Related Thread: Car Books
Am surprised there is no thread on books when there are for movies on Team-BHP! With such avid writers on this forum, I'm sure a lot of you are voracious readers too
. Looking forward to this discussion as some of the best movies I've watched have been off suggestions in the movies thread.
I'm a regular reader and spend about 30 - 60 minutes every day reading books, whether physical or on Kindle (
although physical books have their own charm).
Please share recommendations here. Non-fiction only. If you want a discussion on fiction, here's the
other thread.
My reading is primarily business-related, biographies & so on. Some memorable books I've read recently, over & above the ones listed in the
Automotive Books thread.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Easily 5 out of 5 stars. Just completed it and want to read it again. Brilliantly written and with a lot of humour thrown in too. An outstanding insight into a man who has created the most iconic sports goods company in the world. The book covers Nike's early days very well; however, it ends abruptly after the IPO and doesn't really talk about the journey between the 1980s - 2000s at all. More than anything, I appreciate the man's attitude. Humble, never-say-die, broadminded, smart.
Failing to Succeed: The Story of India’s First E-Commerce Company
Interesting read on Fabmart / Indiaplaza.com's early days and how it went from boom to bust. Insights on the early internet days of India as well. However, the author is biased and blames everything but himself for the company's failure. 3.5 / 5 stars.
Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator
3.5 / 5 stars. Was of personal interest to me as I wanted to know how the media & PR industries spin. I've seen in the Indian Car PR industry some of the games he talks about.
An Unsuitable Boy
Karan Johar's autobiography. If you've heard him speak, you know that he has enormous wit & intelligence. Great story of a talented filmmaker. 4 / 5 stars.
The TOI Story
3.5 / 5 stars. I enjoyed reading about the Times of India, our country's most influential (and controversial) news outlet. Taking a full star away as I found the author has missed many important points. Lacks depth, but still tells you the story.
Indira: The Life of Indira Nehru Gandhi
I thoroughly enjoyed this biography of a woman who emerged as a leader in a time when women weren't empowered. Will give it 4 / 5 stars.
Trumpnation: The Art of Being The Donald
4 / 5 stars. Entertaining book on the American President and his business background. Shows you a side you perhaps never knew of him. Shady business dealings too.
Kingdom of the Soap Queen: The Story of Balaji Telefilms
Absolute junk. It looks like the book was written by a PR employee of Balaji. 0 / 5 stars. I really wanted to know more about Ekta's remarkable success story, but the writing was such rubbish that I abandoned the book.
Network18: The Audacious Story of a Start-up That Became a Media Empire
Damn good book on the controversial Network18's trials & turbulences. Quite the story, even though the author is biased toward the company and has skipped some negative developments.
Delivering Happiness
5 / 5 stars. On the incredible Zappo's story & their unique culture. A must-read for any entrepreneur.
Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of Spacex and Tesla is Shaping Our Future
Was not much of a fan of Elon Musk before reading this book, but I now am. Shows just how driven the man is, the many challenges he faced and his sheer determination of making a difference. 4 / 5 stars.
King of Capital: The Remarkable Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Steve Schwarzman and Blackstone
5 / 5 stars. On Blackstone & the investment industry.
Losing My Virginity: the Autobiography
5 / 5 stars. A great read on an extremely flamboyant & successful entrepreneur. Well-written too.
Netflixed: The Epic Battle for America's Eyeballs
Rating 4 / 5 stars. Good read on the journey of Netflix.
A peek into my Kindle (have a lot more hard covers):