Reading has always been a choice. Especially when schedules are tight and other daily responsibilities make their presence felt, we all know how tricky it can be to find some ‘me’ time with a good book. Indeed, it can be a challenge, but not one that can’t be overcome. There are a few of us who always find a way to indulge in their literary fancy. So this time around, The Week asked them about the latest book that is keeping them occupied. From collection of personal stories, analytical reads to classics, we’ve got their eclectic answers here.
Chicken Soup for the Working Women’s Soul
I got my hands on this at the recently held book fair. I have read many books from the Chicken Soup series. There is just something very comforting about the stories that they feature. I have always gravitated towards reads that I can relate to. I like writers and works that recognize the real scenarios and present real picture of the lives that are around us. So naturally when I saw the title of this book, I was immediately excited. The book blurb said that the readers will laugh, cry and nod in agreement as they connect with women who are not just making a living, but making a life. It’s exactly my kind of read.
Here, we have a collection that celebrates the diversity and special contributions of women in the world of work. It showcases their hopes, dreams, aspirations and accomplishments. It also acknowledges important and often unappreciated women at home through stories of stay-at-home moms for whom raising children was their most important task. Reading the extracts from various personal stories here, there have already been many instances where I felt that I have been in the character’s shoes. So yet again, Chicken Soup doesn’t disappoint. It’s proving to be a very motivating as well as moving read so far.
— Barsha Sharma
Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoğlu, James A. Robinson
The first time I heard about this book was when the National Planning Commission member Swarnim Wagle mentioned it in an interview. He had recommended it as a must read and I was intrigued. Though I really enjoy literature, I’m a keen non-fiction reader as well. As a reader, I believe we can really benefit from the analysis, research and hypothesis that they present. It really helps shape our perspective and considering the present state of our country, I’m very eager to develop insight on matters of our nation and government.
I’m only a couple of pages into the book, however, I do have high expectations. Many economists and leaders alike have given many good reviews of the book. Why Nations Fail basically answers all these important questions: Why some nations are rich and others poor? These are question that have baffled many people, and even experts, for centuries. So I’m thoroughly looking forward to finding some answers and reaching the end of this. The book is based on fifteen years of original research and it presents extraordinary historical evidence to build a new theory of political economy with great relevance for the big questions of today. I think youths around the world would do well by acquiring this kind of knowledge and insight.
— Deepak Luitel
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I’m finally getting on the Jane Austen bandwagon. I recently bought a couple of her famous novels, and since the most popular one seems to be Pride and Prejudice, I have decided to start with it. As it is, it’s never too late to start on a classic. I still have a couple of hundred pages to go but I can confidently say that Pride and Prejudice lives up to the hype. I particularly enjoyed Austen’s witty writing style. The way she allows her story to evolve whilst addressing several societal issues is very impressive. You don’t feel like the issues and her stance on the matter are being thrown at you. They merge seamlessly with the characters and the plot.
Pride and Prejudice is also known as one of those iconic love stories and now I can see why. It’s been really interesting to read about courting back in the days. I find myself comparing the actions and conversations of the couples today with the ones in the book. It’s fascinating how attitudes have changed. When it comes to romantic novels, I believe the classics certainly deliver the best love stories. It creates such an endearing idea of romance that you can’t help but be compelled to dream. Romance novels of today somehow fail to muster this sort of magic and I say so having read Nicholas Sparks as well.
— Mandira Pant
Good to Great by Jim Collins
This book is known to be a classic in the field of management. Jim Collins provides a detailed explanation based on his ground-breaking imperial research using numerous data about why some companies set themselves apart from the rest.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it touched upon myriads of topics in management ranging from the role of business leaders, strategy, innovation, individual discipline and more. Personally, this book has been a revelation for me on some of the most basic topics in leadership and management. Parts where the writer presents fact-based justification about core values of organizations and postulates the mechanics of leadership are incredibly eye opening. These are such valuable information for the curious reader.
After finishing the book, the reader is bound to question the existing beliefs which s/he holds. This book can be useful for both practicing managers and students to help them in setting higher standards for themselves.
— Raghav Pokharel
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