From "Linchpin" to "How to Create a Mind"

“You’ll need a bigger desk.” My uncle commented on the piles of books on top of my table. “There are more in the cabinets and on the shelves,” I replied. “The number of books that you own will only increase in amount, they will not go lesser,” he responded.

Reading, stimulates and feeds the curious mind that constantly craves for new information.

Coming from a family that cherishes time well spent with a good book -- I take pride in spending my hard-earned cash on several good books over a pair of quality high heel shoes or a flattering party dress.

I value gifts that come in the form of a good book more than any other.

This week, I have compiled a list of books to share with those of you who enjoy the company of a good book — titles that I have read as well as worth checking out.

1. “Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?” By Seth Godin

This is an eye opener. Seth Godin teaches readers what it means to chart our own path and create value as we go, while challenging us to rethink how we do our job — “stop settling for what’s good enough and start creating art that matters”. Godin definitely tops the list as one of my favourite authors.

2. “La Seduction: How the French Play the Game of Life” by Elaine Sciolino

I came across this book around the time when I started learning French (through film, music and mobile app, Duolingo). Naturally, I am curious to learn more about the French way of living. The author examines and uncover the unwritten rules and unspoken assumptions of the French, from the point of view of an “outsider” — an American correspondent for New York Times who resides in France. It makes quite a delightful read.

3. “Hatching Twitter: A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal” by Nick Bilton

As a frequent user of Twitter (I have accumulated close to 10.7 thousand tweets), I was curious about the founding story of the company. Nick Bilton’s book did not disappoint, and above all, it did not merely portrayed the harsh realities of starting a business but also reflected on the reality of being human — the good, the bad and the ugly of friendship, trust, fame, wealth and power.

4. “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins

The book is packed with management insights and powerful quotes that is applicable in our daily lives. “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.” This is one book that I would not mind to read again.

5. “How to Create a Mind: The Secret of Human Thought Revealed” by Ray Kurzweil

I have always been fascinated by a possible future where we co-exist with artificial intelligence. The real question is: can machines really think? In this book, the author illustrates how the human mind comprehend and recall our memories and experiences and discusses the potential to use the knowledge to create intelligent machines.