This achievement is not just a celebration of literary merit, but a tribute to resilience, grit, and the human spirit. From the humble beginnings in Sholinghur to becoming an inspiring medical practitioner and now an acclaimed author, Dr. S. Perumalâs journey is the very definition of transformation and purpose-driven living.
đ Book Review: Life Tilting Ten Topics by Dr. S. Perumal
“A journey from self-doubt to self-expressionârooted in values, blooming with learning.”
There are books that entertain, books that educate, and then there are rare books like Life Tilting Ten Topics that uplift and touch the soul. This work by Dr. S. Perumal isnât just a collection of thoughts or essaysâit is a living, breathing testimony of how one can transform vulnerability into strength, and personal experiences into powerful lessons for others.
Written in a simple yet sincere tone, this book is both accessible and profound. Every chapter reflects a deep human truth, taught not from textbooks, but from real, lived experience. It feels less like reading a book and more like sitting down for a heart-to-heart conversation with someone who has weathered lifeâs tempests and still finds the beauty in everyday moments.
1. A Doctorâs Diary Turned Into a Life Manual
At first glance, this book seems like a motivational self-help title, but what sets it apart is the authenticity. These are not abstract principles or rehashed quotes from popular philosophersâthese are earned insights, distilled from a life of struggle, compassion, and quiet determination.
Dr. Perumal’s journeyâstarting from a small Tamil-medium school to becoming a practicing doctorâis filled with humility and humanity. His candid acknowledgment of his early challenges with English language skills adds a raw emotional texture to the narrative. That he not only overcame this fear but went on to author a book that has now received national recognition is incredibly inspiring.
2. Ten Life-Tilting Topics â Small Stories, Big Messages
Each of the ten topics in the book is a standalone gem. While the stories are brief and to the point, their impact lingers. The book is built around the philosophy that everyday life holds extraordinary lessonsâif only we take the time to reflect.
Whether it is about kindness, discipline, gratitude, perseverance, or moral integrity, Dr. Perumal brings these values to life through relatable anecdotes. These arenât grand incidents with cinematic flairâthese are real-life slices: conversations with patients, memories from his school days, dilemmas faced in practice, and simple domestic moments. Yet, within each, lies a seed of wisdom.
The story structure is simple, much like a diary entry or moral parable, but its power lies in its emotional sincerity. It reminds us that values are not abstract theories but lived decisionsâoften made quietly, under pressure, and without fanfare.
3. Language of the Heart
From a reviewerâs perspective, one of the most moving aspects of this book is the evolution of the author’s voice. Dr. Perumal openly shares how he once struggled with English vocabulary and communication. The very act of writing this book in the language that once intimidated him is itself a triumph. His English may not be “textbook perfect”âbut that is precisely what gives this book its charm.
There is a purity in his expression, a certain innocence and rawness that one rarely finds in over-polished writing. His occasional grammatical lapses only underscore his journey and make the reader root for him even more. Itâs not the language mechanics but the emotion and message that stand out.
In an age of ghostwritten books and carefully curated narratives, this is a refreshingly honest piece of work. It wears its flaws proudly because it tells a greater truth: that your message matters more than your mastery, your intent more than your idioms.
4. A Tribute to Nature, Poetry, and Imagination
Adding another dimension to the book is the inclusion of a poem celebrating natureâs beauty. This small but meaningful section offers a pauseâa moment to breathe and reflect. Itâs also a reminder that beauty, imagination, and emotional insight are just as crucial to human development as science or reason.
For a man deeply rooted in medicine and service, this poetic inclusion signals a balanced spiritâsomeone who sees healing not just as a clinical act, but a holistic one. The poem isnât just about natureâitâs about appreciating the unseen, the unspoken, and the under-valued aspects of life.
5. From the Heart of a Healer
Having served as a genuine medical practitioner for over 20 years, especially during the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Perumalâs perspective on life is forged in fire. His acknowledgment of the emotional and physical toll, coupled with his service despite personal risks, adds a heroism to his humility.
But he doesnât use his experiences to boastâhe uses them to teach. That is the signature of true wisdom.
His love for books and the way they became his therapyâhis “medicine” after clinic hoursâadds a beautiful meta-narrative to the work. The image of a cupboard overflowing with books instead of clothes, the gentle teasing by his wife, and his children becoming his source of strengthâall of it adds warmth and personality to the writing.
6. A Family Man, A Fighter, An Author
At the end of the book, one gets not just an impression of a doctor or an authorâbut of a father, husband, and son whose life has been steeped in respect, loyalty, and perseverance. His gratitude to his father, his family, and even his readers is not just lip serviceâit is central to who he is.
Itâs incredibly moving that this book is also a tribute to the memory of the people and moments that shaped him. This is not just a literary effortâit is a moral will passed on to the reader.
Here is one heartfelt feedback from each of the nine reviewers after reading Life Tilting Ten Topics â A Journey of Learning from Extraordinary Life Experiences by Dr. S. Perumal:
đď¸ Prashant Sahu:
Dr. Perumalâs debut book is a warm reflection of lifeâs truths, filled with relatable experiences and honest introspection. His humility and gratitude shine through each story, reminding us that wisdom doesnât come from perfection, but from persistence. It’s more than a bookâit’s a conversation with a soul who has walked through fire and come out kind.
đď¸ Sameer Gudhate:
What struck me the most was the emotional clarity in the writing. Dr. Perumal doesnât pretend to be a literary giantâhe simply speaks from the heart, and thatâs what makes this book incredibly impactful. His life is the story, and the values he shares feel like seeds planted in the readerâs own heart.
đď¸ Apeksha Gupta:
I was genuinely touched by the simplicity and sincerity of the book. Each chapter reveals a new layer of human emotionâpain, perseverance, healing, and hope. Dr. Perumalâs story is a testament to how books can truly transform a life, and in return, that life can now inspire many others.
đď¸ Akansha Sinha:
The book is proof that language is no barrier when the intent is pure and the message is strong. From overcoming self-doubt to becoming a published author, Dr. Perumalâs journey is an example of how oneâs limitations can become the starting point of greatness. It’s deeply inspiring for both readers and aspiring writers.
đď¸ Glenville Asbhy:
Dr. Perumal gives us a rare giftâauthenticity. His writing feels unfiltered and raw, not polished for effect but offered in honesty. As a reader, I felt deeply moved by his respect for family, his service to society, and his undying passion for learning. It’s a book Iâll keep revisiting.
đď¸ Pooja Sahu:
This book is like a handwritten letter from a friendâit feels deeply personal. The values he shares are timeless and his stories bring them to life beautifully. Dr. Perumalâs journey shows that even in hardship, one can choose learning, growth, and kindnessâand that is his true legacy.
đď¸ Versha Singh:
Reading this book was a humbling experience. It’s rare to find a work that merges simplicity with such powerful insight. Dr. Perumalâs life story adds weight to his words. He has turned ordinary life incidents into extraordinary lessons, and thatâs what makes this book unforgettable.
đď¸ Shivangi Yadav:
I found myself nodding in agreement, pausing for reflection, and even tearing up at times. The poem about nature added a soft, beautiful layer to an already soulful book. Dr. Perumalâs vulnerability is his strength, and I admire how he turned his fear of language into a bridge that connects hearts.
đď¸ Kavita Kaushik:
What stayed with me long after finishing the book is the immense respect Dr. Perumal carries for his roots, his family, and his readers. This is not just a literary effortâit is a moral will passed on to the reader. I feel fortunate to have read this deeply human and inspiring work.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Every Generation
Life Tilting Ten Topics is a humble book with a powerful heart. It is a life coach, a diary, a prayer, and a lesson plan rolled into one. It doesnât shout its wisdomâit whispers it in your ear, and you carry it with you long after the final page is turned.
In a time when the world is obsessed with speed, perfection, and spectacle, Dr. S. Perumal reminds us of the beauty of being grounded, grateful, and genuine. His story proves that every life has value, every voice has potential, and every personâregardless of originâcan inspire others.
