SUBJECT: 4/5
RELEVANCE: 4/5
WRITING STYLE: 3/5
RESEARCH: 3/5
ENTERTAINMENT: 3/5
“Make no mistake, survival is a state of mind and spirit. It is also a skill which needs to be nurtured and honed over a period of time.”
~ Anuj Tikku, Survival
My Musings
More often than not we find ourselves buckled down by the many challenges that life throws our way. It’s true that life cannot be the same always and sorrows are an as integral part of our lives as much as joys are.
But what should one do when life seems a lot more difficult than it really is? Who do you turn to then? What advice do you look for?
A great way to boost your morale and rekindle that passion in you is by reading self-help books. I personally find them very helpful especially so when I am feeling low and underconfident.
I recently got a chance to read yet another self-help book which specifically talks about survival and gives practical advice when it comes to battling the lowest phases of our lives.
Read on to know more about Anuj Tikku’s Survival.
Some background before we proceed
Anuj Tikku is a Bollywood actor who has a number of films to his credit. He has also starred in many TV commercials including the very famous “Shock Laga Laga” commercial for Havells electrical switches.
Anuj’s lowest point in life emerged when his Dad was murdered by a group of greedy individuals and when initially the blame landed on him. The police soon arrested the real criminals but one can only imagine the pain that Anuj must have gone through.
This book has a lot of anecdotes from Anuj’s own life when he tried to battle his sorrows and bounce back to life. In this book, Anuj tells us what exactly worked for him and what didn’t.
What to expect?
Expect a book that is short and an easy to understand read. Expect a self-help book about survival that can be easily read in a matter of hours. Also, expect a book that is very racy in its pace.
“…we will discuss the best ways to overcome traumas and setbacks and how to make them the cornerstones of our next big wins in life. We will also learn how to build inner belief and self-confidence in ourselves and not enter blame games with ourselves and our situations.”
How good is the author’s writing style?
Anuj combines personal experience with practical advice and lets the reader decide their own path.
The best thing about Survival is that it isn’t one of those preachy books. Yes, there are places which could have used better editing and there are subchapters which seem a bit repetitive but overall the writing has the desired effect on the reader.
It is a book that inspires one to act and not just read and forget everything that has been said.
What did I like?
I like the way Anuj gets candid with the reader right in the very beginning of the book. He is able to establish an instant connection the moment he shares such intimate details of his own life.
Being candid definitely builds the reader’s confidence levels and paves the path for a fruitful journey ahead. I also like the way Anuj makes use of short chapters and subheadings to maintain the fast pace of the book.
Self-help books mostly tend to get boring but in the case of Survival, I did not feel a single dull moment throughout the book.
What I did not like?
There are some places where the author provides advice or recommends a course of action that might not be suitable for every type of personality.
There are some suggestions which go against popular opinion. For example, the author narrates an incident where he took upon himself the blame for the murder of his father.
The most conventional wisdom says to not be burdened by guilt but here the author (in a way) suggests that it is better to take responsibility for what has happened. I found this a bit impractical and amateurish.
Is the book interesting?
When it comes to entertainment, the book proves to be an interesting read especially because it is written in a manner which conveys ease of readability.
That the author makes good use of illustrations, pictures, various anecdotes and personal experiences is yet another feather in its cap.
Overall, it is a self-help book that can be easily picked up by beginners and also by those people who aren’t really readers. My only qualm with the book is that it could have been better edited to enhance its overall value.
Pick the book
- If you are looking for a short and easy to read self-help.
- If you are specifically looking for a self-help book that talks about survival and fighting through all adversities that come your way.
- If you are looking for a self-help book that feels more like a conversation than a book.
Skip the book
- If you don’t enjoy self-help books.
- If you are looking for a more detailed self-help book.
- If you can’t read books that are poorly edited.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of Survival by Anuj Tikku using the link below.
