The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel

Michael Finkel through his book The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit, is a very compelling story where he describes the life of Christopher Knight who lives like a hermit in the woods.

The book brings out various themes, one of them being the need to connect with oneself away from society, the need to realize what you are missing from life.

On reading the book you wonder and begin to question why any one would choose to live a hermit lifestyle, and then be forced to steal food from peoples homes. However, Knight felt that he just wanted the shelter the forest offered him.

While this story may not appeal to everyone as stealing food and supplies offended the local people, annoyed them and made them feel insecure, the story challenges readers to journey inwards and ask oneself some very reflective questions.

Camino Island by John Grisham

Camino Island is Grisham's book that takes you through a thrilling case of priceless manuscripts that are stolen. The Heist is truly a page turner and Grisham weaves a good story that keeps you hooked. Personally I found Camino Island a pleasant change from the usual courtroom drama and its a quick and easy read.

The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman

The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman is a best seller that reinstates ideas and clarifies the fact that 'the world is flat'. The gap between nations, on account of globalization, has truly closed and the world is but a 'global village'. 

The barriers that used to protect business and employees from global competition have been broken down. This is because of advancement in technology and communication and thus the world forms a playing field for business.

Any work that can be digitized, will definitely flow or go to anyone who is able to complete it at the lowest cost no matter which part of the world they live in. 

Friedman describes the ten forces that contribute to the flat world and how over the years the need to travel to a different destination has reduced on account of technological advances.

The book describes contemporary issues but with constant competition one will have to wait and see what the future really holds. It is a good book to understand the historical development of globalization, but due to rapid changes in both industry and technology, we will have to see how the future unfolds over time. 

The Whistler by John Grisham

Recommendation: Read the prequel The Witness to a Trial to get an introduction to the novel The Whistler.

The murder mystery trial of Junior takes you through a high stake murderous game of greed. There have been three gruesome murders and an innocent man Junior is sitting on the death row.

Master story-teller, Grisham, keeps you hooked and turning pages as the truth of the events unfold before the judges. Lawyer Lacy Stalz is the heroine of this legal thriller and exposes the evidence of corruption with the help of a whistler blower. 

The book is a thriller and you see Grisham's unique style of unfolding the murder mystery through this fast paced novel. 

Witness to a Trial by John Grisham

A short story of courtroom drama Witness to a Trial by John Grisham is a prequel to the novel The Whistler. 

The capital murder trial fills the reader with intrigue as it unfolds the story of the accused - Junior Mace, who slayed his wife and best fried in cold blood.


Each chapter describes the witnesses in court in great detail, and while the gory case unfolds in court, there is one other individual present in the courtroom who knows the truth about the case but would rather have Mace out of the way. 

The story sets the stage for the novel The Whistler which will bring out the entire play of characters and their roles well crafted by Grisham in this introductory prequel.

The short story will definitely provide the preview and builds up the story for the novel. A must read for Grisham fans!

How To Argue Powerfully, Purposefully, Positively by Jonathan Herring

Avoiding an argument simply means the problem goes on and is probably brushed under the rug. This can poison a relationship and can lead to tensions. The book 'How to Argue Powerfully, Purposefully, Positively' by Jonathan Herring, guides you through a positive way to understand arguments. 

In the unavoidable situation of an argument the book gives you the required skills to argue well in a clear and effective way. You can develop techniques explained in the book so that you can respond to the arguments of others equally effectively.

The '10 golden rules of argument’ are a go-to every time you face a situation where you can decide to hold your ground or simply walk away depending on the situation.

The ability to argue calmly, rationally and well is an asset at work and in life. It sharpens your thinking, tests your theories and gets you what you want.

Arguments can help you understand people better, sharing ideas and finding mutually beneficial ways ahead. A must have book for those who love reading and for those who want to save and cherish relationships. Definitely recommend this book to everyone.