Some Awesome Books I Read in 2023

The core of most changes is still human and there are several management and behavioural principles which will not change and remain the same. Spiced with examples and a potpourri of splendid anecdotes, 'Same as Ever' is a lovely read.

Rajesh Nair Partner, Ernst & Young LLP

Another year passed with me clocking the target of 100 books (and a wee- bit more). In recent times I often get this question by friends and colleagues – ‘Is it not a colossal waste of time, when you can get the summary of the book in well-articulated essays, ChatGPT and YouTube videos?’. Well, I normally smile and let it go and perhaps to the younger generation, I remind them that it is the process of reading that gives me pleasure – uncovering new topics, entering different labyrinths of knowledge and most importantly looking to understand the world a little better. And the time to read? Travel, waiting at airports, the odd insomniac spells and the ferocious thirst for the written word – well, the world does conspire to give you more time.

Anomaly – Herve Le Tellier – This is clearly one of the smartest fiction I have read in recent times. A flight hits an electronic cloud and miraculously becomes two flights – a replica of each other including a copy of all the passengers. The flights land at the same airport in the space of months – what do you do when you have a double of yourself in the world? Besides the creative story and some of the questions the book poses will leave you thinking for weeks. Very smart writing and premise building.

Fincher by Adam Nayman – Those of you who know my movie habits know my addiction to Fincher movies and admiration to Aaron Sorkin as a screenwriter. This book which is still not complete is one of those lovely books I want to peruse through one page at a time. It is a brilliant exposition into the mind of a technician, who is at the peak of his craft and brings a new meaning to relentless. Must read for the movie buffs only