#CuriousTitans – Top 10 Books of 2023
I had read 38 books in 2023, but a few of them left an indelible mark on my heart and mind. It’s not just about the number of pages turned, but the journeys they took me on and the thoughts they stirred within me.
Here are my Top 10 picks from last year – each one a treasure in its own right. I hope you’ll consider picking these up for a read.
1. “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi
“When Breath Becomes Air” is a heartfelt autobiography of Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon confronting terminal illness, delves deep into life’s meaning.
Paul relates his experience of what doctors go through while handling patients and their families. He says, “The question is not simply whether to live or die but what kind of life is worth living.” “What makes life meaningful enough to go on living?” His heartfelt journey through mortality gives us a new way to see life.
“The future I had imagined, the one just about to be realized, the culmination of decades of striving, evaporated.” This one sentence still gives me chills.
His story isn’t just about him; it’s a powerful reminder for us all to cherish life’s moments and rethink what truly matters. It’s emotional and makes us think about being alive. Everyone should read it to understand life’s preciousness and how we can find meaning in tough times
2. “Tata Stories” by Harish Bhat
Tata Stories hit the spot for me—I’ve always been fascinated by how Tata keeps evolving and staying relevant. “Tata Stories” delivered just that, giving me an incredible journey through their growth and innovation over time.
The story that I liked the most was about an encounter between Jamsetji and Swami Vivekananda on a ship to Japan, where they have a deep conversation about India’s development.
These stories reveal Tata’s commitment to creating solutions that mattered beyond business success. This is a must-read for entrepreneurs as it shows visionary leadership and ethical business practices.
3. “The Last Heroes” by P. Sainath
The Last Heroes is like opening a door to a hidden part of India’s history. It shines a light on unsung heroes of our freedom struggle—everyday people, farmers, artisans, homemakers, and more—who stood against British rule.
It’s incredible to learn from their experiences, like Shobharam Gehervar, who embraced the wisdom of both Gandhi and Ambedkar. As India celebrates 75 years of independence, this book reminds us that many of these courageous individuals, living in poverty, are often forgotten. It’s a powerful reminder of their sacrifices and a call to recognize their vital role in our history.
As P. Sainath puts it, the stories of these unsung heroes are crucial for us to understand the true meaning of freedom and independence, and how to bring them together.
4. “Grit” by Angela Duckworth
“Grit” stands out amidst the flood of self-help literature with its profound insights on passion and resilience.
Duckworth’s research-backed approach challenges the notion of innate talent dictating success. Her formula—Talent x Effort = Skill and Skill x Effort = Achievement—redefines achievement by emphasizing deliberate practice and sustained hard work.
The book navigates through cultivating interest, deliberate practice, purpose, hope, and a growth mindset. Duckworth also explores cultural influences and parenting in nurturing grit. She portrays grit as an ongoing journey, encouraging perseverance and resilience.
This book has profoundly impacted my perspective, and I believe it can inspire your journey of self-discovery too. Another must-read!
5. “Becoming Flawesome” by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani
Becoming Flawesome redefines success, urging us to embrace imperfections for real happiness. It shows how happiness fuels success and reminds us that we’re already worthy and lovable.
It challenges the idea of non-stop hustle, emphasizing the importance of breaks and rest in our journey. Mand-Lakhiani encourages us to question our beliefs, promoting authenticity for a more meaningful life. This insightful book is a practical guide to self-discovery, inviting us to let go of perfection, embrace our flaws, and find joy in being true to ourselves.
6. “Samsara” by Saksham Garg
This book was a page-turner! ‘Samsara’ is a fiction novel, delving into the intersection of modernity and ancient Indian culture through the lens of the Rig Veda. Beyond its mythical roots, the narrative transcends into a realm of contemplation, inviting readers to explore thought-provoking themes that challenge the very fabric of our status quo.
The novel not only offers an adventurous tale but also imparts valuable lessons on patience, self-control, and relationships. Garg’s captivating writing style kept me eagerly anticipating each turn of the page. The characters came alive, their struggles and triumphs resonating profoundly. I am looking forward to the next part of this series.
7. “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
Stoicism, at its core, centers on acknowledging the aspects of life beyond our control while directing attention inward. “The Daily Stoic” doesn’t just preach stoic philosophy; it embodies it, offering a hands-on approach to applying ancient wisdom to contemporary complexities. It’s a pragmatic guide that seamlessly weaves stoic principles into modern-day hurdles, nurturing not only wisdom but also inner strength for our everyday lives.
One pivotal aspect highlighted in the book is the concept of the dichotomy of control. The Stoics emphasized the importance of distinguishing between what’s within our power and what isn’t. This distinction liberates us from unnecessary worries about external factors, allowing us to focus our energies on what we can influence—our own thoughts, actions, and responses. This powerful lesson from stoic philosophy, as articulated in “The Daily Stoic,” serves as a practical tool for navigating the challenges of the present day.
8. “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene
Greene delves deep into the multifaceted nature of power, unraveling its historical and psychological dimensions. The book ventures beyond mere analysis, delving into intricate strategies employed by individuals to acquire and uphold power. One compelling aspect I found captivating is its tendency to defy conventional thought patterns, offering a fresh perspective on human dynamics and social connections.
An integral part of this book is the exploration of power dynamics through the 48 laws outlined by Greene. These laws dissect the subtle maneuvers, tactics, and behaviors often observed in historical and contemporary power struggles. They serve as both a cautionary tale and a strategic guide, shedding light on the intricate game of influence and control within various spheres of life.
Greene’s work challenges readers to reconsider their approaches to human interaction, compelling them to reevaluate their understanding of power dynamics and social relationships in a thought-provoking manner.
9. “Will” by Will Smith
One of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces today, Will Smith, didn’t start as an instant superstar. His autobiography, “Will,” unveils the untold effort and dedication that shaped his rise to fame.
An illuminating section of the book unveils the early struggles and setbacks that Will Smith encountered on his path to stardom. He authentically shares moments of adversity, setbacks, and the persistent determination that propelled him forward despite numerous challenges. Smith’s openness about the grind and unwavering commitment offer readers an inspiring glimpse into the grit required to transform from an aspiring talent into an iconic figure in the entertainment industry.
Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, Smith shares the real story—the grind, the setbacks, and the unwavering resolve that transformed him into an industry icon.
10. “Same as Ever” by Morgan Housel
If you’ve read ‘The Psychology of Money,’ this should be your next read. This book branches beyond finance and offers wisdom that is applicable in general. It delves into human motivations—fear, love, hate, greed, and envy—showing how these have remained unchanged across time.
Housel paints a vivid picture of our behaviors and society, revealing the consistency that shapes our world. It’s like getting a glimpse into the timeless mirror of human nature. It felt like peeking into a mirror reflecting the unchanging essence of who we are.
The book comprised short, engaging chapters that grabbed my attention. The storytelling brought each chapter to life, making it an immersive experience.
(Also check out my tips on achieving yearly reading goal)
In my 2023 reading journey, the books were all about perseverance, leadership, self-reflection, and consistency. They were like different colors mixing, showing how people keep going, understand power, look inside themselves to grow, and handle change. Each book came with a new learning, so there was always something to look forward to.
May these books not only migrate from my shelf to yours but also leave an enduring impact on your thoughts and lives. Happy reading, and here’s to the many lessons and adventures that await us in the pages yet to be turned.
#CuriousTitans #BookList #BookRecommendation #LearningNeverEnds
