i recommend

Editor’s note

When Rytasha Rathore agreed to do an I Recommend edition for us, the splainer team was giddy with excitement. We’ve been total fangirls ever since she hosted Vice’s ‘Sex Rated’ series—and loved her even more in the delightful Netflix series ‘Masaba Masaba’. Oh, did we mention her awesome podcast, ‘Agla Station Adulthood’?

Hi, I’m Rytasha—actor, creator, podcast host. I must confess, I don’t read as much as I’d like to anymore. I used to read more as a child and teenager for sure. Through my years at acting school, thanks to my teachers, I started reading more non-fiction and other books to enhance my journey as an artist and performer. And since then, I have read three books by women that have completely changed my life. I’d like to share those with you.

'The Artist’s Way': This book by Julia Cameron was a part of ‘Professional World’ class in the third and final year at acting school. It’s a 12-week program that helps you rediscover your creative self. The book changed my life completely, and gave me tools that always help me find my way back to my truest self. It’s a must-read for all human beings, whether they are in a creative profession or not. Also: A big shout out to one of the greatest acting teachers, Adam Marple, for this gem. I’m eternally grateful.

‘Presence’: The tagline of this book is ‘How to Use Positive Energy for Success in Every Situation’. This one also came to me because of the work I do, but as a book it holds value for every single person on this planet. Authored by legendary acting teacher and voice coach Patsy Rodenburg, it talks about the circles of energy we exist in, and how great performers, athletes, speakers are always ‘present’. While I found it fascinating as a performer, it blew my mind as a human being as well. Thanks to this book, I am present in my everyday life, or at least attempt to do so. I started interacting with the air I breathe differently. I felt a physical shift especially at moments when I found myself not ‘present’. It has helped me centre and ground myself in many nerve-wracking situations. It’s a great book and I cannot recommend it enough.

‘Dying To Be Me’: This last one was gifted to me by a co-actor and really hit my spiritual spot. Anita Moorjani’s book is a memoir of a woman who had a near death experience. It opened my eyes to the magic of the universe and how little our conscious minds actually perceive. It changed my way of looking at life and the way I would typically deal with it. I guess the book also stayed with me because I read it at a time in my life when I was struggling with my mental and emotional health. It inspired me, filled me with hope and upped my faith in the universe.

Note: This is NOT sponsored content. We use this section to spotlight the recommendations of people we trust and admire.