1. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo’s bestseller has become a cornerstone of the minimalist movement. Her KonMari method of tidying up focuses on keeping only the items that “spark joy” and letting go of everything else. This book isn’t just about organizing your home; it’s about transforming your life by decluttering your mind and surroundings. Kondo’s approach emphasizes the emotional and psychological benefits of minimalism, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to simplify their life.

2. “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown

Greg McKeown’s Essentialism is all about focusing on what truly matters. The book teaches you how to eliminate the non-essential tasks, commitments, and possessions that clutter your life, allowing you to channel your energy toward what’s truly important. McKeown’s philosophy is about doing less but better, helping you live a more focused and intentional life.

3. “Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism” by Fumio Sasaki

Fumio Sasaki’s Goodbye, Things offers a deeply personal perspective on minimalism. Sasaki, once an overworked and overwhelmed office worker, found peace and happiness by getting rid of almost all his possessions. The book is filled with practical advice and real-life stories that inspire readers to embrace minimalism and discover the freedom that comes with owning less.

4. “The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own” by Joshua Becker

Joshua Becker’s The More of Less explores the benefits of living with less. Becker, a leading voice in the minimalist movement, shows how minimalism can lead to more freedom, time, and energy to pursue what truly matters in life. The book offers practical tips on how to start decluttering, as well as insights into how living with less can lead to more happiness and fulfillment.

5. “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World” by Cal Newport

In Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport tackles the issue of digital overload. Newport argues that our constant connection to technology is a significant source of stress and distraction. The book provides strategies for reducing digital clutter, reclaiming your time, and focusing on deeper, more meaningful activities. Newport’s approach to minimalism extends beyond the physical and into the digital realm, making it an essential read for anyone looking to simplify their tech-driven life.

6. “Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More” by Courtney Carver

Courtney Carver’s Soulful Simplicity is a heartfelt exploration of how minimalism can improve your overall well-being. Carver shares her personal journey of simplifying her life after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, showing how minimalism helped her reduce stress, improve her health, and focus on what truly matters. The book offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to create a simpler, more intentional life.

7. “The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life” by Joshua Becker

Another valuable book by Joshua Becker, The Minimalist Home takes you through a step-by-step process of decluttering each room in your house. Becker provides practical tips and motivational insights to help you create a living space that supports a minimalist lifestyle. This book is perfect for those who are ready to take action and transform their home into a place of peace and simplicity.

8. “Simplify: 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life” by Joshua Becker

In Simplify, Joshua Becker outlines seven principles that can guide you toward a simpler, more meaningful life. The book is a quick and accessible read, packed with practical tips for decluttering your home and mind. Becker’s principles are easy to implement and can help you make lasting changes toward a more minimalist lifestyle.

9. “Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life” by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists, offer a holistic approach to minimalism in Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. The book goes beyond decluttering and explores how minimalism can improve your health, relationships, passions, and growth. It’s a thought-provoking read that challenges you to rethink your priorities and focus on what truly brings happiness.

10. “The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify” by Francine Jay

Francine Jay, also known as Miss Minimalist, offers a comprehensive guide to decluttering and organizing your home in The Joy of Less. The book is divided into manageable sections that make it easy to apply minimalism to every area of your life. Jay’s straightforward advice and encouraging tone make this book an excellent starting point for anyone new to minimalism.

Embracing minimalism can be a life-changing experience, offering you more time, space, and peace of mind. The books mentioned above provide a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and practical tips to help you start your minimalist journey. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, reduce digital distractions, or live a more intentional life, these books will guide you toward a simpler, more fulfilling existence. So, pick up one of these books, take the first step, and discover the joy of living with less.

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Set Realistic Goals

Start by setting achievable reading goals. Instead of aiming to read a book a week right away, begin with smaller, manageable goals like reading for 10-15 minutes each day. Setting realistic targets helps you build a habit gradually without feeling overwhelmed.

Create a Reading Schedule

Incorporate reading into your daily routine by setting aside specific times for it. Whether it’s during your commute, before bed, or during lunch breaks, having a dedicated reading time helps establish consistency. Consider using a planner or digital calendar to block out this time and treat it as an important appointment.

Designate a Reading Space

Create a cozy and inviting reading nook that encourages you to unwind and read. This could be a comfortable chair, a well-lit corner, or a hammock—any space where you can relax and get lost in a book. A dedicated reading area can make your reading time more enjoyable and something you look forward to.

Choose Books That Excite You

Select books that genuinely interest you. Whether you enjoy thrillers, historical fiction, or self-help, reading books that captivate your imagination will make the habit easier to maintain. Don’t be afraid to explore different genres and authors until you find what truly excites you.

Start with Shorter Books or Essays**

If you’re struggling to find time or stay focused, begin with shorter books or essays. These are less daunting and can provide a sense of accomplishment more quickly. Completing shorter reads can boost your confidence and motivate you to tackle longer books.

Join a Book Club or Reading Group

Participating in a book club or reading group can provide accountability and motivation. Discussing books with others not only enhances your reading experience but also encourages you to read regularly to keep up with the group’s schedule.

Track Your Reading Progress

Keep a reading journal or use a reading app to track your progress and set goals. Logging the books you’ve read and noting your thoughts can be gratifying and help you stay motivated. Many apps also offer reading challenges and communities that can provide additional encouragement.

Limit Distractions

Minimize distractions to create a focused reading environment. Put away your phone, turn off notifications, and find a quiet place where you can immerse yourself in your book. Reducing interruptions helps you stay engaged and makes your reading time more productive.

Use Audiobooks to Your Advantage

Incorporate audiobooks into your routine for times when you can’t physically read, such as during commutes or household chores. Audiobooks can be a great way to “read” while on the go and ensure you’re still making progress with your reading goals.

Be Patient and Persistent

Building a reading habit takes time, so be patient with yourself. It’s normal to have days where you read less or don’t finish a book. The key is to stay persistent and keep making time for reading, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.

By implementing these tips, you can gradually build a strong reading habit that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Remember, the goal is to make reading a natural and enjoyable part of your daily routine. Happy reading!

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We’ve selected ten of the best books that have been adapted into films, ranging from classic literature, thrillers, and mysteries to fantasy, love stories, and tales for teenagers. All of the works are excellent; we selected those that are best-sellers, critically acclaimed, or have had a significant impact on contemporary literature and popular culture. What about the films? Well, some are excellent pieces of art unto themselves. While the novels that influenced some of them live on in readers’ memories forever, others were quickly forgotten.

Little Women

Little Women is a beloved coming-of-age story that was first released in two parts and is still incredibly relevant today. The March sisters are a shining example of family love and a tie that will not be shattered by the Civil War that rages on near their New England home. They have a tomboy author-to-be, a weak yet gorgeous sister, and the hopeless romantic. This classic story would be ideal for a mother-daughter book club read. With nominations for multiple awards, the most recent Little Women movie does the novel proud. It not only introduces a new generation to one of the best books ever written, but it also provides the story with the resolution that the author always wanted but was never able to achieve due to the times in which she lived.

 Hunger Games

It would be reckless of us to list the greatest book-to-movie adaptations without including The Hunger Games. A bestselling book series with a horde of loyal fans is seldom easy to adapt, but this one was an enormous hit. The movie, which starred Josh Hutcherson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Liam Hemsworth, was well-received by critics and audiences alike when it was released. The screenplay for this book to movie adaption was written by Suzanne Collins, demonstrating how closely the movie adheres to the original plot. Even a few words are lifted precisely from the novel! 

Harry Potter

Despite having eight films, J.K. Rowling’s story had to be significantly trimmed for the Harry Potter film series, which has two credited screenwriters and four directors. Though the films follow the same progression from a bubbly children’s tale to the darker, more morally difficult story that you find in the later books, they are fairly loyal to both the plot and the character development that is Rowling’s great talent. For fans who can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ve just read about, these are the perfect adaptations.

The Devil Wears Prada

Despite Lauren Weisberger’s novel’s success, the film portrays Miranda Priestly as one of the greatest villains in cinematic history, and it is an upgrade. The film takes Miranda’s character to a darker place and offers the story a more satisfying resolution than the novel, which ended on a totally different emotional note before it was even finished.

Lord Of The Rings

In a broad sense, Peter Jackson’s trilogy of films is quite true to J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic epic fantasy writings. Jackson greatly simplified the plot, however not many people had issue with there not being enough Tom Bombadil in it. With the use of cutting-edge computer graphics, Jackson was able to portray the most well-known fantasy universe ever imagined in a realistic and convincing manner while retaining the essential elements of hope, bravery, and despair.

Silence Of The Lamps

Although Jonathan Demme’s adaptation mostly follows Thomas Harris’s novel, it adds two significant elements: Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster. Because of these two actors’ outstanding, enduring, and viscerally believable performances, a dark, twisty thriller became a permanent fixture of popular culture. All you have to do is mention the word “Clarice” with one of Hopkins’s trademark inflections, and everyone will know what you’re talking about.

Crazy Rich Asians

Just five years after Kevin Kwan’s charming, satirical romantic comedy debuted, Jon M. Chu created a stunning film adaptation of it. The intimate relationships, inner workings, and nuanced expectations of Singaporean high society were all captured in the film, which became an instant smash. In addition to receiving fantastic reviews and multiple nominations for Golden Globe Awards, it naturally raised interest in the book itself. 

Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Truman Capote’s darker, more vicious novella was adapted into an epic film that is still regarded as a cultural classic. Capote’s tale of a lady attempting to salvage some glitter from the ruins of her life is heartfelt, sorrowful, and ultimately exquisite. The film ends on a positive, romantic note, while toning down the queer, tragic, and prostitute undertones. Nevertheless, each of these elements is strong, unforgettable, and bordering on brilliance.

Anna Karenina

For good reason, Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is frequently regarded as the best book ever written. With subtle undertones of mental illness and touching on issues of adultery, love, humanity, and life in Russia, Tolstoy tells his expansive tale without resorting to oppressive morals. Rather, the reader is asked to peer into these lives as a voyeuristic observer, not passing judgement on the shortcomings of his characters. With 864 pages, Tolstoy’s work is by no means short. Despite this, four films have attempted to depict it, with the most imaginative and opulent being the 2012 adaptation starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law, and Domhnall Gleason.

The Color Purple

The Color Purple, Alice Walker’s 1982 book, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. This is among the greatest books ever written because of Walker’s moving and vivid writing. One of the best works about racial relations in early 20th-century America because of the story’s cultural significance. It’s also among the best books that have been adapted into films because to Menno Meyjes’ excellent script. In this epic story of an African American woman (played by Whoopi Goldberg) living in the South and enduring unbelievable abuse and bigotry, Steven Spielberg coproduced it with Quincy Jones. His direction does the book justice and brings Walker’s significant tale to life for generations of new audiences.

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1. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – This book teaches readers the importance of being present in the moment and letting go of the past and future to find inner peace.

2. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey – This classic book explores the habits of successful people and offers practical advice on how to incorporate them into your own life.

3. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – This novel tells the story of a young shepherd who sets out to find his personal legend, teaching readers to follow their dreams and trust in the universe.

4. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown – This book explores the power of vulnerability and encourages readers to embrace it as a key component of personal growth.

5. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear – This book explores the science of habit formation and offers practical advice on how to build good habits and break bad ones.

6. “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod – This book outlines a morning routine designed to increase productivity, improve health, and promote personal growth.

7. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz – This book explores four key agreements that can transform your life: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.

8. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert – This book explores the creative process and encourages readers to pursue their passions and live a creative life.

9. “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin – This book outlines a year-long project in which the author set out to improve her overall happiness, offering practical advice for readers to do the same.

10. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl – This book tells the author’s personal story of survival in a concentration camp during World War II and offers insight into finding meaning and purpose in life.

These books have helped countless readers overcome challenges, find inner peace, and achieve personal growth. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, build better habits, or find your life’s purpose, there’s a self-help book out there that can guide you on your journey.

The post Transform Your Life with These 10 Life-Changing Self-Help Books appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Best of Used Books

Yes, they sell books starting at just Rs. 99/-. And no, it is not a hoax. You can find a range of bestselling works by Sudha Murthy, Chetan Bhagat and Sidney Sheldon besides classics by Hemingway at this price. They also have a collection of rare books and magazines for those who love to keep a collector’s edition. The store always has great deals to go in for the haul mid-month.

99 Books Cart

Some of their coolest offers include the ‘15 Mixed Fiction Books at Rs. 999/-’ and their ‘Combos at Rs. 699/-’ featuring books by Jodie Piccoult, Suzzane Collins, and John Grisham. Also, their 11-day book fair ending on 24^th April 2022 is currently a rage in Bangalore.

The Right Book Store

The store offers a 60-70% discount on all of their books. All of the hot-selling self-help, non-fiction and lifestyle-oriented books are available under Rs.150/- at this store. From Ikigai to Atomic Habits and the Psychology of Money their sale price is to kill for. Their Mystique Box Collection is something you can look forward to surprise yourself or your fellow bookaholics!

 Words By: Mariam Thankam Mohan

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Here are 3 books, by eminent authors, who will change our way of thinking about life.

1. The Subtle Art of not Giving a F**k By Mark Manson

This book will help you in becoming more practical and realistic in your daily life. It benefits the readers because it teaches us how to live a balanced life. What Mark Manson advises us in this book is to let go of most things that aren’t worth our time and yet we pay huge attention to them. He tells us never to do that and focus on what really matters. The book changes your entire perspective of life.

2. Ikigai By Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia

This book teaches us a lot about how to take care of our friendships and how to conquer our personal concerns and anxieties in order to live a happy life. We can’t alter some things in life no matter how hard we try. Therefore, we have to learn to be happy in spite of them. The most essential period of time in our life is now, and we must concentrate on it. Read this book and find your “Ikigai”

3. Can’t hurt me – Master your mind and defy the odds By David Goggins

This book truly makes you understand that you are the creator of your life and that it is up to you to make it better than before. You learn to push yourself through your fears and overcome any obstacles that may come across. Applying some of the techniques he’s talked about in this book helps you to improve various aspects of your life.

Words by: Malavika Venugopalan

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A Touch Of Darkness – Scarlett St. Clair

A twisted tale in Greek mythology where Persephone, the Goddess of Spring meets Hades, God of the Dead. A deadly Contract is signed; ensuing a forbidden romance.

The Wrath & the Dawn – Renée Ahdieh

A curious retelling of the Middle Eastern folk tales – Arabian Nights; a mythical love story set in Afghanistan. The story follows Khalid, a royal who practices a gruesome ritual – wherein he finds a new bride every day and executes her before dawn. When he meets Shahrzad, who voluntarily offers to be his bride well aware of the aftermath , you can bet the reader is in for riveting read!

Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco

A perfect dark tale of  demons and witches dipped in revenge . Emilia, a young witch is on a quest to find the killer of her twin sister Vittoria, who was mysteriously murdered. When she finds herself bound to Wrath, one of the Princes of Hell she knows she is trouble.

Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo

From the author of Shadow & Bone, comes another gripping tale from the Grisha Trilogy. The story follows Kaz Brekker and his shady crew – Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Nina, Matthias collectively called The Dregs. Together they plan to pull off an impossible heist that leaves you hungry for more.

The Cruel Prince – Holly Black

The story follows three sisters – Jude, Taryn and  Vivienne. After they find out their parents were brutally murdered, they are shifted to an unknown fairie world where they struggle to belong. As Jude finds herself in the middle of royal betrayal, she has to find a way to keep herself and her family alive.

Throne of Glass – Sarah J. Mass

This action-packed series follows a trained assassin, Celaena Sardothien who is serving her life sentence for killing hundreds of people. One day she is offered her freedom but at a hefty price- she has to fight a set of trained assassins in a deathly tournament and become the kings champion assassin. What follows in this suicide mission makes this book unputdownable.

The post The Internet Recommends Your Next Read: 6 Fantasy Books to Devour Right Now ! appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

We know the age-old story of the Hindu epics that has left us enthralled from time immemorial. The Pandavas & the Kauravas with their litany of majestic men who defeated demons and were considered heroes.

This author sheds a light on the women who were told to wait their turn and look pretty, be the perfect picture of a damsel in distress. She breaks down the age-old stereotype of these women who are present but barely, gave them a voice of their own and transformed them completely.

The Palace Of Illusions, a 2008 rendition of the Mahabharata showcases a resilient woman who married all five Pandava brothers, Draupadi’s narration is graceful; humorous even, weaving a tale of mystery. The Forest of Enchantments, a refreshing take on The Ramayana shows how the Goddess Sita became the fearless phenomenon she is.

Two must haves in your woke library, these books will let you see from a women’s eyes analysing the way you have read the ancient epics; How they though, did not fight any physical battles, had their own set of demons both internally and otherwise torturing them consistently.

The post Chitra B Divakaruni: The Author who has Transformed the Hindu Epics appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

The internet is filled with free e-book resources so you can download new reads and old classics from the comfort of your ipad or any e-reader you prefer.

Here’s a list of 11 places where you can find a wealth of free e-books (yes, free e-books!).

Google eBookstore

In the free section of the Google eBookstore, you’ll find a ton of free books from a variety of genres. Look here for bestsellers, favorite classics, and more. Books are available in several formats, and you can also check out ratings and reviews from other users.

Project Gutenberg

With a collection of more than 45,000 free e-books, Project Gutenberg is a volunteer effort to create and share e-books online. No registration or fee is required, and books are available in ePub, Kindle, HTML, and simple text formats.

Open Library

The Open Library has more than one million free e-books available. This library catalog is an open online project of Internet Archive, and allows users to contribute books. You can easily search by the title, author, and subject.

Internet Archive

If you’re looking for out-of-print books in different languages and formats, check out this non-profit digital library. The Internet Archive is a great go-to if you want access to historical and academic books.

Free eBooks

From romance to mystery to drama, this website is a good source for all sorts of free e-books. When you’re making a selection, you can go through reviews and ratings for each book. If you’re looking for a wide variety of books in various categories, check out this site.

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Unfinished by Priyanka Chopra

Former Miss World, actor, producer, singer, philanthropist, and now author – for Priyanka Chopra, 2021 is already looking up, with her autobiographical book Unfinished, which is a 2021 Indian memoir. Described as a “collection of personal essays, stories and observations”, the book chronicles important moments in Chopra’s life and her twenty-year-long career, such as working as an actress-producer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Club You To Death by Anuja Chauhan

When a hunky personal trainer is found asphyxiated to death under an overloaded barbell at the posh Delhi Turf Club, on the eve of the club elections, it is first thought to be a freak accident. But soon, it becomes clear that one of the members of the DTC – all pickled-in-privilege Dilliwallahs – is a cold-blooded killer. Anuja Chauhan returns with a bloody good romance set in the pulsating heart of Lutyen’s Delhi.

A former advertising executive, the brain behind Pepsi’s evergreen Dil Maange More campaign, Anuja has already established herself as a powerhouse writer – with The Zoya Factor, which eventually became a film, and The Pricey Thakur Girls, an instant bestseller.

Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri

Whereabouts is a 2018 novel by Jhumpa Lahiri. It is her third novel, her first since The Lowland. It was originally written in the Italian language, and later translated into English by Lahiri herself. The Indian-origin American writer, famous for her short-story collection Interpreter of Maladies, published her last book in 2013 – Lowland, a novel which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in the same year.

Make up Break up by Lily Menon

Lily Menon has always been enamored of romantic comedies and happily-ever-afters in all shapes and sizes. Her very first love story, written at age nine, was about a handsome boy who wooed the heroine with books, chocolates, and a very fat puppy.

The protagonist Annika Dev – whose app ‘Make Up’ is called the “Google Translate for failing relationships” – meets her match in Hudson Craft – who app ‘Break up’ is dubbed the “Uber for breakups!”

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