Ekta | wisdomekta

  This is my first Murakami read of 2026. And true to his usual writing style, this book also carries his signature sense of the odd, the unexplained, and the unresolved. So, this book is a one-night saga on what happened in Tokyo after the sun had set! Nineteen-year-old Mari Asai was sitting alone in a corner of a famous café when a stranger—well, not entirely a stranger—approached her and struck up a conversation. The stranger, Takahashi Tetsuya, insists that he knows her older sister, Eri, thus setting Mari on an odyssey through the sleeping city. At first, Mari ignored him, just as she was oblivious to everyone who passed by her. But her icy reception didn’t daunt Takahashi’s adamantine resolve, and eventually Mari began answering his questions. What began as an awkward conversation between two seemingly unrelated strangers turned into a wonderful night of adventure, music, and revelations. “After Dark” is generally a light read. It delves into a person’s thoughts and emotion...

  The most difficult thing for anyone in this world, while trying to be original, is being accepted by others enough for them to truly listen to the thought or understand the unique actions. On the other hand, being original itself requires so much risk-taking, inviting undue comments, and being ready to face criticism. There are silent days of annoyance, with no certainty of success and Plan B dying at the beginning stage. This book, titled “ Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World ” by Adam Grant, explores many of these pain points faced by originals. It argues that originality is a necessary trait, especially in this era, and addresses the challenge of improving the world by becoming original by championing novel ideas. I have long admired Adam Grant’s writing. His first book, Give and Take , was every bit as hopeful as this one—optimism wrapped in a layer of practicality. Drawing on studies and stories from business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant shows how t...

  "Yet every day, unconcious bias quietly shapes how you think, judge, and decide, often without you realising it." Mohit Kapoor himself introduced the book!! One of the quiet joys of working with my organisation is crossing paths with insightful souls who remind me that the most powerful ideas do not always stand in the spotlight—they often live in humble faces, honest conversations, and moments of genuine connection. One such delightful meeting was with Mohit Kapoor ji!! “The Hidden Lens: Understanding Unconscious Bias” is an effort to explore the many biases we all carry, often without acknowledging them, even though they quietly influence our lives. This book serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder that unconscious bias shapes our decisions, behaviours, and perceptions—especially in the workplace—often without our even realising it. The book is thoughtfully structured into nine chapters, each offering a deeper look into the world of unconscious bias, the science behind h...

  Disclaimer- This post is part of trait-series-for-kids which I began to search and write for my kids in 2019. With this series of blog posts containing knowledge-slash-experience, I pray from the almighty that our kids have a simple but magical life. The contents of the series are the search, several readings, experiences, and self-reflection. Each trait post will end in a mantra to follow. Dear Sons, Sometimes in life, we feel we are in a strange place or situation, yet somehow it seems as if we have “been there before.” This experience is called “ déjà vu .”  And one ordinary day, without warning, you will feel it too. But I am not going to talk about it today. Today it is about “ vuja de ”!! This is the experience in life when a familiar situation or action, which we have done a hundred times before, suddenly feels completely new. This experience is an art that I wish you to develop, so that you can live a life full of fresh experiences and hopefulness, as every day beco...

The great philosophical books often have open endings , allowing the reader to dive into their own emotions and imagination. After reading this book, my observation seems to have gotten stronger. This was another read gifted to me by an office colleague, titled The Illicit Happiness of Other People by Manu Joseph. The book is a tragicomedy that explores human emotions and expressions in some of the most tragic, yet strangely normalized, lives. Based on a dysfunctional Malayali Catholic family in 1990s of Madras, the story is dealing with the aftermath of their 17-year-old son Unni’s suicide. The plot includes his alcoholic father, Ousep, investigating the "illicit," mysterious reasons behind Unni’s final act, his wife Mariamma (who talks to walls), and their younger, insecure son Thoma. The book uncovers some deep and complex layers of genius, existential joy, and human secrets. “Happiness is an unavoidable, almost 'illicit' destiny that people cannot escape.” This ...

Coming from a background wherein the promises are treated in the most sacred way, this book was not a surprise to me. Since childhood, my parents have made sure that the importance of character, the consequences of promises, and the standard of integrity are well established within my persona. I try my best (on a daily basis) to uphold the teachings of my parents. And that is not because of some obligations towards them, but because when I practice these values, I feel lighter, calmer, and a true peace inside. For me, this book was a simple reminder of my childhood values. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom is a self-help book by Don Miguel Ruiz. It outlines a code of conduct, based on Toltec teachings, that aim to improve one’s life. Agreement 1 – Be Impeccable With Your Word: This speaks regarding the importance and power of our tongue and mouth, and about the words we speak. This agreement urges us that we must try our best to speak truth, avoid gossip, and ...