For a book lover like me, having Odyssey just about hundred meters from home is a boon. Every time I go past it, I feel a strong a urge to get in and surf the enchanting world of books. And…more often than not…I give in to my urge!
Last Monday when I was browsing the various sections of books at Odyssey, one title caught my attention…”The 3 mistakes of my life”, by Chetan Bhagat. It really was a pleasant surprise because I was not aware Chetan was going to release his third novel. I had no hesitation in buying it no matter what the price. But would you believe it??....the price is just Rs.95/-…After the phenomenal success of his two previous books, it is but natural to expect a hike in price. But Rupa & Co kept it to the same affordable price much to the delight of all Chetan Bhagat fans.
The novel is based on the true story of a young businessman from Ahmedabad, Govind Patel, who, before committing suicide (by popping in sleeping pills), sends an e-mail to Chetan (God knows why!). And, Chetan, with the help of his ex-professor at IIM Ahmedabad, tracks him down. Fortunately, Govind survives and is being treated in a government hospital. Chetan flies all the way from Hongkong to Ahmedabad to meet him. After much persuasion from Chetan, Govind tells his story and that is the plot of the novel.
This book is beyond doubt, Chetan’s second best after Five Point Some One. But…let me tell you the margin is so small. While the former is pure fun, the latter embraces a wide range of human emotions. The author narrates in a touching tone, how Govind and his two best friends, Ishaan an Omi, become the victims of incidents as diverse as natural calamities and religious riots. He does well in linking some of the most significant incidents from
On the whole, this book is about cricket and how an exceptionally gifted young batsman named Ali is nurtured, groomed and ultimately saved from religious extremists by the three friends. Most of the drama in this book, I believe is in this section that involves cricket and Ali.
And finally, it is utter injustice if I do not touch upon one of the most important characters of this novel, Vidya, Ishaan’s sister. She’s a clever, naughty and confident girl who lures Govind into her spell, when he starts teaching her Maths for her medical entrance examination. This is the best part of the novel and I really loved every bit of it. You can’t help rolling with laughter on so many occasions in this episode, when the author brings his customary, rib tickling humor to the fore. Chetan seems to be at his best when it comes to romance and Vidya and Govind bring back those wonderful memories of Neha and Hari from Five Point Some One…
There are episodes in this novel, that one feels are a bit over the top, like the Australian episode…but let me remind you that it is a novel, and no novel can be 100% real…it needs to be dramatized to a certain degree. What do you prefer to watch, a documentary or an action thriller…??
Take my word…this book is a treat!! Don’t miss it! After reading this book, let me tell you…you can’t help desperately waiting for Chetan’s next novel. He’s driving the youth of
The day when I met Chetan
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Big Bazaar, Ameerpet,
Chetan Bhagat came to
I was ecstatic that I carried my book with me to the venue because at the end, he signed all the books.
What a day!!! I pinched my hand…ouch...yes…it’s not a dream!!!!!
Don’t be surprised, if some 20 years down the line, this book signed by him sells for a million Dollars at some famous auction firm in USA or UK….!!!!!!!
