The 5 Minute Library

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Introducing The 5 Minute Library, where we explore books that read you. Whether you can’t get sleep until you finish a book, or have a large booklist you’re still getting around to reading, or are looking for something to curl up with when it’s rainy outs

Ira Gopal and Piyushi Sharma


    • May 23, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 34 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The 5 Minute Library

    Author's Own: On branded content and the advertising industry in India with Ashiish Patil

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 33:09


    In today's episode, our guest Ashiish Patil - author of the book Branded Content Boss, spills the beans on branded content and Bollywood Watch as we talk about -

    The gripping saga of the Red Queen series: YA fantasy by Victoria Aveyard

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2024 5:16


    Unraveling the gripping saga of the Red Queen series – a realm where loyalty is tested, destinies intertwine, and every page pulsates with intrigue and adventure.Dive into our latest book review by our host Piyushi Sharma.

    Trying a new genre! Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2024 5:00


    #BeyondtheGenrePart1 Venturing into uncharted territories with George Bernard's Pygmalion.Listen on as our host, Piyushi sharma shares her thoughts on a play that narrates a tale of transformation - Eliza Doolittle's evolution to a 'lady'. Even in the face of disregard, her spirit remains untamed

    Unveiling the Divine Feminine: Exploring "Goddesses in Everywoman" by Jean Shinoda Bolen

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2023 12:24


    In this enchanting episode of The 5 Minute Library podcast, we delve into the captivating realm of archetypes and goddesses with a profound book review of "Goddesses in Everywoman" by the insightful Jean Shinoda Bolen. Join us as we navigate the intricate tapestry of feminine psychology, exploring the rich tapestry of Athena, Artemis, Aphrodite, and Hestia. Bolen's groundbreaking work sheds light on the intricate dance between mythology and the modern woman's psyche, revealing how these ancient archetypes continue to shape and influence our lives. Our host Piyushi Sharma takes you on a journey through the pages of the book, unraveling the threads that connect us to these powerful goddesses. From the strategic wisdom of Athena to the untamed spirit of Artemis, the magnetic allure of Aphrodite, and the serene hearth of Hestia, we explore how these archetypes manifest in the diverse facets of women's lives. Discover how embracing and understanding these goddesses can empower and illuminate the path to self-discovery and personal growth. As we engage in a thoughtful and thought-provoking discussion, we reflect on the timeless relevance of these archetypes and their resonance in contemporary society. How do Athena, Artemis, Aphrodite, and Hestia manifest in the lives of modern women? What insights can we glean from the intersections of mythology and psychology? Join us for a conversation that transcends time and space, celebrating the goddesses within every woman.

    Exploring the Timeless Wisdom of ‘Women Who Run With the Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 5:10


    In this episode of The 5 Minute Library, we delve into the enchanting world of literature, guided by the timeless words of author Clarissa Pinkola Estés and an adaptation of Jungian feminine archetype - ‘the wild woman'Discover how ‘Women Who Run With the Wolves' has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape and touched the lives of countless readers. Hear personal stories and testimonials from individuals who have been transformed by the book's wisdom.Join us next time as we continue our exploration of literary treasures that touch the soul and enrich the mind. Until then, embrace the wild within and run with the wolves.See you in 5!

    The Opulent Universe of 'Dune' by Frank Herbert: A 5 Minute Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2023 5:10


    Join our host, Piyushi Sharma as we delve deep into the masterful work of science fiction, 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. In this episode, we'll navigate the sprawling deserts of Arrakis, the intricate webs of political intrigue, and the profound philosophical underpinnings that make 'Dune' a timeless masterpiece.

    5 minute reviews: A book on Business Storytelling and Communication skills!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 2:41


    In this captivating solo episode, join your host Piyushi Sharma as she dives into the enchanting world of communication skills with a review of the highly acclaimed book, "How Business Storytelling Works" by renowned author Sandeep Das. Effective communication is a vital skill in the world of business, and Sandeep Das's book offers invaluable insights and techniques for mastering the art of storytelling to captivate audiences, influence decision-making, and inspire action. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking to refine your communication prowess or an aspiring entrepreneur looking to convey your vision persuasively, this episode offers an engaging review of "How Business Storytelling Works." Get ready to unlock the secrets of powerful storytelling and revolutionize the way you communicate in the business world. So, grab your headphones, sit back, and join us for an insightful solo episode filled with inspiration and practical wisdom from Sandeep Das's groundbreaking book on communication skills.

    Author's Own: A deep dive into horror sub-genres with Neil D'Silva

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2023 18:47


    What is the difference between the supernatural and the paranormal? What are the sub-genres within horror and how do they intersect? Join us as we discuss the horrors of horror writing with author Neil D'silva in conversation about his book Maya's New Husband!

    Author's Own: Neil D'silva on horror writing, creative inspiration and Maya's New Husband

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2023 13:27


    Join us as we discuss Maya's New Husband with author Neil D'silva and dive deep into the world of horror, fiction writing, and the rituals of the aghori tribes in India.

    Author's Own: The Sinister Summer Holiday by Anirban Bhattacharyya

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2022 14:47


    From writing about serial killers and producing shows like Crime Patrol, Savdhaan India, Fear Files and mores, comes a......children's novel! To know more about how Anirban Bhattacharyya released 4 incredible books this year and how his diverse range of writing came to be, listen on as we discuss The Sinister Summer Holiday with him.

    Author's Own: Cold Justice with Vish Dhamija

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 19:29


    Join in to know about how we have all been conditioned to like legal thrillers from a young age, what the scope for the genre is in India and how a thriller is devised.

    Author's Own: Prisoner's Dilemma with Vish Dhamija

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2022 11:02


    In conversation with author Vish. Dhamija on legal thrillers, crime fiction writing, and his novel - Prisoner's Dilemma!

    Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2022 10:32


    Join us, and our guest Sanjana Pai, founder of The Pink Box India as we discuss the book Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. If you're trying to figure out what you're truly meant to do, make sure you check out this episode on how Sanjana Pai used this Japanese method to find her calling!

    Win Bigly by Scott Adams

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2022 5:13


    Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Don't Matter by Scott Adams, discusses how persuasion is a skill used by a multitude of well-known businessmen, politicians and other popular figures to get large crowds to agree with them and their work. Watch on to know if this book should be on your TBR list or not!

    scott adams tbr win bigly win bigly persuasion
    Chocolat by Joanne Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2022 5:29


    Chocolat by Joanne Harris is a fiction book set in a small town with magic, romance and warm feels! Listen on to know more about this book and what we thought of it

    Author's Own: Devi, Diva or She-Devil with Sudha Menon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 13:31


    In part 4 of our Author's Own series, we cover Devi, Diva or She-Devil with author Sudha Menon. The book revolves around issues faced by women in the workforce. Sudha Menon has penned down a plethora of knowledge in his book to help women find their voice and power and navigate success in the workplace.

    The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2021 5:32


    Imagine a library where every book you read, gives you a chance to try another life you could've lived. A speculative fiction novel by Matt Haig, the Midnight Library is a fascinating novel built from the concepts of undoing regrets, exploring different parts of your mind, the butterfly effect, and the multiverse theory. If you were in the library, which life would you choose? Check out this episode to know more!

    The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 5:02


    We cover a New York Times bestseller, that's known as one of the best books for entrepreneurs and freelancers. However, one of us doesn't seem to agree. Want to know our thoughts on whether this really is a good book for you and your career? Listen on to find out!

    Author's Own: Hacks for Life and Career with Sandeep Das

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2021 6:27


    In part 3 of our Author's Own series, we cover Hacks for Life and Career by Sandeep Das. The book revolves around issues faced by Millenials and Gen Z in the workforce. Sandeep Das has penned down a plethora of knowledge in his book to help these generations find their meaning and navigate success in the workplace.

    1984 by George Orwell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2021 5:10


    How does an authoritarian government convince millions of people that to be in a constant state of War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, and Ignorance is Strength, for years on end without a rebellion? Our 5-minute review of George Orwell's political dystopian classic - 1984, tells you more and shows you what it means to never be truly alone.

    Author's Own: The Deadly Dozen with Anirban Bhattacharyya - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 17:36


    You might've heard of Ted Bundy, the American serial killer, but today we're gonna talk about Thug Behram - also known as the world's most prolific serial killers. What was the motive behind those he killed, and more importantly the list of those he swore not to harm? Check out part two of our discussion with Anirban Bhattacharyya, where we talk about this and more!

    Author's Own: The Deadly Dozen with Anirban Bhattacharyya

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2021 15:16


    TW: Death, Murder, and Abuse In part 2 of our Author's Own series, we cover The Deadly Dozen with author Anirban Bhattacharyya, to dive into the details of writing a true crime novel. He covers the stories of 12 Indian serial killers in this book, published by Penguin India. He is also the Co-creator, Producer, and Writer for Savdhaan India, Producer for Crime Patrol, Co-creator, Producer, and Writer for Ishq Kills, Producer and Writer for Fear Files (horror genre), and Co-creator, Producer for Mashaal (DD).

    Author's Own: Untold Lies by Raga D'silva - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2021 14:08


    "I think all our lives, we are seeking to connect with pieces of our soul." - Raga D'silva, on her soul theory chapter from her book, Untold Lies. Join us as we explore the different relationships in Untold Lies and soul theory!

    Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 6:02


    In Episode 11, we cover Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah with Shreevar Chhotaria from That's What Shree Said podcast. Listen to on know about Trevor Noah's life, the learnings that shaped his life, and his struggles growing up as a biracial kid in South Africa.

    Author's Own: Untold Lies with Raga D'silva

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 17:21


    Meet Raga D'silva - an author, entrepreneur, influencer, speaker, and overall badass. She decided to speak her truth - right in the midst of people judging her, labeling her, and calling her crazy. In the initial years of her coming out as gay, there was pain, anguish, and abuse. She re-built her life on her own terms, and is currently in a long-term stable cross-cultural relationship with a wonderful woman, for the past 14 years. In our first episode of our #AuthorsOwn series, she talks to us in her typical joyful, humourous, Bollywood sing-songy manner, and reveals her journey as an author.

    Origin by Dan Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 5:11


    In Episode 9, we discuss Dan Brown's most criticized book, Origin. Some call it lazy writing, we call it an introduction to adventure. Listen on to know more.

    The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2021 5:10


    The Silent Patient is Alex Michaelides's debut psychological thriller, about an accused murderer who refuses to speak and a forensic psychotherapist determined to make her talk. But will he like what she says?

    The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 4:58


    In Episode 7, we cover The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. A hauntingly beautiful narration of a young girl and her relationship with the written word during Hitler's rule, between 1939 and 1943.

    Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 5:04


    In Episode 6, we discuss negotiation methods, tips and strategies used by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator. Want to learn how to negotiate better in daily life situations from one of the best in the field? Listen on to know more!

    When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 4:30


    In Episode 5, we discuss the life and learnings of neurosurgeon, scientist, and writer Paul Kalanithi. In his autobiography, When Breath Becomes Air, he discusses the meaning of life and how it changes when he receives the news of being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Tune in to join us on his quest for meaning.

    Kick Some Glass by Jennifer Martineau and Portia Mount

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 5:01


    The problematic queen bee, imposter syndrome in the workplace, and the wage gap have a lot more in common than we generally notice. Want to know more? Hit the link!

    The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives By Leonard Mlodinow

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2021 4:58


    Am I lucky or skillful? In episode 3 of The 5 Minute Library, we review The Drunkard's Walk by Leonard Mlodinow, starring our guest Dhruv Maniyar. We talk about the common link between cognitive biases, financial investment patterns, and Paul the octopus. Tune in know more about the connection between luck and skill, and how randomness rules our lives.

    Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 5:01


    Your search for the perfect book to start 2021 ends here. In Episode 2 of The 5 Minute Library a quick review by us, best-selling author Michael Hyatt, and his book Your Best Year Ever come together to help you tick the boxes of your New Year's resolution checklist.

    The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 5:05


    Explore with us the growth of Princess Panchaali, better known as Draupadi, as she rewrites history in the patriarchal setting of the epic story - The Mahabharat. Episode 1 of The 5 Minute Library reviews the Palace of Illusions, written by Chitra Banerjee Divakaurni.

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