Khandakar Mahin

Aspiring Researcher

Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, United States
Khandakar Mahin

My Top 5 Books

48 Laws of Power

48 Laws of Power

By Robert Greene

A masterclass in strategy, survival, and the art of surviving socially. If Machiavelli wrote a personal-development book, this would be it. Perfect for navigating the chessboard of life—since it doesn't sugarcoat much, instead it offers raw, unfiltered lessons towards success. This book is a toolbox for understanding details of every day life, and for me, it is a must-read to make strategic investments and decisions.

Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment

Fyodor Dostoevsky

A profound psychological exploration of morality, justice, and redemption; this novel is highly influential for a good reason. Highly relevant in the 21st century, Dostoevsky masterfully captures the complexities of the human mind through the position of a character torn between his intellectual justifications and moral guilt. For anyone interested in philosophy or introspection, this book is invaluable. It is a reminder that the choices we make ripple through our conscience, making it a timeless piece of literature—and for me, one of my favorites.

Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits

By James Clear

A must-red for anyone looking to improve their daily life, Atomic Habits breaks down the science of habit formation into simple, actionable steps. Small, consistent changes can lead to remarkable long-term results, and this axiom James Clear proves well. With practical strategies and real-world anecdotes, this book is a game-changer for personal growth, productivity, and self-improvement.

Fundamentals of Physics

Fundamentals of Physics

By Halliday, Resnick, Walker

A comprehensive and well-structured introduction to Newtonian physics, this book is essential for anyone looking to build the strongest foundation in common sense and physics. It explains fundamental concepts with clarity, but also leaves room for deep introspection. A textbook that leaves you thinking is a good textbook. The problem sets are the classics, but they offer faithful real-world applications for building your engineering mind. Perfect for students and physics enthusiasts alike, this book is a valuable resource for mastering the principles of the physical world.

1984

1984

By George Orwell

Even though 1984 is taught in high schools and often in undergraduate English class, it is a novel that is worth reading again and again. It is chilling, dystopian, and thought-provoking. Orwell's depiction of a society under constant control by an oppressive regime is haunting and doubly relevant in today's world. To one, this novel may just be another book read for English class, but it is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, freedom, philosophy, humanity, and the impact of propaganda on society.

Honorable Mentions

Beowulf

By Unknown

An epic tale of heroism, Beowulf is a cornerstone of English literature, chronicling the legendary exploits of its fearless warrior protagonist. Filled with grand battles, mythical creatures, and themes of fate, honor, and loyalty, this poem explores the complexities of heroism and the inevitability of mortality. A timeless classic that continues to inspire modern storytelling.

Interpreter of Maladies

By Jhumpa Lahiri

A written collection of stories that is best to read spoiler-free. Lahiri explores the struggles of Indian and Indian-American characters as they navigate love, loss, and belonging. A thought-provoking and intimate read that lingers long after the last page.

Girl

By Jamaica Kincaid

A short but powerful story that is written in just one single sentence. It is a striking monologue that explores its themes in a memorable way. Kincaid captures the weight of tradition, discipline, and other deeply-ingrained themes masterfully and leaves you in awe at the end. To me, it is a compelling read that vividly portrays the complexities of cultural and familial expectations.

All Books (by Subject)

Computer Science

Designing Machine Learning Systems

By Chip Huyen

A practical guide focused on the iterative process of building, deploying, and maintaining production‐ready machine learning applications. Covers real‐world challenges like data pipelines, model serving, and system reliability.

Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning

By Christopher M. Bishop

A foundational text in the field of statistical pattern recognition. Covers Bayesian methods, neural networks, kernel techniques, and more, with extensive mathematical rigor and real‐world applications.

Machine Learning for Absolute Beginners

By Python for Data Science, Book 3

An introductory manual for newcomers to machine learning, aiming to demystify concepts like supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and basic data manipulation with a gentle learning curve.

Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition

By Eric Matthes

A fast‐paced introduction to Python programming. Readers quickly learn the basics of Python syntax, data structures, and functions, then move on to building projects like games and data visualizations.

Literature

Hamlet

By Shakespeare

A masterpiece of tragedy and psychological depth. It is a must read for young men. Shakespeare's iconic protagonist wrestles with betrayal, fate, and his own conscience, leading to one of the most famous soliloquies in literary history. It is a timeless exploration of human nature, mortality, and the consequences of our own vanity.

Paradise Lost

By John Milton

An epic masterpiece of ambition and rebellion, Paradise Lost retells the biblical story of Satan's fall and humanity's original sin and expulsion from Eden. It is written in grandeur and poetic brilliance. The deep introspection offered in this classic is a rich treasure trove for anyone who wants to explore the nature of good, evil, divine justice, pride, and free will. In my opinion, this work is one of the greatest achievements in English literature.

Harrison Bergeron

By Kurt Vonnegut

A sharp and satirical dystopian short story, Harrison Bergeron imagines a future where forced equality suppresses individual intelligence. It is a portent to the dangers of extreme conformity and totalitarianism, delivering a thought-provoking and charming take on the pursuit of equality. A brief but impactful read that may challenge your ideas of freedom and oppression.

Mathematics

Art of Problem Solving: Introduction to Counting & Probability

By David Patrick

A fantastic introduction for students looking to master combinatorics and begin there journey in competition math. This book offers an accessible approach to problem-solving techniques which will add to your repertoire. It is perfect for competition math and math enthusiasts in particular.

Art of Problem Solving: Volume 2 and Beyond

By Richard Rusczyk and Sandor Lehoczky

This book is a classic textbook for students who are preparing for advanced math contests. It is a cornerstone for refining and mastering your problem-solving capabilities. Do not sleep on this textbook if you want to win math competitions.