''Sometimes, the usual characters from classics can be too clichéd': Shirin Sheikh

An avid reader, Shirin talks about the books she enjoys most

What are you currently reading?
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. It is an absolutely magnificent story of how one man's passion led to the creation of one of the world's most prestigious sports companies, Nike. If you nurture a desire to be an entrepreneur and want to really understand innovation and what it takes to overcome financial, logistical and manufacturing challenges, then this is the book for you. Reading it, I realised that not only do you have to be dedicated and resilient, but you also need to be little crazy in order to see your dream to fruition.
Which books would you say have changed your life?
It has to be The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. There is a particular chapter on the 'inner circle of influence'. According to Covey, it's a concept where people focus on things they can do something about. Then there is a circle of concern, which comprises people who are 'reactive' and engage themselves with things they have little control over. I thought it was interesting.
A memorable literary character, according to you?
The usual ones from classics are often clichéd. But if I had to pick one, it'd be the evil genius Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes series. The character has several layers; besides it's interesting to find out what makes someone good or bad.
Which are the books that you revisit from time to time?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. The first because it encourages you to be practical in life and the latter because it emphasises on the power of positive thinking. If only our energies were directed towards positive thinking, how far would we have come!