Books I read in 2018

In 2018, I had made a pact with myself, to read books from categories as diverse as I could muster. Very often, we are caught up in books of a similar genre or the same author, thereby limiting the opportunity to experience others. The publishing industry, returns this favour, by spewing books in pretty much the same vein. For example recent literary "best sellers"such as "Gone Girl", "Girl on the train", "Girl in the window", all apart from similar titles had similar plot devices.

1) Educated -Tara Westover

Probably, the most heralded of all the books that I have read, Westover's autobiography details a life growing up in a Mormon survivalist family, away from civilization and going on to become a highly respected academician. The book offers subtle contrasts about a life with and without education, and issues such as mental illness. This is a difficult read at times, but stick with it, and be rewarded!

2) Better - Atul Gawande

Dr. Atul Gawande, while focusing on his usual forte of medical and health related discourse, enriches this book, by traversing different case scenarios where medicine made lives "better" (or worse). Examples range from breakthroughs in battlefield first aid, India's eradication of polio. He goes on to discuss moral quandaries facing doctors such as those required to administer lethal injections to those worrying about the the fees they should charge. What I admire, is his ability to allow the reader, to bring his/her own judgment into the issue without being preachy.

3) Born A Crime - Trevor Noah

Yes, this is my 2nd autobiography, and possibly breaches my pact of reading different genres. But I am a huge fan of Noah, and my travels in TCS, have taken me so often to South Africa, where this book is set, that I could not resist it. Fans of Noah will see trademark glimpses of his razor wit and bittersweet humour. I understand, that there's a movie that will be based on the book coming soon, so read it to get an edge on your friends, today!

4) The World's Fittest Book - Ross Edgley

Ross is possibly the world's greatest hybrid athlete, that is one who participates in different sporting disciplines (or in Ross's case, many at the same time). He has completed of recent, a marathon with a car attached to his back, a rope climb the distance equivalent of Mount Everest, and triathlon with a tree attached to his back (yes, you can gasp for breath!) . In sport as in life, we are limited by thought in what we can achieve, this book throws open the possibilities of having and achieving multiple goals!

5) The Ascent of Money - Niall Ferguson

To be honest, Fergusson's book, tested my reading perseverance the most of any in this list. This is not because it is uninteresting. Far from it, cause Ferguson's research into how the concept of money, and how it's impact in society came about is unparalleled. It is my reader prejudices, against a topic this unfamiliar , that initially hindered me from finishing this book. Do take time to read this most fascinating insight into what makes the world go round.

So, there you have it, some of the books that I read in 2018. What were some of the books that enthralled you? Did you read any of the above? Do let me know! Have a great new year!

Vikram Koppikar

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