If Life is a Game, These are the Rules
Ten Rules for Being Human as introduced in Chicken Soup for the Soul
Format: Paperback
Author: Chérie Carter-Scott, PhD
ISBN No: 0-7679-0388-9

If I were to ask you, “Are you on you path to success?” what would your answer be? Would you even know where or what ‘success’ is?

These were the very questions I had to ask myself several years ago and I did not have a ‘reference’ book to read to help. Then, I was given a copy of If Life is a Game, These are the Rules Ten Rule for Being Human as introduced in Chicken Soup for the Soul  and reading it was both illuminating and comforting.

In Preface of the book, Dr. Carter-Scott writes: “My hope is that this book will be a spiritual primer for those who are just setting out on their spiritual path, and a gentle reminder for those already well on their way.”

Then she proceeds, in a methodical manner, to set out all of the rules. The ten rules, are in themselves, not new. Many people have stated these very rules before. For ease of reference, they are as follows:

1.  You will receive a body.
2. You will be presented with lessons.
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons.
4. Lessons are repeated until learned.
5. Learning does not end.
6. “There” is no better than “here”.
7. Others are only mirrors of you.
8. What you make of your life is up to you.
9. All the answers lie inside of you.
10. You will forget all of this at birth.

What makes this particular book unique is the style of language and the illustrations used. Written using simple and is easy to understand English, the messages are conveyed in a clear manner. In addition, the way each chapter is broken into separate ‘sections’ is welcome, as upon completion of each section, a reader has ‘breathing space’ – one can think about a lesson/rule before jumping into the next one.

Dr. Carter-Scott explains her rules by providing illustrations in the form of stories. These are not stories that have been made up but are based on true people and events – people who have come to Dr. Carter, sought her help and found their own success. Some of the stories are also based on the author’s personal experiences.

Dr. Carter-Scott is by no means an amateur: she is an entreprenuer, international lecturer, consultant, trainer, author, coach, seminar, leader and founder of her Motivation Management Service Institute. Her list of credits is impressive and just too long to mention here. This book is a testament to he abilities in her chosen career.

In all, If Life is a Game, These are the Rules has managed to tap into the secret of good writing which is this: writing stories that emulate speech at its best, is clear and simplified. In this book, she proves that point that to make your message as clear as possible, the best way is to use stories

A very good read. Highly recommended.

The Discovery of India
Centenary Edition
Format: Paperback
Author: Jawaharlal Nehru
Publishers: Oxford University Press
ISBN No: 0 19 562359 2

When one reads a book, there must be a purpose to this exercise – be it for entertainment, pleasure, knowledge or just to ‘past time’. In reading The Discovery of India one is given the chance of experiencing all of these at once.

In conjunction with the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund in New Delhi, Oxford proudly announced the reissue of Glimpses of World History and The Discovery of India. Together, these two famous works by Jawaharlal Nehru, showed that he was one of modern day’s most articulate statesmen.

This book was written over five months when Jawaharlal Nehru was imprisoned in the Ahmadnagar Fort in 1945. It was then published in 1946 and has since acquired the status of a classic.

The story begins from prehistory to the last years of British colonial rule, some of the greatest heroes of India are mentioned. Analysing texts from the Vedas to the Upanishads, and epics such as the Mahabahrat and the Ramayana, and personalities like the Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, Mr. Nehru brings to life an ancient culture and land that has been the base and headquarters of some of the world’s great traditions of philosophy, science and art, and almost all its major religions.

Mr. Nehru’s narration of history and knowledge about India is excellent. Writing with pride about his motherland, he does not mince his words. Whilst singing the praises of his people’s successes and great heritage, he also acknowledges their failures and weaknesses. His intense dislike for British rule comes through and it is his hope for India that prevails.

At times, this book is also autobiographical and for anyone at all interested in the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty of today, this book serves to provide the reader with the story of one of its founding members. This only adds to the uniqueness of the book and makes it even more of an enjoyable read for the author has put a little of himself in his book – on of the most important ingredients of writing anything at all. At times, one feels that Mr. Nehru has just stopped by for a chat in your living room. The style of writing is such that you never feel that he is ‘lecturing’ you or even ‘teaching’ you. He is but discussing with you your heritage and really his abilities here show an in depth understanding of how to tell a story without sounding deadly dull.

To read The Discovery of India is to more than discover just India. Not limited to information about the subcontinent as it is today, one discovers the world from Plato, Emerson, the history of lands like Afghanistan, China’s ancient trade links with India and so much more. It is to venture into a discovery of the world itself. In countries where any historical or archaeological link with India and the Hindu religion is embarrassing and perhaps suppressed, it is most refreshing to read of the contributions of this ancient land to the world. It is a book that can make a person have inner knowledge and pride that he originates from so wonderful a land.

A very good read and a must for all who wish to know India.

Focus Your Dreams, Control Your Money and Ignite Your Life
Format: e-course
Author: Rajen Devadason
Price: Free

Today, there are so many people who talk and talk and talk about investing and financial planning; but when it boils down to it, they really do not know the nuts and bolts of it. Rajen Devadason, however, is different. Rajen presents ideas that are so simple and easy to comprehend; they make complete sense and are told in such easy English that a ‘non-financial’ person, like me, would understand immediately. No doubt, his credibility is enhanced simply because he has had to experience the emotional and financial heartache of someone who has held a high position in his chosen career, then taken that leap of faith, left this dream job and fulfilled his dreams.

All of this and his vast knowledge comes through in his books; but it all begins with his e-course Focus Your Dreams, Control Your Money and Ignite Your Life.  In this, the concept that struck me the most was something along the lines of this:

Establish a reserve account of cash safely tucked away primarily (or even exclusively) in a bank account. If employed, buffer amounts to between 3 to 6 months’ expenses. If self-employed, buffer should be between 6 and 12 months. For this buffer – be concerned solely with return OF capital and not return ON capital!

Not one single person, to this date, has advised me in this manner. Everyone says, “You can only make money if you spend money. … even if it’s your savings!” What did I do with all that advice? I took it, spent many days pondering over it and really I was able to seek out the right people, ask the right questions and organise my finances in a suitable manner.

When you go through this ecourse, you also come to know a little about the story of Rajen’s life thus far. In so relating this, he has used one of the cardinal rules of telling a great story – tell a little of your own experiences and your story will be more appealing and human. His advice comes from years of practice and experience.

I highly recommend this ecourse.

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