Judging by Shraddha Kapoor’s book recommendations, the actress could seriously be considering a career switch from movie star to motivational speaker. Sharing her top reads for 2018 on Instagram, we were struck by a consistent theme: mindfulness, holistic wellness and harmonious living.
No pulp fiction or lightweight chick-lit here. Shraddha’s spent her summer becoming an expert in self-improvement. Of course, there are enough best-selling authors to make everybody happy (Karan Johar’s autobiographical work An Unsuitable boy, Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns), just in case serious introspection isn’t on your weekend to-do list.
Here’s a list of 10 titles that you could pick on your next visit to the bookstore, courtesy Shraddha Kapoor.
1. An Unsuitable Boy by Karan Johar
The book talks about the personal and professional life of Karan Johar, taking us on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of one of the most-loved Indian filmmaker’s life.
Do not mistake it to be a historical tribute to Bollywood as it is deeper and more unique than that. The book is from a point of view of a young boy who is born and brought up in South Bombay and has an undying passion for Bollywood movies. It talks about the dreamlike glamour of the film industry as well as the real-life heartbreaks and fears in the most honest way possible.
2. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy’s debut novel is an account of the childhood experiences of fraternal twins — Rahel and Estha whose lives are by the ‘love laws’ laid down by people instructing them on who should be loved and in what proportion. The 7-year-old’s voice – innocent and clueless – narrates the novel capturing the communism and caste system prevalent in a small town in Kerala. The book will leave you savouring the small things in life that usually cause the biggest impact.
3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
If you are stressed out, disappointed or underwhelmed with life, this book is going to be your literary haven. Aiding mental decluttering, this book will help you unleash the power within yourself to not get consumed in family drama, having a ‘bikini body’, your co-worker’s opinion about your pet or anything for that matter.
4. Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn
The wellness buzzword on every millenial’s mind, consider Jon Kabat-Zinn’s work your dummy’s guide to engaging with the world and taking control of your life. The scientist and teacher uses 5 simple breathing techniques to teach you what he terms Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which has been clinically proven to reduce stress and improve the quality of life.
5. Moon Theory by Robert M. Drake
There is something about being real — that they do not teach in school. Being real to who you are and to accept things as they come and change. There are times when you need to do what is best for you, keeping yourself before others. This book tutors you into doing that — to think about you, now and everyday.
6. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
In contrast to his first bestseller, ‘Kite Runner’, which was the story of a father and a son; this book centralises the ‘mother-daughter’ relationship, putting immense focus on the female characters and their role in an Afghan society. Inspired by two burqa-clad women of Kabul, Afghanistan, the book is about the heart-breaking story of those resilient women.
7. The One in the Mirror by Ramesh S. Balsekar
The way to peace and harmony in daily living, the book is an account of teachings of simple leaving. Facing life – moment to moment, the book is a collection of individual quotes, lessons and philosophies that cover the range from ‘free will’ to ‘meditation’.
8. The Gift of Healing by Yvette Jane
Empowering you with the strength of seeing each day with a new state of well-being, this book is more about embracing it than just plainly reading it. Uplifting words of wisdom and inspirational stories from different people will leave you in a restorative mind frame — a perfect read to unwind after a bustling week.
9. 365 Days of Wisdom by Yvette Jane
A collection of thoughts and astute ideas, this book is a great way to get yourself to be a little bit wiser – everyday, all year round. This book will help you create a moment of mindfulness everyday for the rest of the year, refreshing your spirit.
10. Sapiens- A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
A historical treatise marking the evolution of humankind from the very first humans to walk on the earth to the radical – and sometimes devastating – breakthroughs of the Cognitive, Agricultural and Scientific Revolutions. This seminal tome takes us on a journey of evolution, dominance, consumerism and what the coming millennia holds for us.
