Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Solitude and Leadership, one of the best essays I have read in a long time. Originally a lecture, I found it easier to read than to listen.
Although the premise isn't new for me, I thought the speech was beautifully constructed. Every word, thought, suggestion was priceless.
I'm not sure how many readers here like to read lengthy, thought provoking prose. All I can say is this should be a great philosophy to read and practice.
Although the premise isn't new for me, I thought the speech was beautifully constructed. Every word, thought, suggestion was priceless.
I'm not sure how many readers here like to read lengthy, thought provoking prose. All I can say is this should be a great philosophy to read and practice.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Though it's not a new year's resolution, I wish to cut down my reading list on Google Reader. In fact, I've already reduced my subscriptions by 30%
Over the last 3 years, I subscribed to and shared many interesting resources and blogs on Google Reader. The social buttons on the platform provided unimaginable highs of learning, sharing, ideating and curating. My primary purpose was to hog on knowledge and opinion. My days began with checking for updates on reader and often ended with commenting on interesting reads.
The knowledge accumulation was great while it lasted. There will always be fun stuff to read, new ideas to comprehend and opinions to absorb. The urge to subscribe to one more witty cartoonist, read one more great movie critic, follow one more erudite political analyst will never end.
However, with time, my reading habit has evolved. I no longer want to keep up with this sort of competitive reading. I don't want to feel bad about unread reading items on Google reader. I'm fine with not accumulating all the knowledge out there. Of course, my decision also has a lot to do with exasperation with ideas and opinions. But, more on that later.
For now, 2012 will see a refined and leaner reading list, focused browsing and fewer Op-eds.
Over the last 3 years, I subscribed to and shared many interesting resources and blogs on Google Reader. The social buttons on the platform provided unimaginable highs of learning, sharing, ideating and curating. My primary purpose was to hog on knowledge and opinion. My days began with checking for updates on reader and often ended with commenting on interesting reads.
The knowledge accumulation was great while it lasted. There will always be fun stuff to read, new ideas to comprehend and opinions to absorb. The urge to subscribe to one more witty cartoonist, read one more great movie critic, follow one more erudite political analyst will never end.
However, with time, my reading habit has evolved. I no longer want to keep up with this sort of competitive reading. I don't want to feel bad about unread reading items on Google reader. I'm fine with not accumulating all the knowledge out there. Of course, my decision also has a lot to do with exasperation with ideas and opinions. But, more on that later.
For now, 2012 will see a refined and leaner reading list, focused browsing and fewer Op-eds.
Friday, December 30, 2011
One reason that made 2011 a rocking year was the amount of reading I got done. Though I read literature spread across variouos genres, I list the five books that were most impactful.
The art of choosing - A fabulous read on how humans make choices and the influential role played by culture and social conditioning. The book is devoid of medical jargon and Sheena Iyengar's lucid, conversational writing is a pleasure to read. Definitely a must have for your bookshelf.
The difficulty of being good - Gurcharan Das offers a detailed character study of the central characters from the Mahabharat. The oft overlooked ethical issues encompassing war and a rich analysis of being good in an amoral milieu, are highlighted superbly. "Who did he lose first?" cries Draupadi after she learns about the defeat of the Pandavas in the game of dice. While it is true that a person who has lost in the game, can no longer wager that which doesn't belong to him. On the other hand, Draupadi did belong to Yudhistira. Being legally wedded to him and considered his "property", he staked Draupadi as the final resort. Just an example of the many wonderful arguments presented in the book. A must read if you have a thing for complex ethical discussions.
Being Indian - A definitive book on what it means to be an Indian. Unless I stumble upon other writing, this will remain my only recommendation to anyone who wishes to understand this complex country we call home.
Steve Jobs - Enough said.
Success vs. Joy - A very unassuming book, yet the best one to end my year with. In success vs. joy, Geet Sethi, offers insights from his life and times spent at the billiards table. Most chapters span no more than two pages and the book has a fairy tale like appearance, with large, flowery font. What I absolutely love about the book is its minimalistic writing. Profound life philosophies shared without any melodrama. And no, it is not self help.
While I am still to complete some amazing books, they will feature here only in 2012.
The art of choosing - A fabulous read on how humans make choices and the influential role played by culture and social conditioning. The book is devoid of medical jargon and Sheena Iyengar's lucid, conversational writing is a pleasure to read. Definitely a must have for your bookshelf.
The difficulty of being good - Gurcharan Das offers a detailed character study of the central characters from the Mahabharat. The oft overlooked ethical issues encompassing war and a rich analysis of being good in an amoral milieu, are highlighted superbly. "Who did he lose first?" cries Draupadi after she learns about the defeat of the Pandavas in the game of dice. While it is true that a person who has lost in the game, can no longer wager that which doesn't belong to him. On the other hand, Draupadi did belong to Yudhistira. Being legally wedded to him and considered his "property", he staked Draupadi as the final resort. Just an example of the many wonderful arguments presented in the book. A must read if you have a thing for complex ethical discussions.
Being Indian - A definitive book on what it means to be an Indian. Unless I stumble upon other writing, this will remain my only recommendation to anyone who wishes to understand this complex country we call home.
Steve Jobs - Enough said.
Success vs. Joy - A very unassuming book, yet the best one to end my year with. In success vs. joy, Geet Sethi, offers insights from his life and times spent at the billiards table. Most chapters span no more than two pages and the book has a fairy tale like appearance, with large, flowery font. What I absolutely love about the book is its minimalistic writing. Profound life philosophies shared without any melodrama. And no, it is not self help.
While I am still to complete some amazing books, they will feature here only in 2012.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Recently I picked up (online shopping is now akin to physical buying, thanks to Flipkart. Pleeaajjj buy from them.) three books on social sciences - Being Indian, India calling and Mother Pious Lady. Yeah, I am on a patriotic spree for now.
Initially I was hesitant to pick up Mother Pious Lady. Reason : its Author. I have always found his weekly columns in TOI to be cumbersome. I believe humanities professionals and all social commentators must be awesome story tellers. No cop-outs should be accepted. One reason for the poor show at humanities' colleges in India could be the skill of squeezing life out of an already dense and overwhelming subject.
Khair, aage badhte hue, I am glad I was coaxed into buying Mother Pious Lady by a mentor at work.
The book is a collection of short stories on the middle class in India and the nature of our peculiar Indian-ness. Most chapters are about two pages long and a breeze to read through.
Santosh Desai has shared some delightful vignettes of the the decades gone by and offered insightful reasons on why we are the way we are. There is an abundance of humour, not so much in the writing, as in the experiences drawn from a middle class existence in India.
There were quite a few places where I couldn't stop chuckling in agreement and thinking "Gosh, that is me!". I was glad to finally understand why Indian women from the Defence forces perform way better than the rest and why we may not be seeing an Indian version of the Arab Spring anytime soon.
The book also reconfirmed my belief about religion : It will continue to enjoy an elevated status in India, and in fact, we are only getting warmed up.
Apart from having an interesting line up of essays, Mother Pious lady provides formidable competition to Barrons educational books. On last count, I remember adding 56 new words to my repository. How I loouuve MBA turned writers.
So, now, while writing experts will demand a proper summary, closure, vote of thanks and other such jazz be added to this post, I can't wait to hit the sack.
Post achhi lagi toh kitaab khareed le.
Tata.
Initially I was hesitant to pick up Mother Pious Lady. Reason : its Author. I have always found his weekly columns in TOI to be cumbersome. I believe humanities professionals and all social commentators must be awesome story tellers. No cop-outs should be accepted. One reason for the poor show at humanities' colleges in India could be the skill of squeezing life out of an already dense and overwhelming subject.
Khair, aage badhte hue, I am glad I was coaxed into buying Mother Pious Lady by a mentor at work.
The book is a collection of short stories on the middle class in India and the nature of our peculiar Indian-ness. Most chapters are about two pages long and a breeze to read through.
Santosh Desai has shared some delightful vignettes of the the decades gone by and offered insightful reasons on why we are the way we are. There is an abundance of humour, not so much in the writing, as in the experiences drawn from a middle class existence in India.
There were quite a few places where I couldn't stop chuckling in agreement and thinking "Gosh, that is me!". I was glad to finally understand why Indian women from the Defence forces perform way better than the rest and why we may not be seeing an Indian version of the Arab Spring anytime soon.
The book also reconfirmed my belief about religion : It will continue to enjoy an elevated status in India, and in fact, we are only getting warmed up.
Apart from having an interesting line up of essays, Mother Pious lady provides formidable competition to Barrons educational books. On last count, I remember adding 56 new words to my repository. How I loouuve MBA turned writers.
So, now, while writing experts will demand a proper summary, closure, vote of thanks and other such jazz be added to this post, I can't wait to hit the sack.
Post achhi lagi toh kitaab khareed le.
Tata.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Certainly not Arnab Ray's May I hebb your attention pliss
During my recent travel, this was one of the books I carried and hoped to finish in one sitting.
However, by the 3rd chapter I was ready to tear the book and throw it out of the train. Only, I didn't own it, and felt I would have to spend money on gifting it back to the owner.
I will not review the book and its content. It will waste precious time.
Though, I will add that I was surprised by the reviews I found floating around the web. Heaps of praise for such crap?!
The day you have to explain your jokes and punch lines, God help you as an entertainer.
Of course, humour is not the only thing gone wrong here.
"A library is many things. It’s a place to go, to get in out of the rain. It’s a place to go if you want to sit and think. But particularly it is a place where books live, and where you can get in touch with other people, and other thoughts, through books… A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your questions answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people — people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book."
After my parents, books can be credited with having raised me.
I cannot begin to describe the enchantment and enrichment books offered me during school and college.
They still do. But, I read lesser today as compared with what I accomplished earlier.
I loved reading classics and Charles Dickens left quite an impression. Jane Austen was the next obvious favourite.
During my 10th standard vacations, I happened to join a BMC library close to home, and I can swear to God the entire workforce there hated me.
Now the thing is, as my vacation progressed, I started clocking two books every three days. For a minimal amount of subscription fees, I seemed to be keeping all of them extra busy, by asking for unheard of titles stashed away in the inner rooms. The employees often glared at me and even mentioned how they should penalise me for over reading and causing undue stress to them every two days.
Funny, this is not how I read any more. Today, I prefer taking time and reflecting over what the writer has shared. It could also be because these days I mostly read non fiction.
At some level, I would also attribute my comfort in being by myself to reading. Being a solo activity I seldom got a chance to share the wonderment with people around, unless the book was a part of classwork and required group discussions.
I don't think a childhood requires much. A library and a playground should do more than sufficient.
Any parent listening?
link via : I love reading and writing
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A moving read by one of the few men I respect in Public Life.
There is much I would like to point out here, about life and parenting. But, I wouldn't want to spoil the raw emotions you will experience after reading the article.
Link via Vikas.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
This is one of those thought provoking and informative articles which may prick your conscience, if you manage to read it entirely, of which, I am not so sure.
Of late, such articles don't seem to cut through me.
Because, those people who truly believe that their lives are being governed by such ephemeral objects and feel guilty about it - are already trying to remedy it. Others, continue to use such media and technology and keep complaining about how moronic, robotic and senseless their lives have become.
Point is : Do such articles matter at all?
*****
This is similar to a lot of new age parents who cry hoarse about how spoilt kids today are : lack of innocence, impatience, lower attention spans, and absolute lack of knowledge about how the interiors of a park look like. And the next thing you know, these very parents buy PSPs for their five year old kids, discourage any inquisitive questions by the child and treat kids to video games at malls and parlours.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Given how much I depend on pen and paper and how beautiful my handwriting is, very soon, you may have to pay, to visit me.
What? You think Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sastu Sangrahalaya entry is for free?
If you like to read, and have patience for essays of more than 1500 words, try Longreads.
I have been hooked ever since I read the pieces on Julian Assange and Internet addicts.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Prasad stumbled upon Puri Sabzi and shared the delicious link with me.
The writing is fresh and honest, the look is perfect and there are some very interesting bits shared in there.
I haven't had so much fun reading an aggregator!
*****
Okay, once again, Prasad shared this post.
I don't know about you, but I have always struggled to strike a balance between good writing and honest writing.
You see, being able to do both is quite a task, and mostly what one ends up with is cosmetic stuff.
But when you browse through Sudhir Raikar's posts, you feel happy to just enjoy the humility.
*****
A fine piece on how to choose one's career.
Those professions which are not so much involved in life itself as concerned with abstract truths are the most dangerous for the young man whose principles are not yet firm and whose convictions are not yet strong and unshakeable. At the same time these professions may seem to be the most exalted if they have taken deep root in our hearts and if we are capable of sacrificing our lives and all endeavours for the ideas which prevail in them.
Marx needs much respect for such thoughtful illustration, and that, in 1835.
Link via Aditya
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
As a Mumbaikar, I loved reading this witty piece on why Bombay hates Delhi.
However, the humour in why Delhi hates Bombay just fell flat.
A lot of us seem to have suddenly discovered Open. Some good reads in there.
*****
Chris Yeh answers questions related to MBA admissions and more here. Neat site with some very useful information.
*****
A very interesting article on why the recent controversy and arm twisting in the chase for Blackberry is useless. I have always loved using the BB and all this demand for decrypted mails is supremely ridiculous.
*****
If you have a pet at home, Charu just did you a big favour! This is a comprehensive list of vets across the country.
*****
I admire B Raman for his straight talk. Here he urges Indian whistle blowers to pull up their socks.
*****
This one is for all loving and caring sisters. Next time your brother pulls your hair, throw this in his face!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Prasad Ajinkya, a colleague, is someone I have shared lots of laughs with, of late. When I found out his love for reading, I couldn't help asking him to write a guest post on how he got hooked to the loveliest hobby of all time. I hope the below post evokes enough interest in non readers to take up reading. For the rest, treat it as a nostalgic trip to your childhood.
*****
Reading as a lifelong practice
During my formative years, my parents took pains to ensure that I got access to a lot of books. As a baby I used to happily tear out pages from a book; the only reason my parents must have restrained themselves from taking that book away from me was the hope that one day I shall start reading the book instead of simply tearing it. Well, they were right, many torn books later, I opened a book and started reading it instead!! 'twas a hand-me-down book which had been purchased on the footpath of Fort area in Churchgate. Malory Towers by Enid Blyton ... Darrell Rivers and her stay at the Cornish school, it was almost magical (ala Harry Potter). Then came the Famous Five and Secret Seven, soon followed by the detectives; Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Hercules Poirot and of course my favorite Sherlock Holmes. Every year my sister and I used to wait for vacations, because vacations meant - travel, bags of books, library subscriptions and lounging around all day reading books. Reading was a big help at various points in my life, for which I will always be grateful towards my parents.
Vocabulary
Reading and especially reading at a young age tremendously boosts your vocabulary skills. The words which a lot of people mug-up using word-lists for GRE and CAT preparations, are already familiar to you since you have read them in one book or the other. Language suddenly is not a constraint but a medium to be leveraged. Think about it, the section which a lot of people fear is the Reading Comprehension (RC), this becomes your forte because of your reading.
Learning is not a pain
Since you can read faster, there is a chance that you understand things faster as well; Ergo lesser time to study ;-). In fact who knows you might even enjoy it!! (Although I don't guarantee this!)
General Knowledge
The amount of knowledge you pick up when reading through different books/magazines/articles is immense. Don't believe me? Then try this simple exercise ... pick-up a newspaper, any newspaper and just spend 15-20 minutes reading through any random set of articles. If you are not more informed then either you have been reading the daily funnies or the page 3 :-).
Communication
It helps you communicate better. Being well read is simply more topics to discuss :-). Ever stuck in a conversation where you have no idea what the others are talking about? Well that's ignorance. Read and drive away that ignorance!!
Helps in exams/vivas
Often during my engineering vivas and exams, I used to hope for questions which were outside the syllabus. Simply because the question outside the syllabus were from more or less current events. Having done a lot of other reading, this always gave me an edge over other students (who were much better at studies :-D). When it comes to dealing with the unknown, the well read person is at a distinct advantage.
The great thing about reading, is that it's never too late. You might say, that I do not have any exams to give, but reading still comes in handy. Reading helps you be more informed about things which are interested in. Without reading, you cannot write. If you are a creative person or are involved in a creative job, then you have to read. Think of it as one more avenue of getting your inspiration. Your personal muse.
Ahh, and more thing, this is a form of entertainment which is customized for you, the book you read is your choice ... if you like magic - then the Lord of the Rings, satire - then the Inscrutable Americans, sci-fi then - Isaac Asimov or the Dune series, philosophy then - The Fountainhead, medical then - Any Robin Cook, legal - then any John Grisham ... I can go on. So what are you waiting for!?! If you can read through this entire post, then you might as well go to the nearest book store and pick-up any book that holds your fancy!!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
kAy comes up with a well crafted experience. People of "marriageable" age will identify with the sentiments.
***
I hear it's a competitive market out there - this marriage business.
If you wish to go the arranged marriage way - have no qualms about being marketed, paraded and rejected, all on grounds such as:
- How you peel a banana
- How you hold and fold a paper napkin
- Your choice in cars
- The way you oil and comb your hair
Even then, there is every possibility of a better, svelter, more equipped shark getting away with your prey.
***
Marriages should happen. But, at the right time. With the right person.
But Sunshine would like to poke a hole in this theory too.
************
I find this sudden surge in wanting to "get published".
A lot of friends, acquaintances and bloggers I read, wish to see their names in print, someday.
Mostly, I think it's the glamour, because, writing appears to be secondary to them.
Anyway, whatever your reasons, I recommend reading Rachelle Gardner, a literary agent.
You will appreciate the writing skills required, the industry workings and the toils involved in getting published.
************
My thoughts on India's stance in Af-Pak made their way to Indimag.
I recommend reading Colonel Ajay Ukidve's comments on the subject.
Every argument he makes is a chapter in geo-political affairs.
************
Hang often impresses with his honest and sometimes, unusual observations.
I especially liked this, this and the three types of passion.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Just thought I should share what I have read and liked this week.
Some of you might already have read these...for those who didn't get a chance, here is my top 5 list of the week :
This magazine article by Jon Krakauer was quite an insightful read. Jon is a survivor of an Everest Tragedy and discusses what it takes to be up there, the unimaginable strength required to pursue the climb, the mistakes that cost his peer group dearly and the thin margin by which he dodged death on that fateful day in the May of 1996. The article would give you plenty of fodder for thought.
This column by Ramesh Ramanathan was well timed. It hits you in the right places.
This column delves into the Google/China face off and presents an insider's views on the Chinese Society.
I have never, never been a fan of SRK. Infact, fan is too strong a word. Lets just say, I don't bother much about him. However, I have to add, I am very happy at his response to the Sena. He has just grown in stature in my eyes. I just hope he doesn't back out now.
Finally, Tavleen Singh's tutorial. Now these are thoughts that should be directed at anyone, who we think deserves to be the Captain of the ship called India.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
That's what I was, am and probably shall always be called.
I can NOT venture out of the house without a book/newspaper/magazine and all other such variations.
The smell of the pages, the style of the written word, the thoughts expressed within have always enticed me.
Give me a book and I can stay shut for hours.
Also, I absolutely have to read a few words before calling it a day.
One friend calls it an OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I don't mind being tagged so.
Books have definitely been one amongst my bestest friends.
Infact, very few things have the power to urge me to dole out money. In normal parlance, I may be called a Kanjus.
But today, after a long time, I actually set out and spent money willingly...
Toh hua yun, ki while traveling back home, my eyes caught the myriad titles that were being sold by a road side vendor.
Amazing bestsellers, thought provoking non-fiction and some cheesy stuff too.
What I couldn't believe was that each book was being sold at a measly 60/- bucks !!
From Ed De Bono's commentaries on creativity to Jonathan Randal's coverage of Osama to aapro Obama's Audacity Of Hope the range was dense !
Now this was tooo good a deal to let go of !
So, there I stood, skimming through all possible titles and grabbing books hungrily.
Finally I shortlisted and bought three books -
- The White Tiger - Arvind Adiga
- The Outliers - Malcolm Gladwell
- Osama - Jonathan Randal
But I guess, that's a topic for another post !
Filhaal, am all excited and raring to devour my purchases.
I have been reading Manreet Sodhi Someswar's "Earning The Laundry Stripes" already and now have started Osama too.
Hopefully, I shall do a review of the books once I am done with them.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
On some days, I love technology !
Like, when I read about Librarywala. This venture was covered in the Economic times under "Entrepreneur's" section. It is India's very first online library.
For book lovers like me, this is a BLISS !
An amazing khazana of kitaabein…at a monthly rental of 139/- ONLY?!
I have been through their list of books and it is pretty varied and exhaustive. Apart from bestsellers, they also have a pool of regional language literature.
They get brownie points since they deliver books within 24 hours…AND there are no late charges involved.
Wow…!
Now, what more could a sust like me ask for??
************************************************************************************
For people who didn't know – Mumbai festival is beginning from January 15th and shall go on till the 31st.
Lots of international movies, music, theatre, food fests, dance shows, photography and arts activities shall be showcased across various venues.
For a more detailed listing, you can go here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
