Books I Read In 2023

?2023 was a holistic, phenomenal year. Work, personal and family, everything was primarily positive. We have already marched into the promising and eventful 2024. Here I am, yet again, with the “Books I Read” revisit series.?

Although a little delayed. But better late than never. :)

With a goal of reading one book every month, here’s the list of books I managed to read in 2023.?

Made In Future: Prashant Singh?

In my quest to stay relevant in how content marketing is evolving, I bumped into the book Made In Future by Prashant Singh.? Made in Future delves into the principles and applications of marketing strategy in the new age. Rich in research and great case studies, this book is an effort to bridge the two worlds of old-school marketing principles and new consumer and media behaviours. The book's core theme is to bring marketing disruptions into the limelight along with data and ever-evolving technology. It’s a useful book for understanding markets, marketplace actors, brand positioning, and social media measurement, creativity, and much more. The biggest USP of the book is that you can identify yourself with respect to the market.

Issi Maati Mein: Vishwa Kiran

This book is authored by the father of a college friend, Abhilasha, and her father, Mr. Vishwa Kiran, also happens to be a Banker like my father; hence I had to read this. The book is a collection of short stories on mundane, regular, day-to-day societal hypocrisies presented in a simple manner and language. This book is his way and attempts to point out the hypocrisy and possibly make society aware of their wrongdoings. A good read.?

Shark Tank India (the book): Prerna Lidhoo

It's a book based on the Indian version of the hit franchise Shark Tank. Shark Tank India captures no-bullshit advice, inspiring stories and leadership lessons from the Sharks and participants. It's a must-read for all aspiring and new entrepreneurs. There are so many golden nuggets provided in this book. All the sharks have provided their POV on running a successful business and what it takes to be an entrepreneur. An insightful, easy, breezy, fast-paced read.?

Shoe Dog: Phil Knight

Finally got a chance to read this book that must have stayed in my Amazon cart for more than two years, and needless to say, I was not disappointed. Shoe Dog is a memoir by Nike co-founder Phil Knight. The memoir chronicles the history of Nike from its founding as Blue Ribbon Sports and its early challenges to its evolution into one of the world's most recognised and profitable companies. It also highlights certain parts of Phil Knight's life. A memoir rich with insight, humour and hard-won wisdom, this book is also studded with lessons - about building something from scratch, overcoming adversity, and ultimately leaving your mark on the world.

Yatharth Geeta Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta: Swami Adgadanand

Yet Another book that was supposed to read quite earlier in life, but as they say, you do a particular thing only when it is destined for you, and 2023 was the year I was destined to read Geeta for the first time in my life. Yatharth Geeta Book contains a complete description of the dynamic meditational system of the research that gives attainment to the Self, which is the complete spirituality of India and also the basic source of the prevailing religions of the whole world. It further concludes that the Supreme Being is one, the action to attain is one, the grace is one, and the result, too, is one - and that is the vision of the Supreme Being: attainment of godliness and eternal life. Bhagwad Geeta is a life manual and should be read once a year because every read will give us a new takeaway to be implemented in our lives. I am going to read the same in Hindi this time.?

A Quote A Day: Pradip Rajak

Well, this book is written by none other than my father, Mr. Pradip Rajak, who is a retired Banker. Currently, he is an active volunteer and a teacher of Art of Living, and he serves and helps people through various self-help and personality development courses. His book A Quote a Day is a collection of 365 quotes from all spheres of life in Hindi and English that will help you become stoic. And once you know Stoic and Stoicism, happiness and positivity are merely by-products.?

Murder In Mahim: Jerry Pinto?

A murder mystery, gory psychological thriller and social commentary rolled up in one, Murder in Mahim dazzles with nuance, empathy and a stellar cast of characters, not least of which is the city of Mumbai itself. ’A man is killed in a grimy restroom located on a station platform, and the narrative gains depth when it's revealed that he was lured there through a gay honey trap, shedding light on the harsh reality of Mumbai's gay scene. This storyline delves into the complexities of relationships and the potential for exploitation. The perspective is offered through the eyes of a former journalist who joins a police team as they broaden their investigation. It presents a unique Indian detective story that is truly captivating and deserves attention.

Zero To One: Peter Thiel

Another book I intended to read since long, "Zero to One", is a book by Peter Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal and an influential entrepreneur and investor. The book explores Thiel's perspectives on innovation, competition, and building successful startups. Thiel emphasises the importance of creating something new and valuable, moving from "zero to one" rather than simply copying what already exists ("one to n"). The book covers various aspects of entrepreneurship, including technology's significance, monopolies' role, and the need for contrarian thinking. Thiel provides insights and advice based on his experiences, encouraging entrepreneurs to aim for uniqueness and create a future that hasn't been seen before.

The Tatas: How a Family Built a Business and a Nation: Girish Kuber & Vikrant Pande

"The Tatas: How a Family Built a Business and a Nation" is a book that chronicles the Tata family's remarkable journey in shaping a successful business empire and contributing significantly to a nation's development. Authored by Girish Kuber, the book explores the history, values, and vision that propelled the Tata family to establish one of India's most influential and diversified business conglomerates, the Tata Group.

The narrative delves into the early beginnings of the Tata family, tracing their entrepreneurial roots and the founding of the Tata Group by Jamsetji Tata. It highlights key milestones, challenges faced, and the family's commitment to social responsibility and nation-building through initiatives such as establishing educational institutions, charitable foundations, and industrial development.

This book provides readers with insights into the business acumen, values, and legacy that have made the Tata family and the Tata Group iconic figures in the history of Indian business.

So, I could read only nine books in 2023. A little disappointed, but what else can I do other than try to read more in the current year?

Parting Thoughts!!

Well, like every year, there’s a lot to achieve and do in 2024 as well, but the stakes are too damn high. Staying out of the comfort zone is a necessity.

I'm really looking forward to it. :-)?

See you all next year.