Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
Predictably Irrational is an interesting book on behavioral psychology that shows how we tend to make irrational decisions even though, in the moment, we think that they are rational. Every chapter includes an experiment, usually on students, although sometimes Ariely also shares similar anecdotes from his own life and offers some suggestions and advice for the readers. Each chapter appealed to me as I could see myself having been in similar situations and made similar decisions which now looking back seemed irrational.
Days later, while exchanging my old laptop for a new one, I could see my irrationality in action. My dear old laptop seemed worth more valuable to me than its exchange price offered by the company. I failed to realize how a gadget starts depreciating as soon as it is taken out of its packaging.
Our rationality sometimes is really predictably irrational.
Thought Vibration by William Walker Atkinson
Thought Vibration or The Law of Attraction in the Thought World published in 1906 has the same theme as that of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. I listened to an audio version of the book. The idea that our thoughts make our reality is still very motivating and instills a sense of authority in a person to change one’s life. A modern reader might not agree with everything in the book but if you like motivational books specially those that suggest that our thoughts shape our life (which I do believe in), then definitely pick it up.
Going Solo by Roald Dahl
In Going Solo, the second part of Dahl’s autobiography, we see him as a young man who goes to Africa for work after his schooling. In the midst of it all, World War 2 is announced and he signs up to be a fighter pilot. Needless to say, he has many adventures and lucky escapes and even finds himself in hospitals at times before finally being able to return back home to his family.
Under Transformation 