Hello dear friends,
I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood.
Today’s writing prompt is particularly thoughtful:
“List three books that have impacted you. Why?”
Being a voracious reader, I’ve traveled across different worlds through words. Books have been my quiet companions, patient teachers, and honest mirrors.
It’s tough to choose only three from the many that have deeply touched my heart, but I’ll try my best to share the ones that carved lasting impressions on my soul.
So please stay with me, as I journey back through pages that molded my thoughts, shaped my values, and helped me bloom into the person I am today.
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This book came to me like a whisper from the universe. I read The Alchemist at a turning point in my life, a time filled with uncertainty and hidden desires.
Santiago’s journey—to find treasure, only to discover that the real treasure lies within—taught me something profound: we all have our personal legend.
What resonated most was the central theme that “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
This quote stayed with me like a soft hymn, reminding me to listen to my heart and trust the signs of destiny.
The book helped me understand that success is not just about reaching a goal—it’s about the journey, the learning, and the transformation that takes place along the way.
Santiago’s desert walk mirrored my own introspective path, where I began exploring creativity, poetry, and writing after retirement. The story awakened my dormant dreams.
It made me believe again—in the power of dreams, in silent intuition, and in the mysterious magic of the universe.
2. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
If The Alchemist was a spiritual compass, Tuesdays with Morrie was an emotional anchor.
This heartfelt memoir, chronicling Albom’s Tuesday visits with his former professor Morrie Schwartz, is a gentle but powerful meditation on life, death, love, and forgiveness.
Morrie, facing a terminal illness, speaks with such wisdom and humility that every chapter feels like a life lesson.
What deeply impacted me was Morrie’s ability to find meaning even in suffering.
His gentle voice echoed truths we often overlook in the rush of daily life—to value relationships over possessions, kindness over ambition, presence over distractions.
One particular line pierced my heart:
“Death ends a life, not a relationship.”
It reminded me of my own relationships, of those I’ve loved and lost, and of the importance of nurturing the people around me today.
This book gently nudged me to pause and reflect. It taught me to listen more, hug longer, say “I love you” often, and let go of grudges.
After reading it, I called a few old friends just to reconnect—and that alone was worth the read.
3. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
This gem came to me when I was exploring ways to stay vibrant and purposeful after retirement. Ikigai beautifully blends Japanese philosophy with practical wisdom about longevity and happiness.
It opened a door for me into a world where meaning meets mindfulness.
The concept of Ikigai—your reason for being—resonated so strongly with my life’s second innings. I discovered that my passion for writing, painting, creating, and connecting with others through my blog and videos is, in fact, my Ikigai.
What inspired me most was how simple daily habits—like eating mindfully, engaging in meaningful conversations, staying active, and loving your work—can enhance life.
This book didn’t just teach me about living longer. It taught me about living better. It made me value slow mornings, deep focus, and heartfelt laughter.
It affirmed that I don’t need grand accomplishments to feel fulfilled—just a life of intention, creativity, and kindness.
My final submission
Books are not just words printed on paper—they are conversations with the soul. The three books above have touched me in different seasons of life, each leaving an imprint on my heart.
- The Alchemist taught me to dream.
– Tuesdays with Morrie taught me to feel.
– Ikigai taught me to live with purpose.
They’ve reminded me that it’s never too late to discover yourself, to evolve, to love more openly, and to live more deeply. Even now, as I sip my favorite tea and type these lines, I feel a quiet sense of gratitude for the wisdom these books have gifted me.
So, dear reader, I ask you—
Which books have touched your life? Which stories have spoken to your soul?
Because sometimes, all it takes is one book to change everything.
Warm regards,
Vijay Verma
retiredkalam.com
Categories: infotainment
Retiredकलम 
very nice .
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Thank you so much.
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Great choices. I didn’t read Tuesday s with Morie
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Thank you so much.❤️ I’m glad you enjoyed the choices.
If you haven’t read Tuesdays with Morrie, I truly encourage you to pick it up—it’s a gentle and deeply touching conversation between a student and his dying professor, filled with wisdom about life, love, and letting go.
It’s not just a book; it’s a soul-stirring reminder of what truly matters.
Let me know your thoughts when you do get a chance to read it—I’d love to hear your reflections.😊
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I have been avoiding it as Pop culture and I have two copies on my bookshelf.
You got me drinking coconut water a while back so why not
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Haha, I love that! 😄
Sometimes the books we avoid the longest are the ones that surprise us the most. Tuesdays with Morrie may be part of pop culture, but its heart is deeply personal and sincere—more like a gentle conversation with an old friend over tea… or maybe coconut water! 🥥☕️
Glad to know I influenced your healthy habits—now let Morrie influence your heart. When you do read it, I’d love to hear what you take away from it!
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The five people you meet in heaven
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Yes, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” is a profoundly moving story that made me pause and reflect on the unseen threads that connect our lives. Mitch Albom, with his gentle wisdom, beautifully shows how every life matters—even those we consider ordinary.
A must-read for anyone searching for the bigger picture behind life’s trials and encounters.
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Very nice book reviews Verma ji and sharing your insights is great !🌷🤝 thanks for sharing this post 👍🏻💐
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Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! 🌸🙏
It truly means a lot to me when readers like you connect with my thoughts and reflections. Books have been my guiding light, and sharing their wisdom brings me great joy.
I’m grateful for your support—let’s continue this journey of learning and growing together through stories and shared experiences. 💐📖🤝
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Gita and alchemist i like the most
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That’s wonderful to hear! 🙏📚
Both the Bhagavad Gita and The Alchemist hold timeless wisdom—one spiritual, the other philosophical—and yet, they beautifully complement each other.
The Gita teaches us about duty, detachment, and inner strength, while The Alchemist reminds us to follow our dreams and listen to the whispers of the universe. Together, they speak to both the soul and the heart.
So glad we share a love for such meaningful reads! 💫📖
Would love to hear which verses or passages touched you the most.
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Hi Vijay. I read and loved the first two books, so I’m sure I’ll also love the last one.
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I’m so glad to hear that you loved The Alchemist and Tuesdays with Morrie—both are such soul-stirring reads, aren’t they?
I’m confident you’ll enjoy Ikigai just as much. It’s gentle, insightful, and offers a beautiful perspective on living with purpose and joy—something we all need a little reminder of from time to time.
Do let me know your thoughts once you’ve read it. I’d love to hear what resonated with you the most.😊
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