a girl in the world

Because of Hulu and other such nightly distractions, I’ve seriously lagged when it comes to getting through my reading list.  I’ve stalled a half-dozen books since I’ve been home and am ordering new ones via Amazon left, right and center (the one-click purchase feature is eeeevil!).

I’ve found that the best books I’ve ever read have been those recommended by friends.  The Poisonwood Bible, The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret?… just to name a few from my adolescent years.  And the bestest best books are always those that you feel sad about finishing, like The Da Vinci Code and Shantaram (if you have not read Shantaram, stop, drop and roll out of your seat right now and pick it up from the bookstore or order it on eeeevil Amazon.  It will turn you into an Indiaphilia and then you’ll have to go and book yourself a vacation to quench your craziness and then tada! you’ve got yourself a great new holiday planned!).  Sadly, amazing books like these are rare, so I’m not going to pretend to have a list of life-changing books for you to read.  Sometimes books change your life, but most of the time, they do have the power to transport you to an alternate universe for a few hours each night before you go to sleep.  And for me, that’s good enough.

So, here’s to a bit of escapism, some inspiration, some intellectual stimulation.  Some are oldies but goodies, and others are new treasures that I’ve recently stumbled across.

What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20: A Crash Course on Making Your Place in the World

This book is written by a professor at Stanford and from the first few pages, is a very engaging read.  It focuses on entrepreneurship, living your passion and creativity.  I haven’t finished it yet and was prompted to get a copy after signing up for an evening event with the author this week (which I’ll write more about in the next few days).  So far, it’s great.  (And, might I add, what a brilliant title!  If you saw this on the shelf as a twenty year-old, you’d definitely be interested.  As a twenty seven year-old, like me, you’d be in a slight panic that you didn’t read it 7 years ago.  It’s like oh my gosh what have I been missing?! Way to garner interest!).

Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

This book seems too good to be true.  It uses scientific research to show how you can manipulate behaviours like purchasing decisions and romantic choices through very simple tactics.  It suggests that our choices aren’t really based on logic alone.  Fascinating read.

Eleven Minutes: A Novel (P.S.)

I bought this book because it’s by Paulo Coehlo (he’s one of my favourite authors).  What I didn’t realize was how sexually graphic it is.  It’s about erotic love.  I was horrified when I found it sitting on my Mom’s night table one evening while I was visiting home from London.  She usually grabs books lying around in my room knowing that whatever I’m reading, it may well be interesting enough for her to read.  Well, I stole this book away right then and there because I knew exactly what was in it!  I don’t exactly want to be sitting at a book club meeting sipping coffee with my Mom talking about S&M and the spirituality of tantric sex.  You get my drift?  Is that enough info to get you interested?

Eat, Pray, Love

Don’t laugh.  I’ve been told I’m obsessed with this book.  Well, I am not.  But I like to recommend it to any female who hasn’t read it before.  It’s fun, it’s witty, it’s brutally honest.  A half hour with this book will feel like a pow-wow with your closest girl friends.

The Age of Kali: Indian Travels and Encounters

I was introduced to William Dalrymple by my good friend JS.  William’s travel writing is exquisite.  UK born, he has spent over half of his life traveling through India and writing about it.  It’s a book that will get you excited about far away places.

Fugitive Pieces: A Novel

One of the most beautiful novels I’ve ever read, this was recommended by my high school English teacher.  It’s poetry and prose and music.

The Meaning of Things: Applying Philosophy to Life

I came upon this book through an unlikely encounter.  My girl friends and I were on our way back from Mykonos on the ferry to Athens.  We met two guys from London and one of them was reading a philosophy book.  He and I got to talking, made arrangements to meet up a few weeks later and tada, he brought me a copy of this book at the Courtauld Gallery in London .  It’s a collection of short essays on topics like Betrayal, Fear, Nationalism, Love, Friendship.  It’s a great mind bender on your way to and from places, and a great conversation starter at dinner parties  (Thank you DU for sharing).

The Little Prince

A classic that will turn your current perspective of the world on its head.  Get the illustrated version.  It’s beautiful.