The Secret

-By Rhonda Byrne
My Rating-*****

Rich Dad Poor Dad

-By Robert Kiyosaki
My Rating-***

So how many of us have financial intelligence and how do we put it to use? Yes, this is the premise Rich Dad Poor Dad is based upon. Earning money is not that big a deal according to the author but making money work for you is. The underlying idea of the book is to show you how to invest money intelligently; however, keeping the concept a tad too hazy!

Robert and his friend, Mike didn't have the kind of childhood normal kids have. They had different things going on in their young minds...the boys wanted to experiment with the ways of earning money and in this quest of theirs, it's Mike's dad (whom the author calls Rich Dad) who guides them. So this Rich Dad (who is a businessman) is someone who thinks out of the box so as to use his money to earn more for him and the poor dad on the other hand is Robert's real dad who believes in playing it safe no matter what and thus ends up being broke. Our conventional education system, we all know, doesn't impart financial literacy and that's the reason the author disapproves of the system. Nevertheless, he says that we all need to go to school but then it's pointless if we aren't being given the financial knowledge.

He narrates his childhood experience about all that he's learnt from Rich Dad and how what he's today is courtesy his rich dad. While reading the book, you want to agree with him yet there is something I believe that holds you back which goes to show that it isn't that convincing after all. Inspiring? Yes it is and if one really takes up investing seriously, this book can at least serve as a primer.

I thought it would be a great idea to share some interesting thoughts this book offers:-

• Life is the best teacher of all. Most of the time, life does not talk to you. It just sort of pushes you around. Each push is life saying "Wake up. There's something I want you to learn."
• Emotions are what make us human. Make us real. The word 'emotion' stands for energy in motion. Be truthful about your emotions and use your mind and emotions in your favour, not against yourself.
• Workers work hard enough to not be fired, and owners pay just enough so that workers won't quit.

I can safely say this book is worth a read!

34 Bubblegums and Candies

-By Preeti Shenoy
My Rating-*****

So here's a collection of 34 real life incidents which the author calls candies and bubblegums. The good ones are like eating a candy and the ones that make you think and rethink correspond to chewing a gum. Neat! As far as the language is concerned, it's simply awesome...there are times when you burst out laughing thanks to her brilliant use of words. Given that she is an avid blogger, the final product does seem to be worth its salt. Then let's take a look at what is in store for us readers.

Right from chapter one, the author narrates incidents from her life which feature people close to her including her dad, her doting husband, her adorable kids, friends etc. These little stories may seem trivial yet they are sweet in their own special way :) I like the honest efforts she has put in to tell us what life is all about! There's a chapter dedicated to "What Women Want" and believe me, it's completely hilarious...followed by a retort from her husband which is funnier to say the least!

There's this prayer which she mentions after her stint in learning a two-wheeler. Here goes:-

"Oh God, grant me the courage to accept the things I can't change, to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference!" I really swear by this prayer!!

All in all, the book is a good mix of humour, honesty and innocence....a light read that leaves you with a positive feeling! Recipe for perfect five stars :)