Essays : Reflections on Success, Happiness, and the Meaning of Life - Thibaut Meurisse (2025)

The author explores timeless questions about life, sharing personal reflections on success, happiness, and meaning. While many insights are common sense and might seem familiar, some discussions captivate and compel continued reading. Out of twenty-seven thought-provoking topics, here are a few:

• Values
• Morality
• Happiness
• Self-worth
• Success
• Failure
• Ego and Status
• Marketing
• Writing
• Making an Impact
• Striving to be a good person

The book would have a different impact on you when you are in your twenties vs when you are in the fifties. The reflections have no complex jargon or philosophical generalizations to confuse you. I would recommend reading the book. Here are a few words from the author’s conclusion:

—-

I will conclude by reminding you that whatever you are now isn’t where you will be tomorrow. When in doubt, we should let the following forces assist us during our time on earth:

Gratitude, humility, and self-compassion.

These forces alone will go a long way to help you live a meaningful life.

In other words, as you wake up each day, remember how blessed you are to be granted another day (gratitude). Use that day to learn more about yourself and the world (humility). And, while doing so, make sure you are kind to yourself (self-compassion).

We are all doing the best we can, where we are, with what we have Let’s remember that truth as we move through life.  

Selected Short Stories - Anton Chekov

Anton Chekov is known as a storyteller and playwright for his satires. However, these stories are in all genres. Not all the stories are as interesting. Some can be quite insignificant in the modern context. Some are just short observations. Some are not as flawless and can be a drag to read. I didn't find all the stories interesting.  

Working with Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman (1998)

The book is fairly old and does not need any review as such. I read it recently; some of the things are definite value adds. Emotional intelligence can be applied to improve in the following five areas:

• Self-awareness
• Self-regulations
• Motivation
• Empathy
• Social Skills

While most of it may seem common sense, practicing may take time. As a practitioner, one can apply these in personal and professional areas to improve these skills. 

Galileo's Daughter - Dava Sobel (2000)

The book is about Sister Maria Celeste, the daughter of Galileo, born out of wedlock, based on around 100+ letters she has penned to her father over several years of her stay at the San Mateo convent. The book shows how deeply Maria Celeste was worried about her father's well-being and how well she managed his household needs while working for the betterment of the convent. The book talks about Galileo's work but like a story described by Maria. The language of the letters is old-style English and can seem arcane. Towards the end, people discover Maria's last remains, along with his father and his student, buried in the same coffin. 

Overall a good read to understand Galileo and his family, but it can test the patience at places. 

The Rainmaker - John Grisham (1995)

A young lawyer faces many challenges in life and overcomes them. The story tells a good bit about the legal processes in the USA, but it is generally a story designed for a movie. If you watch a series like Lincoln Lawyer, this story will look obvious. Again, you must understand there is a good two-decade gap between the two. 

John Grisham's story-telling is profound in the novel. 

Confluences: Journeys into the Heart and Soul of Odisha - Anil Dhir (2014)

Confluences is a book about the author's adventures in visiting the whole number latitudes and longitudes of Odisha. Although an Odia, I have hardly visited the state that extensively. Hence, this book was an eye-opener. Unfortunately, the book is out of print now. However, many chapters in the book are part of the degree confluence project. Luckily some chapters are documented here: https://confluence.org/region.php?id=809 

The author has also added his other travel experiences of Odisha, its culture, arts, and crafts in the book. Reading the book made me feel how much more I need to learn about my state. Almost unputdownable!

The Chamber - John Grisham (1994)

A good family story but not the best of John Grisham. 

I like John Grisham because of the depth in which he covers legal matters in his novel. This one is more drama than any significant legal activity. A white supremacist who has murdered African Americans and Jews is undertrial for over a decade. Now, his grandson comes forward to defend him. There are no twists and turns in the plot. Finally, his death penalty is upheld. He confesses and feels sorry for all the wrong he has done. His family is devastated - his son has committed suicide and his daughter is struggling with alcoholism. However, the next generation has accepted the violent times of their grandparents and made a connection with them. Technically, time heals everything. 

Good writing and page flipper but not the John Grisham you read for the logical legal arguments.