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Unlike last year, he was almost certain that he would not accept any reading challenges this year. It really is something to understand so many characters and situations and not be affected. You really can’t purge emotions easily. But, then we all like challenges; push ourselves and overcome our own limits. And then this is what I read-

1. Ayn Rand Spring

A classic read and my favorite book this year it also has many professional lessons to teach. An architect’s indestructible will to build is challenged at every step he takes. On his way to success he renounces love, honor, fame and money, only to get it back near the end of his career. But is that what he always wanted?

2. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

An extraordinary story of a brave 16-year-old girl, who fought for the cause of education in the beautiful Swat Valley of western Pakistan. Malala is a Nobel Prize winner with an iron heart who did not give up even when she was shot by the Taliban and landed separated from her family in the UK.

3. Devlok by Devdutt Pattanaik

After watching an episode on the Epic Channel, Devdutt caught my eye. An important question and answer book with important chapters on gods, goddesses, demigods, traditions, sacred texts, avatars, myths and more. A must read for teenagers and those who want to know about Hinduism.

4. Devlok 2 by Devdutt Pattanaik

A continuation of Devlok 1, Devdutt Pattnaik covers interesting questions based on forests and fields, animals, and more. Pattanaik’s lucid writing makes a great gift, especially for teens, students, and NRI readers.

5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Late to the party, yes, but I picked it up a couple of years ago and got bored. With no books available for February, I had to find this one and finish it. The Alchemist teaches you about learning, beliefs and risks. More than anything it teaches you to keep walking.

6. The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad by Twinkle Khanna

This book is divided into 4 stories. Each character is embarrassed by society but not afraid. The characters choose an unconventional path and change lives. Twinkle Khanna is a smart author who impresses effortlessly.

7. The Key of Krishna by Ashwin Sanghi

The rebirth of Lord Krishna in his Kalki Avatar to destroy the world is part fiction and part fact. The story takes you through the lost cities of Gokul, Vrindavan and more. It enlightens the reader on the history of the Somnath Temple and the Taj Mahal. Ashwin Sanghi, the Dan Brown of India, is also known for weaving plots similar to the above. However, Chanakya’s Chant is a very entertaining read.

8. Minds on fire by Shri Abdul Kalam Azad

A guide for all who aspire to achieve greatness in life. This book is a blessing and a guiding hand to the reader with its luminescent speeches, examples, and excerpts.

9. An Inadequate Boy by Karan Johar

I only brought it because I loved this season of Koffee with Karan. An Unsuitable Boy will interest you if you like to read about the Hindi film industry. Take a look at Karan’s childhood, movies, friends and love life.

10. Faction by Khalid Mohammad

I figured it would be an interesting read because it’s a book based on the stories of 22 movie personalities. Very few were impressive. It is a compilation (anthology) of short stories. Some of the best stories ever written are by Akshay Kumar, Arjun Rampal, Bobby Deol, Deepika Padukone, Karan Johar, Shekhar Kapur, and Sonam Kapoor.

11. Tina Fey’s Bossy Pants

You cannot relate, identify or understand the pages or the purpose of this book. It contains too many American inside jokes that only fans of SNL – Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock will understand.

12. Stories of Modern India edited by Suresh Kohli

An anthology may seem like a good deal, but in return I have noticed that they lack quality content. Of course, the chicken soup books are an exception. The stories in this book are based on emotions such as love, betrayal, sacrifice, superstition and ambition. These are works of famous authors translated from Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi and English.

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