As we step into 2023, one habit I have been able to sustain for the past 3 years is that of reading books. While I may not have read as many as what I did in 2020, however, 50+ is still a good achievement.
The focus continues to be on history, philosophy/spirituality, public policy & international relations, management and a small sprinkling of fiction. As I have been finishing a book a week, I must say the more I read the more I know I don’t know, and the imposter syndrome kicks in.
A few callouts
1. While over the past few years I have been focussed on Indian philosophy. However, this year, I have tried to delve into Greek philosophy and the perspectives – both on a stand-alone basis and in relation to Indian philosophy – must say it has been quite interesting.
2. It has been the year where I completed both Charles Darwin’s on the origin of species and Adam Smith’s wealth of nations. I still wonder why I wanted to read them. While they have been interesting reads in their own spaces, from a historical perspective I did get inputs of the times that it was written in.
3. From a western view standpoint, the epic of Gilgamesh is regarded to be the oldest book in the world and so I ticked it off the bucket list. Even 5+ thousand years back there has been enough contacts and exchange of ideas across civilisations. I was surprised to read about gods starving as humans were not conducting sacrifices or the point re seven sages (Sapta Rishis?!)
4. As they say truth is stranger than fiction and while I read just two books in the fiction category, with the likes of operation mincemeat or the Great game there was no scarcity of intrigue, drama and suspense. There are enough more in the to-read list.
5. I have never been keen to read books in the management/self-help category and so I was myself surprised to have read quite a few of them and, also, have enjoyed most of them!
For me, the stand-out books are
i. Completing the unabridged Mahabharata translated by Bibek Debroy was a great feeling. This is an absolute must read and I am happy I could complete this magnum opus.
ii. The psychology of money by Morgan Housel is another book that resonated with me big time. The author’s perspective on making and retaining wealth, being humble are a few aspects that will be with me forever
iii. A short history of nearly everything by Bill Bryson is a fascinating read. A must for anyone who wants to get a perspective about the planet we live in.
iv. Nandi’s charge by Arun Krishnan is a piece of historical fiction that is unputdownable. A brilliantly interwoven thriller set in South India during seventh century CE involving Pallavas, Chalukyas and King Harsha. Apart from the narrative the description of the times and landscape is so vivid that one can actually “feel being there in person”! it heartens to read such high-quality books and am keenly waiting for the next in line of the series
Vaclav Smil’s How the World Really Works is a fascinating read where the author talks about not only how the world has evolved but also about development of nations and risks that the world could encounter. The way the author explains about development through improvement in energy efficiencies is truly captivating. BTW, while may be obvious to many, it never struck me that most of the land that is cultivated is used to feed cattle and other domesticated animals!
Finally, this is a book I wanted to read for a while. After finishing it I must say it was one of the most enjoyable books. Surely you Must Be joking Mr. Feynman shows what geniuses are made of – a peek into how a man thinks and acts is something to be read
The to-read list is long and, this year too, I am hoping to sustain the habit.
PS: On my blog, I could not post this earlier. Must say January was a bonanza month in terms of the number of books read and the perspectives gained…
Nidugondi Speak 