I am not a voracious reader or a literary critic, but there are a few books that I think should be more popular and discussed more often. These include fiction as well as non-fiction, have some interesting ideas, a different insight into what we thought we knew or is just a plain good read. Some of these are-
1) Zahir by Paulo Coelho - After reading 'The Alchemist', since it was suggested by everyone who I came across, I was slightly disappointed. But Zahir made me a Paulo Coelho fan in spite of the fact that his other works have been slightly over my head since I did not have the experience or maturity to understand them. This is a must read and told me how human experience, emotions, uncertainties and fear is the same everywhere and for everyone, just the direction, intensity or the issue varies. It was Zahir that convinced me that if we desire something strong enough and if we deserve it, we will get it.
2) The Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor- Although a "work of fiction", it gives us a different perspective of history as the author has used the liberty afforded by a work of fiction to criticise and blend our freedom movement and post independence politics of India with the Mahabharata. Read it to know that history actually is not the stuff of legends but merely the decisions taken by individuals based on their own perceptions with all its imperfections, uncertainties and clouded by their egos.
3) Constitution of India- although the real document is too hard for us, books by D.D.Basu or Laxmikanth is good enough to give us an understanding of the enormous efforts taken in framing our constitution and how comprehensive a document it is. This is significant today since we are becoming more and more ignorant of our rights, freedoms and duties and all we care about is how to get a passport to 'Quit India'.
4) Hot, Flat and Crowded World by Thomas Friedman- Although the title suggests its a sequel to Friedman's highly acclaimed 'The World is Flat', this book is actually an independent work on the issues- economy, environment, education- the world is facing currently. Written during the Global Financial Crisis, this book initially talks about over utilisation of resources, out of control responses of both market forces and nature. It then goes on to how we need to wean away from fossil fuels, invest in renewable energy and improve the capacity of our people and pursue technological development. If 'The World is Flat' describes where the world is now, then 'Hot, Flat and Crowded World' talks about where the world should go and what it must do to get there.
5) Imagining India by Nandan Nilekani- The book is divided into ideas that have arrived, ideas that are becoming popular, ideas being debated and those ideas that have not received sufficient attention in spite of their imminent importance. By dividing the book in such a manner, Nandan Nilekani takes us through the past, present, future of India and what we should for a better future. He presents ideas that have arrived and their widespread positive impacts as strong arguments for embracing change, casting away our reticence towards new ideas and shows what are the areas where change is urgently required.
6) Everyone Loves a Good Drought by P. Sainath- published in 1996, it is based on the author's experience while documenting and studying the issues faced by the tribals in India. He covers the states of Bihar (mostly parts of present day Jharkhand), Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, the plight of tribals who have been neglected by the state and its bureaucratic machinery, or worse, exploited by those who should be protecting them. Although it does not talk at length about naxalism (currently called left-wing extremism), it hints at how and why the movement has struck a chord with those who have been left behind by the development band wagon.
Most of these are not easy reads since they require us to dwell upon the issues that have been mentioned. Perhaps that is what a book should do, stimulate our thoughts and make us ask questions about ourselves, the world and think about the truth without bias and preconceived notions. I found them enjoyable and was quite a learning experience and hope some of these books stimulate more thought, ideas and change.
1) Zahir by Paulo Coelho - After reading 'The Alchemist', since it was suggested by everyone who I came across, I was slightly disappointed. But Zahir made me a Paulo Coelho fan in spite of the fact that his other works have been slightly over my head since I did not have the experience or maturity to understand them. This is a must read and told me how human experience, emotions, uncertainties and fear is the same everywhere and for everyone, just the direction, intensity or the issue varies. It was Zahir that convinced me that if we desire something strong enough and if we deserve it, we will get it.
2) The Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor- Although a "work of fiction", it gives us a different perspective of history as the author has used the liberty afforded by a work of fiction to criticise and blend our freedom movement and post independence politics of India with the Mahabharata. Read it to know that history actually is not the stuff of legends but merely the decisions taken by individuals based on their own perceptions with all its imperfections, uncertainties and clouded by their egos.
3) Constitution of India- although the real document is too hard for us, books by D.D.Basu or Laxmikanth is good enough to give us an understanding of the enormous efforts taken in framing our constitution and how comprehensive a document it is. This is significant today since we are becoming more and more ignorant of our rights, freedoms and duties and all we care about is how to get a passport to 'Quit India'.
4) Hot, Flat and Crowded World by Thomas Friedman- Although the title suggests its a sequel to Friedman's highly acclaimed 'The World is Flat', this book is actually an independent work on the issues- economy, environment, education- the world is facing currently. Written during the Global Financial Crisis, this book initially talks about over utilisation of resources, out of control responses of both market forces and nature. It then goes on to how we need to wean away from fossil fuels, invest in renewable energy and improve the capacity of our people and pursue technological development. If 'The World is Flat' describes where the world is now, then 'Hot, Flat and Crowded World' talks about where the world should go and what it must do to get there.
5) Imagining India by Nandan Nilekani- The book is divided into ideas that have arrived, ideas that are becoming popular, ideas being debated and those ideas that have not received sufficient attention in spite of their imminent importance. By dividing the book in such a manner, Nandan Nilekani takes us through the past, present, future of India and what we should for a better future. He presents ideas that have arrived and their widespread positive impacts as strong arguments for embracing change, casting away our reticence towards new ideas and shows what are the areas where change is urgently required.
6) Everyone Loves a Good Drought by P. Sainath- published in 1996, it is based on the author's experience while documenting and studying the issues faced by the tribals in India. He covers the states of Bihar (mostly parts of present day Jharkhand), Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, the plight of tribals who have been neglected by the state and its bureaucratic machinery, or worse, exploited by those who should be protecting them. Although it does not talk at length about naxalism (currently called left-wing extremism), it hints at how and why the movement has struck a chord with those who have been left behind by the development band wagon.
Most of these are not easy reads since they require us to dwell upon the issues that have been mentioned. Perhaps that is what a book should do, stimulate our thoughts and make us ask questions about ourselves, the world and think about the truth without bias and preconceived notions. I found them enjoyable and was quite a learning experience and hope some of these books stimulate more thought, ideas and change.
