Saturday, 2 November 2013
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
The Greatness Guide: Powerful Secrets for Getting to World Class Review by Vanga Srikanth
About the Author
Robin Sharma is one of the world's most highly respected
leadership experts. He is devoted to the mission of helping
organizations develop people who Lead Without a Title so that they win
in this period of intense change. His clients include Microsoft, GE,
FedEx, IBM, Nike, NASA, Yale University, and The Young Presidents
Organization. Sharma's books, such as The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and
The Greatness Guide, have topped best-seller lists across the globe and
have sold millions of copies in more than seventy languages. They have
been embraced by rock stars, royalty, and many celebrity CEOs.
Sharma is also the co founder of 960vets.com, an innovative online support resource that helps U.S. veterans successfully reintegrate into civilian life.
The Greatness Guide: Powerful Secrets for Getting to World Class Review by Vanga Srikanth
Loved every bit of this book. Another great one from Robin Sharma,.
His style of writing is so easy for the reader that though some of the
topics may be repetitive, still it feels good to read it in simple
language again. How many of us remember what we read? So reminders as
many is good.
Lots of real life stories. Loved the quote from Jennifer Aniston. So very true.
Lots of real life stories. Loved the quote from Jennifer Aniston. So very true.
He has a clear way of looking at life, and simplifies our biggest problems, teaching us clearly to prioritize whats Important. Its a must read, for all the ones loosing their peace and sanity in this hectic busy life
Thanks
Vanga Srikanth
One Night @ The Call Center Review by Vanga Srikanth
Book Description
One Night @ The Call Center Review by Vanga Srikanth
I picked up Chetan Bhagat's book One Night @ The Call Center recently after moving to Bangalore. We all know that Bhagat writes some pretty funny tales about day to day life in India. And I definitley heard correctly as the dialogue here was quiet good and there were a few laugh out loud moments. The story is basically about a group of friends who all work in the same group for a fictitious call center in Gurgaon, India. There is some boyfriend/girlfriend stuff, bad boss stuff, and generally speaking a description of the monotony of the job. I didn't liek the introduction of God into the whole thing--it kind of ruined the story for me. Readers will immediately know what I mean. A short, fun, easy read.
The call center narrative is woven into the flashbacks the protagonist has of his past dates with his dream girl, now about to be whisked away by an Indian-American suitor to an American life. I didn't get too attached to the romance aspect of it, mostly I liked the insight into the life of the average 20-something Indian, trying to make a good living but not selling out.
Thanks
Vanga Srikanth
About the Author
Chetan Bhagat is the author of four blockbuster novels, Five Point Someone (2004), One Night @ the Call Center (2005) The 3 Mistakes of life (2008) & 2 States (2009). All four books have remained bestsellers since their release and have inspired major Bollywood films. The New York Times called Chetan the the biggest selling English language novelist in India s history. Seen more as a youth icon than just an author, this IIT D/ IIMA graduate is making India read like never before. Time Magazine named him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Chetan also writes op-ed columns for leading English and Hindi newspapers, focusing on youth and national development based issues. Many of the issues raised by Chetan s columns have been discussed in Parliament and among the top leadership of the country. Chetan is also a popular Motivational Speaker and has given talk s in leading MNC s & institutions. Chetan quit his international investment banking career in 2009, to devote his entire time to writing and make change happen in the country. He lives in Mumbai with his wife Anusha, an ex-classmate from IIMA and his twin boys Shyam and Ishaan.
Chetan Bhagat is the author of four blockbuster novels, Five Point Someone (2004), One Night @ the Call Center (2005) The 3 Mistakes of life (2008) & 2 States (2009). All four books have remained bestsellers since their release and have inspired major Bollywood films. The New York Times called Chetan the the biggest selling English language novelist in India s history. Seen more as a youth icon than just an author, this IIT D/ IIMA graduate is making India read like never before. Time Magazine named him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Chetan also writes op-ed columns for leading English and Hindi newspapers, focusing on youth and national development based issues. Many of the issues raised by Chetan s columns have been discussed in Parliament and among the top leadership of the country. Chetan is also a popular Motivational Speaker and has given talk s in leading MNC s & institutions. Chetan quit his international investment banking career in 2009, to devote his entire time to writing and make change happen in the country. He lives in Mumbai with his wife Anusha, an ex-classmate from IIMA and his twin boys Shyam and Ishaan.
One Night @ The Call Center Review by Vanga Srikanth
I picked up Chetan Bhagat's book One Night @ The Call Center recently after moving to Bangalore. We all know that Bhagat writes some pretty funny tales about day to day life in India. And I definitley heard correctly as the dialogue here was quiet good and there were a few laugh out loud moments. The story is basically about a group of friends who all work in the same group for a fictitious call center in Gurgaon, India. There is some boyfriend/girlfriend stuff, bad boss stuff, and generally speaking a description of the monotony of the job. I didn't liek the introduction of God into the whole thing--it kind of ruined the story for me. Readers will immediately know what I mean. A short, fun, easy read.
The call center narrative is woven into the flashbacks the protagonist has of his past dates with his dream girl, now about to be whisked away by an Indian-American suitor to an American life. I didn't get too attached to the romance aspect of it, mostly I liked the insight into the life of the average 20-something Indian, trying to make a good living but not selling out.
Thanks
Vanga Srikanth
The 3 (Three) Mistakes of My Life Review by Vanga Srikanth
Book Description
In late-2000, a young boy in Ahmedabad called Govind dreamt of having a
business. To accommodate his friends Ish and Omi's passion, they open a
cricket shop. Govind's wants to make money and thinks big. Ish is all
about nurturing Ali, the batsman with a rare gift. Omi knows his limited capabilities and just wants to be with his friends. However, nothing
comes easy in a turbulent city. To realize their goals, they will have
to face it all - religious politics, earthquakes, riots, unacceptable
love and above all, their own mistakes. Will they make it? Can an
individual's dreams overcome the nightmares offered by real life? Can we
succeed despite a few mistakes? Based on real events, from the
bestselling author of "Five Point Someone" and "One Night @ the call
centre", comes another dark, witty tale about modern India. About the Author
Chetan Bhagat is the author of four blockbuster novels, Five Point Someone (2004), One Night @ the Call Center (2005) The 3 Mistakes of life (2008) & 2 States (2009). All four books have remained bestsellers since their release and have inspired major Bollywood films. The New York Times called Chetan the the biggest selling English language novelist in India s history. Seen more as a youth icon than just an author, this IIT D/ IIMA graduate is making India read like never before. Time Magazine named him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Chetan also writes op-ed columns for leading English and Hindi newspapers, focusing on youth and national development based issues. Many of the issues raised by Chetan s columns have been discussed in Parliament and among the top leadership of the country. Chetan is also a popular Motivational Speaker and has given talk s in leading MNC s & institutions. Chetan quit his international investment banking career in 2009, to devote his entire time to writing and make change happen in the country. He lives in Mumbai with his wife Anusha, an ex-classmate from IIMA and his twin boys Shyam and Ishaan.
The 3 (Three) Mistakes of My Life Review by Vanga Srikanth
Very well written!! Chetan bhagat at it's best. All characters have been represented in a awesome way. A must read for all who wants to know more about Indian's nature in deferment situation of life.
The story is well written ed. Mr. Bhagat brings a new drama based on 3 friends and their struggles to fulfill their dream that they share. Social, economical, and political world takes over their lives as they come each step closer to their success. Best part about 3 mistakes of my life is that Mr. Bhagat i
nvolves a love story in the drama which keeps the reader hooked and thrilled to know about what will happen next. I wasn't a big fan of the ending but still the plot, characters, setting, and the execution of the story deserves "Praises".
I recommend all young readers to read. A contemporary drama in a traditional world.
Thanks
Vanga Srikanth
Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT Review by Vanga Srikanth
Book DescriptionNovel set in the context of the changing Indian IIT world, funy, but also insightful concerning Indian culture and modernization. excellent reviews. soon to be made into a major movie.
About the Author
Chetan Bhagat is the auhtor of 5 blockbuster novels, Five point
someone [2004], One night at the call centre [2005], and The mistake of
my life [2008]. All three books have remained best sellers, and have
inspired major Bollywood films. The New york Times called the author the
biggest selling English language novelist in India's history. Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT Review by Vanga Srikanth
My first reservation when I picked up this book was whether the story and characters would be true to life on an IIT campus. My second reservation (having read a random page from the book) was whether I would be able to remain patient through the casual and colloquial writing style. The book well exceeded my expectations on both fronts. The characterization and writing style turned out to be strengths of the book.
What happens when you put together hundreds of completely different people who only have one thing in common - they have all mindlessly and goallessly topped their way through school to now live together away from their controlled environment for the first time. The sudden realization of mediocrity and the sudden freedom to choose how to live ones life brings out the best and worst in people. Reminiscing about life at IIT is most often about those stories about the bests and worsts of those people. This is one such story.
It is hard to guess if non-IITians would enjoy this book. Though, I can certainly say that all IIT undergrads who lived on campus would find it a thoroughly enjoyable read. The book is a shockingly honest narrative written by a guy with a unique sense of humor that I have come to associate with fellow IITians - cynical, crass, insensitive, asocial, lateral, imaginative, visual. Quick read. Funny plot. Very nostalgic
Thanks
Vanga Srikanth
Revolution 2020 Book Review by Vanga Srikanth
Book Description
Book Summary of Revolution 2020 Once upon a time, in small-town India,
there lived two intelligent boys. One wanted to use his intelligence to
make money. One wanted to use his intelligence to create a revolution.
The problem was, they both loved the same girl. Welcome to Revolution
2020. A story about childhood friends Gopal, Raghav and Aarti who
struggle to find success and love in Varanasi. However, it isn't easy to
achieve this in an unfair society that rewards the corrupt. As Gopal
gives in to the system, and Raghav fights it, who will win? From the
bestselling author of Five Point Someone, one night @ the call center,
The Three Mistakes of My Life and 2 States, comes another gripping tale
from the heartland of India. Are you ready for the revolution?
Revolution 2020 Book Review by Vanga Srikanth
I love everything about this book. This book is emotionally connected
with me as it was given my my love. I love this book not because it was
given by my special person but every words in this book touched my
heart, while reading this book i went though every feelings it created.
You will love this book if u have or ever had true feelings for someone.
Revolution 2020 set in the backdrop of River Ganga (Ganges), feels more
of an exaggerated version of various current events in the Indian
sub-continent. This novel has more subtle spicy situations as in popular
English romantic novels in many chapters, compared to Chetan's previous
works. May be the Indian youth and campuses have progressed to western
outlook than ever before.
Revolution 2020 portrays the life of 3 friends from school days till late 20s with more focus on college days and thereafter - a typical triangular love story with 2 boys loving the same girl and the girl getting confused on whom to accept as a friend vs partner. Typical scenarios like - parents trying to influence kids to choose a career and life partner, political influence in every government office, dreams and ambitions of youth etc. will resonate well among readers who are familiar with Indian life styles. The author has been very successful in using current social/political situations in the novel affecting the overall progress of the story. In the end, the reader will be more inclined to cast the vote for the loser in this love race.
Definitely, not the best among all past works of Chetan Bhagat. Worth reading once..will sell well as a bollywood movie also.
Revolution 2020 portrays the life of 3 friends from school days till late 20s with more focus on college days and thereafter - a typical triangular love story with 2 boys loving the same girl and the girl getting confused on whom to accept as a friend vs partner. Typical scenarios like - parents trying to influence kids to choose a career and life partner, political influence in every government office, dreams and ambitions of youth etc. will resonate well among readers who are familiar with Indian life styles. The author has been very successful in using current social/political situations in the novel affecting the overall progress of the story. In the end, the reader will be more inclined to cast the vote for the loser in this love race.
Definitely, not the best among all past works of Chetan Bhagat. Worth reading once..will sell well as a bollywood movie also.
Regards
Vanga Srikanth
2 States: The Story of My Marriage Review by Vanga Srikanth
Book Description

Love marriages around the world are simple: Boy loves girl. Girl loves boy. They get married. In India, there are a few more steps: Boy loves Girl. Girl loves Boy. Girl's family has to love boy. Boy's family has to love girl. Girl's Family has to love Boy's Family. Boy's family has to love girl's family. Girl and Boy still love each other. They get married. Welcome to 2 States, a story about Krish and Ananya. They are from two different states of India, deeply in love and want to get married. Of course, their parents don t agree. To convert their love story into a love marriage, the couple have a tough battle in front of them. For it is easy to fight and rebel, but it is much harder to convince. Will they make it? From the author of blockbusters Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center and The 3 Mistakes of My Life, comes another witty tale about inter-community marriages in modern india.
About the Author
Chetan Bhagat is the author of four blockbuster novels, Five Point Someone (2004), One Night @ the Call Center (2005) The 3 Mistakes of life (2008) & 2 States (2009). All four books have remained bestsellers since their release and have inspired major Bollywood films. The New York Times called Chetan the the biggest selling English language novelist in India s history. Seen more as a youth icon than just an author, this IIT D/ IIMA graduate is making India read like never before. Time Magazine named him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Chetan also writes op-ed columns for leading English and Hindi newspapers, focusing on youth and national development based issues. Many of the issues raised by Chetan s columns have been discussed in Parliament and among the top leadership of the country. Chetan is also a popular Motivational Speaker and has given talk s in leading MNC s & institutions. Chetan quit his international investment banking career in 2009, to devote his entire time to writing and make change happen in the country. He lives in Mumbai with his wife Anusha, an ex-classmate from IIMA and his twin boys Shyam and Ishaan.
2 States: The Story of My Marriage Review by Vanga Srikanth
Two States is the story of Krish and Ananya who are from two different states of India, "stupidly in love" and want to get married not by eloping but with their parent's consent. Everything looks easy except.
Ananya is from a conservative Tamil family and Krish is from a typical Punjabi family. There are fireworks from the first time that their families meet and it looks like Krish and Ananya's love story is doomed from the start.
Can they convince their families that they are made for each other?
Can a Punjabi and Tamil family forget their differences of culture, values and behavior to come together as one family?
As its said "it is easy to fight and rebel, but it is much harder to convince", can they make their love story into a love marriage?
Chetan Bhagat is one author you cannot ignore. I am not a big fan of his but I do respect that fact that he revolutionized the literary market and lured back the younger generation in India which had started to drift away from reading books. He gave people simple day to day events with uncomplicated everyday dialogues that anyone could understand. His books follow the Hindi-film style settings with every masala present to entertain you.
According to me, Two Statesis his best work so far and though we cannot term it a literary classic, it is a fitting leisure read that we enjoy while traveling or lazing on a couch. The dialogues are simple and though I sometimes felt them wanting in their construction and their clarity still they achieve their purpose. The musings of Krish are funny like
'She'll never date you, it is a rasgulla down the drain' or
'OK buddy, pretty girl goes her way, rasgulla-less loser goes another.'
and also give an insight into the thought process of boys like
'Why should any guy want to be only friends with a girl? It's like agreeing to be near a chocolate cake and never eat it. It's like sitting in a racing car but not driving it.'
The characterization is noteworthy. The characters are sketched in a comic light like
'... Ankur and Aditya, both IITians who had already proposed to her without considering the embarrassment of being rejected and then sitting next to the rejection for the whole year.' or Kanyashree 'who took notes like a diligent court transcripter' , 'wrote so hard I could feel the seismic vibrations from her pen's nib.' or Ananya who had 'perfect features, with her eye, nose, lips, and ears the right size and in right places. '
I thoroughly enjoyed the contrasts that Chetan Bhagat draws between his dysfunctional Punjabi family and Ananya's strict Tamil family.
All in all a quick and light read. A one time read in my opinion. Definitely not a book you will keep in your classics bookshelf and a misfit for the company of serious readers.
Thanks
Vanga Srikanth

















