Book Review:My Life My Rules: Stories of 18 unconventional careers

Title: My Life My Rules: Stories of 18 unconventional careers 

Author: Sonia Golani

Publisher: Westland

ISBN: 973-93-82618-27-0

Price: Rs 250/-

This is not a new book.  Why even am I writing about this now?

Though published in the year 2012, the impression this book left in my mind is the sole reason I am writing about. As mentioned in the author’s note, the book is a celebration of life and I second it without a doubt. There are a few other factors behind the review, this book being one of my favorites.

This paperback chronicles the journey of those brave hearts having the guts to listen to their inner calling. They did not buckle under the pressure of living their lives as  mundane routine and could afford to take risks and chose to walk away, which paid off. 

The narration style is crisp and conversational.  It flows from the point the meetings were set-up by the author with these 18 successful personalities who could marry their passion and work in a near perfect way. The conversational tone preserved throughout the book makes it lucid and easy to read and at times you visualize the same in front of your eyes.

The book is a resource of support for those who are mulling the idea to break free mid-life but are yet to cross over the line of risk – either at the crossroads, seating on the fence or knocking on the door for some time in the hope of getting into the realm of entrepreneurship. It shows one that none of them did something out of the world except being risk takers -abandoning the plush comfort of corporate offices and guaranteed handsome paycheck at the month end.

There are stories of Rahul Akerkar – US taught Biochemical engineer turning to be a successful chef, Manohar Parrikar – an IIT graduate proving to be one of the finest politician country could ever had, an environmental toxicologist finds his true calling in Indian Ocean in Rahul Ram or the familiar face of Harsha Bhogle- an IIM A graduate changing the way sports commentary is done in Indian television coining it as a full blown profession to crave for while watching the game.

In one chapter we find the story of unassuming Amish Tripathi - IIM Kolkata graduate and banker discovering his literary talent in a blockbuster trilogy, in another one Rajeev Suresh Samant raising an exciting toast to life in founding the  Sule Vineyards – the dawn of an era when India started producing some of the best malts and a new business venture in India, while three others detail the journey of Aditi Govitrikar – model and actor switching career  from being a doctor , Rashmi Uday Singh – the IRS officer demonstrating the fine qualities of a food critique , TV host and author. There are few more to add to the list.

Each chapter tells a different success story charted in their own way eclipsing the traditional way of leading life. I am sure there are few others as well who tried in similar vein and manner but are probably not as successful as them. I extend my salute to them as well though they have not found a mention in the pages of this book.

I found the book a very interesting read and recommend all 18 stories to my fellow friends. Hope you will find them interesting and can relate to your personal lives.