The 12 best books I read in 2017
Unlike last year, I was almost certain that I would not take on any reading challenges this year. It really is something to understand so many characters and situations and not be affected. You can’t really purge emotions easily. But then we all like challenges; to push ourselves and overcome our own limits. And this is what I read.
1. The Ayn Rand Spring
A classic read and my favorite book this year also has many career lessons to teach. An architect’s indestructible will to build is challenged with every step he takes. On his way to success, he gives up love, honor, fame, and money, only to win it back near the end of his career. But is that what you always wanted?
2. I’m Malala by Malala Yousafzai
An extraordinary story of a brave 16-year-old girl who fought for the cause of education in the beautiful Swat Valley in West Pakistan. Malala, a Nobel Prize winner with an iron heart, did not give up even when the Taliban shot her and she landed separated from her family in the UK.
3. Devlok by Devdutt Pattanaik
After watching an episode on Epic Channel, Devdutt caught my eye. An important question and answer book with important chapters on gods, goddesses, demigods, traditions, sacred texts, avatars, myths and more. A must read for teens and those who want to know about Hinduism.
4. Devlok 2 by Devdutt Pattanaik
A continuation of Devlok 1, Devdutt Pattnaik covers interesting questions based on forests and fields, animals, and more. Pattanaik’s lucid writing makes a great gift, especially for teens, students, and NRI readers.
5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Late for the party, yes, but I picked it up a couple years ago and I was bored. With no books available for February, I had to find this one and finish it. The alchemist teaches you about learning, beliefs, and risks. More than anything it teaches you to keep walking.
6. The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad from Twinkle Khanna
This book is divided into 4 stories. Each character is embarrassed by society but has no fear. The characters choose an unconventional path and change lives. Twinkle Khanna is a smart author who effortlessly impresses.
7. Ashwin Sanghi’s Krishna Key
The rebirth of Lord Krishna in his Kalki Avatar, to destroy the world is part fiction and part real. The story takes you through the lost cities of Gokul, Vrindavan, and more. Enlighten the reader on the history of the Somnath Temple and the Taj Mahal. Ashwin Sanghi, the Dan Brown of India, is also known for weaving similar wefts to the former. However, Chanakya’s chant is a very entertaining read.
8. Ignited Minds by Shri Abdul Kalam Azad
A guide for all who aspire to achieve greatness in life. This book is a blessing and a guiding hand with its speeches, examples, and luminescent fragments.
9. An Inappropriate Child by Karan Johar
I only brought it in because I loved this season of Koffee with Karan. An inappropriate guy will interest you if you like to read about the Hindi film industry. Take a look at Karan’s childhood, movies, friends, and love life.
10. Khalid Mohammed’s Faction
I figured it would be an interesting read because it is a book based on the stories of 22 film personalities. Very few were impressive. It is a compilation (anthological) of stories. Some of the best stories written are by Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Bobby Deol, Deepika Padukone, Karan Johar, Shekhar Kapur, and Sonam Kapoor.
11. Tina Fey’s Bossypants
I cannot relate, identify or understand the pages or the purpose of this book. It contains too many insider American jokes that only SNL fans – Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock will understand.
12. Stories from Modern India edited by Suresh Kohli
An anthology may seem like a good bargain, but in return I have found that they lack quality content. Of course, the Chicken Soup books are an exception. The stories in this book are based on emotions like love, betrayal, sacrifice, superstition, and ambition. These are works by famous authors translated from Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi and English.
