24 Books and Articles I read in 2024
One of the students asked Buffett for his thoughts on the best way to prepare for an investing career.
After thinking for a moment, Buffett pulled out a stack of papers and trade reports he had brought with him and said, “Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.”
Buffett estimates that 80 percent of his working hours are spent reading or thinking.
This was enough to make me ask myself, “Am I reading enough books?”
When I asked myself that question recently, I realized that though reading has been a passion for me since my childhood, I have been not reading books of late.
There were some simple reasons I wasn’t reading as much as I would like to.
I felt I needed to develop a system that will help me read 50 books in a year.
Incidentally, a research revealed, that is the number of books an average CEO of a Fortune 500 company reads every year. I may not be a CEO, but could at least emulate that habit.
When I analyzed my own reading habits, I was reading my 25000 words a day but realized that of late my reading habits were mostly reactive, not proactive.
If an interesting link flashed across my screen on LinkedIn or WhatsApp or Twitter, then I would read it as a reaction.
I wasn’t proactively making time to read books each day. I was simply reading interesting ideas that were pushed in front of me.
As a result, most of my reading was done online. Now, there are plenty of excellent articles on the web, but generally speaking, the quality of good books is better. Books typically have better writing and higher quality information because of better fact-checking and more extensive research. From a learning perspective, it’s probably a better use of time to read books than to read online content.
So, I had to figure out a strategy that would allow me to read more books without letting typical distractions get in the way.
Then I decided to start with 20 Pages Per Day and ideally get it done at the start of the day and that is a habit I’ve been able to stick with consistently:
I usually wake up, drink a glass of water, write down 3 things I’m grateful for, read my affirmations and read 20 pages of a book.
Reading books has become a habit and I try and finish a book every week. Travelling helps me read, while waiting at the airport or during a flight or train journey. Out of the close to 50 books I read in 2024, Here is my list of 24 favourite books I read in 2024.
You may find a skew towards the personal finance and Investment domain, but that is what I actually enjoy reading and implementing the learnings in my work.
1. The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman and Michael Bhaskar
Soon we will live surrounded by AIs. They will organise our lives, operate our businesses and run core government services. We will live in a world of DNA printers and quantum computers, engineered pathogens and autonomous weapons, robot assistants, and abundant energy. It represents nothing less than a step change in human capability.
In The Coming Wave, Suleyman shows how these forces threaten the grand bargain of the nation-state, the foundation of global order. As our fragile governments sleepwalk into disaster, we face an existential dilemma: unprecedented harm arising from unchecked openness on one side, the threat of over-bearing surveillance on the other. Can we forge a narrow path between catastrophe and dystopia?
2. The Big Secret for the Small Investor by Joel Greenblatt
In The Big Secret for the Small Investor, bestselling author Joel Greenblatt explains to everyday investors how to value a business, and why the small investor has an inherent edge over the big investment firms that have to show results month by month, quarter by quarter, year by year.
3. MONEY WISE: Timeless Lessons on Building Wealth by Deepak Shenoy
Wealth is not just about adding zeroes to your net worth but having enough to live an unconstrained life. Money Wise shows you the way. It cuts through the clutter of jargon and technical terms, leading you step by step on how to grow wealthy. In it, you will learn: Ways of allocating your income The only mutual funds hack worth knowing Why you should be watching not what Warren buffett says but what he does Written in Shenoy’s trademark style, Money Wise is a book as much fun to read as it is informative. If you want to start investing, this is the book for you. If you have already started, then read this and up your game.
4. The Case of the Bonsai Manager by R. Gopalakrishnan
He Case of the Bonsai Manager is the perfect antidote for every manager who feels they are not achieving their full potential. Effective leadership is not just about hard facts but also about listening to, and using, your intuition. Using anecdotes from Nature and the world of management, R.Gopalakrishnan explores how you can be more intuitive, inclusive and humane. With its easy to read anecdotal style, this edition adds additional material to re-enforce the key messages including a New Self-Help Workbook. ‘Gopal draws on ingenious insights and lessons from Nature to emphasize the importance of imbibing, developing, listening to and trusting your intuition—increasingly becoming a differentiator in senior circles—to develop the confidence to take that leap of faith which every risk-bearing decision entails.’—Ratan Tata.
5. The Wealth Money Can't Buy by Robin Sharma
A REVOLUTIONARY METHOD TO BECOME TRULY WEALTHY
The Wealth Money Can’t Buy offers you a completely life-changing new philosophy and methodology for enjoying an honestly rich life, one filled with personal power, unusual authenticity, exceptionally fulfilling work and a beautiful lifestyle that will make you feel that real fortune has finally smiled on you. Based on The 8 Forms of Wealth learning model that Robin Sharma—legendary personal growth expert and famed mentor to billionaires, professional sports superstars and heads of state—has
taught to his clients with transformational results, this masterwork is sure to become your daily guide to enjoying the lifetime of your highest dreams.
6. What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Goldsmith Marshall
What’s holding you back? Your hard work is paying off. You are doing well in your field. But there is something standing between you and the next level of achievement. Perhaps one small flaw–a behavior you barely even recognize–is the only thing that’s keeping you from where you want to be.
Who can help? Marshall Goldsmith is an expert at helping global leaders overcome their sometimes-unconscious annoying habits and attain a higher level of success. His one-on-one coaching comes with a six-figure price tag. But, in this book, you get Marshall’s great advice without the hefty fee!
7. Small Wins Every Day by Luke Coutinho
Guru and God both appear before me. To whom should I prostrate? I bow before Guru who introduced God to me” – Kabir
When Swami Vivekananda first visited Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he asked ‘I have read the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures several times, I lecture and give discourses on the Gita and Ramayana. Do I still need harbor of a saint; do I still need a guru?’
Ramakrishna didn’t reply to Vivekananda’s question. After a few days Ramakrishna called upon Vivekananda and handed him a parcel to be delivered at a nearby village a few hours away by the sea route. Early morning the boat and sailor would be ready and all he needed to do was to go to the village and deliver the parcel to the designated person.
8.The Rise of Asian Paints by Anupam Gupta
Asian Paints is India’ s largest paints company and its early history is hardly known; even less is known about how ChampaklalChoksey and his friends made Asian Paints the largest paints company in India as far back as 1967. There are many lessons that are relevant even today – from investing in high quality talent to separating management and ownership. Most importantly, there are very few books that show how honest businessmen can – and should – build large-scale institutions that endure beyond their lifetime, just as ChampaklalChoksey has done. This book tells the story of an iconic institution and its less-known but visionary founder.
9. Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King
How can you learn to truly love yourself? How can you transform negative emotions into positive ones? Is it possible to find lasting happiness?
In this book, Instagram guru Vex King answers all of these questions and more. Vex overcame adversity to become a source of hope for thousands of young people, and now draws from his personal experience and his intuitive wisdom to inspire you.
10. The Book Of Wealth by Mark Mobius
Renowned as a titan in global finance, Mark Mobius unveils a comprehensive guide to mastering the intricate landscape of financial investments. Drawing from his illustrious career spanning emerging markets and beyond, Mobius, with unparalleled apparent in Indian mythology but no longer seen in practice, accommodates subjectivity and diversity and offers an inclusive, more empathetic way of achieving success.
11. The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results is a 2013 book written by authors Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. The book, The One Thing, explains how the habit to succeed can be incorporated in our life to overcome the hurdles like the lies that will block our success, the thieves that will steal our time and increase our concentration in the purpose, the way we prioritize and the productivity of our business. The book comes in handy for people indulged in business and helps them increase the efficiency of their work and remove the hindering factors. The book is easy to read and substantial in the ideas it conveys.
12. What Went Wrong with Capitalism by Ruchir Sharma
A radical examination by a leading financial analyst, commentator and investor of the ills of capitalism and how they can be fixed What went wrong with capitalism? Ruchir Sharma’s explanation is unlike any you have heard before. Progressives are partly right when they mock modern capitalism as “socialism for the rich,” but what really happened in recent decades is that governments in developed nations expanded in just about every measurable dimension, from spending and regulation to the sheer scale of its rescues each time the economy wobbled. The result, Sharma says, is “socialized risk,” expensive government guarantees, for everyone―welfare for the poor, entitlements for the middle class, and bailouts for the rich.
13. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by MALCOLM GLADWELL
An art expert sees a ten-million-dollar sculpture and instantly spots it’s a fake. A marriage analyst knows within minutes whether a couple will stay together. A fire-fighter suddenly senses he has to get out of a blazing building. This book is all about those moments when we ‘know’ something without knowing why.
14. Can't Hurt Me: by David Goggins
Discover the incredible true story of David Goggins, a man who transformed himself from a broken, overweight young man into one of the world’s top endurance athletes. Can’t Hurt Me reveals how Goggins overcame extreme challenges in life by mastering his mind and defying the odds. This book is a blend of raw life lessons and actionable tips to push your limits, break free from mediocrity, and become mentally tougher. Perfect for anyone looking to unlock their true potential and thrive in adversity. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts, self-development seekers, and those looking for inspiration to conquer life’s toughest obstacles.
15. Business Sutra by Devdutt Pattanaik
A very Indian Approach to Management is a radical, nuanced approach to management, business and leadership in a progressively polarized world. In this landmark book, bestselling author, leadership coach and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik shows how, despite its veneer of objectivity, modern management is rooted in Western beliefs and obsessed with accomplishing rigid objectives and increasing shareholder value. By contrast, the Indian way of doing business, as apparent in Indian mythology but no longer seen in practice, accommodates subjectivity and diversity and offers an inclusive, more empathetic way of achieving success.
16. Wabi Sabi by Nobuo Suzuki, Hector Garcia & Russell Calvert
This Book can help you discover that you and your imperfect life are so much better than you think they are, and that accepting and letting go can lead you to your best and happiest self.
Wabi Sabi is the Japanese Zen philosophy that all things are imperfect, unfinished and impermanent. It is a fresh way of seeing and moving through the world when our lives, literally and figuratively, feel cluttered. This book shows us how to apply this concept in the context of daily life and offers ideas on how to see it, embrace it and incorporate it into everyday thoughts, objects and situations.
17. Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday
‘Whether you are an athlete, an investor, a writer or an entrepreneur, this little but soulful book will open the door to a healthier, less anxious and more productive life and career.’ – Arianna Huffington
‘Ryan’s trilogy of The Obstacle is the Way, Ego is the Enemy and Stillness is the Key are for sure must-reads.’ Manu Ginobili, 4x NBA champion and Olympic Gold Medalist
Throughout history, there’s been one indelible quality that great leaders, makers, artists and fighters have shared. The Zen Buddhists described it as inner peace, the Stoics called it ataraxia and Ryan Holiday calls it stillness: the ability to be steady, focused and calm in a constantly busy world.
18. Lilliput Land by Rama Bijapurkar
One of the largest consumer markets of the world, India is made up of lots and lots of small consumers— each earning and spending just a little bit that adds up to a lot. It is served by millions of small suppliers oozing innovation and customer intimacy, and is powered by digital infrastructure that does billions of unique and small transactions every day.
In her new book, Rama Bijapurkar dismisses the easy and simplistic view of the Indian demographic and embraces all the complexities and opportunities that new India has to offer.
19. The Good Life: Marc Schulz & Robert Waldinger
‘In a crowded field of life advice and even life advice based on scientific research, Schulz and Waldinger stand apart’ Angela Duckworth, author of Grit What makes for a fulfilling and meaningful life? A good life?
Based on findings from the 80-year-long Harvard Study of Adult Development, this landmark book reveals the simple yet surprising truth: the stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying and overall healthier lives.
20. Kaizen by Sarah Harvey
A gorgeously illustrated introduction to the Japanese method of Kaizen – meaning ‘change’ ‘good’ – showing you how to make small, step-by-step changes to transform your life.’This beautiful, simple book suggests tiny changes we can make to improve all areas of life, from friendships to a cluttered flat.’ – Marianne Power, author of Help Me!From Marie Kondo to Hygge to Ikigai, in recent years, philosophies to help people live better lives have taken the world by storm. Kaizen will change your habits for good.This beautifully colour illustrated and photographed book offers a way to build good habits and remove bad ones, without being too hard on yourself along the way.
21. Biography of Innovations, A by R. Gopalakrishnan
R. Gopalakrishnan, the bestselling author of The Case of the Bonsai Manager, explores how concepts turn into ideas, which then become prototypes, models and products. Defining thought as the ancestor of innovation; as without thought, there could be no innovation, he explores the impending questions such as – What happens next? How can you take on challenges and keep your ideas relevant? A Biography of Innovations is the definitive book on the life cycle of new ideas and transformations.
22. Digital Minimalism: Cal Newport
Minimalism is the art of knowing how much is just enough. Digital minimalism applies this idea to our personal technology. It’s the key to living a focused life in an increasingly noisy world.
In this timely and enlightening book, the bestselling author of Deep Work introduces a philosophy for technology use that has already improved countless lives.
23. Every Business Is a Growth Business: by Ram Charan, Noel Tichy
What’s the number one item on every company’s agenda?
Profitable Growth.Every Business Is a Growth Business is your one-stop guide to making profitable growth happen. It’s a radical and refreshing source of ideas, inspiration, and common sense, all based on the unparalleled experience and access of Ram Charan and Noel Tichy.
24. The $10 Trillion Prize: by Silverstein
This is the first detailed look at the new generation of consumers in emerging markets – how they think, shop, buy and dream – and what companies must do to win them over, from the heads of Boston Consulting Group’s consumer and globalization practices in the US, China and India. It is the dawn of the emerging consumer: Are you ready? By 2020, consumers in China and India will generate more than $10 trillion of total annual revenue for companies selling to them. Already the world’s biggest buyers of cars, mobile phones, shoes, home appliances, and more-consumers in these countries are waiting for your firm’s products and services. But are you ready for the demand? In The $10 Trillion Prize, Michael Silverstein, author of the bestselling “Trading Up”, and his Boston Consulting Group colleagues in China and India provide the first comprehensive profile of the emerging middle-class households-300 million strong – that will change the global marketplace.
