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 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.
