The Sunday Draft

Pour yourself a cup of something comforting and settle in. 

In this post, I’m sharing something deeply personal: a peek into my literary companions – the ones that made me nod furiously, scribble notes, and sometimes, just sigh with understanding.

Not suggesting that these are “The” ten best books ever (an impossible task!), but they are ten that “I” picked up for specific reasons, at specific times, and each left an indelible mark.

Whether you’re building a business, seeking inner calm, navigating career twists, or simply wanting to feel a little more vibrant, there might just be a gem here for you too.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list of my 10 companions of my journey, so far. Each one arrived at the right time, offering exactly the insight or comfort I needed.

Zero to One — Peter Thiel

Why I Picked It Up: As someone constantly tinkering with ideas, the promise of understanding how to build something truly *new*, not just incremental, was irresistible. It felt like a manifesto for bold creators.

What It Taught Me: That competition is often overrated, and true value lies in creating monopolies of innovation (ethically, of course!). It challenged my focus on iteration and made me braver about seeking unique solutions and asking the fundamental question: “What valuable problem is nobody solving?”

Recommended For: Aspiring founders, innovators, problem solvers, anyone feeling stuck in the “me-too” trap and craving a blueprint for groundbreaking thinking.

My Life in Full — Indra Nooyi

Why I Picked It Up: Indra Nooyi is an icon. I craved insights from a woman who shattered glass ceilings at the highest corporate level, all while navigating family life. I wanted her story, in her own words.

What It Taught Me: Authenticity, and leading with deep cultural understanding. It beautifully illustrated the “and” – you *can* be a powerhouse CEO *and* a devoted family member, but it requires intentionality, support systems, and sometimes, just showing up imperfectly. 

Recommended For: Ambitious professionals (especially women), leaders seeking purpose-driven strategies, anyone juggling big dreams and personal commitments. A masterclass in grace under pressure.

Give and Take — Adam Grant

Why I Picked It Up: Honestly? I worried I might be too much of a giver in a world that often rewards takers. I wanted data, not just platitudes, about generosity in success. And because someone I considered as a mentor also suggested that I read it!

What It Taught Me: A paradigm shift! Generosity isn’t weakness; it’s a sustainable superpower for long-term success and fulfillment. Grant categorizes people as Givers, Matchers, or Takers and compellingly shows how Givers often end up *on top*, provided they avoid burnout. It taught me smarter ways to give without depleting myself. (which I was doing until I read this gem)

Recommended For: Anyone feeling cynical about collaboration, natural helpers wanting strategies, leaders building team culture, networkers seeking authentic connections. Restores faith in reciprocity.

The Alchemist — Paulo Coelho

Why I Picked It Up: It’s a classic I revisited because sometimes, you need a fable, a whisper of wisdom, more than a complex manual.

What It Taught Me: The timeless truth of listening to your “Personal Legend” and recognizing the universe’s subtle signs (or omens). It reinforced that the journey “is” the treasure, and obstacles are often detours guiding us closer to our true path. A beautiful reminder to trust the process.

Recommended For: Dreamers at a crossroads, anyone needing a dose of inspiration and faith, seekers of meaning. It’s like a warm hug for the soul.

I Do What I Do — Dr. Raghuram Rajan

Why I Picked It Up: As an observer of the Indian economy (and let’s be honest, slightly bewildered citizen!), I wanted insights straight from the helm during turbulent times. Dr. Rajan’s intellect is formidable.

What It Taught Me: The incredible complexity and responsibility of economic leadership. Beyond the jargon, it highlighted the importance of clear communication, intellectual honesty, and standing firm on principles amidst immense political pressure. It demystified central banking in a relatable way.

Recommended For: Anyone interested in economics, policy, modern Indian history, or simply understanding the forces shaping our financial lives. Great for aspiring leaders valuing integrity.

Insanely Simple — Ken Segall

Why I Picked It Up: I was obsessed with Apple’s design simplicity and advertisement genius. Who better to learn from than someone who worked directly with Steve Jobs?

What It Taught Me: That “Simplicity isn’t simple.” It’s a ruthless discipline. This book crystallized how stripping away the unnecessary isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about focus, power, and creating truly resonant messages and products.

Recommended For: Marketers, communicators, product designers, entrepreneurs, anyone drowning in complexity – professionally or personally. Sharpens your focus instantly.

Product-Led Growth — Wes Bush

Why I Picked It Up: Building things people “love” was the goal. PLG was the buzzword, and I needed to understand the practical magic beyond the hype.

What It Taught Me: How to truly put the user experience at the absolute center of growth. It’s not just freemium models; it’s about designing products so inherently valuable and intuitive that they “sell themselves” through user delight and organic adoption. A roadmap for user-centric scaling.

Recommended For: SaaS founders, product managers, growth hackers, marketers in tech. A good read for anyone whose success hinges on user love and adoption.

The Healthy Keto Plan — Eric Berg

Why I Picked It Up: After hearing endless keto buzz, I wanted a structured, health-focused approach (not just cheese overload!). Dr. Berg emphasizes nutrient density and hormonal balance, which appealed to my holistic side.

What It Taught Me: The science behind ketosis as a metabolic tool for energy and wellness “when done correctly”. It shifted my focus from just “low carb” to “high nutrient, right fats, and crucially, “electrolytes” A practical guide to navigating keto for sustainable energy, not just weight loss.

Recommended For: Anyone curious about metabolic health, struggling with energy slumps, or seeking a structured, whole-food approach to keto. Prioritizes health over hype.

Everyday Ayurveda — Bhaswati Bhattacharya

Why I Picked It Up: Drawn to ancestral wisdom and holistic health, I wanted Ayurveda to feel accessible. Dr. Bhattacharya makes ancient knowledge feel relevant to modern, busy lives.

What It Taught Me: Profound self-awareness through understanding my Dosha (body-mind constitution). It’s not about rigid rules, but about tuning into daily rhythms (Dinacharya), eating seasonally and constitutionally, and using simple rituals for balance. A gentle invitation to live in sync with nature and myself.

Recommended For: Anyone seeking natural wellness, feeling disconnected from their body’s rhythms, interested in holistic self-care, or exploring their Indian heritage. Wisdom for daily living.

Love Your Body and Get the Body You Want — Yana Gupta

Why I Picked It Up: The title hooked me! I wanted a fitness approach rooted in “self-love” first, not punishment. Yana radiates positivity and practicality.

What It Taught Me: That sustainable health and fitness blossom from acceptance and joy, not self-loathing. Her approach blends simple, effective exercises with nourishing food ideas and, most importantly, a mindset of kindness and celebrating small wins. It redefined “fitness” as self-care, not punishment.

Recommended For: Anyone starting (or restarting) their fitness journey, battling negative body image, seeking a joyful, non-restrictive approach to movement and nourishment. Feel-good fitness!

There you have it – ten books that have genuinely enriched my path, professionally and personally.