Book Review - "100 Desi Stories: Legendary Leaders" by Madhur Zakir Hallegua

After reading "Ideas to Iconic Brand", I have become a big fan of this type of super short real-life stories. It gives us knowledge, entertainment, and satisfaction. "100 Desi Stories: Legendary Leaders" by Madhur Zakir Hallegua is also a collection of 100 personalities' life incidents which can give us lifelong learning.

Book Blurb

India is home to many legendary figures who have paved the way for change through their indomitable spirit.

100 Desi Stories: Legendary Leaders is a testament to the talents, inspiration and resilience of a hundred trailblazers. These crusaders may be royals, warriors, rebels and reformists, spiritual mentors, artists, activists or sports persons who have proved their mettle under the most trying circumstances.

The book or I would say the characters' were divided based on their personality, status or profile. Segments are Royal, warrior, rebels & reform, spiritual mentors and living legends. The beauty of the book is learning from stories are not segmented as per above. Learning could be devotion, loyalty, humility to upliftment, bravery, strategy to farsightedness. The book covers all Indian personalities starting from Chandra Gupta Maurya / Chanakya to Current PM Narendra Modiji. Selection of characters is also brilliant (If I exclude living legend section, I will discuss the reason for the same in coming paragraphs)

At end of every chapter, the author has asked questions why a certain thing was done by that character, which in many cases was something new to learn. At the end of the book, two more similar books were described. And I have added them in wishlist already.

I think the author is a big fan of current politico opposition, which is not at all wrong, but I have a personal dislike for such dual minded people. That's why I am somewhat disappointed in character selection of living legend. Though to balance them out the author has selected NaMo. Well, this is my personal view.

Otherwise awesome book. Reasons you should read it

• The book makes you aware of Indian History and various characters which are virtually unknown to recent times
• It will accelerate your thinking process
• The book is written in a very light tone with easy language so anyone can read it.

Ratings

1. Concept - 5/5
2. Content - 4/5
3. Cover -3.5/5
4. Overall - 4.5/5

Book can be found at Amazon and Flipkart

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads