“… a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

Books are a great source of learning, be it intellectual or emotional. At the beginning of every new year, I reflect on what I learnt last year and what were the major sources of those learning’s. And just like every year, my answer is - books. Here are my top six favorite reads of last year.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Shoe Dog is an impressive and motivating memoir by founder of NIKE. Starting from, Knight deciding to import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes, this book is full of risks and setbacks suffered by the company and Phil Knight. But in the end, due to the persistence and perseverance of the founder and people working for the company, NIKE becomes a brand and reaches the height of success.

There are many ways down Mt. Fuji, according to the guidebook, but only one way up.” - Phil Knight (Shoe Dog)

I started this book thinking “It’s a memoir, might be a bit dry.” By the time I finished this book I realized how wrong I was. Not a moment in the book was dull and once you start reading, you just don’t want to put it down. While reading Shoe Dog, I found myself smiling, taking mental notes and even sobbing at certain places. I was’nt just reading the book, I was living the experiences of Phil Knight. That’s how good the book is.

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

In current era, one of the major forms of communication is writing - email, blogs (like this one), etc. My words reach where I can’t. They represent me, what I am , what I stand for. The more I think about it, the more I realize, how important it is to explain myself clearly and concisely. Every day, I struggle to improve myself, seeking advice from the experts. If you are like me, this is a great book with some great advices. No matter in which industry you work, you’ll find your answers related to non-fictional writing, right here in this book. As I found mine!

What If? by Randall Munroe

“How dangerous is it, really to be in the swimming pool in a thunderstorm?”

Want answer’s to the weird scientific questions that your mind conjures? Look no further, here is a book that will satisfy your curiosity and will leave you laughing at the witty sarcasm. Randall Munroe is the creator of XKCD, a popular website that answers scientific questions posted by people. This book has some of the best and funniest questions. If you are a science enthusiast and haven’t picked up this book yet, make sure to do it this year, it’s an extremely enjoyable read.

The Book Thief by Markus Zuask

The Book Thief is the story of an orphan girl - Liesel Meminger. Set during the World WarII in Germany, it shows the courage of this orphan girl, her foster family, her neighbors and the jew hidden in her basement. Liesel has one true love - books, which forces her to become a Book Thief. She learns to read and her passion for books keeps the spirits of her family, friends and neighbors high during the fateful nights of air raids.

Even before picking this book up, I had high expectations from it beacuse I heard a lot of good reviews. And I must say that the book did not disappoint. Over a period of time while reading the book, you fall in love with all the characters, especially, Liesel and her foster father. What makes this book unique is that the whole story of Liesel Meminger is narrated by Death!

The Martian by Andy Weir

What will you do, if you are stranded in the middle of nowhere? Maybe call for help! What if, that nowhere is planet Mars? Astronaut Mark Watney says he’ll try to colonize it. The Martian is the story of Astronaut Mark Watney, who is accidentally, left behind on Mars (presumed dead), by his crew mates. Stranded on Mars, he fights for his survival, till someone discovers he is alive and help arrives. Will Mark be able to leave Mars alive?

There are a lot of scientific experiments and mishaps by Watney, but even in adversities, his character manages to humor the readers. If you have’nt read the book yet, give it a try, the book is really, really good.

Wonder by RJ Palacio

August Pullman is a 10 year old normal boy, except he has facial deformity, due to which he is home-schooled by his parents at home. The story begins when Auggie’s (August Pullman’s) parents decide to send him to a school for the first time. Will Auggie be able to adjust in his new school? Will his classmates ever accept him like they would accept a normal child?

Wonder is a heart warming story of the struggles of a 10 year old misfit boy and his family, to find happiness wherever they can. It reminds us -

When given a choice between being right or being kind, choose kind. - Dr. Wayne Dyer