My Favorite Books : Hercule Poirot's Casebook

                    Hercule Poirot's Casebook

                                 David Suchet as Hercule Poirot

Agatha Christie created this suave crime detective who always insist upon use of one's grey cells to solve any mystery. He would tell a person's background from his appearance, mannerisms and accent even though meeting for the first time. 

Poirot has passion for orderliness and always try to find order in the facts getting presented in solving a case. Poirot has an overconfident disposition with keenness for sartorial excellence and neatness. A speck of dust may hurt him more than a wound of bullet.

The egg shaped head, profuse moustache and uncanny ability to analyse human behaviour and motivations makes this Belgian detective's cases an irresistable read.

My Favorite Books : The way of youth

The way of youth

Dr. Daisaku Ikeda is the president of Soka Gakkai International. He is the mentor of more than 12 million Buddhists practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism across the globe.

Dr. Ikeda is a prolific writer. In this book, he offers very compassionate, empathetic and encouraging guidance rooted in Buddhist philosophy for the youth of today. Friendship, Love, bullying, career, challenges of growing up, teenagers issues etc.  are explained with a very non judgemental, practical and wise perspective.

My Favorite Books : The Mayor of Casterbridge

The Mayor of Casterbridge

Thomas Hardy is one of my all time favourite. The sheer pleasure of reading a beautifully and delicately crafted English , scenic descriptions, stunning twists and turns in the plot, depth of characters and a large canvas immerse you in a literary experience. 

The charterers of Henchard, Susan, Elizabeth-Jane, Lucetta and Farfrae  and the surroundings of countryside - the magic of the plot lies in man vs. fate and the fate wins. 

A must read for lovers of literature!!

My Favorite Books : Blink

                                              Blink

Blink is about snap decisions. A very common phenomenon amply covered by Malcolm Gladwell

with examples. These snap decisions have roots in our intuitive abilities and cognitive intelligence. Malcolm also explains something called thin slicing to make a larger picture. 

A very interesting read and an insight into the decision making algorithms of our mind. I was left wondering - " who decides for me - my logical brain or my observant subconscious?

My Favorite Books: A brief history of time

                          A brief history of time

Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) was regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history. He is known for his contributions to the fields of cosmology, general relativity and quantum gravity, especially in the context of black holes. In the 1960s and 1970s, he worked on ground-breaking theorems regarding singularities within the framework of general relativity, and made the theoretical prediction that black holes should emit radiation (known today as Hawking radiation). 

In early 1963,Hawking was diagnosed with a rare disease called ALS. The motor neurone disease made him less mobile and he  began using a wheelchair. An emergency tracheotomy caused his total loss of speech. A speech-generating device constructed at Cambridge, combined with a software program, served as his electronic voice, allowing Hawking to select his words by moving the muscles in his cheek.Yet, Hawking defied the odds, not only attaining his Ph.D. but also forging new roads into the understanding of the universe in the decades since.

The most recognisable scientist of our age, Hawking holds an iconic status. His genre-defining book, A Brief History of Time, has sold more than 10 million copies since its publication in 1988, and has been translated into more than 35 languages. 

One of my favourite, this book describes the mysteries of birth and death of the universe in a very Layman's language. 

My Favorite Books : I am OK You are Ok

                                     I am OK -You're Ok

It is almost 25 years now when I read this book first. A complete guide to transactional analysis or TA, this book presents a completely new nomenclature and method to handle relationships in a rewarding manner.

The parent, adult and child in us subconsciously determine the outcome of our transactions. Strokes, childhood injunctions, the four life positions of I am OK- you are OK,I am OK- you are not OK,I am not OK- you are OK and I am not OK- you are not OK provides  stunningly simple  perspective to understand our behaviour.

During one of the sessions in a TA workshop, the instructor asked everyone to close their eyes and imagine getting a recognition or appreciation they had been craving for but never got from others. This simple exercise was so powerful and intense that many of the participants started actually crying. Such is the power of strokes and such is the intensity of the impressions we collect in our subconscious since our childhood.

Please do read this book. It is a great insight, a new perspective and it is transformative!!

My Favorite Books : Synchro Destiny

                          Synchro Destiny

Deepak Chopra is one of the leading mind-body-spirit Gurus. He seeks to teach the benefits of incorporating meditation and a healthy lifestyle for increasing inner happiness.

Deepak Chopra was born in New Delhi, India in 1947. He attended the All India Institute of Medical sciences studying western medicine. In 1968 he came to America and began working in a New Jersey hospital. This led to a successful career in medicine in which he became chief of staff at the New England Memorial Hospital. He also established a growing private medical practise. 

After studying the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda and yoga in 1995 He founded The Chopra Center for Well Being in California. 

Deepak Chopra has had over 42 books published selling over 20 million copies worldwide. His books range from translations of the Sufi poet Rumi to “A Holistic Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth” As a public speaker he is also in great demand and has appeared as a keynote speaker at many prestigious events including the inauguration of the State of the World Forum, hosted by Mikhail Gorbachev.

Dr. Chopra is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

Synchro destiny is about finding meaning in coincidences and tapping the field of infinite possibilities in our consciousness. As per Dr. Chopra, this curiosity makes it possible to achieve the spontaneous fulfillment of our desires.

My Favorite Books : A thousand splendid suns

 A thousand splendid suns

                

Khalid Hosseini storytelling is so intense and moving that your heart will cry out for these women who are the protagonist in this novel. Set in the back drop of Afghanistan, it is a story of two women Mariam and 

Laila who are caged in the social framework around then with no freedom to live their life on their terms. 

They try to run from their husband only to be caught and brought back to be beaten brutally. The story moves with a  poignant narration of the plight of  an Afghan woman , who has to undergo  caesarian operation without anaesthesia,  who kills her husband to save another woman and who is publicly executed. Mariam's mother states, "Learn this now and learn it well, my daughter: Like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. Always. You remember that, Mariam."

A must read to know and believe that there are  outrageous norms in different parts of the world where women are forced to live under subhuman conditions, are kept uneducated, are kept repressed and are forced to accept their fate as unequals.

My Favorite Books : Unlocking The Mysteries Of Birth And Death

 Unlocking The Mysteries Of Birth And Death

Daisaku Ikeda is the author of more than 60 books, including Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death, Soka Education, The Way of Youth, For the Sake of Peace, and The Living Buddha. He is the recipient of the United Nations Peace Award, the Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award, and the International Tolerance Award of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Unlocking mysteries of life and death explains the temporary existence i.e.  physical being  or Ke, the cosmic existence or essential being or Ku and Chu as the middle way to eternalise the cycle of birth, ageing, sickness and death. The book describes nine consciousness, ten worlds, three thousand realms in one instant of life and other Buddhist concepts in very easy to understand manner. 

A profound read for all those who seek spiritual awakening alongside of daily life. It has answers to many questions !!

My Favorite Books - O Jerusalem

My Favorite Books - O Jerusalem

On 29th November, 1947,  UN declared the partition of Palestine among Arabs and Jews, allowing Jews, to have their own nation in their part of Palestine.

David Ben-Gurion, the founder of Israel,  knew everything was against Jews, expect one – their passion and desire to own a country. And, there, amongst Arabic and Islamic nations, stood Israel, strong and fierce. This book is about one of the most beautiful, intelligent and courageous people on earth and their indomitable spirit. 

Jerusalem is a place where Arabs, Christians and Jews have their most important holy sites. It is a place which has a history of conflict and war. It's a place which was reclaimed by Jews ldiaspora with their determination of steel.

This book is a must read. It is a historical textbook written in the form of an engaging story that keep the readers  thoroughly captivated.

My Favorite Books - Wings of Fire

My Favorite Books - Wings of Fire

Wings of Fire is the autobiography of former Indian president and eminent scientist Late APJ Kalam.

From a newspaper boy in his early childhood to become the missile man of India, Abdul Kalam's is the most inspiring journey . 

This book is a guide to every project manager. This book is a guide to every one who aspire to create value and reach to extraordinary heights with deep roots in simplicity.

My Favorite Books - I am Malala

My Favorite Books - I am Malala

In the Swat valley of Pakistan, Malala champions the cause of women's rights against Taliban at a very tender age. She speaks out for woman education and boldly declare her views. She is shot by the militants in the head. She had to undergo critical surgeries and her brain remains covered with just a skin membrane until the time a steel cap is  fitted to cover the skull.

This is her real story and is a very inspiring example of courage, fortitude and bravery. The book also provides an account of the reign of terror and particularly the sanctions imposed on women by the fundamentalists.

A must read !! 

My Favorite Books - 1984

My Favorite Books - 1984

George Orwell was ranked by Times magazine as 2nd in the list 50 top British authors since 1945.

His novel, 1984 was published in the year 1939. It presents a haunting vision of a totalitarian state.

 A nation called Oceania is ruled by Big party and a leader called Big brother. The nation has 'Thought police ' which monitor the crimes of rebellion against the  party. A new language with limited vocabulary is followed which is called 'Newspeak'. There is very limited permission to express individuality and even love cannot be expressed.

A very insightful reading, 1984 is ranked 8th in the year 2003 in the BBC survey The big read. Times magazine added this book in the list 100 best English novels since 1923.

My Favourite songs - Buy me a rose

My Favourite  songs - Buy me a rose

"Buy Me a Rose"  song is recorded by American country music artist Kenny Rogers. It became number one in Billboard hot country singles charts making Kenny Rogers the oldest number one  hit singer at the age of 61.

The song beautifully narrates how futile material gifts from a husband to wife could be and how his simple gestures can win her heart.

LYRICS

He works hard to give her all he thinks she wants
A three car garage, her own credit cards
He pulls in late to wake her up with a kiss good night
If he could only read her mind, she'd say:

Buy me a rose, call me from work
Open a door for me, what would it hurt
Show me you love me by the look in your eyes
These are the little things I need the most in my life

Now the days have grown to years of feeling all alone
And she can't help but wonder what she's doing wrong
Cause lately she'd try anything to turn his head
Would it make a difference if she said:

Buy me a rose, call me from work
Open a door for me, what would it hurt
Show me you love me by the look in your eyes
These are the little things I need the most in my life

And the more that he lives the less that he tries
To show her the love that he hold inside
And the more that she gives the more that he sees
This is a story of you and me

So I bought you a rose on the way home from work
Opened the door to a heart that I hurt
And I hope you notice this look in my eyes
Cause I'm gonna make things right
I'm gonna hold you tonight
Do all those little things
For the rest of your life.

Songwriters: Erik W Hickenlooper / Jim Funk

Buy Me a Rose lyrics © BMG Rights Management

My Favorite Books - Buddha in Daily Life

My Favorite Books - Buddha in Daily Life

This book leaves a profound effect every time you read it.

It lucidly explains the science of life, The universal rhythm, The law of cause and effect, sentient beings, their constituents, The principal of 10 worlds, karma and mission in one's life, obstacles and victories we face and most importantly empowers one to change one's destiny by doing one's own human revolution.

This book has the power to change life. Power to awaken you to your Real identity. 

A must read!!

-. Pakhi- 

My Poems - घुन

घुन

My Favourite songs - Stand By Me

Stand By Me

An American soul and R&B singer, Benjamin Earl King (September 28, 1938 – April 30, 2015), was the singer and composer of "Stand by Me".  A US Top 10 hit, both in 1961 and later in 1986, a number one hit in the UK in 1987, and no. 25 on the RIAA's list of Songs of the Century, this song has been performed, recorded and released by many singers including Sir John Lennon.

This song has a soulful and piercing voice filling each word with an 'ask' - a natural craving of the loving hearts to lean on each other and draw strength. 

Beautiful and captivating!!