'The Secret makes sense if you keep an open mind and give it a chance': Sophina Rajah

What book(s) are you reading at the moment?
It's three at a time for me! The Magic by Rhonda Byrne, The Rules of Wealth by Richard Templar and Arabic for Dummies by Amine Bouchentouf.
Name a book that has changed your life and shaped your outlook?
The Secret, also by Rhonda Byrne. It opens up a whole new perspective on helping you achieve your goals. At first, it feels a bit 'blah', but the whole thing makes sense when you keep an open mind and give it a chance.
A book you think is underrated - and why?
Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed. I loved this book and do not think it's getting enough praise and recognition. All of us have failed at some point in our lives - whether enormously or in a minor way. This book trumps all the stigma commonly associated with failure and helps you embrace its value - as opposed to treating it like a cause for shame.
Most memorable literary character, according to you.
Linbaba in Shantaram. A warm, honest yet humble man surviving in a foreign land as an escaped prisoner. I can't help admiring how he hustles his way through India and survives deepest betrayal, heartbreak and loss.
Your favourite book quote.
"Men go to far greater lengths to avoid what they fear than to obtain what they desire" - The Da Vinci Code. This quote has stayed with me since I first read the book over 10 years ago. It is so true to see that most of us are just trying to survive - instead of thrive - in this beautiful life.
- Staff reporter