So, I am one of those weird creatures who doesn’t like self help books. Not that I have hated all but I can safely say I have hated most that I have read, especially the ones with a very prescriptive approach. But I am all for good memoirs and autobiographies where you get to know more about someone’s real life, their experiences, struggle, pain, joy and much more. It’s quite interesting to find some stories that you can totally relate to or some journeys that inspire you like nothing else. Last eight months were been extremely tough for me in multiple ways but one of the best things about this phase of life has been the time that I got to spend with myself – something that was a rarity in my otherwise super hectic life. Apart from spending time with my family, I have started back painting more regularly and got to read many good books – some that have been on my wishlist for long and some gifted to me by those awesome friends who wanted to ease out my on-bed phase of life. A big thanks to all of them who were thoughtful enough to send me such literary gems.
Out of all the books that I read recently, I quite liked two fiction and three non-fiction books. Sharing the names of those non fiction books here that left an impact on me – all these three books are about amazing journeys of some amazing people that make you believe in the power of hope and inspire you to appreciate this thing called life. In case you are going through some trying times and would like to find solace in words, you may give these books a try:
- Man’s Search For Meaning: Viktor E. Frankl
One of the best books that I would have read in recent times by the holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. It’s a book that makes your realize that there are many others whose life is much more painful than yours and yet they have found a purpose in that pain. The description of those concentration camps and condition of people living in that era … I can’t even begin to imagine the plight of children who were gassed! Whatever struggle you are going through today, this is one of those books that will make you count your blessings and be thankful for all that you have. While the book is filled with many profound observations but if I have to highlight only one, it will be the following:
“Those who have a “why” to live, can bear with almost any “how” ”- Viktor E. Frankl
2. The Last Lecture: Randy Pausch
An awe-inspiring book on how to live as if it’s the last day of your life. This book is the real last lecture that Randy Pausch, the award winning teacher and researcher gave in Carnegie Mellon University before he succumbed and lost his battle to pancreatic cancer in July 2008. While the theme of the book at a glance may look about dying but in reality its all about living, having dreams and working hard towards achieving these dreams. Again this is one of those books, where I have highlighted almost all the pages but if I have to quote only one of those highlights, it will be the following:
“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.” – Randy Pausch
3. Tuesdays with Morrie: Mitch Albom
Inspiring and soul stirring, a book that makes you pause and think what’s important for your life. Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir of conversations between Mitch Albom and Morrie Schwartz just before Morrie dies of ALS, it’s a book that tries to break down many complexities of life into simple facts. This book is often quite debated with extreme ratings, some loved it and some hated it strongly. As for me, it left me with tissue box at certain pages and I found it to be a great compelling read. One of my favorite quotes from the book? It will be the following:
“The truth is, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.” – Mitch Albom
Can books really help you to deal with tougher phases of life? Maybe no. But sometimes reading about others lives and their journeys gives you a different perspective towards things in general. In case you haven’t read these titles, they are worth giving a try.
Do you have any good book recommendation for me? Let me know in the comment section below.
Thank you for reading this post. If you liked it and would like to recommend to others, please hit the share button below.
