Five Point Some One

Published on July 19, 2004 By Confusing Musings In Entertainment

What not to do at IIT.

This is the book which I have just finished. Author - Chetan Bhagat, is an IIT-D and IIM-A alumni. He has written it from his own experiences at IIT. I will not reveal the plot, if you can call it a plot. But yes, I will let you know what one should expect from the book.

The book is by an IITian, but for both IITians and non IITians. Only that, former would really relate to the incidents while the latter will be rendered wide-jawed in disbelief.

The story is about 3 guys who get into IIT with the dreams of great future, get the rudest shock of there lives when they see the horrendous curriculum and cut throat competition. Assignments, surprise quizzes, exams, lectures, labs, library, maggus take their toll on them. They lose the sense of east or west. Though, the story is pretty hackneyed, it's the personal chemistry created between these guys and how they keep devising new survival plans and theories which binds the reader. There are some great one liners, conversations, which remind me of our typical 4 Bot bulla session we had every night at my room (no 144).

Behavioural chronology is perfect. First they go through shock and disbelief, then try to grapple with situation, failing which they get frustrated with IIT system and start cursing it, and then they find recluse in this escapist and defeatist attitude. These guys are the heroes, Profs are the villains, and yes, there is a heroine as well. There are usual suspects like -Good and Bad Profs(and their daughters), Deans, HODs, Lectures, Quizzes, Faculty Building, CC, DisCo (disciplinary Committee), Vodka, Dope, Frustoos - which you can find in any IIT, make the integral part of the story. Initially, author dwells a bit too much on characterization, hence narrative slacks. Once you get through the first five chapters, the narrative becomes absorbing.

However, there are certain portions which could have been done better. Inorder to create the impression of an engineering college for non-IITians, author gets too technical too soon. You don't have Manufacturing Processes or Applied Mechanics course in first semester. The book seems to be more on Mechanical Engineering department than IIT as a whole. But, all said and done, the book is worth it's money. It reminded me of my days at IIT-K , the fun and not-so-fun I had there. I am sure you will feel the same.

Happy reading!

Comments

No one has commented on this article. Be the first!

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!