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Book Review- Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

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The book was recommended by many, and being a Japanese one, it was also waiting in my to-read booklist. Coming straight to the book, this book can be reviewed in two ways - First, the “Book Cover” and second, the book itself, i.e. the tale of new beginnings, love, family relationships, community and the comfort I find in reading the books. If you look at the book cover that I am seeing, you will notice a cat gazing at a door. To the left, there is a bike, surrounded by a sea of books on the left, top, and right sides. In the center, there is a door featuring the silhouettes of what appear to be a man on the left and a woman on the right. The book title is centered at the top. There are additional details that enhance the enjoyment of reviewing the cover. This book cover is a delight to my eyes and feels like a gateway to an amazing dream place! The story follows a young woman named Takako, who discovers the joy of reading. It also delves into her relationship with Uncle Sat...

Book review- Daivya Sutras by Mona Verma

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During one of my training, I had the opportunity to attend a class-cum-workshop led by a charming faculty member who was discussing a common topic with interesting twists. At the time, I had no idea who she was or what her background entailed. Curiosity piqued, I later learned that she was an accomplished writer who had gained acclaim for her work. This remarkable faculty member turned out to be Ms. Mona Verma, the author of a notable book that has resonated with countless readers. I think, since the dawn of language, storytelling has always captivated our hearts and minds! My childhood was filled with many stories told by my mother. Mythology weaves a vibrant tapestry of tales that help us explore our culture and discover our place in the grand narrative of life. Daivya Sutras is one such remarkable collection of unforgettable stories. This enchanting book, with its stunning cover, draws in with captivating tales of the trinity, heroic warriors, the divine beauty of goddes...

Self story 2024

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The death is REAL! 2024 marked the departure of many known souls from this world, reminding me of the fragility of life. Their untimely departure has put the core of my being in freeze. Each untimely loss has cast a shadow over my spirit, leaving me in a state of reflection and introspection. In such times, I pacified myself with the dialogue from “Anand” Movie “ Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi ”. Embracing the moments that matter can genuinely make all the difference. This is the motto I am embracing as I move into another year. This reality check has disconnected my scorpion soul on some deeper level from this world. It seems I have developed a sensitivity and respect for the people in my life at a deeper level. The “plastic” aspects of career, fame, profit, and happiness have revealed their true meaning to me. No, it is not that I have attained nirvana!  It is simply the heart speaking, and the mind has finally embraced these heartfelt truths that...

Book Review- How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

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“Please don’t be too hard on yourself” — “Women are much harder on themselves than men are. They tend to worry more about their perceived faults and feel greater pressure to improve. This can be useful because it makes you willing to change. But getting caught up in self-reproach, or beating yourself up for being a flawed human being, is always counterproductive. You can’t lead, and you can’t make helpful improvements in your behavior, if you’re constantly berating yourself”.- Marshall Goldsmith. Despite being an avid reader my whole life, I have never said no to reading any self-help or self-development type of book. I am a big fan of improving my current version, which requires constant reminders, and what a good way for the books to remind me of what is required next. One such self-help book recommended by a friend was the last read titled “How Women Rise”. This women-specific book that attempts to "tell” how to tailor a woman's “professional suit.” For me, the...

Book Review- All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

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The book was a great one-day read! I completed it recently while travelling to Jaipur. This was the typical Collen Hoover novel presenting yet another stigma from society - Infertility and how it brings a stall into the lives of married couples. The story delves into the complexities of love, marriage, and the struggles a couple faces in their journey to find happiness. The book alternates between past and present, telling the story of Quinn and Graham—how they met, the promises they made, and their current struggles in a troubled marriage. It artfully presents the pain they experience, making it feel very real. All Your Perfects did a wonderful job capturing the ups and downs of the storyline! It beautifully reflects the chaos we often experience, filled with moments of confusion, heartache, and insecurity. It’s a reminder that everyone makes mistakes and sometimes feels like giving up, because none of us are perfect and we all go through tough times. The book is a recomme...

Book Review- The Door-To-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn

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  “It has been said that books find their own readers—but sometimes they need someone to show them the way.” A wonderful colleague of mine introduced me to this amazing book, and I'm really thankful to her for it! It's all about the love of books, and I couldn't be happier to have discovered it. Without any spoilers, let me share an exhilarating glimpse into this captivating book!  Meet Carl Christian Kollhoff, a 72-year-old bookseller with a unique mission: he delivers carefully selected books to his special customers under the enchanting glow of moonlight. Each evening, he curates tales that perfectly resonate with the unique personalities of his clients. But one fateful night, Carl's world turns upside down when he encounters the lively and sharp-witted nine-year-old Charlotte, who introduces herself as Schascha. Their dynamic sparks a thrilling adventure that not only transforms the lives of Carl’s customers but also intertwines their destinies in ways t...

Book review- Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment Book by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony and Cass R. Sunstein

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“Most of us, most of the time, live with the unquestioned belief that the world looks as it does because that’s the way it is." Understanding the distinction between bias and noise in systems is crucial for our life, mind and peace of heart!  I decided to buy this book on the spot for two compelling reasons: first, my outstanding experience with Daniel Kahneman's earlier work, " Thinking fast and slow ," made me eager for more. Second, the pervasive noisy environments surrounding us highlight the need for insights to help me navigate decisions more effectively. In "Noise," Daniel Kahneman, Cass R. Sunstein, and Olivier Sibony illustrate how noise plays a significant role in causing errors across various fields, including medicine, law, economic forecasting, police behaviour, food safety, bail decisions, airport security checks, strategy, and personnel selection. Although noise is present whenever people make judgments and decisions, individuals and ...