'Holden Caulfield from The Catcher In The Rye was way ahead of his time': Sherif Zaki

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Holden Caulfield from The Catcher In The Rye was way ahead of his time: Sherif Zaki

The director of Golin MENA on the books that have inspired him

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Published: Fri 22 Jun 2018, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 22 Jun 2018, 2:00 AM

What are you reading now?
I usually read two books at a time (in two different languages), a fiction and non-fiction - that way, I am constantly excited whenever I am reading something; also, it helps me control my urges to be hooked to just one book. Fiction is always best before I sleep, while non-fiction complements my metro rides and bank queues. Right now, I am alternating between Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl (non-fiction) and an Arabic novel called Adam Al Masry (Egyptian Adam) by Hisham El Kheshen.

A book that changed your life?
Quite a few have! I will just name my top five. 1) Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat: This book is so impactful it will bring tears to your eyes! 2) The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss: I read this in 2007 after I got promoted to manager. This book helped me have control over my work. 3) Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins: It's really what you need to get yourself back on track. 4) The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch: I purchased it after my father passed away. Reading this pushed me to go out there and follow my dreams. 5) The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr: This book changed my mindset from a miserable non-smoker to the happiest non-smoker out there. Moreover, it inspired me to write my own book Sorry, I Don't Smoke.
Most memorable literary character (and why)?
Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. He reads a lot and hates anything phony. He was way ahead of his time.
A book that you think is underrated (and why)?
The Stranger (also referred to as The Outsider) by Albert Camus. A human tragedy, so compelling and heartbreaking.


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