Wednesday, January 21, 2009

My favorite books

Hi! I just started this blog so I will start with my favorite books. This list will be edited from time to time and there will be many more additions to this list as time goes by. Hope you enjoy reading!

Are you bewildered by the name of my blog? Don’t be. I only want you to read it a bit at a time, when you have a little time to spare. ‘Lamp of a king’ is just the literal translation of my name as it means in my native tongue. I am grateful to my friend who egged me to start a blog.

1. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
My wisdom: First, own a Ferrari (through hard work and honesty). Then sell the Ferrari. After that try to become a monk. Remember, a person who possesses nothing, has nothing to give either. First possess a heart!

2. Who Will Cry When You Die by Robin Sharma
My wisdom: Cry with tears of joy and smile through your tears. People will enjoy being with you when you are around and weep when you are gone. The quotations used in this book are marvellous! No spots, spot on!

3. Code Name God: The Spiritual Odyssey of a Man of Science by Mani Bhaumik
My wisdom: Have higher objectives in life. Simple living and high thinking. Let your talents shine like a laser beam and hit the moon.

4. Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
My wisdom: The soul needs feeding from time to time. Throw in some vegetables in the chicken soup and have dessert and fruits to follow. Practice the spirit of Aikido.

5. 50 facts that should change the world by Jessica Williams
My wisdom: This book should change the way you look at this world. It will shatter most myths and help bring you back to reality. It is a book that shows up the glaring problems we face but it is not a book of criticism. It is a book about awareness and how to make this world better than it is now. This book has been updated twice. There is also a detailed list at the back of this book on how to join various organisations to make a positive difference and constructive impact .

6. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
My wisdom: This book is not about dying. It is about how to live life. The wisdom comes from the author himself. He is the type of person I would like to be.

7. The Scientific Edge by Jayant Vishnu Narlikar
My wisdom: A great book on Indian scientists of the yester years and their achievements.

8. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
My wisdom: This is a tiny pocket sized picture book for kids but it is one that I carry in my pocket most of the time. If you are an adult and haven't read it, please do read it. If you are a parent then buy it to your kids. You will not regret the investment. Age group? Zero to infinity! If your kid is one year old, buy if for him or her. S/he will look at the pictures or may be tear it apart. If that happens, buy her/ him another one after some time. When s/he starts to understand words a bit, read it to him/ her from time to time. I hope everyone carries this book in their pockets.

9. Blink: The power of thinking without thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
My wisdom: Try to read it. And I also recommend his other book The Tipping Point. Will change your world both within and without!

10. Marley and Me by John Grogan
My wisdom: I read this book quite some time back. It is about a pet labrador. A new film has been made which I haven't seen yet. Marley won hearts with his 'destructive' powers.

11. Boom Boom The White Dolphin
My wisdom: I love dolphins. This is a comic book I read in my childhood. I have forgotten the name of the author and am trying to find out. Look out for Boom Boom!

12. The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elyn R. Saks
My wisdom: A beautiful mind at work. Everyone can achieve a few things in life worthy of note if they try.

13. Man's Search For Meaning by Victor E. Frankl
My wisdom: The glass is half empty or half full.

14. The Far Side by Gary Larson
My wisdom: A book to carry when you are lonely.

15. Civilization by Clive Bell
My wisdom: People have fought wars to preserve civilization and get rid of so called uncivilized people. The author questions them, "But what is civilization?"

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