Book recommendations
Biography and memoir
Einstein by Walter Isaacson
I grew up knowing the name Einstein as synonymous to genius. Frankly, I never thought of him as a person who made mistakes in life and had earthly worries despite his understanding of the broader universe. This book is a window to Einstein life that gives us an opportunity to know him as a person, a theoretical physicist, and a peace activist.
The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson
This book accounts the journey of a curiosity turned into an invention. Given that less than 7% of Nobel laureates are female (as of 2023), Jennifer Doudna's story is an inspiration for scientists and non-scientists alike.
Educated by Tara Westover
When I read this book, I could not help but think about all the other Taras around the world for whom this book is an ode to. Education is powerful and in current society, formal education provides a gateway to life altering experiences and opportunities through interaction with people from different backgrounds and exposure to alternative life styles. This book reminds us to never take education for granted.
Finding Me by Viola Davis
This book made me pause and ponder over and over again. It might be difficult to read for those who think running from some childhood memories is a never-ending marathon. This memoir is heart-wrenching but truly inspiring that will not disappoint.
Leadership, productivity, and self improvement
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Over the years, I have read many self improvement books. This one is among my favorites. It teaches us to embrace proactiveness and focus on what we can actually influence.
The Luck Factor by Richard Wiseman
This book helped me understand humble and successful people who say "I got lucky" more than "I worked really hard for it". The latter is true for most self-made successful people but the former is the attitude that got them there and this books explains how.
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Most people, organizations, and businesses forget the "why" somewhere along the way or they don't even have it to begin with. Simon Sinek reminds us that the "why" should guide all our decisions. In hindsight, this book has been really helpful even on a personal level. It never hurts to take a moment and ask "why?" in everything we choose to do.
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann
This book is precious. Reading it felt like going against the current norm and that was refreshing.
Science fiction
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
This book was the first science fiction book that I ever read and it inspired an obsession with the genre that keeps growing. If you enjoy problem solving, this book is for you!
The Three-Body Problem book series by Cixin Liu
This series accompanied me during my long commutes to UC Berkeley. I was constantly astonished by the consistent flow of creativity in all three books. There is no one line explanation of the series I could give except for that you will stay in the world that Cixin Liu builds long after reading the books.
The Martian by Andy Weir
This book is just wonderful and it is for everyone. It is an inspiring, funny, and well-written story that will make you appreciate what the determination of a single human can achieve.