Ekta | wisdomekta

This is the second review of the second book in the series “ Before the Coffee Gets Cold ” In “Tales from the Cafe,” the setting remains consistent. The cafe Funiculi Funicula features a special chair that can transport a seeker on a journey into the past or future, as long as the rules are followed to ensure they return to the present before the coffee gets cold. The characters have grown and developed from the previous book. The book has four tales , viz., the man who goes back to see his best friend who died 22 years ago; the son who was unable to attend his own mother’s funeral; the man who travelled to see the girl he could not marry; and my favourite, the old detective who never gave his wife that gift. Reading the café’s rules in each story became quite repetitive, but it didn’t matter; it actually made me feel like one of the regular customers at the cafe. The stories are captivating, especially when we understand the various reasons for revisiting the past or future. The book...

  First, let me share my reflections on the book. It is a great read because it does a good job of explaining how being vulnerable allows people to "take off their armour" and have conversations with real meaning and impact. Being a leader does not mean being “ correct, always ”. Being vulnerable creates empathy among peers, which opens the door to trust-building —the foundation for many strong relationships to start, whether professional or personal. The book actually suggests that being a leader is less about skill and more about how a person is! It is a great book to read in general, but especially for those budding leaders and humans-in-making. Coming to the book review. Dare to Lead primarily discusses daring leadership in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty, which requires building courage skills that are uniquely human. It focuses on developing the hearts and minds of leaders. Leaders are individuals who hold themselves accountable for recognizing po...

  I owned a T-shirt with the term wabi sabi - 侘寂 written on it. Although this book review and the text on my T-shirt may not have a direct connection, they served as a gentle reminder for me to learn more about this fascinating Japanese concept. As you know, I am a big fan of improving and learning new things. At many times, I have believed that life is simple and we all make it complex with our deeds and thoughts. This book, Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life, by Beth Kempton, echoed my thoughts. Beth Kempton explores the origin of wabi sabi, defining each word and examining its connection with tea. Wabi sabi consists of four components: tranquillity, harmony, beauty, and imperfection. The book weaves around the idea that imperfection does not imply lower standards- instead, it means accepting ourselves as perfectly imperfect. From honouring the rhythm of the seasons to creating a welcoming home, from reframing failure to ageing with grace, this book teaches...

Last weekend, while scrolling through the bookshelf of Crossword, I came across a great series of books by the Japanese writer Toshikazu Kawaguchi. Here is the book review of the first book in the series titled “Before the Coffee Gets Cold.” This short book explores deep emotions and highlights the simple aspects of Japanese lifestyle and culture. The storyline revolves around a small, cozy café named Funiculi Funicula, focusing on the lives of four characters and one seat. A businesswoman named Fumiko is working to repair her relationship with her boyfriend after he left the country for a job in the United States... A nurse named Kohtake is searching for a letter that her husband, who has Alzheimer's disease, wrote...  Hirai, a bar owner, is attempting to initiate a conversation with her sister, whom she has been avoiding... Kei, one of the co-owners of a café, is trying to travel to the future to speak with her unborn daughter... And ...One seat that allows a single journey to t...

I had the privilege to meet Gauranga Das Prabhu, an IIT-ian turned monk and a prominent ISKCON leader. I found his storytelling style effective. He can present intense life lessons in the most understandable way, and his lessons sink in effectively. The Art of Resilience: 40 Stories to Uplift the Mind and Transform the Heart by Gauranga Das Prabhu is a collection of 40 stories bringing out the morale in everyday scenarios and affirming my faith that results will come, but we need to focus on action, intent, and discipline. Gauranga Das connects the stories to the wisdom of Bhagavad Gita, inspiring readers to reflect and ponder on life. The story covers areas of wisdom, self-control, mindfulness, gratitude, devotion, humaneness, etc. My musings post reading - Everyone yearns for Peace, Happiness, Pleasure, Knowledge, and Eternity. That’s why we often seek out material pleasures, such as climbing mountains, driving luxury cars or motorcycles, dining at fancy restaurants, buying the l...

Wow, this book made me fall in love with fiction again. My childlike imagination was indulged in this thick saga. Without revealing the story, I will write this review in the shortest possible version. The Lost Bookshop is a time slip kind-of novel telling two stories separated in time but related through its characters, Martha, Opaline, and Henry. The lost and found Emily Brontë's manuscript was the driving plot. And then there was a missing bookshop, which binded the end beautifully. The book features elements of bibliophilia, magical realism, fantasy, historical fiction, and romance by Irish author Evie Woods. The book also brings up grim real-world issues, including alcoholism, domestic violence, and societal misogyny. In conclusion, The Lost Bookshop is a delightful place for anyone who, like me, appreciates the mention of the Lost Generation, bookstores, and the enchanting era when society, relationships, and literature radiate a special kind of wonder and magic. Quotes from...

The book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" truly stands out, especially for aspiring leaders who might feel unsure about handling daily conflicts or managing teams across different departments. It's not just a collection of theories or policies but emphasizes human understanding and the practical wisdom needed to find effective solutions with teams. The best part of this read is learning about building team through the storytelling! The book narrates a business story focusing on Kathryn, the new CEO of DecisionTech, a struggling high-tech company. Throughout the story, Kathryn strives to identify the root causes of the executive team’s failures. Despite DecisionTech having a great product and ample investor funding, it continues to underperform for unknown reasons. Kathryn, with prior executive experience in the automotive industry, is older than her peers on the executive team. The story vividly depicts her journey in overcoming age and expertise gaps and in helping the ...

This is my third book review by writer Fredrik Backman, following A man called Ove and The Answer Is NO . As usual, the writer offers excellent insights on the theme of “ fatherhood .”   The book lies somewhere between humour and autobiography. The sarcasm in the book is deep , and some parts require slow reading, although the writing is fast-paced, making it both an easy grab and a thought-provoking journey. The chapters vary in length, and the writing is casual, conversational, and less formal than his other novels.  The book captivates anyone who appreciates satire!   “Things My Son Needs to Know about the World” is a collection of cute and sweet essays. Each chapter illustrates what it is like to become a father for the first time. It discusses the love, the care, and the mistakes, covering everyday matters like poop diapers as well as the big “stuff” of life. Occasionally, a few chapters read like love letters to his son and his wife. This book wonderful...

“Everyone has that moment I think, the moment when something so momentous happens that it rips your very being into small pieces. And then you have to stop. For a long time, you gather your pieces. And it takes such a very long time, not to fit them back together, but to assemble them in a new way, not necessarily a better way. More, a way you can live with until you know for certain that this piece should go there, and that one there.” This recent read is mostly sad, full of struggle and little dark for me. The book is filled with hardship and somewhat gloom for my personal taste. It portrays a world that feels distant from my own experiences. Nevertheless, it serves as a stark reminder that the difficult circumstances depicted are the reality for some individuals in this world. Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Davis is shattered, having experienced more loss than most face in a lifetime. She copes by self-harm, the physical pain offering a temporary escape from the memories of her fathe...

  “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”      I am  yet another  fan and follower of this book. It remains a book I re-read every few months, especially during times of despair and confusion—a ritual I have tried to maintain since 2000. I have watched the videos and movie adaptations of the same title multiple times, but this book offers an escape that helps me connect with the realities of life.      “ Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man and Life's Greatest Lesson ” is a 1997 memoir by American author Mitch Albom. The book is about a series of conversations that occurred when Albom vis...

The book “ What Got You Here Won’t Get You There ” is theoretically uncomplicated, easy to understand, and at times, it seems to present nothing “new” in the world of leadership; however, the theory is extremely difficult to apply consistently in practice. It is indeed a self-help book for leaders and those who aspire to be leaders. Marshall Goldsmith is a renowned leadership coach. As expected, his book primarily discusses the practical issues that cause leaders to feel “stuck” on their leadership journey. For example, in one of his chapters, he deliberates on the greatest mistake of successful people based on the assumption, “ I behave this way, and I achieve these results. Therefore, I must be achieving these results because I behave this way. ” However, the reality might be that they are successful “ in spite of ” their behavior. This book captured my full attention, especially at the times when it discussed how to build strong relationships with our colleagues through gratitude a...

  I had no idea about this event in history until I read this. It’s insane—a chilling chronicle of violence and terror that is absolutely heartbreaking. " Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche " by Haruki Murakami is a non-fiction work that recounts the gas attacks that occurred in the Tokyo subway system on a beautiful spring day in March 1995. A religious cult known as Aum Shinrikyo, also referred to as the "Doomsday cult," released packets of sarin gas, resulting in many deaths, numerous injuries, and a nation left in shock. This book provides an insider's perspective on this tragedy through a series of interviews with survivors, relatives of the deceased, medical personnel, and members of the cult. The first part of the book is composed of chapters filled with interviews aimed at reconstructing the events of the sarin gas attack. It incorporates perspectives from victims, railway administration officials, police officers who w...

This book was exactly what I needed right now. I have known Fredrik Backman through his well-known novel  "A Man Called Ove "  . This is my second read from the author. The third one is on my to-read list. This quirky tale focuses on a character's everyday life and the tiny, often ridiculous troubles that arise, highlighting the absurdity of human actions and societal norms. Our protegee, Lucas who is a bit of a grump and a complete loaner, needs just three things for a perfect life: video games, wine, and pad thai with peanuts. Then, one day, the apartment board, a vexing trio of authority, rings his doorbell. And Lucas’s solitude takes a startling hike. They demand to see his frying pan. Someone left one next to the recycling room overnight, and instead of removing the errant object, as Lucas suggests, they insist on finding the guilty party. But their plan backfires. Colossally. And the rest is the story which requires reading!!! If you're looking for...

So, this book was lying on my brother's bookshelf. I picked it up because of its beautiful cover. Since, the author is well-known to me, as I have read most of her books, and I instantly decided to dive into the story. The Book of Tomorrow revolves around Tamara Goodwin, a 17-year-old girl who has always gotten whatever she wanted. However, with her father gone, her life changes forever. A mountain of debt forces her and her mother to sell everything and move to the countryside. Life with her uncle and aunt is boring and lonely until Tamara discovers a book in a traveling library. What she uncovers within its pages shakes her world to its core. Without revealing the details of the story, I will just say that the ending was to my liking ( yes, it has a good ending ), with an entire chapter devoted to revealing more information and answering lingering questions. This is a mesmerizing story about how tomorrow can change what happens today. It feels like a modern fairytale...

I had the opportunity to visit The Yoga Institute, the world's first yoga center, where I experienced its authentic environment. This institute was established in 1918. This book review focuses on a book written by the director of the institute, Smt. Hansaji J. Yogendra, titled "7 Rules to Reset Your Mind and Body for Greater Well-Being." The book offers a wonderfully accessible read. In the first four chapters, readers are invited to connect with the content through relatable, real-life interactions. It gently reminds us that approaching situations with a calm mind can lead to greater perspective and understanding. The author compassionately outlines the practices and thought processes we can cultivate to foster a positive yet realistic outlook on life. It's a reassuring guide for anyone looking to navigate challenges with greater clarity and compassion. Whether it is getting a good night's sleep or eating healthy or dealing with the office stress, sh...

I have read this book before, but I now appreciate it in a deeper way. With adding up of days in my livings and as I reflect on reality (my version of it…of course), while obligations at home and work keep me engaged, I wonder. I find myself questioning the value in my daily life, reminding me that life is a journey of exploration. Each day brings unique experiences and decisions and this re-read brought a reminder to discover what truly matters and what my priorities are. Franz Kafka’s “ The Metamorphosis” is an important modern literary work, published in 1915. The novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman. One morning, he wakes up and discovers that he has turned into a giant insect. At first, he worries more about missing work than about his transformation, showing how deeply he feels responsible. As Gregor’s situation gets worse, the emotions in his family change, leading readers to think about similarities between his world and their own. Gregor’s ...

“Everything is not black and white; the world is grey.” The lawyer turned author Simran Dhir, presents her debut novel, which incorporates all the elements that an elite Delhiite might encounter: politics, love, marriage, vandalism, history, and intellect. This narrative revolves around four main characters: Gayatri, Akshay, Nandini, and Amar. Gayatri is a 32-year-old self-aware, independent, and lovable bachelorette who fights for her beliefs, all while facing constant pressure from her family. Her younger sister, Nandini, has recently married Amar, a man from a well-respected business and politician family, and is a younger brother of Akshay. While Gayatri has always been a free spirit, having left her corporate law firm to pursue a career as a historian, Akshay holds completely different views. Without revealing the intricate details of this drama reminiscent of OTT series, I want to commend the author for the delicate way in which she addresses domestic issues and house...

“The feeling that she had never really lived in this world caught her by surprise. It was a fact. She had never lived. Even as a child, as far back as she could remember, she had done nothing but endure. She had believed in her own inherent goodness, her humanity, and lived accordingly, never causing anyone harm. Her devotion to doing things the right way had been un-flagging, all her success had depended on it, and she would have gone on like that indefinitely. She didn’t understand why, but faced with those decaying buildings and straggling grasses, she was nothing but a child who had never lived.” This tragic gem begins with a dream. Let me begin this review with the conclusion : This dark allegorical novel, winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize, is not for the faint-hearted. It carries a trigger warning due to its intense themes of trauma, violence, and repression while providing valuable insights into societal structures and personal struggles. The Vegetarian is a story in th...

And the story continues to flow smoothly like water. The charm and emotions follow Days at the Morisaki Bookshop . In this novel, we find a deepening of the relationship between Takako, her uncle Satoru, and the people in their lives. The book roams around themes of family, love, grief, healing, and personal growth, as well as the magical power of books and bookstores. Takako, the protagonist from the first book, is in a much better place. No longer the heartbroken, directionless young woman seeking refuge above her uncle's shop, she's now confidently pursuing a career in design while still lending a hand at the Morisaki Bookshop. Her relationship with books has deepened, and it's a joy to see her enthusiasm for literature blossom. But the real heart of this story belongs to Takako's aunt and uncle, Momoko and Satoru. Their reunion at the end of the previous book hinted at unresolved tensions and doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of their ...

This book, given to me by one of my favourite people, is titled “Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men." It led me to explore the insights of Meg Meeker on raising boys. The bond between a mother and her son is truly fascinating! Since mothers have never been boys themselves, they often find it a bit tricky to navigate this journey . Every caring mom wishes to raise her son into a responsible and successful man, but figuring out how to do that can sometimes feel overwhelming. This book aims to offer helpful insights and guidance along the way! Before you read it further, let me make a disclaimer that kids are kids, irrespective of gender . However, it is up to us how we groom them, and it is upon them how they receive, perceive, and implement the lessons from their upbringing. The book is dense in the sense that Dr. Meeker presents a clinical perspective in a tone that feels more like words. She shares what she’s learned from man...