Vaibhav

Playing with F.I.R.E.
(Financial Independence, Retire Early)

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

Day 68 of 75 Booked. ✅

This one skill gives people an unfair advantage in life-

“If you don't get this elementary, but mildly unnatural, mathematics of elementary probability into your repertoire, then you go through a long life like a onelegged man in an asskicking contest. You're giving a huge advantage to everybody else.”

— Charlie Munger

Think in odds, not certainties.

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

Some books grow on you and this was one of them.

To be honest, it took me a while to get into this book, mainly because of the writing style. But once I crossed the 100-page mark, it became smooth sailing.

While there were parts I disagreed with especially around meditation, I still found a lot of value in the book. If you have read a lot of self improvement books, some ideas may feel repetitive, but the recall is worth it.

I do think this book could have been much shorter, but it is still a great read and one I know I will return to from time to time.

A few quotes from the book that stayed with me:

1. A calm mind, a fit body, and a house full of love. These things cannot be bought. They must be earned.

2. Intentions don't matter. Actions do.

3. Just like the best workout for you is one you're excited enough to do every day, I would say for books, blogs, tweets, or whatever-anything with ideas and information and learning—the best ones to read are the ones you're excited about reading all the time.

4. One day, I realized with all these people I was jealous of, I couldn't just choose little aspects of their life.
I couldn't say I want his body, I want her money, I want his personality. You have to be that person.
Do you want to actually be that person with all of their reactions, their desires, their family, their happiness level, their outlook on life, their self-image?
If you're not willing to do a wholesale, 24/7, 100 percent swap with who that. person is, then there is no point in being jealous.

5. You're going to die one day, and none of this is going to matter. So enjoy yourself. Do something positive. Project some love. Make someone happy. Laugh a little bit. Appreciate the moment. And do your work.

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

Here’s my 26 books for 2026 list. 📚
Equal parts fiction and non-fiction.

Non-Fiction
1. The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt: A business classic that introduces the Theory of Constraints and practical ways to identify and fix production bottlenecks. This is one of the books recommended by Jeff Bezos, making it an easy addition to my 2026 reading list.
2. Poor Charlie’s Almanack by Charlie T. Munger & Peter D. Kaufman: A collection of lessons on investment strategy, philanthropy, and living a rational, ethical life from the legendary vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. Charlie Munger has inspired so many, and I am really looking forward to learning more from his work.
3. Hidden Potential by Adam Grant: Evidence-based advice on how to cultivate skills, character, and environments that unlock long-term achievement. This one came highly recommended by one of my favourite accounts on the internet—Reads with Ravi and I am excited to dive into it.
4. Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff: A transformative guide to rethinking our approach to goals, creativity, and life itself, encouraging us to discover and pursue our most authentic ambitions while making a meaningful contribution. Another great recommendation from Reads with Ravi.
5. The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku: A Holocaust survivor’s memoir that traces unimaginable trauma to a philosophy of gratitude, resilience, and the conscious choice of joy after atrocity. Another recommendation from Reads with Ravi which I take very seriously.
6. Financial Intelligence by Karen Berman, Joe Knight and John Case: Accessible, jargon-free, and filled with engaging real-world examples, Financial Intelligence helps non-financial managers understand the nuance behind the numbers and bring greater clarity to everyday business decisions. A very strong recommendation from my husband —which instantly moved this up my list.
7. The 12-Week MBA by Bjorn Billhardt & Nathan Kracklauer: This book offers practical guidance for aspiring business leaders while making a compelling case for a new approach to management education. I haven’t done an MBA, so I am hoping to learn some fundamentals and put them to use in my day job.
8. Becoming Trader Joe by Joe Coulombe and Patty Civalleri: I am a big fan of Trader Joe’s, and ever since listening to the Trader Joe’s episode on the Acquired podcast, I have been looking forward to learning more about how the brand built such an iconic customer experience and a workplace employees genuinely love being part of.
9. For God, Country, and Coca-Cola by Mark Pendergrast: A comprehensive history of the Coca-Cola company, tracing its cultural reach and controversies across the 20th century. Another recommendation from the Acquired Podcast—and I loved their episode on Coca-Cola. Who knew the brand played such a major role in shaping the modern image of Santa Claus?
10. Still Bobbi by Bobbi Brown: A forthcoming memoir about authenticity, reinvention, and life behind the brand. I love Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and cannot wait to learn more about the history and strategy behind this truly iconic brand.
11. HBR at 100: An anthology of Harvard Business Review’s most influential essays on leadership, strategy, and innovation. I am hoping to deepen my understanding of these areas and put the insights to use in my day job.
12. The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom: A practical framework that redefines wealth across five domains—Time, Social, Mental, Physical, and Financial with exercises to help design a more balanced life. Sahil was a guest at a work event where he spoke about this book and it became an immediate addition to my TBR.
13. Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke: A psychiatrist’s analysis of modern overconsumption, dopamine biology, and addiction like behaviours and how to rebalance pleasure and pain. The book shows that finding balance lies in combining the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery. Another brilliant recommendation from Reads with Ravi.

Fiction
1. In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams: A small-town, friends to lovers rom-com following Maddie, a culinary-school hopeful, as she returns home and rediscovers love, belonging, and herself. This novel is the final book in the beloved When in Rome series, bringing the series to a close—one I am personally not prepared for.
2. The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez: A life-altering, emotionally honest contemporary romance about one split-second decision that changes everything. All of Abby Jimenez’s books have been five-star reads for me, and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for us this time.
3. The Midnight Train by Matt Haig: A magical story with elements of time travel about a man who boards a mysterious train that allows him to relive pivotal moments of his life. Matt Haig’s books are always deeply thought-provoking and I cannot wait to be put through it one more time.
4. And Now Back To You by B.K. Borison: An enemies-to-lovers rom-com between two meteorologists that blossoms into an unexpected friendship and a slow-burn romance. I loved reading First Time Caller in 2025 and cannot wait to continue the series with this one.
5. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: A curmudgeonly widower’s world is transformed by new neighbours, leading to tender and funny lessons about community and purpose. This will be my first Fredrik Backman book and yes, I know I am very late to this party.
6. An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister: A campus set enemies to lovers romance that mixes sharp wit with emotional stakes as academics clash and fall for each other. So many of my favourite BookTubers have raved about this one, and I cannot wait to finally dive in.
7. Just Friends by Haley Pham: A dual timeline, second chance romance about childhood friends reconnecting as adults. It is a story of second chances, the weight of dreams, and finding your way back to the people who feel like home. Very much giving People We Meet on Vacation vibes and I am absolutely here for it.
8. It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard: A second chance romance set in the broadway world about former roommates confronting old wounds and rediscovering love. This one was all over my socials last year, so I clearly have to see what the hype is about.
9. The Shippers by Katherine Center: A feel good friends to lovers romance set on a cruise, filled with banter, nostalgia, and summer-romance hijinks. Katherine Center’s books always have such interesting premises and backdrops and this one looks to be no different.
10. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney: A literary novel following two brothers in the aftermath of their father’s death, exploring grief, desire, and complex family dynamics. This will be my first Sally Rooney book and I am very excited to finally experience her writing.
11. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: A genre-blending novel about a government “Ministry” that manages time-travel “expats” and the relationship that forms across eras. Some of my favourite authors have given this book rave reviews and I am really looking forward to reading it.
12. No Matter What by Cara Bastone: A tender, slow-burn romance about a couple navigating a traumatic incident and trying to rebuild and find their way back to each other. I am still thinking about her other books Promise Me Sunshine and Ready or Not — both of which were among my favourite reads of 2025.
13. Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune: A story about two best friends who spend one week in paradise, forced to either repair or risk losing their lifelong bond. I loved reading One Golden Summer in 2025 and am really excited to pick this one up.

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

This book will change your relationship with money.

The Art of Spending Money offers a refreshingly practical approach to managing money without sacrificing happiness or contentment. Written in a simple, easy-to-understand style, each page is packed with insights that will leave you thinking long after you’ve read it.

The book covers topics like why we often mistake envy for admiration, how to align our expectations with our income, and ways to invest in future happiness without regret. While it doesn’t provide investment tips, it does something arguably more valuable—it changes the way you think about money.

I have highlighted almost every other page- that is how thought provoking this book is. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned investor, hate or love the world of finance- you need to read this book. It is life changing and I will be re-reading it from time to time.

The Art of Spending Money isn’t just a book about money— it’s a book about living well. If you’re ready to rethink your relationship with money, this book is a must-read.

[Vaibhav @vaibhav_mn]

@DivyaMangotra @thesummeritp @PrimeVideoIN Pakka?

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

Second 5K of my life and second time on the podium. Missed the ceremony, but beyond grateful for the recognition. I only set out to finish this run- pushing myself beyond that feels even better. 🙌🏻

[Vaibhav @vaibhav_mn]

@rapidobikeapp

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

We encountered a road rage incident in Delhi while traveling with @rapidobikeapp and require assistance. Rapido Customer Care Team- please contact me.

[Sridhar Vembu @svembu]

Must read comment. There are millions of Indian youth who assume they are not good because they cannot master fluent English. That is the potential talent pool we are wasting.

English as a status symbol (as distinct from _English as a useful language_) has to go from our national psyche and it can only go if our educated elite make it a priority to revive our languages.

It is our duty to our countrymen.

[Vikrant @Vikspeaks1]

Bombshell video by @adgpi

> Tyari abhi bhi jaati hai
Aur abki tyaari pehle se bhari hai.
> Jurrat karke dekhe dusman andar ghuske marenge aur pehle se zada ander ghuse pehle se bhi zada marenge.
LISTEN TO THE THRILLER.

[Shiv Aroor @ShivAroor]

Outstanding press briefing by the Indian armed forces. Detailed, supported by imagery & full Q&A. Unlike the histrionic rubbish by ISPR.

Super impressed. Should be a standard template going forward. 🇮🇳

[Nitish Rajput @nitishrajput]

If the news media tells me it is raining, I will look for my sunglasses.

[Vaibhav @vaibhav_mn]

Is this real? @PIBFactCheck

[Vaibhav @vaibhav_mn]

@PIBFactCheck @zoo_bear Is this true?

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

First Book Review of 2025- "Thank you for Listening by Julia Whelan.

Rating: 3/5

Mixed Feelings on this one.

Thank You for Listening has an intriguing premise: Sewanee Chester, a former actress turned audiobook narrator, is given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to narrate a highly coveted romance novel. The catch? Sewanee doesn’t believe in romance or happily-ever-afters—especially after a life-altering tragedy derailed her acting career.

There are some good parts to the story. The premise is compelling, and the plot is engaging—particularly as it unfolds the mystery behind Sewanee’s past and the tragedy that shaped her present. I found myself drawn into the plot- wanting to uncover more about her and the events that shaped the present version of herself.

However, there were aspects that made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story. First, the writing style, with its constant back-and-forth between the past and present, felt disjointed at times. Then, there's the romance. While the chemistry between Sewanee and the love interest is palpable, I found their relationship development lacking depth. It was hard to understand why they were drawn to each other beyond the physical attraction.

This will not be a great fit for people who are looking for an engaging romance or a more seamless narrative. I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it unless it’s the only book left on your TBR.

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

It is here. 💜

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

Reunited with husband after a few days and he bought books for me. ❤️

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

@KinsellaSophie will always be special to me, as her books got me back into reading as an adult almost 15 years ago.

This book is honest, raw, and real, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Rating: 5/5

[Vaibhav @vaibhav_mn]

@DivyaMangotra Does this include drinking tea?

[Vaibhav @vaibhav_mn]

@DivyaMangotra @airtelindia @Airtel_Presence @airtelindia @airtelnews very bad!

[Divya Mangotra Manchanda @DivyaMangotra]

During one of my visits to @Bahrisons_books, I came across "Four Seasons in Japan" and decided to pick it up. The beautiful writing and the impactful storyline captivated me throughout.

I highly recommend this gem by @nasubijutsu .

Rating: 5/5