Namasteee fam,
Back with another book reco blog. Some fun stuff ahead read through....
Previous part : Part 4
You can find Part 1,2,3 links inside the above link...
1. Tuesdays with Morrie - Memoir, Biography (Non- Fiction)
To be honest, not a genre that I would pick up on my own, but since I was gifted one (by PGP Chairperson, at IIMB) and it was small sized book (ofc immensely valuable), couldn't resist the urge to read it. Written by Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie chronicles his real-life final conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who was battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Through these conversations, the book brings to light many truths about life that often remain unspoken or unacknowledged, hidden away because we fear confronting them. It beautifully shows how one can remain lively, joyful, and full of warmth even while standing on the verge of death.
I was deeply inspired by how optimistic and radiant Morrie remained through it all, truly a ray of sunshine. It was an enlightening read in many ways, one that definitely gives you a different outlook on life. Some thoughts from the book that stayed with me: Love is how you stay alive. Detach from everything, yet fully absorb every feeling, recognize it, name it, experience it, and then let it go. Such a necessary skill to possess.
Another beautiful takeaway was how rare and valuable it is to meet people who genuinely make you feel heard. It’s such an underrated trait, and something I personally wish to inculcate in myself. Morrie’s thoughts on marriage also deeply resonated with me, his belief that lasting relationships need mutual respect, compromise, honesty, aligned values, and above all, belief in the importance of marriage itself. As he says: Love each other or perish. And perhaps the most powerful lesson of all forgive yourself, and forgive others. Life is simply too short for regrets.
What left me stunned was how Morrie considered himself lucky even in his deteriorating state because he believed it gave him time to reflect, make peace, and correct his wrongs. What a beyond wonderful mindset. The world would truly be a better place if each of us carried even a small part of Morrie within us 🩷. A must read.
2. The Mistletoe Motive- Romantic Fiction
The Mistletoe Motive by The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese is a Christmas contemporary romance and one of those joyful, heartwarming reads I simply couldn’t put down until I finished it. Ended up reading it in just 2 days because my curiosity for romance novels is honestly 100x greater than for any other genre.
It follows Gabby and Mr. Frost, co-managers of a struggling bookstore trying to revive business during the holiday season while their jobs hang in the balance. At its core, it’s the classic nemesis-to-lovers trope my forever guilty pleasure no matter how many versions of it I read or watch, I never get tired of it.
What I loved most was the cozy bookstore setting, festive Christmas vibe, witty banter, and the slow-burn chemistry between the leads. It’s warm, light-hearted, adorable, and gives just the right amount of butterflies in the stomach. Will not spoil further...A perfect comfort read for anyone who loves sweet, cliché romances because honestly, one can never get bored of books like these ;)
3. Build - Self Help (Non- Fiction)
I first came across Build when the Product Strategy and Marketing course at Indian Institute of Management Bangalore recommended it to students. My friend Karthikeyan, who had chosen the elective, suggested I read it and lent me his copy. Build by Tony Fadell is far more than just a business book; it feels like a blueprint for entrepreneurs, builders, and leaders alike. It powerfully conveys that creating anything meaningful whether a career, product, or company is never a solo journey. While one may begin with a narrow focus on their own role, true growth comes from understanding how every function marketing, engineering, sales, and strategy intertwines, and from evolving beyond short-term execution into long-term vision. The real advantage lies in becoming someone who can connect the dots and see the bigger picture.
One of the book’s strongest messages is that great products are not built to flaunt technology, but to solve genuine human problems. This naturally ties into storytelling because people don’t buy features; they buy what resonates with them emotionally and logically. In that sense, good marketing is not manipulation, but the art of clarity, honesty, and meaningful communication.
Tony also emphasizes that success lies not just in building a great product, but in mastering the entire customer journey and that even the most disruptive ideas fail without disciplined execution. As one grows into leadership, the challenge becomes balancing control with freedom: empowering teams to innovate while ensuring accountability remains intact. A particularly valuable insight was his distinction between coaches and mentors coaches help improve your performance, while mentors shape your broader life and career decisions. Both, he argues, are indispensable. And in moments of adversity, true leaders do not retreat into isolation; they communicate, seek counsel, confront problems head-on, and transform setbacks into stories that strengthen culture and resilience.
All in all, Build is an incredibly resourceful read one that spans everything from corporate politics and leadership lessons to the practical realities of building revolutionary products amidst chaos and uncertainty.
4. Love on the Brain - STEM Rom-Com (Fiction)
This was my second book by Ali Hazelwood (after The Love Hypothesis), and once again, she delivers a charming STEM-inspired rom-com packed with wit, tension, and heart. Love, Theoretically is an engaging enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance filled with workplace rivalry, witty banter, palpable chemistry, and heartwarming moments of care and concern by the Hero. It carries the familiar essence of The Love Hypothesis ( which will still remain my favorite may be cuz I read it first).
The story follows Bee Königswasser, a brilliant neuroscientist whose life motto is: What would Marie Curie do? So when NASA offers her the chance to lead her dream neuroengineering project, it should be perfect, except she has to co-lead it with Levi Ward, the same man who made it clear in grad school that they were better off as enemies. Though Bee sees Levi as cold, frustrating, and impossible to read, things begin to shift when he unexpectedly becomes her strongest supporter amidst workplace struggles and sabotage. What follows is a beautifully written journey of rivalry turning into trust, admiration, and undeniable attraction.
Beyond the romance, the book thoughtfully touches on themes of women in STEM, self-doubt, and professional validation, making it more than just a love story. Smart, funny, and heartwarming, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who loves romance with intellect and depth.
That is it for this blog, will be back soon with the next...
Until next time,
Sarvamshreekrishnarpanamasthu...
Comments
Post a Comment