Non-Fiction/Fiction for UPSC Preparation- 2015

akrao_iimb

With the recent dynamic trends in the examination, it has become imperative to expand one's reading beyond the prescribed conventional books.I feel this exercise breathes freshness into our answers both during Mains as well during the past interview.

I invite you all to share some books which are important for add that edge in our preparations: (Assumption: what is listed is by default also important for Essays and Interview)

Here is my list:
1. Emotional Intelligence-Daniel Goleman: (Paper 4)
2. Ash in the Belly- Harsh Mander: ( Poverty and Hunger Issues- Paper 2)
3.World Order-Henry Kissinger (International Relations Paper 2 , Also covers World History topics like Westphalian System, French Revolution, Unification of Germany, World Wars, etc. rather well ; according to me a must read for anyone who wishes a career in diplomacy)
4. Capital in 21st Century-Thomas Piketty (Paper 2 and Paper 3)
5.India: A History- John Keay (Paper 1)

Although there is a similar thread already in this forum, but I guess it has turned into a page catering to all kinds of books, which may not be relevant for adding value to UPSC preparation. Hoping for a healthy participation!

Humble Request: Kindly stick to the general books relevant for UPSC preparation.

earlybird

It’s very true about expanding one’s reading base. In every book, the reader can extract at least something to be of use in the exams. I find your list helpful. Unfortunately, have not read any of them. I might get started on Goleman’s and Mander’s books. Eventually, hope to read the others too.

My booklist contribution —

1. An introduction to contemporary history by Barraclough ( old book, pub. 1964, good for paper 1)
2. India’s legal system by Fali Nariman ( I’m currently reading it, maybe good for paper 2)
3. One life is not enough by Natwar Singh ( plenty of fleeting introductions to the whos who of world politics in that era, maybe good for paper 2)
4. The prophet by Kahlil Gibran ( currently reading, maybe good for paper 4)
5. India Unbound by Gurcharan Das ( old book, pub. 2000, but still good for paper 3)


Looking forward to reading others list recommendations. ~

Kinetic

India grows at night - Gurcharan Das (good for Paper 4 and Interview and general fodder tidbits)

Illuminatus

Living with honour- Shiv Khera (good for GS-4 Ethics paper

T.e. Raju

Piketty ka pdf hai kisi ke paas ??
I have been wanting to read that but the original hardcopy is wayy too costly AFAIK.

iasselfstudy

http://iasselfstudy.com/?p=289

Download:
Economy One Week Scanner for IAS Prelims 2015 (1st Edition)

Just 75 Pages-Must Go through

pratikhalder

Does any one have pdf/ epub or any soft copy of Ash in the belly

raghuvardas

read making india awesome cb and india shastra tharoor and abdul kalam books

skye

I do not think this is a productive exercise for mains 2015. Read the book reviews in epw/Hindu. Think through the issues raised. If you think some book is absolutely necessary, read the author's preface. That generally sums up everything in the book.

If you are preparing for 2016, pick up a book and have fun!

DOLPHIN

Piketty ka pdf hai kisi ke paas ??
I have been wanting to read that but the original hardcopy is wayy too costly AFAIK.

Ty