Thinking Block

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway My rating: 4 of 5 stars You might be surprised, my friend, but I’m here to talk about one of the most acclaimed books ever: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Initially, I saw it as just another story. But I was wrong. It’s simple, yes, but it invites each reader to explore it from their own perspective. “I have no luck anymore. But who knows? Maybe today. Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky.” This line resonated deeply with me, capturing both hope and resilience in a quiet but powerful way. When the story ended, I was left speechless, as if I’d somehow missed the moral along the way. But after reflecting on it and discussing it with others, I realized its brilliance lies in its simplicity. It’s meant to be viewed from a straightforward, almost ordinary perspective. The part that truly touched my heart was when the old man asked Santiago, “Did they search for me?” It was as though the entire story’...

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie My rating: 5 of 5 stars One of my favorite books is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Why is this one so close to my heart? It's simple. You can connect with it right from the beginning. It’s accessible for beginners—whether you’re new to reading or just looking for a book with straightforward language, this one is perfect. So, does this book have any drawbacks? Not really, but... I say "but" because you may find it a bit challenging to grasp the first few chapters; after that, though, it flows smoothly. The main lesson I’ve taken from this book is that to make people understand you, you have to understand them first. Be the one who initiates understanding. Highly recommended! 

One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus My rating: 4 of 5 stars Review: One of Us Is Next This sequel to One of Us Is Lying is a good read, but it’s not quite my type—it didn’t have the level of suspense or curiosity I usually enjoy. However, I appreciated the author’s approach to storytelling, where each chapter is dedicated to a different character's perspective. This style was something I enjoyed in both books. One thing I truly loved about One of Us Is Next was the ending. Unlike the first book, which left me a bit disappointed, this conclusion was much more satisfying. That’s all I have to say! 

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius My rating: 5 of 5 stars Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors, wrote ' Meditations ' as a guide for his own self-reflection and personal governance. This work stands as one of the most remarkable texts in the history of philosophy and is also one of my favourite books. Meditations is composed of multiple "books," each a separate chapter offering condensed wisdom on Stoic principles. It’s best read gradually, allowing each piece of advice to be absorbed fully. Here’s a glimpse of its wisdom: "Let no act be done without a purpose nor otherwise than according to the perfect principles of art." "A slave you are: free speech is not for you." I highly recommend Meditations for anyone seeking timeless guidance on living a purposeful life. 

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins My rating: 3 of 5 stars Review of Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins Can't Hurt Me is a compelling non-fiction autobiography that falls into the realms of personal development and military literature. David Goggins opens up about his harrowing childhood, vividly illustrating the struggles he faced. He describes a family dynamic that was often hellish, with his father as a primary source of distress, creating an oppressive atmosphere that left Goggins and his family feeling trapped. Adding to the complexity of his upbringing, they lived in a neighborhood rife with racism, facing discrimination because of their skin color. This tumultuous background sets the stage for Goggins' incredible transformation. The initial chapters of the book are gripping; Goggins' storytelling pulls you in from the very first page. His raw honesty and determination are inspiring, and I found myself complete...

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny by Robin S. Sharma My rating: 4 of 5 stars " There is nothing noble about being superior to some other person; true nobility lies in being superior to your former self. " The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma is a self-help book in the personal development category. It tells the story of a young lawyer who, despite living a seemingly ideal life—complete with a red Ferrari—finds himself exhausted and unhappy. Seeking meaning and fulfillment, he turns to a senior lawyer for advice. This mentorship sparks his journey of self-improvement, which becomes the heart of the story. Throughout the book, there are many thought-provoking lines that encourage readers to pause and reflect. One quote that stood out to me was: “ I too have walked this path, my friend. I too have felt the pain you have felt. Yet I have learned that everything happens for a reason. ” Lines...

Rich Dad, Poor Dad  Robert T. Kiyosaki 5 of 5 stars Why do I Like “Rich Dad Poor Dad”? “Rich Dad Poor Dad” is written by Sir Robert Kiyosaki in the 2000s. It is written in simple language, mainly focusing on financial literacy. In this book, Sir Robert covers the following aspects…. 1. Why financial literacy is critical? 2. Why table talks at home are important? 3. Difference between Assets and Liabilities? 4. Why a person should invest more in assets than liabilities? 5. Does a person with a high income can be rich and have a happy life? 6. How do different classes (Upper-class, Middle-class and Lower-class) people handle their money? 7. How money can work for you? 8. How income deals with expenses and how do assets and liabilities play an important role in it? This book can be easily understood. Sir Robert composed this book in a great way. He used his all-life prospects as an example for explaining all the myths regarding financial education. The very thing I love...