8 Books Which Have Influenced Me

The 9^th day of August is usually significant for most book lovers across the world. Not surprisingly, it is denoted as the Book Lovers day. Not that a book lover needs a specific day to love books, but then again, it’s always good to have a “day” you can relate to. So, two days back as I lay surfing the net after a days’ work, I found post after post of people enlisting the books which have made a significant difference to their lives or have taught them some valuable lesson. I often enjoy going through these lists as they are a good source of discovering great books. This year, however, I noticed one particular trend. Now to be fair, most of the people whose lists I skimmed through are the “Corporate Types” and the general leaning within this fraternity seems to be towards books belonging to the non-fiction category. What surprised me, however, was how almost all the learning seemed to centre on making more money or improving their work life. I’m all for such books, but surely books can teach us much more, no? With this in mind, I set upon making a list of 8 books which have had some bearing on the way I think and the way I approach life. Each one of them is a masterpiece in their own way.

Please Note – I strongly believe that fiction plays just as important a role in influencing us as non-fiction and thus I have listed an equal number of fiction books. If your belief is to the contrary, I hope this list makes you pick up at least one of these masterpieces.

1)      The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien

Published in 1937 initially for children, this book has struck a chord with people of all age groups. A simple, timid and fun loving character reluctantly decides to accompany a bunch of unruly strangers on a perilous adventure and discovers that life beyond the comfort zone has as much to teach as it has to intimidate. This classic tribute to the “underdog” demonstrates that no matter how small or insignificant you may seem to the world and more importantly to yourself, you can battle all kinds of dragons and be that difference which the world needs. Also, to be there and back again is much better than to have stayed put and lament the unknown.

2)      The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

This 1988 masterpiece features on almost every “must read” list, deservedly so. A young pilgrim sets out on the journey to discover a mythical stone with legendary powers, in the process he discovers a more important secret, his own self. In this materialistic world of desires one often forgets the most crucial element to success, will. It is this will to succeed that causes the universe to bring success to you. Most of us grapple with our “wants”; a better life, a better job, a better car, riches etc. and blame everyone but ourselves for our failures. Few of us set out on our very own journey to discover the elixir of life. It is our mind that is the alchemist in search of the elixir, “Will” we ever find it?

3)      How I raised myself from failure to success in selling – Frank Bettger

      Another timeless classic, this book was first published in the year 1949 yet 69 years later it continues to inspire and motivate salespersons across the world. The story of how a one-time baseball rookie, with nothing but determination as his ally goes from being a mediocre insurance agent to a salesperson of legendary stature is awe-inspiring. This book teaches one the importance of determination and the constant need to improve and/or improvise. Being in the profession of selling constantly throws challenges at you, much like life. It tests your ability to make decisions. Things do not often go your way, but resourcefulness as a virtue comes handy. What’s most important is to introspect, learn from past mistakes and take steps to remedy them. Also, a sale for the sake of selling is no sale at all.

4)      Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle

The most popular and sought after detective in literary history has many life lessons up his sleeve for the keen observer. The science of deduction, as he calls it, is just as fabled as its stellar practitioner. Single minded focus on the task at hand, calmness in the face of adversity, and usage of cold, calculative logic to solve the gravest of problems are three virtues each one of us can benefit from. The obsessive need to imbibe only that knowledge which is relevant while weeding out the rest ensures insulation from distractions, which today seem omnipresent. His unwavering loyalty to methods and opinion which to others may seem absurd but often lead him to success shows tremendous self-confidence and belief. “Everybody sees, but few observe” is a phrase which often describes the differentiator between problem solvers and those who cannot. That a man as celebrated as him has his faults portrays the humane side to genius. Also, greatness needs chronicling to achieve that legendary status, usually at the hands of willing lieutenants.

5)      Man’s search for meaning – Viktor Frankl

How many times have you complained about the supposed difficulties of life or declared, “That’s it, I can’t do it anymore.”? Now if doing just that could cost you your life, what would you do? This literary masterpiece, published in 1946, is an ode to human survival instinct and more importantly, hope. As an inmate at Auschwitz concentration camp in Nazi occupied Poland, the author lived through horrors most of us can hardly imagine. His experience makes us realise that the human body and mind can face any situation as long as there is hope. No odds are insurmountable to those who believe they can beat them. With all the modern comforts and privileges our “survival instinct” is hardly, if ever, tested. Yet, it never leaves us. Like a watchful protector it awaits its calling subconsciously. In the words of Christopher Reeve, “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”

6)      The Gift – Cecilia Ahern

A relatively lighter read, this delightful book is a must read for all the “workaholics” out there. It is a simple story of an individual so deeply invested in his work that he has little time for anything else, including life. In this competitive world where being a workaholic is a matter of pride for most, do we ask ourselves why is it that we work? Is it a means to an end or an end in itself? Most importantly, what if we never get the time to fulfil that dream because we were so busy working for it and not towards it? We must value not only our work but also the reason behind it. In the process of earning a living, we mustn’t forget to live life.

7)      Mein Kampf – Adolf Hitler

A simple yet profound learning from this autobiography is that humans will find justification for any act, no matter how atrocious. When hatred consumes you, no act seems wrong, no atrocity seems outrageous and no cost seems high enough.

8)      Harry Potter – J K Rowling

As a series which got me hooked on to reading, I have to admit no book/work of art has moved me more than these 7 books. For a kid growing in the 90s and early 2000s, the words of Albus Dumbledore were magically therapeutic. “Do not pity the living Harry, pity the dead and above all those who live without love.” Indeed, the most important message of this fantasy epic is Love and goodness within the human heart. It is this love that influences most of our actions throughout our lives. Love for our children, parents, spouse, siblings, country, animals, etc. Every action we take is influenced by our love for something and it is the goodness within us which steers our action towards the positive side. In this scorching desert of hate, love is that oasis which humanity, filled with thirst, seeks. Numerous wide-eyed readers like me have been influenced by the wisdom of Albus Dumbledore and continue to believe that “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

I have read a lot of books in the last 14 years and I will read many more in the future, but these 8 books will always be the ones I turn to in times of need. Go ahead, pick one up if you haven’t already and let the magic take over. As Stephen King says, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

Happy Reading.

Dhruv.