Books I've Read

““Some relationships remain unfinished, not because there is no love, but because circumstances make love impossible.””

Gunahon Ka Devta ab tak padhi gayi meri sabse khaas books me se ek ban gayi hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki is story ko main shayad kabhi nahi bhool paunga. Ye mere liye sirf ek love story nahi rahi, balki is book ko padhne ke baad pyaar, relationships, society aur apne decisions ko lekar mere []

““Small routines can shape our lives in ways we often don't even notice.””

I picked this up because I wanted to understand why some habits become automatic while others are so difficult to build. The book explains how habits work through a simple cue, routine, and reward loop, and how understanding this pattern can help us change our behaviour. What I found most interesting was that Duhigg doesn’t explain habits only through theory. He uses stories from individuals, businesses, athletes, and social movements to show how habits influence everyday decisions and larger outcomes.

““Memory is not simply something we possess; it is a skill that can be cultivated through attention, association, and practice.””

I picked this up expecting a book full of simple memory tricks, but it turned out to be a broader exploration of how memory works and how it can be deliberately trained. Atkinson focuses on the importance of attention and association, showing how the way we observe and connect information can influence how well we remember it. What I found most useful was the practical approach. The book covers techniques for remembering names, faces, places, numbers, facts, words, books, and even music, along with exercises for training the eye and ear.

“A story of ambition, struggle, and the people who keep chasing a dream when nobody expects them to succeed.”

I picked this up expecting a story about competitive exams, but what I found was much more than that. Set around the world of Mukherjee Nagar, the novel follows young aspirants preparing for the civil services while dealing with ambition, friendship, financial struggles, family expectations, and the uncertainty of their future. The language is simple, conversational, and full of the flavour of contemporary Hindi. For me, the book’s biggest strength is that behind the UPSC setting, it is really a story about dreams, struggle, friendship, and the desire to change one’s life.  

““A reminder that how you begin your morning can shape how you experience the rest of your day.””

I picked this up expecting a simple book about waking up at 5 AM. Instead, it turned into a broader lesson about discipline, focus, personal growth, and making time for yourself before the distractions of the day begin. What I liked most was the idea of using the first hour of the morning intentionally — rather than immediately giving it to your phone, work, or other responsibilities. Sharma builds the book around the 20/20/20 Formula, combining movement, reflection, and learning as a way to create a more focused start to the day.

““A fascinating look at the years that shaped Gandhi before he became the Mahatma.”

I picked this up expecting a conventional biography of Gandhi, but what I found was a detailed account of the years that shaped him long before he became the figure we know from Indian history. Guha takes the story from Gandhi’s early life and his journey to South Africa, where his experiences gradually shaped his ideas about identity, injustice, community, and non-violence. What I found most interesting was seeing Gandhi as a person still developing his ideas rather than as the fully formed historical figure we usually encounter. The book explores his experiments, relationships, failures, struggles, and the political and social experiences that influenced his later philosophy.

““A life that turns spiritual seeking into a journey of courage, service, and self-discovery.””

I picked this up expecting a straightforward account of Swami Vivekananda’s life, but found something much more personal and immersive. Sankar presents Vivekananda’s journey through his early life, spiritual search, transformation, travels, and his encounter with the larger world of ideas and religion. What stayed with me most was the way the book connects his spiritual journey with his belief in service, discipline, strength, and the importance of awakening one’s own potential.