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Heroes who turned their lives into bestsellers

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Apr 27, 2021, 13:23 IST
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1/8

Heroes who turned their lives into bestsellers

Not all heroes wear capes; some are just disguised as normal people! In a world where stories of injustice, unequal opportunities and unfortunate events are reported on a daily basis and become common narratives for many, there are some people who dare to go against all odds to create their own success stories. Here we list down inspiring books written by such real-life heroes, who turned their lives into bestsellers. Read on!

2/8

'I Am No Messiah' by Sonu Sood

In 'I Am No Messiah', actor Sonu Sood shares his experiences and his journey from a small village in Punjab called Moga to the city of dreams- Mumbai. During the strict nationwide lockdown imposed by the Indian government in 2020, Sonu Sood took it upon himself to help distressed Indians, mostly migrant labourers and students, and help them reach their homes safely amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. And thus began his 'Ghar Bhejo' programme, which extended to campaigns like providing jobs, medical facilities and educational aid to the needy with the help of numerous selfless volunteers. This is an inspirational tale of Sonu Sood and the people whose lives he continues to transform.

Photo: Penguin eBury Press

3/8

'Being Reshma' by Reshma Qureshi

'Being Reshma: The Extraordinary Story of an Acid-Attack Survivor Who Took the World by Storm' is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring real-life story of Reshma Qureshi's undying spirit of not just surviving a deadly acid attack, but also rising stronger than before like a phoenix. From battling an acid attack at the age of 17 to making global headlines by being the first acid-attack survivor to walk at the New York Fashion Week, Reshma Qureshi's overcomes all odds to carve a niche for herself in an unjust world.

Photo: Pan

4/8

I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

On October 9, 2012, 15 -year-old Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by Talibans, and survived. At 17, Malala became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala's memoir, published in October 2013 and co-authored by Lamb, shares the story of her family and her journey as a young education activist.
(Image credit: Amazon; Wikipedia)
5/8

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

At the age of 36, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic lung cancer. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi's transformation from a medical student into a neurosurgeon at Stanford and finally into a patient and new father confronting his own mortality. Kalanithi died at 37. The book was completed by his wife, Lucy, and published in January 2016.
(Image credit: Amazon, Wikipedia)
6/8

Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography by Walter Isaacson

Based on more than 40 interviews with Jobs conducted over two years, the book chronicled the rollercoaster life and intense personality of the man who revolutionised the tech industry. The book was released on October 24, 2011, 19 days after Jobs's death.
(Image credit: Amazon, Wikipedia)
7/8

Wings of Fire by APJ Abdul Kalam

Wings of Fire is the tale of a young Muslim boy who went on to become the President of India. It is the story of Kalam's rise from obscurity and his personal and professional struggles. The autobiography first published in English in 1999, has been translated and published in 13 languages including Hindi, Tamil, Oriya, Marathi, and Gujarati.
(Image credit: Amazon; Wikipedia)
8/8

The Test of My Life: From Cricket to Cancer and Back by Yuvraj Singh, Nishant Jeet Arora, Sharda Ugra

Yuvraj Singh was awarded the Player of the Tournament honour at World Cup 2011. And then came the news that he had been battling cancer throughout the tournament. In his inspirational autobiography, published in 2013, Singh spoke of his journey from one of the most successful cricketers in India and a role model to the horrors of chemotherapy.
(Image credit: Amazon; Wikipedia)
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Realization, consciousness gratitude- all priceless gifts.... let it shine
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Copyright © Jun 11, 2026, 11.18PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service