gen*ocide of the 21st century.

As per the book, history is rarely an objective record; when dominant political actors curate the archives, historical accounts become a theater of moral alibis. Mainstream historical frameworks easily condemn past figures or ancient horrors - such as Genghis Khan or Timur - because they are framed as anomalies, whereas the mechanized violence of Western modernity is continuously rationalized as necessary progress. 

The reason that the West villifies Hitler while ignores King Leopold II is the same reasoning behind why they can successfully sanction Putin but struggle with the boycott, divestment and sanctioning of Israel.

A really insightful and dark observation of the text is how profoundly public visibility surrounding mass violence and gen*cides have changed in today's age.

He examines:

1. The Holocaust and Germany: How European racial logic shifted Jewish identity from a religious group into an immutable racial category, laying the legal groundwork for extermination.

2. Israel and Palestine: Modern military aggression in Gaza framed directly as an ongoing manifestation of settler-colonialism.

3. Middle East Military Interventions: A critical breakdown of Western actions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria.

4. Vietnam: The imperial hegemony and destructive assumptions behind Southeast Asian foreign policy.

5. South Africa: The mechanics of Apartheid as a legalized, state-enforced racial hierarchy.

6. Global Migration: How modern European border enforcement renders non-white lives expendable.

In the chapter named, "The Development", the author shares various facts about Dred Scott, various judgements made on different cases. His well researched facts brings to the notice about laws and it's effects on man kind. 

In the chapter, " The Consolidation" the author talks about enlightenment. He shares varied theories by Immanuel Kant, and the scientific, philosophical and political developments that led to Enlightenment. 

I was extremely hurt by the catastrophic picture of "Nsala of Wala " in the Naongo district. The fathers gaze at his daughters cut parts was heart wrenching. I was stunned by the heartless act of the rubber sentries. 

Overall, it is an thought provoking read. 

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DHI Alchemy: Reset your Body’s Energy Frequency and Transform Your Life by Manjula Pooja Shroff

 DHI Alchemy: Reset your Body’s Energy Frequency and Transform Your Life by Manjula Pooja Shroff

This book simplifies the complex elements of a life well-lived. It attempts to ignite the light hidden in all of us. I enjoyed the practical approach, small, practical steps to solve many issues. This book offers holistic, scientific solutions to real-life problems.

This book draws attention towards the mind-soul connection and how one can improve emotional and mental health as well. The DHI method promotes a holistic and 360-degree approach to life, which emphasises the importance of balancing the mental, physical and spiritual dimensions.

It showed me how to use the EFV concepts to raise vibrations across the mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions. As I am approaching my forties, it felt like a blessing to know how to reverse my ageing through embracing an anti-ageing lifestyle.  I learnt how to let go of trapped negative emotions in our body that could lead to illness and accelerate ageing.

Quote from the book that piqued me:

👌"Ageing is the accumulation of damage. If we can stop that from accumulating damage, we can stop ageing. We have all the knowledge we need to defeat ageing; the only question is whether we have enough time."

👌" Don't pause until the limitation no longer defines you. Replace limiting beliefs with an open, growth-driven mindset. Look at what can be done rather than what's standing on the way."

👌"Exercise has a dramatic antidepressive effect. It blunts the brain's response to physical and emotional stress."

The author emphasises that failure is reframed not as an end, but as a vital part of the learning curve, an experience that strengthens resilience and brings greater wisdom. Her vivid and easy-to-go-with 'do-it-yourself' approach makes it more accessible and imbibe-worthy.

Overall, it is a life-changing read.

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Ratno ka Rahasya / रत्नों का रहस्य by Dr. Deepak Singla / डॉ. दीपक सिंगला

 Ratno ka Rahasya / रत्नों का रहस्य by Dr. Deepak Singla / डॉ. दीपक सिंगला

किताब: रत्नों का रहस्य

लेखक: डॉ. दीपक सिंगला

मानव का रत्नों के प्रति आकर्षण कोई आज की बात नहीं है, यह सदियों पुराना है। हम अक्सर अपने जीवन में किसी न किसी रूप में कोई न कोई रत्न पहने ही रहते हैं। जब मेरे मन में इन रत्नों के पीछे की दुनिया को और करीब से जानने की उत्सुकता हुई, तो मैंने सोचा कि क्यों न इस विषय पर कोई अच्छी किताब पढ़ी जाए। इसी खोज के दौरान मेरे हाथ लगी डॉ. दीपक सिंगला की पुस्तक 'रत्नों का रहस्य'।

इस किताब में लेखक ने एक बेहतरीन रचनाकार की तरह विषय की पूरी समझ और गहराई को बहुत ही सुंदर ढंग से पिरोया है। किताब पढ़ते हुए यह समझ आता है कि मनुष्य का रत्नों से परिचय कैसे हुआ और हम इसमें कैसे पारंगत हुए। लेखक ने यह बहुत ही सुंदरता से दर्शाया है कि हमारे ऐतिहासिक और आध्यात्मिक ग्रंथों—जैसे रामायण और महाभारत—में भी रत्नों का स्पष्ट उल्लेख मिलता है। यहाँ तक कि हमारे देवी-देवताओं के चित्रों और मूर्तियों में भी उन्हें विभिन्न रत्नों, आभूषणों और रत्नमालाओं से सुशोभित दिखाया गया है।

अग्नि पुराण, गरुड़ पुराण और देवी भागवत जैसे प्राचीन ग्रंथों में हीरा, माणिक्य, नीलम और पन्ना जैसे कई रत्नों व महारत्नों की उत्पत्ति, उनके स्थान और उनके लक्षणों का जैसा विस्तृत वर्णन मिलता है, उसे इस किताब में बहुत ही सरल तरीके से समझाया गया है।

पढ़ते हुए मुझे रत्नों के कई अनोखे और बहुमुखी प्रभावों के बारे में पता चला। किताब यह स्पष्ट करती है कि रत्नों का भौतिक और औषधीय प्रभाव जहाँ शरीर विज्ञान और आयुर्वेद का विषय है, वहीं इनका सूक्ष्म और आंतरिक प्रभाव ज्योतिष विज्ञान और रश्मि (किरण) विज्ञान के दायरे में आता है।

किताब में नौ महारत्नों, उनके संबंधित ग्रहों और मानव जीवन पर उनके प्रभाव की बहुत सुंदर व्याख्या है। एक बेहद दिलचस्प बात जो मुझे समझ आई, वह यह कि जब एक नवजात शिशु इस पृथ्वी पर जन्म लेता है, तो वह पूरी तरह विकार-रहित और ग्रहों की रश्मियों से मुक्त होता है। लेकिन जन्म लेते ही जैसे ही वह वायुमंडल के संपर्क में आता है, उस पर सभी ग्रहों की किरणों का प्रभाव पड़ने लगता है। जन्म के समय जिस ग्रह की किरणें सबसे ज्यादा प्रभावशाली होती हैं, वही बालक का मुख्य प्रभावी ग्रह बन जाता है, और जिसकी किरणें मंद होती हैं, उसका प्रभाव कम रहता है।

आगे चलकर कैसे हम अपनी राशि और लग्न के अनुसार अपने लिए सही रत्न या उपरत्न का चुनाव कर सकते हैं, इसका बहुत ही विस्तृत और व्यावहारिक विवरण इसमें दिया गया है। इसके अलावा, रंगहीन पत्थरों और दुर्लभ पत्थरों की भी एक उपयोगी सूची इस किताब में देखने को मिलती है।

कुल मिलाकर, अगर आप रत्नों के पीछे के अध्यात्म, इतिहास, विज्ञान और ज्योतिषीय प्रभाव को गहराई से समझना चाहते हैं, तो डॉ. दीपक सिंगला की यह किताब 'रत्नों का रहस्य' एक बहुत ही ज्ञानवर्धक और पठनीय पुस्तक है।

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Doctors Are Not Murderers by Debraj Shome , Arti Heda

 Doctors Are Not Murderers by Debraj Shome ,  Arti Heda

Doctors Are Not Murderers is, in a way, a sequel to the book Dear People, with Love and Care, Your Doctors, which is also a collection of stories and letters from doctors and patients across the globe.

The book begins by explaining why we need this book in the first place. There are many violent acts against doctors and other medical professionals occurring, not only in India but in most of the countries. So, the doctors themselves have to explain their struggles and their efforts to make the people understand, and that is where this book was born, to bond the trust between the doctors and the patients.

It explains the need for a doctor-patient relationship to bridge the gap between them. Through stories told by doctors, as well as patients, this book shows the reality and offers hope to rebuild trust between them.

This book not just told about the struggles of doctors dealing with their patients, but it also explained the complete story on both the patient's and doctor’s side, making us understand the dilemmas faced by both…

Each story has different emotional weightage, and the way each doctor handles their patients makes us understand how the bond between a doctor and his patient should be and how trust plays an important role in this process… It definitely took me time to go through these stories. Some stories felt so close to the situations I saw in my life that I could feel the pain in my heart… This book is really something I needed to read, and I'm happy that I read this…

Once people read this book, I'm sure they'll feel more confident around their doctors and trust them to cure despite all the rumors on the white coat… This book is a must-read.

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Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma: Timeless Strategies to Navigate the Corporate Jungle by Ashok Kumar Bhatia

Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma: Timeless Strategies to Navigate the Corporate Jungle by Ashok Kumar Bhatia

 This book is a manual for skilful action for leaders in the market place. This book demonstrates the relevance of the eternal knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita. It cites typical instances from the world of management.

At its core, the book is not about religion—it is about decision-making, mindset, and inner clarity. It vividly depicts that the corporate world is filled with ethical conflicts, pressure, ego clashes, and one  needs to often make choices between right and wrong.

Bhatia cleverly positions corporate professionals as modern-day Arjunas who are capable enough to find out their path amidst the chaos. He offers bite-sized reflections that can be consumed and contemplated individually.

From topics like “The Risk of Sweating over the Small Stuff” and “Values: The Real Soul of Organizations” to “Ego: A Serpent or a Saviour?” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, the book maintains a fine balance between philosophy and practicality. Each chapter feels like a standalone lesson, yet collectively, they build a cohesive framework for what the author calls “corporate dharma.”

The author has rightly pointed out certain facts and figures we ignore by being busy or too occupied to focus on. It has taken a modern approach aligned with our ancient scriptures to improve and enhance the work life as a corporate.The captivating examples from all over the world the author has borrowed Krishna's teachings to Arjuna and has created a thought provoking guide that can be practiced in a workplace and have the potential to provide spiritual contentment towards one's work.

The author has used both his wit & wisdom in writing this book. The quirky captions & witty anecdotes/ made up scenarios add a zing of energy to reading this around 300 pg book. His personal stories, experiences are also peppered in the book.

Mention of Maslow's Need Hierarchy, Peter Drinker at regular intervals, Newton, Einstein etc reminded me of college days & the simulated versions of office situations, of my own work experience. I could relate to the book at numerous junctions.

Overall, this is an insightful book.

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Power Play: Video Games, Politics, and the Battle for Global Influence by George E. Osborn

 Power Play: Video Games, Politics, and the Battle for Global Influence by George E. Osborn

In today's scenario, video game and social media influence is becoming a part of daily life. Every person wants to find out how to become more influential. In this book, how technology developed for entertainment became a way for political campaigns and regimes to influence millions.

It is a great book that introduced me to the most important cultural technique of this century and how it is used by our adversaries to corrode and undermine our democracies.

The author has well captured the need of each sector and how it played an essential role in building the consumer market for computing products. He depicted vividly how in mid 2000's, games hardware built a player base that was ready to be reached to communties as they needed high speed internet access to congregate, communicate and create content.

The main side effect of the adoption of video games hardware is that it created the conditions upon which the ownership of a cheap, high- powered computer shifted from the dream of consumers in a few wealthy nations to a part of life for billions of people across the world.

Even the democratization of video game development has built the architecture of a video game information revolution; those games still needed a way to reach an audience.

The author has well penned each phase in detail and explained in simple language the need and evolution of video games. His well-researched details added to my knowledge and enhanced my focus.

Overall, it is an insightful read. 

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Finding Shankara: A Dramatized Biography of Adi Shankaracharya by Divya Narain Upadhyaya

 Finding Shankara: A Dramatized Biography of Adi Shankaracharya by Divya Narain Upadhyaya

"Finding Shankara" by Divya Narain Upadhyaya is not a typical biography. This book immerses in the wisdom and intellectual growth of him. I could find the journey of how he transformed from a child with pretty good questions to a person with clarity in his beliefs.

In this book, the author portrays him not merely as a saint but a seeker who is always seeking the reason behind every task. He provides logic and reasoning, and the related shlokas and stotras from the Vedas make it more engrossing and insightful.

I appreciate the part when Shankara made the Dakshinaamnaya Sharda Peetham and installed the idol of Maa Sharada. He sang praises of the goddess of learning, and he received a request to train Aanandagiri. He taught him as he appreciated the simplicity of heart, unquestioning loyalty, and devotion towards his guru. Later he miraculously transferred all the knowledge of the Shastras to Giri.

What makes the book particularly poetic is that the author finished it while in Kedarnath, the same sacred site where Adi Shankaracharya was last seen before disappearing from public view. It eloquently maps his voyage across the length and breath of India, from the banks of the Narmada river where he met his guru, 𝐺𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑎 𝐵ℎ𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑣𝑣𝑡𝑝𝑎𝑑𝑎, to the spiritual cities of Kashi, Varanasi, and Kashmir.

The wording is lively without becoming unduly elaborate. The inclusion of the holy Sringeri Sharada Peetham sholakas and their translation in English at the end is commendable. Here each stotra and its meaning in simple language at the end of each page make it easy to understand about the Bhagavad Gita and other included holy wordings.

By the conclusion, I realized I had not only learned about Adi Shankaracharya but had also walked beside him. Whether you're interested in Indian philosophy, Advaita Vedanta, history, spirituality, or simply compelling storytelling, Finding Shankara provides something more than just knowledge.

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Parts of Living by Sindhura Chamala

 Parts of Living by Sindhura Chamala

As the name suggests, the book portrays how a person has different phases of life. This depiction made me ponder how much we ever introspect about ourselves. But as I started diving into the story, it presented a woman who had carefully organized her living. 

The story follows Meera, a fifty-year-old woman who lives alone in her house. Her house help likes her and agrees to whatever tasks she provides. Over the course of a few weeks, she reflects on her relationships, her choices, and the very idea of what it means to continue living. 

The story unfolds through almost 22 days in Meera's life, which perfectly justifies the title. It presents the ordinary moments in our lives playing an important role in changing our perspective and engaging in quiet reflections regarding them. 

The author has well penned the character of Meera and the way she gets influenced by her chat and other persons around. Through interactive conversations between Meera and her online friend, it makes it more captivating. The writing is simple yet evocative. 

Overall, "Parts of Living" is a well-written, thoughtful, and thought-provoking read. 

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Unlock The Animal World: Incredible Facts for Young Superheroes by Ingrid Newkirk

 Unlock The Animal World: Incredible Facts for Young Superheroes by Ingrid Newkirk

"Unlock the Animal World" is an informative yet adventurous read. In this book, I felt like taking a trip around the world, knowing different animals and their nature. Some of the fascinating capabilities made me wonder, if these animals could do it, then why can't I?

Each page of this book shares an inspiring story that kids should be told. I was mesmerized by the brave Janeysha, who took the risk of going inside the drain to protect a scared, hungry, grateful kitten. The way she helped the kitten, ignoring her safety inside a storm drain, is commendable.

The author has well researched the minutest details of these animals and shared a lot about them in detail. The book covers a range of topics, starting with small trips and extending to the Great Migration of land animals on Earth. She even shares about how animals show their true love and affection. She even shares that mice enjoy receiving gentle messages.

What I liked the most was the chapter "Family First" from a fresh perspective. Most animals show their families that they care in ways that aren't as messy but definitely just as impressive. Even pigs enjoy listening to music, playing with footballs, and getting massages.

The core theme of the book is that humans learn varied activities from animals. Still, they are the first to harm animals. Instead, humans should join hands and protect all animals.

It is, on the whole, a thought-provoking and insightful read.

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The Chanakya Playbook: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Entrepreneur by Abhiraj Gupta

 The Chanakya Playbook: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Entrepreneur by Abhiraj Gupta

"The Chanakya Playbook" is a rare and intellectually rigorous book that bridges ancient Indian Strategic wisdom with the realities of mordern enterprise. This book is apt for startups, MSME's and global conglomerates alike. 

In this book, the author challenges the mordern corporation through the lens of Chankya's thoughts. He put forth the concept of saptunga, shadunga, and yoga-kshema. He tanslates classical principles into contemporary frameworks that address real world challenges. He talks about systems thinking grounded in responsibility, resilence, and sustainability.

What I liked the most was the importance of discipline, patience, self control and try making sensible decisions. Many of his ideas were simple yet evocative. Many of the ideas are simple on the surface, but they make you reflect on how you approach challenges, relationships, and long-term goals. I especially liked the discussions around balancing ambition with values and the idea that leadership starts with learning how to manage yourself first.

The writing style is clear and easy to follow. The short chapters, examples, and practical insights kept me engaged throughout and made the lessons easier to absorb. It felt more like a guide that encourages you to think differently about growth, leadership, and decision-making.

The book also includes several case studies and counter case studies that explain the reasons behind success and failure. At the end of every chapter, it highlights key lessons that make the concepts easier to understand and apply. I especially loved how the book emphasizes the importance of using intelligence wisely, controlling greed and fear, and maintaining calm leadership during difficult situations and business challenges.

This book teaches economic strategies, risk management, justice in law, leadership, team building, alliances, and many other important aspects required for running a successful business. Whether you are planning to start a business or already managing one, this book serves as a complete guide. The blend of Chanakya’s ancient wisdom with modern business practices is what makes this book unique and impressive.

Overall, it is a insightful read.

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The Prakritic Diet: Traditional Wisdom for a Bio-balanced Life by Dr Farah Adam Mukadam

 The Prakritic Diet: Traditional Wisdom for a Bio-balanced Life by Dr Farah Adam Mukadam

Instead of advocating narrow diets and instant remedies, the book focuses on recognizing individual body types and matching dietary intake to the natural rhythms and seasonal shifts. It’s not just a health or nutrition book; it’s a thoughtful route to how the wisdom of the ages can be applied to modern living for sustainable health.

One of the best features of the book is the explanation of the concept of individualized nutrition. The author does not advocate a single dietary plan for all, but rather focuses on the fact that each individual has a distinct body constitution.

 Readers are guided through detailed description of Ayurvedic doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and Unani concept of mizaj or temperament to understand the body and make decisions accordingly. 

The personalized approach makes the book stand out in that it recognises that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. The explanations are simple and understandable, even for readers who are not familiar with traditional healing methods.

Overall, it is a splendid read.

Purchase here.

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The Girls Are Not Fine: The cost of ambition, careers and becoming by Harnidh Kaur

The Girls Are Not Fine: The cost of ambition, careers and becoming by Harnidh Kaur

The world will always underestimate a woman who underestimates herself first. When you doubt your worth, your potential, or your dreams, you silently diminish your own value.

People sense it before you speak a word. Most people don’t see your capabilities; they see your confidence. Underestimating yourself doesn’t make you humble. It makes you invisible. These thoughts compelled me to read more and learn how to regain my confidence and attain success.

Quotes from the book that piqued me:

💕 "Presence is confidence. When I enter a room, I’m not trying to be the most impressive person. I’m trying to be the most authentic version of myself.” Confidence stops being intimidating the moment it becomes personal."

The author vividly explains that confidence is not linear but cyclical. Some days you’ll feel magnetic. Some days you’ll feel invisible. Confidence doesn’t vanish on low days. It simply rests. True confidence lies in knowing your worth, regardless of how your emotions fluctuate.

The author evokes a spark of confidence within you. She pinpoints how to master the micro-moments of self-respect. She states that self-respect builds self-belief. Every time you:

• say no when needed

• end a draining conversation

• walk away from disrespect

• Prioritize your well-being.

Overall, it is an insightful and life-changing read.

Purchase here.

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Wealth is a Skill | Dr. Neeraj Tiwari by Dr. Neeraj Tiwari

 Wealth is a Skill | Dr. Neeraj Tiwari by Dr. Neeraj Tiwari

Wealth is something that is needed in abundance. But to acquire it is a multifaceted skill that encompasses strategic thinking. In this book, I get to know about disciplined practices, and a keen awareness of the strategic approach to imbibe.

This book is about embracing the belief that wealth is within reach and that with the right mindset, anyone can master the skill of creating it. This self learning approach empowered me to take charge of my financial destinies. It helped me break free from the traditional educational paradigms.

Dr. Neeraj Tiwari breaks down facts related to money in the simplest, most practical way possible. He shows that it’s something you can actually learn, practice, and improve over time, just like any other skill. He covers about innovative wealth strategies and how to protect yourself in crisis.

What I loved most is how the book doesn’t just talk about earning more. It dives into: 

🍓Building blocks of financial literacy

🍓 Understanding budgeting without feeling restricted

🍓Taking smart steps into investing

🍓 Exploring entrepreneurship with clarity

🍓 Managing risks while thinking long-term

The writing is super clear and beginner-friendly. The author has meticulously penned the simple yet actionable techniques to follow to be wealthy.

Overall, it is an insightful read.

Purchase here.

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The Girls Are Not Fine: The cost of ambition, careers and becoming by Harnidh Kaur

The Girls Are Not Fine: The cost of ambition, careers and becoming by Harnidh Kaur

"The Girls Are Not Fine" is a thought-provoking read. I recognise daily that society assumes we are fine in every aspect. But when I read the detailed approach from every corner of our life, it made me spellbound.

This detailed approach to how girls are expected to be perfect and speechless, though in pain, is commendable. What stayed with me the most was how the book talks about being "fine".Women are taught from such a young age to hide their anger, sadness, and exhaustion just to keep everyone comfortable. 

The author explains these emotions in a very direct and unfiltered way, and that made the reading experience feel personal instead of preachy.I also liked that it talks about things people usually ignore: emotional labour, family expectations, marriage pressure, workplace inequality, and how women are constantly expected to give more of themselves.

What I liked the most was the refusal toolkit. She explains vividly where to use and how to interrupt the machine that depends on our silence. Even the invisible labour toolkit makes it accessible, as it is important to make other people realise that there is labour in every work that usually goes ignored.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking read.

Epic Heroes in You by Dr. Krishna

 Epic Heroes in You by Dr. Krishna

Epic Heroes in You provides evidence and validation for the theory that universal psychic patterns do exist. All the principal psychological concepts explained in this book are the theories formulated or dealt with by Dr. Bolen in her renowned works Goddesses in Everywoman and Gods in Everyman.

The author has shared detailed aspects of three categories of heroes:

1. Virgin Heroes

2. Vulnerable heroes

3. Alchemic heroes

Men like Ravana, Arjuna, and Bhishma have the undivided attention that allows them to accomplish what they set their minds on. They can easily exclude everything extraneous to their goal during the process. They do not even mind if they have to give up food or sleep. In its most concentrated form, the focused consciousness can be extremely productive or destructive depending on the nature and intensity of the task at hand.

In every stage of his life, a man with the Ravana pattern only looks for what is beneficial for him, which requires him to expel unprofitable people from his ‘kingdom.’ No matter whether it is professional or personal, every relationship is a utility-based one for a Ravana man. His attitude clearly states ‘if you are of use to me, stay; otherwise, leave.’

Quote from the book that changed me:

"Learn to love selflessly. Stop living in your head alone. Respect the individual freedom of others and their right to make choices. Develop love for humanity and believe in equality."

I was intrigued to know about the varied heroes. Their aspects of perceiving life and dealing with emotions are worth the choice. The concept of keeping your emotions at bay and living a human life is worth the read.

The author has well-researched the characters and their lives in detail. He has depicted each in a well-organized and systematic manner.

Overall, it is an intriguing and captivating read.

Purchase here .

Artificial Intelligence Made Simple and Practical by Satesh Khubchandani

 Artificial Intelligence Made Simple and Practical: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Master AI, Save Time, and Get Better Results with 50+ Ready-to-Use Prompts and Workflows by Satesh Khubchandani

Every day I hear to use AI for little tasks of daily life. But hardly did I know how to give instructions to ChatGPT or anything else. But when I stumbled upon this book, I found many interesting facts about how to systematically provide instructions to an AI interface. Everything in this book is built on one simple system: Think clearly. Instruct properly. Build systems. Automate execution. 

The author emphasizes that the difference is structure. This is why prompt construction is not a technical skill. It is a thinking skill. The clearer you think, the better you instruct. The better you instruct, the better the output. 

In the beginning, I used AI like most people do. I asked random questions, expected perfect answers, and got inconsistent results. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. It felt unpredictable. Then I realized something simple. AI was not inconsistent. I was. My inputs were in vain. But after applying the techniques provided in this book, I felt a drastic change in my skills.

The author has well penned the pros and cons of using AI properly. His systematic and illustrative diagrams make it easy for the beginner to understand and apply it in their daily usage.

Overall, it is an insightful read.

Purchase here.

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LAUGH WITH ME by Ruskin Bond

 LAUGH WITH ME by Ruskin Bond

Laughing is the best medicine. But we hardly laugh at ourselves. I hardly read any of Ruskin Bond's books. But today when I stumbled upon this book that revives me with laughter, or "How to Live with a Smile," I picked it up. "Laugh with Me" by Ruskin Bond is a colorful amalgamation of thoughts and laughter altogether.

He begins narrating how the cats laugh by sharing the anecdote of his pet cat, especially when no one is watching them. He shares how he overcame the guilt of being caught in the photo where the caption said, "THE DREADED MAN-EATER OF LANSDOWNE." He feels that his name was combined because of the article, but it appeared in the wrong manner. 

"It's easy to laugh at others—at their follies, their blunders, their pitfalls—but not so easy to laugh at oneself"—a quote from the book. He has narrated the funniest parts of his life and how it changed his perspective. One of the most hilarious ones was the one when he was caught with books stuffed in his pants. The first book that came out with whack was "AS YOU LIKE IT" by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. The second book that came out was "GREAT EXPECTATIONS" by CHARLES DICKENS. The extreme comic part was a bonus whack.

What I liked the most was the colorful pages with no numbering on them. Each page shows a variety of depictions of life with a rainbow of colors. It indirectly depicts that life is full of ups and downs. Each person goes through a panel of highs and lows. This is another way of perceiving your failures and moving towards success. The vibrant illustrations serve as a reminder that every experience contributes to our growth, much like the characters in the story who navigate their own trials. This artistic approach not only enhances the reading experience but also encourages readers to embrace their journeys with optimism.

In one of his episodes, he shares about his story, "The Sensualist," which aroused an ire of certain moralities in the political hierarchy. He was arrested (but given bail) on a charge of "obscenity." The case was tried in Mumbai, where the complaint had been made, and he visited from Dehradun to Mumbai to attend the first hearing and plead guilty or not guilty. In the morning hours, when the train stopped at Vadodra, he had to lead a tug of war with the thief to save his spectacles. 

He has shared memorable books on humor that I began reading with. I still remember the characters TOM SAWYER, ALICE, and many more. His spectacular way of sharing his episodes with life-changing perspectives is commendable.

Overall, this is a book for all. I enjoyed the book and read it with my kids, who relished the colorful pages and the drawings. This made a smile on each one's face. The joy of sharing these stories created a special bond between us, fostering a love for reading that I hope will last a lifetime. Each turn of the page sparked our imaginations, leading to lively discussions about the adventures and lessons learned.

Purchase here.

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