Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Friday, October 21, 2011
Recently I picked up (online shopping is now akin to physical buying, thanks to Flipkart. Pleeaajjj buy from them.) three books on social sciences - Being Indian, India calling and Mother Pious Lady. Yeah, I am on a patriotic spree for now.
Initially I was hesitant to pick up Mother Pious Lady. Reason : its Author. I have always found his weekly columns in TOI to be cumbersome. I believe humanities professionals and all social commentators must be awesome story tellers. No cop-outs should be accepted. One reason for the poor show at humanities' colleges in India could be the skill of squeezing life out of an already dense and overwhelming subject.
Khair, aage badhte hue, I am glad I was coaxed into buying Mother Pious Lady by a mentor at work.
The book is a collection of short stories on the middle class in India and the nature of our peculiar Indian-ness. Most chapters are about two pages long and a breeze to read through.
Santosh Desai has shared some delightful vignettes of the the decades gone by and offered insightful reasons on why we are the way we are. There is an abundance of humour, not so much in the writing, as in the experiences drawn from a middle class existence in India.
There were quite a few places where I couldn't stop chuckling in agreement and thinking "Gosh, that is me!". I was glad to finally understand why Indian women from the Defence forces perform way better than the rest and why we may not be seeing an Indian version of the Arab Spring anytime soon.
The book also reconfirmed my belief about religion : It will continue to enjoy an elevated status in India, and in fact, we are only getting warmed up.
Apart from having an interesting line up of essays, Mother Pious lady provides formidable competition to Barrons educational books. On last count, I remember adding 56 new words to my repository. How I loouuve MBA turned writers.
So, now, while writing experts will demand a proper summary, closure, vote of thanks and other such jazz be added to this post, I can't wait to hit the sack.
Post achhi lagi toh kitaab khareed le.
Tata.
Initially I was hesitant to pick up Mother Pious Lady. Reason : its Author. I have always found his weekly columns in TOI to be cumbersome. I believe humanities professionals and all social commentators must be awesome story tellers. No cop-outs should be accepted. One reason for the poor show at humanities' colleges in India could be the skill of squeezing life out of an already dense and overwhelming subject.
Khair, aage badhte hue, I am glad I was coaxed into buying Mother Pious Lady by a mentor at work.
The book is a collection of short stories on the middle class in India and the nature of our peculiar Indian-ness. Most chapters are about two pages long and a breeze to read through.
Santosh Desai has shared some delightful vignettes of the the decades gone by and offered insightful reasons on why we are the way we are. There is an abundance of humour, not so much in the writing, as in the experiences drawn from a middle class existence in India.
There were quite a few places where I couldn't stop chuckling in agreement and thinking "Gosh, that is me!". I was glad to finally understand why Indian women from the Defence forces perform way better than the rest and why we may not be seeing an Indian version of the Arab Spring anytime soon.
The book also reconfirmed my belief about religion : It will continue to enjoy an elevated status in India, and in fact, we are only getting warmed up.
Apart from having an interesting line up of essays, Mother Pious lady provides formidable competition to Barrons educational books. On last count, I remember adding 56 new words to my repository. How I loouuve MBA turned writers.
So, now, while writing experts will demand a proper summary, closure, vote of thanks and other such jazz be added to this post, I can't wait to hit the sack.
Post achhi lagi toh kitaab khareed le.
Tata.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Certainly not Arnab Ray's May I hebb your attention pliss
During my recent travel, this was one of the books I carried and hoped to finish in one sitting.
However, by the 3rd chapter I was ready to tear the book and throw it out of the train. Only, I didn't own it, and felt I would have to spend money on gifting it back to the owner.
I will not review the book and its content. It will waste precious time.
Though, I will add that I was surprised by the reviews I found floating around the web. Heaps of praise for such crap?!
The day you have to explain your jokes and punch lines, God help you as an entertainer.
Of course, humour is not the only thing gone wrong here.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Another of those books that I finished reading long back but couldn't write about earlier.
The Difficulty of Being Good does an in depth analysis of major characters in the Mahabharata.
Gurcharan Das, the author, didn't find a strong academic support system for Sanskrit in India and had to go to the US to avail expert advice and guidance in learning the language.
He took 6 years to do a complete study of the original text and dipped into many renditions of/opinions on the original tale, by prominent historians and publications.
The hard work and diligence show.
The book is a must read, in the sense, it analyzes important characters and the ethical dilemmas contained in the text. Dharma as we know it - is rendered a completely new meaning once you read the book. Various arguments and counter arguments provide new dimensions to the major events that occur in the poem.
Gurcharan doesn't restrict only to the Mahabharata. He draws examples from other important world literature like that of the Greek mythology and does a comparative analysis on various cultures and how each has its own means of dealing with moral debates.
The moral implications of the Holocaust, corporate wars in India and individualism vs.collectivism are some important debates put under the dharmic microscope of the epic tale.
I am glad the book does not establish any heroes or villains. One is not given such closure. However, what it definitely does is - open one's mind to the dichotomy of this life and the difficulty of treading the ever subtle path of Dharma.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
I have been meaning to write a detailed review about The Art of Choosing, but I don't think I will come around to it. This is a brief note I had written earlier.
In a nutshell : The book is one of the most fascinating reads on Choice and the Human Mind. How the plenitude of choice can mar the very purpose of freedom of choice is a revelation. Sheena Iyengar's easy style and the gradual peeling of interesting ideas is very similar to that of Malcolm Gladwell.
I also loved the book for some personal reasons : It confirmed what I have always believed about myself and other human beings, even though the ideas seemed absurd and so not cool! to friends in general. You will have to read the book to find out more.
In the book, you will be introduced to the 3 Dans of psychology : Daniel Kahneman, Daniel Gilbert and Dan Ariely. They are must read psychologists, if the field interests you.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
You remember me mentioning various book reviews in the pipeline?
Below is the first one in the series.
Image Courtesy: Mridula V.'s blog
As the title suggests, Women Entrepreneurship is about case studies of women entrepreneurs from India, US & Germany.
Mridula Velagapudy brings to us, stories of 19 strong-willed women who run businesses in some very interesting industries.
Each chapter sheds light on the background of the specific industry, followed by Q&A with the business owners.
The book contains much information for wannabe entrepreneurs and highlights unusual sectors.
For example, MayaCare - a business that has developed a network of volunteers who help senior citizens for various activities like accompanying them to the market/hospital, reading books to them, helping them
with writing letters, emails, etc. The business fills the needs caused due to absence (physical and emotional) of children (owing to nuclear families/work/education).
I found the case study particularly disturbing (for personal reasons). Nevertheless, it is a sector which will greatly expand in times to come and is up for grabs.
A quote by Russ Ackoff which was shared by Poonam Bir Kasturi of DailyDump and which I particularly liked :
"The righter we do the wrong thing, the wronger we become. When we make a mistake doing the wrong thing and correct it, we become wronger. When we make a mistake doing the right thing and correct it, we become righter. Therefore, it is better to do the right thing wrong than the wrong thing right. Most of our current problems are the result of policymakers and managers (and designers) busting a gut to do a wrong thing right."
The book has several such delightful ideas packed into different chapters.
It was also interesting to read about various women entrepreneurs from the US & Germany. The businesses they indulge in are not tapped in India and hence provide good opportunities to entrepreneurs here. For this reason alone, we need more of such books in the market.
Mridula adopts a simple, easy to follow language throughout the book and maintains a consistent questionnaire through the chapters.
Having said this, I must mention that I didn't particularly like the Q&A format. It lacks creativity and since you (as a reader) already know the exact set of questions that will follow, there is no excitement of discovering new ideas.
At times, I felt I was reading through a reference book for an exam.
Another aspect that didn't go down well with me was how all the businesses covered had been self funded and were fairly successful.
All entrepreneurs were well supported by their families (no trace of any conflicts) and had enough savings to fund their businesses. Knowing these were women, and this being India, their stories sounded too good to be true.
Work life balance is an area working Indian women (infact, women worldwide) are often made to feel guilty about. Yet, the questions asked in the book do not probe the these women to bring out such softer issues.
For a first time reader or new enthusiast, this might send out wrong signals. There is much toil in any entrepreneurial journey. More heartbreaks than successes, atleast in the first 5 years.
Covering entrepreneurial journeys which sound "fairy tale" like lends a certain superficiality to the entire book - however interesting the stories be.
So, go ahead and buy your copy - some good stories have been captured in there. However, if you are an advanced entrepreneurial enthusiast, the book might appear limiting to you.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Abhilash of Book Reviews has about 65, author signed copies of Chanakya's Chants and is giving them away for free.
So if you are into historical thrillers - write to Abhilash and get your copy.
P.S. I haven't read the book yet. So this is not a recommendation.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Guardian and the Complete Review are must visit places for all book lovers.
Often, I came across Haruki Murakami on many an author's must read list. This is how the Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman came to adorn my book shelf.
The book, a collection of short stories, all of which are set in Japan, is a treat for lovers of surrealism.
Most of Murakami's heroes are every day Joes who experience uncommon situations. Each plot is as implausible as it gets and every character has queer mannerisms. However, common themes of loss, loneliness, deceit and fear are woven beautifully into all stories.
So good is Murakami with his art that by the end of each chapter you will have met with fear and loneliness, in person.
What also makes the book an absolute page turner, is Murakami's lucid story telling. Even though most stories deal with dark themes and depressing milieu, there is always a tinge of thrill to the climax. Also, with time, you will realise that Murakami gives much space to his characters. There is no hurry to unveil their circumstances or idiosyncrasies. As a reader, you will have to be patient and let the stories unfold at their own pace.
Having been so kind to the book, I must add that reading Murakami can be difficult for his first time readers. Unless, they are open to lack of closure.
If you can handle unpredictability, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman will definitely win your approval.
Often, I came across Haruki Murakami on many an author's must read list. This is how the Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman came to adorn my book shelf.
Image Courtesy : Jing Reed's blog
The book, a collection of short stories, all of which are set in Japan, is a treat for lovers of surrealism.
Most of Murakami's heroes are every day Joes who experience uncommon situations. Each plot is as implausible as it gets and every character has queer mannerisms. However, common themes of loss, loneliness, deceit and fear are woven beautifully into all stories.
So good is Murakami with his art that by the end of each chapter you will have met with fear and loneliness, in person.
What also makes the book an absolute page turner, is Murakami's lucid story telling. Even though most stories deal with dark themes and depressing milieu, there is always a tinge of thrill to the climax. Also, with time, you will realise that Murakami gives much space to his characters. There is no hurry to unveil their circumstances or idiosyncrasies. As a reader, you will have to be patient and let the stories unfold at their own pace.
Having been so kind to the book, I must add that reading Murakami can be difficult for his first time readers. Unless, they are open to lack of closure.
If you can handle unpredictability, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman will definitely win your approval.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Ever since my humble attempts at mountain climbing in Maharashtra, I hunted for articles and personal accounts of mountaineers.
That is how I landed at Jon Krakauer's write up for Outside magazine.
Jon, a seasoned climber and sports journalist, had always harbored dreams of conquering Everest. So when he received a chance to be a part of, and cover a guided expedition to Everest in 1996; he felt he had been gifted the only real wish he ever had.
Little did he know that it would come to be known as the worst season in Everest History.
Dis-satisfied with having to squeeze a lifetime worth of experience in a magazine article, Jon set out to write a book on his Mount Everest Conquest.
Into Thin Air is Jon's account of the horrifying proportions the journey assumed - with 8 climbers dead in one day, and 15 in the whole season, the event attracted world-wide criticism on the commercialisation of Everest.
The book adopts a factual, fast paced, non-biased narrative, which grips the reader from the word Go.
Where his Outside article raced through the tragedy, the book is carefully penned; building up on speed while detailing out every person on the tour, the preparation that went into the conquest and the small mistakes that finally snowballed into the tragedy.
One gets a good look at what an ordinary Sherpa's life is, how the Himalayan region has benefited from mountaineering expeditions and also how commercialisation has affected, the once pristine Everest.
Every chapter begins with a passage from books/personal accounts/articles written by Mountaineering Legends - men who have conquered Everest, The North and South Poles, and undertaken other such journeys that ordinary mortals can only dream about. These passages add an intriguing dimension to such people - people who cannot be pinned down with adjectives, who would give up their lives, fight natural disasters and physical ailments - only to conquer an ideal which appeals to their souls - however lofty, radical and insane it may sound to others.
At a philosophical level, Jon shares what motivates a mountaineer and why such people are either highly admired or strongly detested for what they represent. After all, an Everest Climb requires one to be very comfortable with the idea of Death, the idea of letting go and never getting back to one's loved ones. Some people also equate climbing mountains to an intense spiritual activity - both exercises require one to suspend all mundane thoughts and dwell within, for all answers.
The book very poignantly showcases the best and the worst a human being is capable of. In fact, worst is not the right word here, for, in disasters like these, one can never judge the actions of the people involved.
Though the expedition had a tragic end, the book also showcases some miraculous escapes - escapes that gave me goose bumps while reading.Needless to add, but I still will, what the human mind is capable of - is beyond most of us can ever fathom.
A favourite thought here - When your legs take you no far, when you feel the last drop of energy sucked out from you, when your mind appears to have given up, it is then you should know that you are only mid-way through.
Into Thin Air is one of the most stirring reads ever and highly recommended for one and all.
Once you are done with the book, I suggest you watch Dr. Ken Kamler's account of the tragedy - he was the only doctor present, when the blizzard struck.
*****
Arjun Vajpayee's Everest conquest didn't attract the appreciation it should have, owing to the Mangalore crash.
However, one must acknowledge the gumption, sacrifice and grace that go into such expeditions.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Eat Pray Love (EPL) begins with Elizabeth Gilbert's admission about un-mendable cracks in her marriage, and her need to get away from the emotional wreck her life has become.
A fiercely independent, yet emotionally fractured Eliza finds herself on a suicidal mission; until, friends intervene and seek professional help for her.
Determined to find meaning to her wayward and unhappy existence, Eliza embarks on a one year journey to find pleasure (Rome), peace (India) and love (Indonesia).
This is all there is to this book.
*****
Having said that, EPL is one of the most well written books of recent times.
*****
Eliza's four month sojourns in Italy, India and Indonesia each, will resonate with every kind of reader.
After John Grisham's The Broker, EPL is another book on Italy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Staying across cities like Rome, Naples, Sicily, Venice, Bologna and more - Eliza creates a delectable experience and makes one feel more like a traveling companion, than a reader. This part of the book highlights her gastronomical indulgences and creates vivid and beautiful imagery of all things Italian. Her writing on the food she samples, is a delight for every foodie. It also helps that she is a seasoned traveler; and hence, infuses enough information on Italian people, culture, architecture and beauty - all, in a non clinical (Non Lonely Planet) sort of way.
She follows up Italy with a devotion filled stay at an Indian ashram. This part of her journey is supposed to be more inward looking. Her thoughts on religion and spirituality will draw you in a thoughtful discussion - irrespective of whether you are a believer or a skeptic. Having said this, her emotional upheavals also appear trite, a lot of time. Glorification of one's emotional tragedies isn't something I appreciate. However, I do think she did it with her eyes fixed on landing a Hollywood contract (Yeah, Julia Roberts stars in EPL's Hollywood version to be released later this year).
Eliza's stay in Bali, Indonesia is more of a relaxed and free wheeling vacation. Through this experience, she attempts to find love and companionship. The section also offers a very interesting look at the highly orthodox and suffocatingly structured Balinese society.
*****
EPL offers something to every type of reader - a food extravaganza, a look at a life in an ashram, and interesting tidbits for students of anthropology.
You will find many interesting anecdotes and facts on various people and their habits
I recommend Eat Pray Love - an elegantly narrated memoir.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Image Courtesy : Ecommwire
Connect the Dots by Rashmi Bansal is the second instalment in her entrepreneurship series; first one being Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.
Both books cover entrepreneurial journeys; the former on IIM entrepreneurs and the latter on non-MBA entrepreneurs.
Connect the Dots, much like Stay Hungry... is straightforward in its approach. 20 chapters on 20 entrepreneurs from various fields - Food, Sugar, Education, Paper, etc.
The icing here is, the coverage of 4 people from creative fields like wildlife photography (Kalyan Varma), direction (Prakash Mokashi - Harishchandrachi Factory) and dance (Krishna Reddy - Prince Dance Group, India's Got Talent).
I think creative people - be they writers or dancers, often face more troubles at selling their art and making a living.
*****
Though the book brings forth impressive stories, I did not like the format.
20 chapters on 20 entrepreneurs - simple Q&A sessions. I felt I was reading a newspaper supplement on entrepreneurship, in a book format.
*****
A lot of research and hard work seem to have gone into the book. However, since the book aimed at bringing us the Non-MBA examples, it would have been better to exclude stories, even of IIT graduates.
Though extremely innovative in their own right, most students at the country's top engineering institutions have access to on-campus incubators and mentoring. So, this alone beats the purpose of presenting grassroots entrepreneurs; people without mentors and channels of funding.
Having said that, at the cost of contradicting myself, I immensely enjoyed reading about Political Edge - an IIT-B duo startup.
Overall, an informative and inspiring read.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Image Courtesy: India Uncut
When umpteen visits to Crossword and Odyssey failed to fetch me a copy of My Friend Sancho (MFS), I wrote to Amit Varma, who suggested Flipcart. Rightly so. Shopping at Flipcart was hassle free and quick.
Amit Varma of the India Uncut fame is a journalist-blogger-novelist.
My Friend Sancho is his first novel.
Being a regular at IU, I expected a satire on the watchdogs of democracy or an insider's look at the machinations of the BMC.
Thankfully, Amit didn't consult me for the plot.
For then, I wouldn't have met Abir Ganguly.
MFS is a young Tabloid Journalist, Abir Ganguly's journey through Bombay, Tabloid Journalism, ethics, crime, family, friendship, confusion and love.
A routine, petty crime coverage goes awry and Abir becomes an unwilling party to a police encounter. Later, wanting to do a human-interest story on the deceased, Mohammed Iqbal, Abir meets and befriends his daughter, Muneeza, who shares snippets of their un-eventful, yet loving life together.
Professional Ethics-cum-order from a sly boss-cum the need for masala demand Abir to do a balanced piece, and present a sketch on Inspector Thombre, the man responsible for the wrongful shootout.
Amidst juggling between work responsibilities, dreams of a rich life, and taking potshots at celebrities, Abir sees a delicate relationship form between him and Muneeza.
Will Abir be able to do justice to Mohammed Iqbal, or will he end up supporting the wily Inspector Thombre?
Would Muneeza still be his friend when she realises the truth, or, would Abir have to settle with a lizard as a companion?
Read MFS to find out for yourself.
The book worked for me because of :
- The humour - I thought I was fairly immune to Amit's humour. I was wrong. MFS has plenty of wit and sarcasm that will keep you wanting for more
- The prose - A book works for me, if, it can articulate its idea without me having to refer to a thesaurus often. By that standard alone, MFS is a winner. An easy style, lovely font, frothy read
- Bombay - The unabashed use of the word "Bombay" earned Amit brownie points. I only hope the MNS doesn't discover this !
- Indian Writers - A lot of Indian writers borrow their style from Western authors. They end up disappointing everyone. I am glad Amit didn't succumb to this fad and came up with a cosmopolitan, yet Indian novel
- The Climax - The book ends at the right moment. Amit should strictly avoid a sequel, unless, it offers a more biting humour
- Sex - Yes, a well thought out, humorous, tightly woven and earnest piece of work, doesn't need that one customary page of sex to sell itself. I would have hated MFS if it would have gone the Chetan Bhagat or Manreet Sodhi Someshwar way
It would be interesting to see if Amit can dish out better etched characters, who don't necessarily mirror his own thoughts, the next time around.
For now, Sancho awaits you.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
After To kill a mockingbird and the tonnes of Mills & Boons, this is one book that I completed in 24 hours flat.
Not that it is a masterpiece... Just that it's an easy read..
Joker in the pack traces the life of one Shekhar Verma - from his childhood in a modest neighbourhood in Delhi to the reverential corridors of an Indian Institute of Management.
Written in first person, this is an honest and straight forward account of a middle class guy, with dreams to make it big and his journey to the IIM - B and beyond.
The book gives us a detailed look into a Grad's life at the institution, his daily victories and defeats, the setbacks and little blessings...the longish days and even longer nights - all filled with classes, assignments, projects, extra currics, quizzes, tests, term papers, one-hour naps, 4 hour sleep days, summer internships, foreign exchange programs, summer placements, PPOs, final placements and a crazy, frenetic, dazed, coffee and booze filled life.
If this wasn't enough, our protagonist also has to deal with personal demons in the form of a broken relationship, a downward spiralling confidence and the incessant and mounting competition from batch mates.
The authors, Neeraj Pahlajani and Ritesh Sharma, both IIM B & L graduates respectively, provide for some genuine, honest and funny insights into what goes into the making of an IIMite.
In the form of Shekhar Verma, many a questions are raised - about age old traditions followed at the institution to "arbit" class participation requirements to the fascination for all female species on the campus to moral codes one shouldn't break during placements.
Shekhar represents a 22 year old guy, who by chance/design has ended up at the institution and wants to make it big. He doesn't fit the description of a genius, yet, manages to stay owing to sheer hard work and help from batch mates.
Joker in the pack does not make any moral judgments on the whys and hows of how such institutions work. It just brings to the fore what a graduate should expect and be prepared for during his stay at one of the IIMs (Or, I daresay, any top tier B school in India).
Mostly, I liked the book. Yet, it did give some insights which didn't go down very well with me, personally.
The protagonist, largely, has no particular purpose in life. Not that every 22 year old does. Yet, Shekhar Verma wants to be the king of the world at 22 - whether that comes through I-Banking, Consulting or any such fancy and glamorous field is immaterial. The profile takes a back-seat while all that is of prime importance is getting placed on Day 0 to maintain one's fragile ego. I am assuming this is representative of the large chunk of IIMiites?!
Studies have shown us how a large chunk of IIM graduates leave their first jobs within the first year of work. Isn't this because their personal goals or ideas might not align with those of the company in question? So why go through the high intensity, depression and panic filled Day 0/1/2 placements? Why not turn it into a 10 days/1 month period wherein the students as well as prospective employers can spend more time and see if they genuinely meet each other's expectations?
Also, this book should be read by the HR of all top tier companies that throng the IIMs. Just how do "Plan for next five years"/"where do you see yourself in the next ten years" help them sieve through the sea of students and zero in on the next CEO material? For me, these two are the most idiotic questions EVER.
I am making these points because the IIMs are the torchbearers of Indian Management Education. All other institutions follow what the leaders do. Doing away with their complex and not so transparent placement process would do a world of good to all the stakeholders.
So, Joker in the Pack is an interesting read. Do give it a shot.
Also, if you are keen on reading more in this genre, a better, sharper, funnier and a more wholesome look at a Management Graduate's life has been portrayed in Snapshots from Hell by Peter Robinson - a look into a Stanford MBA's life. A lovely read that leaves one spell bound and shocked at the same time !
Not that it is a masterpiece... Just that it's an easy read..
Joker in the pack traces the life of one Shekhar Verma - from his childhood in a modest neighbourhood in Delhi to the reverential corridors of an Indian Institute of Management.
Written in first person, this is an honest and straight forward account of a middle class guy, with dreams to make it big and his journey to the IIM - B and beyond.
The book gives us a detailed look into a Grad's life at the institution, his daily victories and defeats, the setbacks and little blessings...the longish days and even longer nights - all filled with classes, assignments, projects, extra currics, quizzes, tests, term papers, one-hour naps, 4 hour sleep days, summer internships, foreign exchange programs, summer placements, PPOs, final placements and a crazy, frenetic, dazed, coffee and booze filled life.
If this wasn't enough, our protagonist also has to deal with personal demons in the form of a broken relationship, a downward spiralling confidence and the incessant and mounting competition from batch mates.
The authors, Neeraj Pahlajani and Ritesh Sharma, both IIM B & L graduates respectively, provide for some genuine, honest and funny insights into what goes into the making of an IIMite.
In the form of Shekhar Verma, many a questions are raised - about age old traditions followed at the institution to "arbit" class participation requirements to the fascination for all female species on the campus to moral codes one shouldn't break during placements.
Shekhar represents a 22 year old guy, who by chance/design has ended up at the institution and wants to make it big. He doesn't fit the description of a genius, yet, manages to stay owing to sheer hard work and help from batch mates.
Joker in the pack does not make any moral judgments on the whys and hows of how such institutions work. It just brings to the fore what a graduate should expect and be prepared for during his stay at one of the IIMs (Or, I daresay, any top tier B school in India).
Mostly, I liked the book. Yet, it did give some insights which didn't go down very well with me, personally.
The protagonist, largely, has no particular purpose in life. Not that every 22 year old does. Yet, Shekhar Verma wants to be the king of the world at 22 - whether that comes through I-Banking, Consulting or any such fancy and glamorous field is immaterial. The profile takes a back-seat while all that is of prime importance is getting placed on Day 0 to maintain one's fragile ego. I am assuming this is representative of the large chunk of IIMiites?!
Studies have shown us how a large chunk of IIM graduates leave their first jobs within the first year of work. Isn't this because their personal goals or ideas might not align with those of the company in question? So why go through the high intensity, depression and panic filled Day 0/1/2 placements? Why not turn it into a 10 days/1 month period wherein the students as well as prospective employers can spend more time and see if they genuinely meet each other's expectations?
Also, this book should be read by the HR of all top tier companies that throng the IIMs. Just how do "Plan for next five years"/"where do you see yourself in the next ten years" help them sieve through the sea of students and zero in on the next CEO material? For me, these two are the most idiotic questions EVER.
I am making these points because the IIMs are the torchbearers of Indian Management Education. All other institutions follow what the leaders do. Doing away with their complex and not so transparent placement process would do a world of good to all the stakeholders.
So, Joker in the Pack is an interesting read. Do give it a shot.
Also, if you are keen on reading more in this genre, a better, sharper, funnier and a more wholesome look at a Management Graduate's life has been portrayed in Snapshots from Hell by Peter Robinson - a look into a Stanford MBA's life. A lovely read that leaves one spell bound and shocked at the same time !
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I received this book as a gift on my Birthday.
I got started immediately since the subject was too interesting to be kept for later -
The First Woman ever at HLL's Sales and her experiences amidst the "all boys' club".
"Earning the ..." starts with the Protagonist "Noor Bhalla's" final days at IIM-C.
It takes us through the grind of management classes, the cut-throat competition during placements and all the gumption one might require to survive in one of the finest institutions of the country.
Noor lands up with an offer at HLL's sales and from thereon the journey is quite interesting for her as well as the reader.
The book is fast paced and is laced with very interesting experiences gathered by the Author in her stint as a Trainee and Asst. Sales Manager.
It gives an interesting account of the myriad projects that a sales trainee should expect at HLL - and not all of them being glamorous !
Infact, the book is quite an interesting peek into what a sales person has to go through and the ammo required to battle it out in the heat and dust filled, superstition driven hinterland.
The book is very expressive and one can almost feel the heat of "Etah" and the taste of "Lassi" as described by Noor.
You shall definitely end up with loads of admiration for innumerable and 'faceless" sales staff of big corporations. If not for them and their tenacity, the companies wouldn't be able to find any shelf and mind space !
It helps that Noor is a gutsy and bindaas babe who is also an idealist. Her idealism and "never-say-die" attitude come in handy while dealing with Corporate Czars and Roadside Gundas alike.
The best thing about the book is that Manreet doesn't pass any judgment on the various experiences and the colorful people that join her on her journey.
Mostly, she is like a sponge who soaks in all the learnings and lets the reader decide if a stand needs to be taken.
The one thing that I didn't like about the book - the use of heavy and unnecessary words !
Aisa laga jaise Manreet haal hi mai CAT ka exam de kar aayi hai.
A good book doesn't need a thesaurus to get a message across.
There is lots of other masala too like a Banker Boyfriend and a model like room mate. However, these, in no way affect the narration and pace of the book.
Earning the Laundry Stripes is one of the better written accounts and is a must read for all Sales/Marketing Wannabes.
P.S. - My friend tells me that he faced lots of problems to get a copy of this book. It wasn't available at major bookstores and he had to finally get a copy from the Publishing House !
Now that's a little surprising.
A Sales/Marketing Manager ki book getting no shelf space?!
The book could definitely have been promoted a LOT better.
I got started immediately since the subject was too interesting to be kept for later -
The First Woman ever at HLL's Sales and her experiences amidst the "all boys' club".
"Earning the ..." starts with the Protagonist "Noor Bhalla's" final days at IIM-C.
It takes us through the grind of management classes, the cut-throat competition during placements and all the gumption one might require to survive in one of the finest institutions of the country.
Noor lands up with an offer at HLL's sales and from thereon the journey is quite interesting for her as well as the reader.
The book is fast paced and is laced with very interesting experiences gathered by the Author in her stint as a Trainee and Asst. Sales Manager.
It gives an interesting account of the myriad projects that a sales trainee should expect at HLL - and not all of them being glamorous !
Infact, the book is quite an interesting peek into what a sales person has to go through and the ammo required to battle it out in the heat and dust filled, superstition driven hinterland.
The book is very expressive and one can almost feel the heat of "Etah" and the taste of "Lassi" as described by Noor.
You shall definitely end up with loads of admiration for innumerable and 'faceless" sales staff of big corporations. If not for them and their tenacity, the companies wouldn't be able to find any shelf and mind space !
It helps that Noor is a gutsy and bindaas babe who is also an idealist. Her idealism and "never-say-die" attitude come in handy while dealing with Corporate Czars and Roadside Gundas alike.
The best thing about the book is that Manreet doesn't pass any judgment on the various experiences and the colorful people that join her on her journey.
Mostly, she is like a sponge who soaks in all the learnings and lets the reader decide if a stand needs to be taken.
The one thing that I didn't like about the book - the use of heavy and unnecessary words !
Aisa laga jaise Manreet haal hi mai CAT ka exam de kar aayi hai.
A good book doesn't need a thesaurus to get a message across.
There is lots of other masala too like a Banker Boyfriend and a model like room mate. However, these, in no way affect the narration and pace of the book.
Earning the Laundry Stripes is one of the better written accounts and is a must read for all Sales/Marketing Wannabes.
P.S. - My friend tells me that he faced lots of problems to get a copy of this book. It wasn't available at major bookstores and he had to finally get a copy from the Publishing House !
Now that's a little surprising.
A Sales/Marketing Manager ki book getting no shelf space?!
The book could definitely have been promoted a LOT better.
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