Reading is one of the many ways I like to de-stress and learn about new things. So, this past summer, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing some books on the Life@UofT social media accounts. Now, you can find them all in one place:
- Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
When you compete against everyone else, no one wants to help you. But when you compete with yourself, everyone wants to help you."
This book taught me that the more I reflect on the why, the more I can align my values with my actions, and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
- Mandela’s Way: Lessons on Life, Love and Courage by Richard Stengel
And that is how he would describe courage: pretending to be brave. Fearlessness is stupidity. Courage is not le
tting the fear defeat you.”
Nelson Mandela was an inspiring leader and his lessons truly reflect his strong sense of leadership. Of his 15 lessons, “courage is not the absence of fear” stuck out to me the most because I’m trying to take more risks despite my many fears.
- The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
I will no longer
compare my path to others
- I refuse to do a disservice to my life"
What I appreciate about Rupi Kaur’s writing is her ability to express vulnerable experiences very simply. Her messages of self-love and women’s empowerment inspire me. The quotation I chose, reflects how I’m trying to live this year. Especially in university and on social media, I find myself fall down the rabbit hole of comparing myself to others, creating a competition in my mind. But Rupi’s poetry reminds me that we are on our own paths, and should choose to be supportive and empathetic towards each other.
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Congratulations! Today is you day. You're off to Great 
Places! You're off and away!"
I adore children’s books, especially those with a good rhyme. The world of Dr. Seuss is as colourful as it is weird. I enjoy this book, especially now in my 20s, because it encourages me to embrace my journey in all its colours and weirdness.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, and just as much to stand up to our friends."
I read the Harry Potter series for the first time during my second year. I would usually read it before bed to unwind from the stress of my “muggle” life during the day.
- Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
no one - not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses - ever make it alone."
This book exposed to me just how important opportunity and where we come from affects our paths in life. I’ve been reading a lot of self-help books that promote the idea of self-made success, but after reading this, I’ve began to think differently and realize how influential our communities and culture can be.
- Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Consistency is the playground of dull minds."
This book came highly recommended by fellow blogger, Karim, and Amy, a fellow student. The title says it all, and this book crosses multiple areas of study to consider how humans have developed over time. If this book were a course at U of T, it’d probably fit all the breadth requirements.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
I was introduced to this book in my Grade 12 English class, and it’s been one of my favourite books ever since! I’ve read it about three times now and every time, not only am I reminded by its wisdom, but I always learn something new.
What’s your favourite book(s)? Recommend me a book, and we’ll feature it here and on the Life @ U of T social media accounts! From any genre or category. I’m always open to reading new books, so I’d love to hear your recommendations! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share your recommendations, and stay posted on upcoming #FridayReads, opportunities and tips. Happy reading!
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