Inspiring Legends

I often feel a need to thank some wonderful authors; whose vivid creativity has helped me shape my own thought process to quite an unimaginable extent.

With this post of mine, i heartily thank the authors of 9 most inpsiring books in my life.

Ordering is purely based on FIFO principle; for i strongly believe that reading any masterpiece is like meeting another form of God; a unique and truly loved experience devoid of any kind of comparisons!

1. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

It was the prize distribution function in my first school (DAV -8 Panchkula).

Principal Madam handed me a token of appreciation for standing first in 2nd std...Oh God, i still have those memories so fresh in my mind!

I was quite excited to tear apart the wrapper and have a quick look at it ; and was equally disappointed to see a little colorful novel inside it with GULLIVER'S TRAVELS written in bold:-(
Later I loved how Gulliver often ended up surviving in contrasting situations during his exciting voyage. The 8-year old child in me obviously loved the Lilliputian tale the most!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulliver

2. Mr. Meddle's Muddles by Enid Blyton

I accidentaly discovered this story-book in the junkyard during a visit to a relative's place in my 7th std. winter vacations.

I loved each and every mischief of Meddle, how he could not get anything done right; often reminding me of own naughty childhood and timely rescue from Mumma's scolding by my lovely sisters!

Ironically, i have become quite a simple person after crossing my adolescence.

If you too loved Enid Blyton a lot, take this quiz to check out which Enid Blyton character fits you the most:

http://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/character-quiz.php

3. Tell Me Your Dreams -Sidney Sheldon

Recommeded by a hostel friend during college days, this thriller caught my eye like no other.

I was quite shocked and scared when the novel revealed that 3varying women were three selves of the same lady.

But this novel helped me in understanding how our own actions and beliefs contradict each other in our day to day life.

http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Tell_Me_Your_Dreams_-_Sidney_Sheldon-104699-1.html

4. Yoga For The Cure Of Common Diseases -Dr. Lakshminarain Sharma

This book was gifted to me by my dear father around 1.5 years back. I have performed many of the suggested yogasanas but still dont get time to follow yoga on a regular basis.

Doctor has used very simple language to help us apply common sense in curing common diseases via asans. It also talks of wheat grass for curing any kind of disease and how it can be grown at home.

http://books.rediff.com/bookshop/bkproductdisplay.jsp?YOGA-FOR-THE-CURE-OF-COMMON-DISEASES

5. Illusions: The Adventures Of A Reluctant Messiah- Richard Bach

I read this short and sweet tale during my 2008's summer vacation in London.

This novel very beautifully explained to me how i am so acceptive of my own shortcomings and equally critical of others. Worth mentioning is one of its quotes:

"Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours."

The teacher-student relationship works wonders in making readers understand hard truths revolving around life.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illusions_(novel)

6. Bhagwad-Gita As It Is- A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Gifted by ISKCON devotees an year back, i have tried to read this book for 3-4 months on a daily basis.

Divided into 18 chapters, with the help of sanskrit shlokas it explains how material world differs from spiritual plane of existence.

http://www.asitis.com/

7. The Diary Of A Young Girl- Anne Frank

This true story was recommeded by my dear friend and office senior. She wanted me to enjoy the beauty and realise the pain with which a young Jewish girl Anne recorded her day to day emotions and situations while hiding with her family during Nazis rule in Holland.

I was touched to see how truthfully and boldly she captured every little thing that bothered her.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Diary_of_a_Young_Girl

8. The Kite Runner -Khaled Hosseini

I had seen this novel in the favorite list of many; though started 1.5 years back, finished this novel just a month back!

Looks like Khaled is a truly gifted writer who could pen down the painful consequences of poverty and lack of education so marvelously. The name of the novel looks so apt at the end; No wonder this novel surfaces many of the realities of big time struggling countries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kite_Runner

9. Six Thinking Hats -Edward De Bono

And finally here is my 9th..still not complete but a very different book from the rest.

It emphasizes on how anybody's thinking skill can be further developed.

It makes use of 6 different colored hats- each symbolizing a different action, space and attached emotion.

I must admit i am finding it diffucult to understand all the concepts though so well written; but till then lets hope for the best!!

Needless to say; i will be more than happy to see my blogging friends commenting with their favorite books; for our favorite possessions often reflect a thousand words!!

Happy Joyous July!