top of page
Writer's pictureSameer Gudhate

BOOK REVIEW | SAILING THROUGH LIFE: LIFE LESSONS FOR YOUNG ADULTS | VARUN WADHWA


Have you ever had one of those moments where you stop and think, "What am I even doing with my life?" Yeah, me too. That's exactly why Sailing Through Life by Varun Wadhwa hit me right in the feels. Wadhwa, a management consultant who clearly loves helping young people figure out their path, has crafted a book that feels like sitting down with your older, wiser friend who just gets it. He’s also written a couple of other gems, but this one? It feels personal, like a little life manual you didn’t know you needed.


Let’s get straight to it—this book is a guide, but it’s not preachy. It’s packed with real-life lessons that Varun learned along the way and now wants to share with us, so we can avoid some of the potholes he hit. From understanding the difference between good and bad confusion (yep, there’s a difference!) to finding clarity in chaos, Wadhwa covers a lot of ground. He even dives into the Bhagavad Gita for wisdom, talks about the importance of fitness, and yes, how we all need to stop complaining if we want to actually move forward in life. It's like a buffet of life advice—take what resonates, and trust me, plenty of it will.


The best part about Wadhwa’s writing? It’s so simple and down-to-earth. No fluff, no complicated jargon—just clear, straight talk. He writes like he’s having a casual chat with you, which makes the whole reading experience feel super engaging. It’s like he knows you don’t want to be bogged down by fancy language when you’re just trying to figure out how to live a better life. And he’s funny too! There are moments where his humour lightens the heavier topics, making everything feel more relatable.


What stood out for me the most were the practical takeaways. Wadhwa doesn’t just give you abstract advice—he gives you tools. How do you ask for help when you need it? How do you invest in yourself, not just financially but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? These are the kinds of questions we all struggle with, and this book is like a toolkit for tackling them. I found myself nodding along, thinking, “Why didn’t someone tell me this sooner?”


Okay, so it’s not a novel with a plot, but the way this book flows makes you want to keep reading. Each chapter builds on the last, and before you know it, you’re deep into the practical advice on how to handle everything from career confusion to staying fit. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to come back to whenever you’re feeling stuck because every chapter has nuggets of wisdom you can apply right away.


At its core, Sailing Through Life is about clarity—getting clear on what you want, why you want it, and how to get there. The book touches on everything from mental health to financial literacy, and it’s all tied together with one central message: life’s a journey, so why not sail through it with purpose and confidence?


I have to admit, there were a few moments in this book that hit me right in the gut. Wadhwa shares stories from his own life and from people he knows, and they’re so real and raw that you can’t help but reflect on your own experiences. It’s inspiring without being over-the-top, and there’s a comforting sense of “You’ve got this” throughout the book.


The biggest strength of this book is how actionable it is. There are so many self-help books that make you feel good in the moment, but then you close the cover and don’t know what to do next. Not this one. Wadhwa gives you real steps you can take to actually implement the lessons he’s sharing. It’s not just theory—it’s life skills.


If I’m being nitpicky, I’d say some of the topics might feel familiar if you’re a self-help junkie. But honestly, the way Wadhwa presents them is so refreshing and easy to absorb that it didn’t bother me much. The advice might be similar to what you’ve heard before, but the delivery makes all the difference.


This book landed in my hands at the perfect time. I was feeling a little lost, like I didn’t know what my next step should be, and reading this was like having a mentor walk me through the fog. Wadhwa’s honesty and practical advice really resonated with me. It’s one of those books that you’ll want to gift to every young adult in your life because it’s just that impactful.


Overall, Sailing Through Life is one of those books you don’t realize you need until you’ve read it. It’s packed with wisdom, but it’s also light and engaging, making it the perfect read for anyone looking to find a little more clarity in their life. Highly recommend for anyone at a crossroads or just looking to improve their mindset. Varun Wadhwa, you nailed it with this one—I’m excited to see what’s next!



Comments


Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page