So this is my first post in this group. Most of us are currently waiting for results and this is also the year end. So any of you booklovers who have a annual target ( My target is 25 books / year , but wont exceed 12 books this year as well ) , can go for some of these books which are academically oriented and will help you in the exam, but are not exactly UPSC books.
#1 Poor Economics : If you have to understand Poverty, Hunger, Malnutrition and why nations remain poor, this is the book to go for. I read it in 2013 and re-read it in 2019 again. Now that Abhijeet Banerjee has won a Nobel, it makes all the sense for you to go for it
#2 Sapiens : A mind blowing account of human evolution. If you need a reason to read this one, a former IAS Rank 1 told me that a significant part of his answers were influenced by this book. :) Not trying to sell you this book, but it is a great read.
#3 What ails the IAS and why it fails to deliver. This is a pleasant read and has several case studies you can quote in your answers. But donot read it just for exam sake. Read it because its a good read :)
#4 The Paradoxical Prime Minister . Baer with me as I reveal to you that this book is only one part political. The rest is - Current Affairs : ) Tharoor has come up with his views ( which means the opposition views ) on all issues that concern Indian Polity - right from Uniform Civil Code, to Finance Commission to role of Governors. A good read again!
#5 Reasons to Live. This book by Matt Haig is on depression and how to fight it. It does not exactly offer a solution, but is quite a solace. A good read for all those who have an extended tryst with the Civils.
Which one is your favourite?
I had a target of 5 books but after mains completed 7 in a row and now on my 10th book- Sapiens.But at the same time tempted to open the Poor Economics (Thank you! @Neyawn). Sapiens is a must-read and I agree with@enigma_lost that it can be part of the school curriculum.
In the useful book category, I will suggest - Peace is every step: The path of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Han. I found it helpful while dealing with mains stress. It will not do any Miracle but is a great read and will surely make one appreciate the required effort for the exam.