Exploring the Humankind Through Literature: A Journey in June 2020

June 2020 was a pivotal month for me, filled with exploration, introspection, and a hearty dose of literature. This period allowed me to delve into a variety of books that not only captured fascinating narratives but also provided profound insights into human behavior and struggles. Here’s a snapshot of what and why I read this month, and the journey that followed.

Building Income and Embracing Side Hustles

One of the books that caught my attention in recent times is The Side Hustle by Chris Guillebaud. This is a book that delves deep into the world of side businesses and how to build them into a main income source. The current global scenario, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighted the importance of having a side hustle. As many people lost their income, I thought to myself: how can I help others increase theirs? There is a theory behind everything, and it seemed fitting to explore this side of personal finance and business.

Exploring Hidden Talents and Human Psychology

As the year 2020 progressed, I found myself with a lot of free time. This gave me the opportunity to explore further into my hidden talents and interests. One of these areas was human psychology. I delved into several books that provided profound insights into the human mind and behavior. Guru Dutt: A Life in Cinema, a biography by Kabir Nahas Munni, gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the life and work of a renowned Indian film director. This book not only explores his personal life, but also his journey in the vibrant and often tumultuous world of Indian cinema.

Navigating Through Harsh Realities: Autobiographical Novels

In July 2020, I picked up a new book that diverged from my typical genre—an autobiographical novel titled The Nazi Officer’s Wife. This powerful tale by Edith Hahn Beer is set against the backdrop of World War II and tells the heart-wrenching story of a Jewish woman hiding in Nazi-occupied Germany. The novel is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the war on individuals and families. Readers witness the daily struggles for sanity and survival amidst unimaginable horror and loss. It's a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

Embracing Diverse Genres and Themes

Other books I picked up this month included:The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Zero to One by Peter Thiel. The Fault in Our Stars is a heart-wrenching story about love, loss, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of terminal illness. It is a novel that resonates deeply with its readers, evoking a mix of emotions from laughter to tears. Zero to One by Peter Thiel, on the other hand, is a business and technology book that explores what it takes to create a successful startup and build a thriving enterprise. It offers valuable insights into innovation, competition, and the role of history in shaping the future.

Continuing Our Reading Journeys

During the month of July 2020, I continued to explore a range of genres, with books such as A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney. A Thousand Splendid Suns is an epic tale of a young woman's life in Afghanistan, exploring themes of love, loss, and survival. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever is part of the popular comic book series and offers a humorous look at a middle school student’s life and struggles.

To round out the month, I also dipped into a few more books, including Black Suits You by Novoneel Chakraborthy and Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, which delved into complex mythological and historical narratives. I am still making progress on A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth and Turtles All the Way Down by John Green, with both books remaining as much to go. I’ve also started reading Nine Chambered Heart by Janice Pariat, a book that promises to delve into a world of mystery and intrigue.

Lastly, I took a moment to thank Ruchi Mudgal for the add-to-answer request. My reading journey continues, and the theories behind it remain endless.

So, to all those who are looking to explore the vast world of literature, may you find as much joy and enlightenment in reading as I have.