Books 2017

My readings for 2017...

the airbnb story Leigh Gallagher Genre: Non-Fiction Read in 2017 The book outlines the incredible journey that Airbnb has been and how it has contributed to the shared economy. And not just for guests but also for the hosts. I've used Airbnb as a guest a couple of times especially when I had budget constrains and liked the fact that I saved money and got to stay at a decent place. I also liked their startup journey. It reminded me of my own and why the journey is tough but worthwhile in the end. Its a great learning experience and someday I hope to do it again. But this time better, stronger, smarter and faster.

Into The Water Paula Hawkins Genre: Fiction Read in 2017 The author's writing style stands out again in this book. Short chapters from the perspective of each character. It keeps the reader interested in the story. It is like getting multiple short perspectives and weaving a story out of them. It almost seems as if every one in this story has some deep dark hidden secret that they are doing their best to hide from everyone else. That's a lot of complicated situations especially that everyone's lives are connected to each other in some way or another. Relationships are by themselves hard, I don't know why people make it harder by doing things that are bound to make things worst.

Selfienomics Revant Genre: Non-Fiction Read in 2017 Hmm... I didn't expect this but I quite agree with many of the things said in his book. In fact this book really is, "A seriously funny guide to living the good life". I happen to chance upon this book in an airport bookstore when waiting to board a flight. I picked it up expecting some light hearted reading but was pleasantly surprised by some of the honest things said in the book. If you are living in modern day India and sometimes question the things that others (and perhaps you) do, you should read this book to get some perspective.

Maestra L. S. Hilton Genre: Fiction Read in 2017 The world of Art is a world of its own. I never was much into Art. I never understood how someone can pay large sums of money to buy a piece of Art or even how to price a piece of Art.  It was during my first visit to the Getty Museum in LA that I truly  started noticing Art and was intrigued by some of the paintings. A painting that looks all smudgy from up close, looks completely different from a distance. Tiny smudges of white paint at the right places give that look of a golden shine from a distance. Never knew that there was so much deceit in the Art business and the extent to which one will go for the sake of Art. For some reason, I recollected Bean's adventures with Whistler's Mother :)

Men Without Women Hakuri Murakami Genre: Fiction Read in 2017 Men need women and Women need Men. One cannot exist without the other. This is my first Murakami book. Unique writing style.

This WAY is EASIER, DAD Harimohan Paruvu Genre: Non-Fiction Read in 2017 Words of wisdom from a little girl. It does make things easier.

The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy Genre: Fiction Read in 2001 The world from the eyes of two children. Makes me wonder, how experiences in childhood shape ones perceptions when growing up.

The White Tiger Aravind Adiga Genre: Fiction Read in 2008 A look at the cut throat world of modern day India. Balram fights for survival and strives to succeed at all costs in modern day India.

The Village by the Sea Anita Desai Genre: Fiction Read in 1994 This book was prescribed reading in school as part of the ICSE syllabus. I used to be able to recall multiple paragraphs from the book. I read this book at an age when I was studying for an exam than for the joy of reading. Hari's and Lila's resolve to adapt and change in this growing and ever changing world is noteworthy. You'll still find such families in India today.

HBR's 10 Must Reads for New Managers HBR Genre: Non-Fiction Read in 2017 Practical case studies with key insights for New Managers

The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo Amy Schumer Genre: Non-Fiction Read in 2017 An honest to goodness account of a female stand-up comedian's life. It is hard being a comedian and it's even harder being a female comedian. I never thought there is so much competition in stand-up comedy. I guess that's true of every profession.

Hit Refresh Satya Nadella Genre: Non-Fiction Read in 2017 Culture is important and changing a culture is harder than one thinks. Satya Nadella did it at Microsoft. Proud that he is an Old Boy from The Hyderabad Public School (Begumpet) my alma mater. Where eagles dare others don't.

Last Updated: Dec 2017