The Miracle Morning (Part-I)

 Date: 12 January 2023

While keeping the book in my bag, I was reluctant whether I would be able to take some time out within such a short sojourn to read it. Much to my surprise, I completed the whole book on my return journey (i.e. on 14th January) and also took breaks listening to music.  Yes, the fastest I've ever taken to complete a book. Also, the reason it became even more important for me to add a personal note before I start talking reviews. 

While drafting, I realised that for a work as action-oriented as this one, the book review is incomplete unless implemented. I sensed that I expected a sequel for this book review from myself.  The sequel, however, would be with a deeper dive into the principles and paradigms proposed in this book, when my actions will have articulated what went into me through words and sentences. 

Book: THE MIRACLE MORNING

Author: Hal Elrod

Publisher: John Murray Learning

Year: 2016

An amazing book with very simple English and theme. The author starts with his own short biography, where he briefly talks about his life challenges and struggles. Then, he moves forward to explain how and what changed his life. 

The author has indeed learned from acclaimed sources and very enthusiastically presented his gratification to all the books and authors who have been a part of his transformational journey (especially, "Think and grow rich" by Napoleon Hill). 

A few notable features of the book that kept me energized throughout my read are:

1. Easy vocabulary (One would hardly need a dictionary to refer to.)

2. Very simplified methods (explained step by step with a sample procedure to follow).

3. Besides mentioning books that inspired him, the author has also suggested a few good books to enhance certain aspects of our lives (for me it was like a library within a book).

4. Every chapter begins with two beautiful and captivating thoughts from great people (which, of course, intrigues one to keep reading).

The book quite often brought a smile on my face. There were many learnings and fundamentals that sounded familiar to me. Credit goes to my mentor, who always kept repeating and reaffirming the importance of certain things that he imbibed from the book. 

Statements such as "how you do anything is how you do everything", "discipline creates lifestyle", "the day when you feel like not doing it, you should definitely do it", etc. (loads to mention), to me, were just like an awe moment to how meticulously he has remembered each of them and dissipated to us in an unfiltered and thorough manner.

The best takeaway I carry from here is "The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams". 

Next War India Pakistan China

 Book: Next War India, Pakistan, China

Author: Dr NC Asthana, IPS

Publishing Year: 2017

"Very intense yet simplified" is how I would describe my experience of reading this book. Coming from someone who has authored 46 books and 76 research papers besides his dignified service as an IPS [a nuclear physicist and having extensive experience in intelligence and counterinsurgency operations in Kashmir, left-wing extremism and North-east]. Also, who adorns 7 medals and 7 commendation discs.

If not for this book, every Indian is bound to overlook many significant factors or atleast underestimate a few factors he or she may know to predict if we could ever go to war with our neighbors. This book is indeed a roller-coaster ride which will take one through all the overrated factors whether it be social, political, media related, strategies  thoughts, skills and mentality not just as Armies but as Nations too.

Excellent use of vocabulary, I must say, and occasional yet sarcastic humor.  This book definitely sticks to theme and demystifies all the misconceptions that we've borrowed from social medias' and informations (supporting public opinion and not actual facts) lacking authority.

Dr NC Asthana has cited various historical wars (not just between India, Pakistan or China but also, from the world history), practices, plans and strategies to pronouncingly declare, explain and justify his opinions which he has gained through his first-hand experience and research. 

War at sea, War on land or war mid-air,  presenting all the possibilities, various triggers, terrains and climates, complementary weapon-systems, inter-relations, dependencies, pursuits, intelligence, tanks, battle plan, counteracting, national interests and character, this book is a wholesome. Period.

Concluding on a very important and often unemphasized aspect of whether, we are ready for what comes forth, not just between the armies but between the nations involved. Well, we rightfully deserve this knowledge.