It is said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. When you think about it, truer words have been said about the human mind. When our mind is idle, it tends to reel back to thoughts and memories that are dark and dubious. On the other hand, it is the most colorful and creative asset you have with a little effort. This is why it is important to keep your mind active and stimulate your imagination.
One of the easiest ways to keep your mind busy and creative is to indulge in some really good books. Reading has always helped people learn and grow in more than one way. When you read a book, the author is taking you to his world, showing you how he or she sees everything around them. You are essentially transported to a place and time where the narrative takes place, helping you imagine and understand things from a whole new perspective. May it be a novel, a travelogue or a self-help book; every book has a tale to tell that takes the reader through a journey where they come out being more thoughtful and imaginative.
So, with all of you staying home and keeping safe, why not start or get back into the habit of reading and exploring the world like never before? With that said, here is a list of some of our favorite picks that you can read this season.
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia
The first thing about this book that you’d notice is the word Ikigai itself. Simply put, Ikigai means “reason for being”. In the book, the authors explore the philosophy of Ikigai, after listening to the residents of a Japanese Village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds. It is considered one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people have realized the various aspects of life that help humans achieve a long and healthy life.
Ikigai reveals the secrets to longevity and happiness as lived and experienced by the Japanese villagers. By sharing their best-kept secret of living everyday life, the book teaches readers how to find the Ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives.
On Being Nice – The School of Life
Where most self-help books give us the guidelines and route map to be richer, smarter and successful, this book simply tells us to be nicer. As you read along, you will find ways to be less irritable and be more patient. You learn how to be a good listener and be more warm and friendly to the people around you. In short, the book explores the importance of being nice, regardless of its lack of immediate allure.
So, pick up this book and enjoy a great read as it explains “niceness” and why it deserves to be recognized as the highest of all human achievements.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
If you have heard this beautiful quote at least once in your life and wondered what the story behind it is, it’s time to read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This enchanting novel takes the reader on a journey from Spain to Egypt alongside the protagonist Santiago in search of a buried treasure. Along the way, he meets some very interesting people, who all point Santiago in the direction of his quest.
What starts as a journey to find physical treasure turns into a story of discovering the treasure within. If you are a fan of fantasy interwoven with deeply humane emotions, The Alchemist is a must-read for this summer.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Often considered as the ultimate guide to financial literacy, this book not only outlines the best ways, but also the right attitude for building wealth.
The book talks about two dads in the author’s life – Robert’s real father, the “poor dad” and the father of his best friend, his “rich dad”. The story explores how both men shaped their fortune, what worked and who did it better. As you read along, you will learn the stark difference between working to earn money and having money work for you in the best way.
If you are looking to make the most out of your money and build a secure future through better management of personal finances, Rich Dad Poor Dad is the one book you must read.
The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
If you are a fan of self-help books that inspire you to be a better version of yourself, this book should be your golden guide. The author, Dr. Joseph Murphy has beautifully painted a perfect picture in this book as to how changing your thought patterns can produce dramatic improvements in your life. With practical and easy to follow techniques and real-world cases, the doctor shows the reader how every aspect of life from relationships to finance can influence the subconscious mind.
A life-changing classic, this book is your best friend on your journey towards self-realization and improvement. So don’t forget to add it to your reading list today.
The Gift Of Imperfection by Brené Brown
This best-seller of all times is undoubtedly an inspiring book that focuses on the need for cultivating the courage, compassion and connection to embrace once imperfections and to recognize that they are enough all along.
The book draws images from society and media that constantly tell us who we are and how we should be. It further shows how this pressure of being imperfect and inadequate is baseless and why it is important to find your place of worthiness in the world. A perfect read that helps you embrace all your imperfections.
E Squared: Nine Energy Experiments That Prove That Your Thoughts Create Reality by Pam Grout
If you are really into DIYs, here are nine DIY energy experiments to turn your life around! E-squared by Pam Grout is often described as a lab manual of experiments that prove once and for all that reality is malleable, that consciousness trumps matter, and that you shape your life with your mind.
The book takes every reader through an amazing set of theories that can be proven through nine 48 hour experiments. As you decode every theory in this book and realize it’s verity, you feel energized and empowered to create your reality.
Final words
So here it is – seven powerful books to keep you company and expand your universe this summer. These books will undoubtedly help you unlock your potential and give you all the strength and creativity to overcome the toughest uncertainty of our times. From all of us at The Hundred, we wish you better and fruitful quarantine days with these wonderful reads.
