Re-discovering Physical Books

Hello there!

I read only 3 books in 2023. I have read 10 in just 3 months in 2024. What changed? - My newfound lack of interest in human beings and the transition from Kindle to physical books.

Despite being a massive Kindle fan and a tech gadget freak in general, I have to admit that moving to physical books brought back the joy of reading.

Things that changed because of reading daily

1. I rarely watch TV now. It’s been 3 months and I haven’t watched an OTT series. And I was addicted to TV series!
2. I am way more intelligent now. Like, you wouldn’t notice it but I am. When someone brings up a topic I have read about, a lightbulb goes off inside my head. “Hey, I have insights. I have read about it”. Unfortunately, it flickers and dies quickly because I don’t remember what I have read, enough to engage in a discussion (also that newfound lack of interest in humans kicks in)
3. I have also realised that all motivational books essentially say the same thing in different ways.
4. I have developed a greater sense of empathy towards others. (Hehehe nah! I’m kidding!)

So here are my Top 10 recommendations from.. err .. well.... the 10 books I read!

1. 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think - Brianna Wiest (Philosophy)
2. Before and Laughter - Jimmy Carr (Standup & life)
3. Same as Ever - Morgan Housel (World/Society)
4. Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert (Creativity)
5. Bird by Bird - Anne Lamot (Writing)
6. The Midnight Library (Fiction/Life)
7. A Therapeutic Journey - Alain De Botton (Mental Health)
8. Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor E Frank (Philosophy)
9. Indistractable - Nir Eyal (Productivity)
10. Deep Work - Cal Newport (Productivity)

Bonus Recommendation: Ulysses by James Joyce

I know you just went ‘NO WAY YOU HAVE READ THIS ANSHU’! You are right! I haven’t. But here is a pro tip - In any book reco list, always add this book. Nobody has read it and it is the most famous book in the world!        

Mor Tips for reading books:

1. Read them. Do not use them for decoration.
2. Always keep a pen and a highlighter with you when reading a book. One, you look very intelligent and two, you look very intelligent.
3. Read the good books at least twice. You will discover new meanings the second time. Also, you will realise that you were really not paying attention the first time.
4. Revisit the self-highlighted sections at least once a quarter. You don’t have to do it for every book. Do it for the real good ones.
5. Use sticky note markers for the pages that you find interesting. Easier to go back. Also, C’mon, have you really read a book if it doesn’t have markers popping out??
6. If the book doesn’t speak to you, leave it. Do not take this literally, please. You will never read a book that way. (PS: Books don’t speak)
7. Always tell people about the books you are reading. You are not an avid reader unless you tell 40 people about it. It is like being a Vegan.

Enjoy reading.

PS: I am writing a book! I am 70 pages in already!