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Top 5 books you should read this year

Must-read books to ignite your curiosity and enrich your life

By Ashik AliPublished about a year ago 6 min read
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Top 5 books you should read this year
Photo by Gülfer ERGİN on Unsplash

Atomic Habits

"Atomic Habits" is a book written by James Clear that provides practical strategies for developing good habits and breaking bad ones. The book emphasizes the idea that small changes, when made consistently over time, can have a significant impact on our lives. Clear refers to these small changes as "atomic habits."

The book is divided into four parts, each of which provides insights and techniques for developing good habits and eliminating bad ones.

Part 1, "The Fundamentals," discusses the importance of focusing on systems rather than goals. Clear argues that goals can be too vague and that developing a system of good habits is a better way to achieve success.

Part 2, "The 4 Laws of Behavior Change," provides a framework for developing good habits and breaking bad ones. The four laws are: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. Clear explains how to apply each of these laws to different areas of life, such as work, health, and relationships.

Part 3, "The Advanced Tactics," provides more specific strategies for habit development and maintenance. This includes techniques for staying motivated, overcoming obstacles, and dealing with setbacks.

Part 4, "The Downside of Creating Good Habits," discusses the potential pitfalls of habit development, such as complacency, overreaching, and burnout. Clear provides guidance on how to avoid these issues and maintain long-term success.

Overall, "Atomic Habits" is a practical and actionable guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones. The book provides clear and concise strategies for making small changes that can lead to big improvements in your life.

The Four Agreements

"The Four Agreements" is a self-help book written by Don Miguel Ruiz, a Mexican author, that offers a code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom. The book presents four principles or "agreements" that can help individuals achieve personal freedom, happiness, and peace of mind.

The four agreements are:

  1. Be impeccable with your word: Speak with integrity, say only what you mean, and avoid using your words to spread negativity or harm others.
  2. Don't take anything personally: Don't allow others' opinions and actions to affect your own sense of self-worth or happiness. Recognize that other people's behavior is a reflection of their own beliefs and experiences.
  3. Don't make assumptions: Avoid making assumptions about others' thoughts, feelings, or intentions. Instead, ask questions and seek clarification to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict.
  4. Always do your best: Strive to give your best effort in all that you do, without judging yourself or others. Recognize that your best may vary depending on the circumstances, but always aim to do better than before.

By following these four agreements, Ruiz argues that individuals can free themselves from self-limiting beliefs and behaviors, and cultivate a more positive and fulfilling life. The book is known for its simple yet powerful teachings, and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Becoming

"Becoming" is an autobiography by Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States. The book was published in 2018 and became a bestseller, receiving critical acclaim for its insights into Obama's personal life, her experiences in the White House, and her role as a public figure and advocate for various causes.

In "Becoming", Obama shares her personal story, from her childhood in Chicago to her years at Princeton University and Harvard Law School, and eventually her time in the White House as the first African American First Lady. She also delves into her relationships with family members, including her husband, Barack Obama, and her two daughters, as well as her experiences as a lawyer, a community organizer, and a public figure.

Throughout the book, Obama reflects on the challenges and joys of her life and how she found her voice and purpose as a leader and role model. She also shares her perspective on issues such as race, gender, and politics, and the role of individuals in creating positive change in the world.

Overall, "Becoming" is a deeply personal and inspiring account of a remarkable woman's journey, and a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Sapiens

"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" is a book by Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari that explores the history of human civilization from the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa to the present day. The book covers a broad range of topics including biology, anthropology, history, and economics.

Harari argues that the success of Homo sapiens as a species is due to our unique ability to create and believe in shared myths, or stories, that bind us together and enable us to cooperate on a large scale. These myths include religions, nations, money, and corporations, among others.

The book is divided into four parts: "The Cognitive Revolution" which covers the emergence of Homo sapiens and the development of language and culture, "The Agricultural Revolution" which covers the transition from hunting and gathering to farming, "The Unification of Humankind" which covers the rise of empires and globalization, and "The Scientific Revolution" which covers the modern era and the impact of science and technology on human society.

Throughout the book, Harari challenges many commonly held beliefs and assumptions about human history and society, and offers thought-provoking insights into the nature of humanity and our place in the world. The book has been praised for its engaging writing style and its ability to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience.

The Alchemist

"The Alchemist" is a novel written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. It tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy from Andalusia, who embarks on a journey to find a treasure hidden in the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he meets various people and encounters a number of obstacles that test his determination and faith.

Throughout the novel, Santiago learns valuable lessons about the importance of following his dreams, listening to his heart, and trusting the journey. He learns to appreciate the present moment and to overcome his fears and doubts. He also discovers the power of the universe to conspire in his favor and help him achieve his goals.

The novel is full of symbolism and metaphors that explore themes such as personal growth, destiny, and the search for meaning in life. It emphasizes the idea that everyone has a personal legend to fulfill, and that by pursuing our dreams, we can discover our true purpose in life.

"The Alchemist" is a widely read and beloved book that has inspired millions of readers around the world. It has been translated into numerous languages and has sold over 65 million copies worldwide.

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Ashik Ali

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  • HandsomelouiiThePoet (Lonzo ward)about a year ago

    Awesome 👏❤️The Four Agreements 🫶🏾💯❤️‼️

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