📚 Currently Reading

  • I started this book after returning from my trip to Paris in March 2022. I loved the city and wanted to know more about Parisian culture beyond the superficial lens. The book has not disappointed me, as it offers an immersive and enriching experience that goes beyond the typical tourist view of the city and the street itself. I’ve loved learning about many cultural insights into Parisian life and the French way of living, adventures that uncover hidden gems around the cities, and introductions to mouthwatering French cuisine. It feels as if I am back in Paris and strolling along the historic streets again.

  • Provided in the “Productivity” section

 

If you have any more recommendations for my book list, please let me know here

 

📖 My To-Read List

The Gifts of Imperfections - Brené Brown

No Death, No Fear - Thích Nhất Hạnh

The Ingredients of Love - Nicolas Barreau

📕 Books That Have The Greatest Impact on Me

Love for Imperfect Things - Haemin Sunim

  • A book that had me pause after every single page and contemplate my journey to self-acceptance and forming meaningful human connections. Sunim's gentle and compassionate guidance encourages self-compassion and self-love. He emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, self-care, and the power of small, everyday moments in finding peace and fulfillment.

  • A book that delves into the science of habit formation and how habits impact our lives. Duhigg explores the neurological and psychological mechanisms behind habits and provides real-life examples of individuals and organizations that have successfully changed habits for the better. The book offers practical insights on how to identify, understand, and modify habits, making it a valuable resource for personal and professional growth.

  • It's a book that got me into global health. Dr. Farmer, whose global health class I took in Fall 2019, is one of the inspirational figures that I look up to the most in the field.

    The book chronicles the life and work of Dr. Paul Farmer. In this heartfelt story, Kidder takes readers on a journey into the extraordinary life of a man who dedicated himself to providing medical care to some of the world's poorest and most marginalized communities. A must-read!

When Breathe Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

  • This book motivates me to pursue medicine. It is an emotionally impactful memoir that deeply resonates with many readers, including myself. It's a profoundly moving account of Dr. Kalanithi's journey from being a neurosurgeon to facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. The book explores the themes of life, death, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality.

📙 Self-Improvement

You Are A Badass - Jen Sincero

  • It’s my favorite self-help book of all time due to its unconventional prose and take on self-help advice.

    Jen Sincero's 'You Are a Badass' is like the cool friend who tells you that you're awesome, but with a hilarious twist. She dishes out self-help advice with a side of snark, reminding you that life's too short for self-doubt and too long to take seriously. Think of it as your sassy life coach in book form, daring you to grab life by the horns and unleash your inner badass.

  • A classic on a person’s bookshelf, including mine :)

    A guide to building positive relationships and achieving success by emphasizing principles such as showing genuine interest in others, listening actively, avoiding criticism, and persuading with empathy and diplomacy. It's a timeless resource for improving interpersonal skills and fostering meaningful connections in both personal and professional lives.

Dare to Lead - Brené Brown

  • I love all books written by Brené Brown; what a self-help queen!

    The book is one of my favorites in her self-help series. It’s your go-to leadership guide, but think of it as your superhero origin story; it's all about embracing vulnerability as your secret power, using empathy to connect with your team, fearlessly facing challenges, earning trust like a pro, wrestling with feedback to improve, living by your values like a creed, bouncing back from setbacks like a true hero, and ultimately, daring to lead like the fearless leader you were born to be—cape optional but highly recommended!

  • I saw this book on the Harvard Bookstore’s Faculty bookshelf while I was picking up my textbooks at the beginning of Junior year. It’s a refreshing and insightful exploration of the questions we should be asking to navigate the complexities of life.

    In this engaging book, Ryan encourages us to pause and reflect on fundamental questions like "Wait, what?" a call for clarity and understanding, "I wonder..." – a spark for curiosity, "Couldn't we at least...?" – a catalyst for collaboration, "How can I help?" – an expression of empathy, and "What truly matters?" – a guide to prioritizing our values. Asking the right questions can lead us to the most fulfilling answers.

📗 Productivity

The Checklist Manifesto - Atul Gawande

  • The book is a compelling exploration of the power of checklists to improve performance and reduce errors in various fields, from medicine to aviation to construction. Through captivating anecdotes and meticulous research, Gawande argues that checklists are not just mundane tools but powerful instruments for achieving excellence, fostering teamwork, and minimizing avoidable errors, making a compelling case for their widespread adoption in a range of professional and personal endeavors.

Outliers: The Story of Success - Malcolm Gladwell

  • The book explores how success is shaped by factors beyond individual talent and effort, including opportunities, culture, and circumstances. Gladwell introduces the "10,000-Hour Rule" and shows how cultural legacies, birthdates, and family backgrounds influence exceptional achievement. Through stories and analysis, he reveals that outliers often result from a combination of talent, timing, and unique conditions, challenging our traditional notions of success.

  • A book that I’m rereading over and over again for life advice on finance.

    This personal finance classic contrasts the financial philosophies of the author's "rich dad" and "poor dad" (his biological father). Kiyosaki argues that the key to wealth is to make money work for you through investments and passive income streams, rather than relying solely on earned income from a job. This book provides great insights about money, wealth, and financial security, offering valuable lessons on how to take control of our financial future.

  • This is another self-help classic that I’m rereading for my own personal development journey.

    In the book, James Clear breaks down the science of habit formation, emphasizing the power of small, consistent changes. He introduces the concept of "atomic habits," tiny actions that compound over time to yield significant results. Clear provides practical strategies for identifying and reshaping habits, emphasizing the importance of cues, cravings, responses, and rewards.

📘 Science & Medicine

  • A book that explores the evolutionary reasons behind human exercise and offers practical advice for staying active.

A Biography of Cancer - Siddhartha Mukherjee

  • The book explores of the history, science, and human impact of cancer. Mukherjee traces the disease's evolution from ancient times to modern medicine, revealing the relentless quest to understand and conquer it. The book showcases the tireless efforts of scientists, doctors, and patients in the battle against cancer. Mukherjee highlights the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of cancer research and treatment, offering insights into the disease's profound impact on society.

Being Mortal: Medicine...: - Atul Gawande

  • Another book from Atul Gawande, my favorite physician writer! It is a thought-provoking exploration of aging, end-of-life care, and the human quest for a meaningful existence. Gawande challenges the conventional approach to aging and dying in modern society, advocating for a more compassionate and patient-centered approach. He discusses the limitations of medical interventions and highlights the importance of considering the individual's values and preferences in making end-of-life decisions.

  • Another favorite from one of my global health professors! The book is a touching narration of Prof. Kleinman’s journey as a caregiver and doctor. In this powerful memoir, Kleinman reflects on his experiences as a caregiver for his wife, Joan, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Through their journey, he explores the profound emotional and ethical dimensions of caregiving, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of caring for a loved one with a debilitating illness.

📘 Mindfulness & Mental Health

  • A book that changes the way I approach my life and relationships with others. The book is a gentle and contemplative guide to finding peace and mindfulness in our fast-paced lives. Sunim's insights remind us that, in the midst of our hectic routines, we often overlook the beauty and serenity that surround us. This book is a gentle nudge to slow down, savor life's moments, and find contentment in the here and now.

Braving the Wilderness - Brené Brown

  • "Braving the Wilderness" by Brené Brown is a powerful exploration of what it means to truly belong and find your place in a divided world. Brown's insights resonate deeply with me as she challenges conventional notions of fitting in and instead advocates for the courage to stand alone when necessary. Her message of embracing vulnerability, empathy, and authenticity as pathways to genuine connection strikes a chord.

Mindfulness: 25th Edition - Ellen Langer

  • I read this book while taking Professor Langer's class at Harvard in the fall of 2020.

    Prof. Langer argues that mindful awareness can be achieved by actively noticing and engaging with the world around us rather than through passive meditation. She emphasizes the importance of context and perspective in promoting a mindful mindset. The book is great for those seeking to be present at the moment and approach life with a more open and flexible attitude.

How the Mind Works - Steven Pinker

  • I read this book during my first year at Harvard while taking Prof. Pinker’s Intro to Psychology class.

    The book is a comprehensive exploration of the human mind and its cognitive functions. Pinker delves into topics like perception, language, memory, emotions, and reasoning, using a blend of evolutionary psychology and cognitive science to explain how these processes work.