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...

When I ask- Who are zombies? You can say- They are fictional undead creatures mainly seen in movies or a few series. Right?! But I say - No… Zombies are now real creatures. With the present-day “perceived loss of freedom” and “surrender of common sense” to machines, the zombification process has accelerated.  You can say - No, I don't see them... where to find. I say- Look around yourself. You will see a ghost in a crowd, enclosed in its own sonic bubble. Eyes swollen, handcuffed with a device, and under mental servitude. Noticing every beep or tweak of notification. HIGH ON AI AND LESS ON HI!! You can say - Isn’t it your narcissism speaking? With technology, aren’t we better? I say- The promise of technology was to free us. To lift the burdens of labor, to connect us across vast distances, to give us more time for the things that truly matter. Yes, we have increased speed for sending messages, getting work done, etc. In the process, a genuine human connection is disrup...

We, the HR, are the cushion , absorbing the hard landings of conflict. We are the punching bag, taking the blows of frustration from every side. We are the moderator , trying to find a rhythm that allows both the solid spheres (top management) and the delicate balloons (employees) to coexist and thrive. The performance is never-ending. There's no applause, no grand finale. The show simply goes on, day after day. Every dropped ball or burst balloon is a lesson learned, a scar earned. And through it all, we become stronger, more agile, and more attuned to the delicate dance of people and policy. The HR scenario relates to the song by Randy Newman—“It’s a Jungle Out There.” It's a jungle out there Disorder and confusion everywhere No one seems to care Well, I do Hey, who's in charge here? I recently encountered two “out of routine” experiences as a middle HR professional that are somewhat minor, yet significant. Navigating the space between heartfelt empathy and profession...

  Recently I read this quote by Henry David Thoreau: "It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: what are we busy about?" After rereading this quote, I found it really connected with me. Living in the busy city can often feel overwhelming, as if I am drowning in a sea of activities without truly enjoying life. As I thought about it, I realised I am not struggling with FOMO ( since I have never felt that ), but rather with a sense of aimless busyness —always on the go but not really getting anywhere meaningful ( although the “meaningful” meaning of life is still a question!! ). When I think of the word "busy," I don't imagine something overly complicated. For example, if someone misses my call, I understand they might be busy, but I still expect them to call back or at least reply. I have read that “truly busy” people usually take the time to respond to texts or messages because they know their replies are important, but they do reply. Howeve...

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...

At times, I find myself reflecting on people from various eras and childhood times. Their actions, gestures and approaches reveal a genuine care in what they do, clarity of intention, and, most importantly, a sense of belonging as they live their lives. These “lost” actions are rarely “found” these days! I want to clarify from the start that this blog post isn't about labeling anyone or any period as “perfect"; rather, it's simply my way of sharing how I see the world around me and trying to develop a connection with my past without any judgment. This write-up is a page from my diary from post-graduation days. And hence may sound naive (but I am unapologetic) ---- Whenever I see my mother getting ready for any long trip, she makes sure everything is perfectly organized, as if she’s packing not just a travel kit, but Mummy's miniature universe of preparedness. It contains not just a safety pin for a sari pallu gone astray or a little pouch of paste for a quick freshen-u...

“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...

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 outcome of the rigorous search, several readings and experiences, and self-reflection. Each trait post will end in a mantra to follow. --------------------------------------------------- Dear Children,      When you grow, you will realise that there is always a natural human tendency to seek recognition, to be known, and a deep-seated fear of being forgotten or remaining unseen. This desire for visibility is so deeply ingrained in us that it often becomes an unspoken goal in life. Whether in personal relationships or professional pursuits, you will encounter moments where this urge to be noticed tries to take over your thoughts and actions.      As I write this, I want...

  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...