Books I am reading in January 2022
It’s the first month of the year -that month of the year when we tend to make resolution to read more. Though only this time, I decided to ditch making a resolution but rather focus on building habits — one of it being ‘reading regularly.’
My focus this year is to read more on mind, science, spirituality & philosophy in addition to biographies and memoirs. Since we are already past the mid of the month, here is the list of books I have read or currently reading in January 2022:
Books I have read (or listened) so far:
- How Successful people Think by John.C.Maxwell:
I started my year by picking this wonderful book on how to think better. The book outlines 11 different ways of thinking ( I never knew there can be 11 ways of thinking!). There is a chapter on each of various types of thinking: big-picture thinking, focused thinking, creative thinking, realistic thinking, strategic thinking, possibility thinking, reflective thinking, questioning popular thinking, benefiting from shared thinking, practicing unselfish thinking and relying on bottom-line thinking. Through out the book, author quotes enough examples to understand how each of these thinking pattern can be used, be it at home or at work to make our thinking process better. This is the first book by Maxwell that I have read. Overall I found it a decent read, good enough to keep me motivated and introduced me to some new thinking styles which I can definitely benefit from.
2. What I talk about when I talk about Running by Haruki Murakami:
This book has been on my reading list for a long time. I am glad that finally I picked it to listen (yes, I listened to audiobook). I absolutely fell in love with the book for two reasons — 1. It is a memoir and about running and 2. The writing style of Mr. Murakami which kept me so engrossed that I never wanted it to end. Written in a very simple language, the author so vividly describes the scenes and the places that one can easily visualize it. The book is about author’s journey of being a long distance runner and a novelist. He shares his running experiences — be it training, participation in various marathons, facing runner’s blue, exhaustion or be it accepting the reality of aging. At different occasions, he draws parallel between long distance running and writing a novel which I found fascinating. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves running or writing or someone who just loves to read a good piece of memoir. And I after listening to this book, I am definitely looking forward to read more books by this author.
Books I am currently reading & listening:
3. Infinite Powers: The Story of Calculus — The Language of the Universe by Steven Strogatz
Back in my school/college life, I never found calculus to be interesting. All thanks to the theoretical nature of the courses that were designed to keep us away from learning it further. When I decided to focus on science this year, my first thought was to learn more about the basics and one of my good pals suggested this book. I have only read first few chapters but I already found it fascinating. The author takes us through the gradual development and legacy of calculus which is enlightening. The lively and engaging style of Strogatz has made the topic so interesting that at times I just want to keep reading on. The book has some great reviews and I can’t wait to read more on the power of calculus and its application in science, politics, medicine, philosophy, and much more.
4. The Path made Clear: Discovering your life’s direction and purpose by Oprah Winfrey
I admire Oprah for what she is and her way of leading a purpose driven life. In her book, ‘The Path Made Clear’, she shares a guide for activating the deepest vision of oneself and offers a framework for creating a purpose-driven life. At the moment, I am only half way through the book. What I like about this book is that at the start of each chapter Oprah shares her own viewpoint. She then illustrates and expands on it further by quoting the experiences and wisdom of other folks whom she has interviewed all these years. Each chapter unfolds itself like a message to us. What makes it magical is listening to all of it in Oprah’s voice which makes it so impactful.
That’s it for now. I believe if I read (or listen) regularly, I don’t have to set a target of reading 30 books or 52 books by the end of the year. I am sure I will end up reading a reasonable good number of books. What’s important for me is that I have something to take back to reflect and learn after reading each book.
I hope you like my book selection for January. I would love to know which books are you reading. Also please share any books that you think I should read and align with the subjects I want to focus. Don’t forget to share your views in the comment section. Happy reading and learning!
