Unplug and Read: Top Inspiring Books to Give Your Mind a Break

Play is as important as work. Balancing the two is most essential to each of us. Today, the “play” part is mostly taken over by OTT channels, partying with friends, spending time with family, or taking up hobbies. But in today’s age of social media apps and screen time, what about reviving what was probably your most favourite pastime during your childhood years? 

How about taking up the habit of reading?

Take just one hour away from any screen, and start building a reading habit, whether it’s 5 pages, 10 pages, or even just 5 minutes on some days. That’s enough to get started. If you’ve been wanting the best books to develop a reading habit, after a long break, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 interesting and easy-to-read books to help you. 

1. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

This book is about a small business called Blue Ribbon, in a house basement, and how it evolved into the iconic brand we now know as Nike. The book traces that incredible journey from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s most recognised and profitable companies.

Bill Gates named Shoe Dog as one of his five favourite books of 2016, calling it “an amazing tale, a refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like. A messy, perilous, and chaotic journey, riddled with mistakes, endless struggles, and sacrifice.”

If you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or guidance to start a new business, this book is one of the best choices to point you in the right direction. 

Genre: Biography 

2. The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli

If you’re feeling stuck, lost in a brain fog, or looking for some clarity, this book is a great place to start. In short, the author explains 99 of the most common thinking errors from cognitive biases to envy and social distortions.

It’s a fascinating guide to understanding how our mind tricks us and how we can recognise and avoid these patterns. Topics include procrastination, authority bias, and many other psychological traps we unknowingly fall into.

Genre: Self-Help

3. Dawood’s Mentor by S Hussain Zaidi

Beautifully written by Indian author and former investigative journalist, S Hussain Zaidi, this book offers a gripping look into the early life of Dawood Ibrahim and his mentor Khalid Khan Bachcha.

Khalid teaches Dawood how to handle gangs, survive the streets, and build influence. Together, they go on to dominate and neutralise rival mafia groups in Mumbai. Zaidi vividly narrates how Khalid laid the foundation of the D-Gang, while Dawood went on to establish one of India’s most powerful crime syndicates.

Genre: True Crime 

4. Wings of Fire by APJ Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari

This inspiring autobiography of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former President and a pioneering aerospace scientist, traces his journey from humble beginnings to leading India’s space, nuclear, and missile programs.

Co-written with Arun Tiwari, the book highlights Kalam’s philosophies on goal setting, positive thinking, visualisation, and faith. It shows how he never saw science as something that distances a person from God. Instead, he believed it to be a path to spiritual growth and self-realisation.

Genre: Autobiography

5. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

A short, deeply moving book about the author’s final conversations with his dying professor, Morrie Schwartz.

Through their weekly talks, Morrie shares gentle lessons on love, work, family, and what truly matters in life. Written in a simple, heartfelt language, Tuesdays with Morrie is perfect for readers looking for comfort, meaning, and motivation.

Genre: Memoir

Reading is one of the simplest yet most rewarding habits you can cultivate. It doesn’t demand perfection or long hours; just consistency and curiosity. Whether you’re diving into the inspiring journey of Shoe Dog, reflecting on life’s lessons in Tuesdays with Morrie, or exploring the power of clear thinking with Rolf Dobelli, each book offers something different to think about. Start small. What matters is showing up for yourself and allowing these best books to develop a reading habit.  So, the next time you find yourself reaching for your phone, try reaching for a book instead. Happy reading!

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