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 ...
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reviews
May 14, 2011
Keerthy
rated it: 
Chetan Bhagat, in my opinion, might not have read any good book in his life, except Mills and Boons. Now, he might be India's bestselling author, but he can never be a best writer, if he goes on writing this stuff. I never see any substance in his writing, no standard. If there is any in 5 Point Someone, it has been on the wane since then!
Though I started reading this book, just to know how not to write, I hate myself for reading his books. Should read atleast 10 classics to exonerate myse More...
Though I started reading this book, just to know how not to write, I hate myself for reading his books. Should read atleast 10 classics to exonerate myse More...
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Nov 02, 2009
Lilyrose
rated it: 
Bollywood on paper - There, that sums up this book in 3 words. I'm not Chetan Bhagat's greatest fan, but this book is a light, quick, fun read and is certainly infinitely better than Three Mistakes of My Life.
The familiar North-South divide is analyzed with hilarity in this book as IIMA graduates Krish ( A Punjabi) and Ananya ( A Tamilian) hope to get married without eloping or being estranged but with their parents' consent. Based on Bhagat's own love story, this book is about how i More...
The familiar North-South divide is analyzed with hilarity in this book as IIMA graduates Krish ( A Punjabi) and Ananya ( A Tamilian) hope to get married without eloping or being estranged but with their parents' consent. Based on Bhagat's own love story, this book is about how i More...
Jan 31, 2010
Neha
rated it:
There is Fiction, then there is Drama and then there is Bollywood.. well 2 States is definitely not the former 2.. being Bollywood end to end. At time you think it is a script written for a movie & by chance printed as a book.
Long back when I read Chetan's 5 pt Someone, I liked it, as in it was a fresh perspective touching the educated youth of today - it wasn't movie stuff but definitely a piece of my life or those around me. Then came 'One Night at the Call Centre' - It was ok ok, More...
Long back when I read Chetan's 5 pt Someone, I liked it, as in it was a fresh perspective touching the educated youth of today - it wasn't movie stuff but definitely a piece of my life or those around me. Then came 'One Night at the Call Centre' - It was ok ok, More...
Mar 13, 2011
Julia
rated it:
I'm about 30 pages in and I was having high expectataion on this book warmly recommended to me by some Indian friendes. Chetan Bhagat is one of the most-beloved Indian authors writing in English, but as everywhere, the best-loved isn't always the best literature.
The characters are unpleasant and boring, the dialogues flat and the situations seem contrived - I can't relate to the sense of humour at all and the writing sounds like some chit-chat of university students, the narrator be More...
The characters are unpleasant and boring, the dialogues flat and the situations seem contrived - I can't relate to the sense of humour at all and the writing sounds like some chit-chat of university students, the narrator be More...
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Aug 11, 2010
Sapphire
rated it: 
Many people will certainly think before reading a Chetan Bhagat novel for sure,but this book is definately a quick read & enjoyable too.
The plot is basically Punjbi-Tamilian warfront.
Bollywood masala is the flavour for the book but still enjoyable.Krish(Punjabi by birth) and Ananya (Tamilian) both fall fo each other while completing their MBA from IIM-A. After a no problem love story of two years ,a major problem is to be confronted-PARENTS.
As we all know for More...
The plot is basically Punjbi-Tamilian warfront.
Bollywood masala is the flavour for the book but still enjoyable.Krish(Punjabi by birth) and Ananya (Tamilian) both fall fo each other while completing their MBA from IIM-A. After a no problem love story of two years ,a major problem is to be confronted-PARENTS.
As we all know for More...
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Aug 05, 2010
Jegan
rated it:
First Things First.
The Moment i Finished reading the 269th page of the Book and closed it. All I wanted to do, Is to meet these 2 ppl - Krish and Ananya ( The 2 Characters in the Book ) to give them a Big salute.
All the course of the Book i was looking around to see whether the things said in the book are really happening or its Jus a Book tat im reading.
The events, the reactions , the acts are so so real tat at times you feel ur reading ur own Biography.
More...
The Moment i Finished reading the 269th page of the Book and closed it. All I wanted to do, Is to meet these 2 ppl - Krish and Ananya ( The 2 Characters in the Book ) to give them a Big salute.
All the course of the Book i was looking around to see whether the things said in the book are really happening or its Jus a Book tat im reading.
The events, the reactions , the acts are so so real tat at times you feel ur reading ur own Biography.
More...
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Sep 04, 2010
Rajesh
rated it:
Hmmmm........
Another great book from Chetan Bhagat. After reading this book i became an extreme fan of Chetan. A very very very good story for all Indians who are in love with a girl of different community. The best part of the book is the last cover page which tells the extreme truth about love stories of India. The story is griping.
All characters of these books rocks. Ananya and Krish's love story is mind blowing. Cool features and the most enjoyable part of the book is the More...
Another great book from Chetan Bhagat. After reading this book i became an extreme fan of Chetan. A very very very good story for all Indians who are in love with a girl of different community. The best part of the book is the last cover page which tells the extreme truth about love stories of India. The story is griping.
All characters of these books rocks. Ananya and Krish's love story is mind blowing. Cool features and the most enjoyable part of the book is the More...
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Jan 01, 2012
Matt
rated it: 
Very educational (and highly accurate! If a bit exaggerated in a few areas for the sake of compelling fiction) story about the difficulties of cross-state (read: cross-cultural, cross-language, cross-race) marriages in India, particularly when it's a North/South marriage. Each state in India behaves a lot more like an independent country than part of the larger cultural India. The flag, the Hindi language, the shared government--they feel a lot more like a cookie cutter (ghee mysore pak cutter?)
More...
Oct 15, 2011
Andy
rated it:
2 States
by Chetan Bhagat
Publisher's write-up :
“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 who are from two di More...
by Chetan Bhagat
Publisher's write-up :
“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 who are from two di More...
Feb 24, 2011
Kara
rated it:
Chetan Bhagat explores the issues of marriage in India. It is a clash of what I would think "New India" is and "Old India". Just like it says on the back, boy and girl meet, fall in love, now have to convince their parents of their love. I found this story interesting because it explores the idea of arranged marriage while demonstrating some of Indian wedding culture. The kids want to get married, but have to convince their parents they are right for each other, despite t
More...
Aug 03, 2010
R. Sun Moon
rated it:
I just completed this one and wanted to write out the review immediately before i start hating it more.
First impression, it's manageable, anyone who has been thru an inter-community marriage definitely gets to relate to this story. I only say 'relate' not actually 'like'. Here are some fine observations:
1) Chetan bhagat has this uncanny ability to show love stories with some post-processed attitude. I mean everyone knows that when in love we are actually all starry-eyed, but More...
First impression, it's manageable, anyone who has been thru an inter-community marriage definitely gets to relate to this story. I only say 'relate' not actually 'like'. Here are some fine observations:
1) Chetan bhagat has this uncanny ability to show love stories with some post-processed attitude. I mean everyone knows that when in love we are actually all starry-eyed, but More...
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May 03, 2010
Ramakrishnan
rated it:
This is not a book for the (pseudo or otherwise) intellectual. This is not meant for the hyper-sensitive-I-am-hurt-by-your-comments individual. Above all, this is most certainly not meant for I-am-a-Punju-and-I-rock or the I-am-Tam-Brahm-and-we-are-the-best-there-can-be.
This is a book for those looking for some entertainment; those who can laugh at themselves; those who can derive amusement from minor observations made by the author; ones who can understand that the author is stretch More...
This is a book for those looking for some entertainment; those who can laugh at themselves; those who can derive amusement from minor observations made by the author; ones who can understand that the author is stretch More...
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Mar 09, 2010
Parthiban
rated it: 
This is a story of two classmates at IIM(A) -- Krish, a Punjabi man and Ananya, a Tamilian woman -- who become friends, fall in love and want to get married. They decide to convince their parents to let them marry each other instead of, say, elope. In order to bring the two families together, the couple had to navigate a byzantine path strewn with obstacles arising mainly from their respective families'
cultural differences. The vast differences between the two states split the families More...
cultural differences. The vast differences between the two states split the families More...
Mar 03, 2010
billyboneshaker
rated it:
Positives:
* Very simple writing style. Nothing extravagant.
* Some really interesting moments like Krish and Ananya’s father working on presentation and a romantic number playing in the background.
* Highlights what parents think of their children as marriage commodity and it is still prevalent in some parts of the country.
* Gives a very real feel to the story as if the people are really around you.
Negatives:
* Some of the si More...
* Very simple writing style. Nothing extravagant.
* Some really interesting moments like Krish and Ananya’s father working on presentation and a romantic number playing in the background.
* Highlights what parents think of their children as marriage commodity and it is still prevalent in some parts of the country.
* Gives a very real feel to the story as if the people are really around you.
Negatives:
* Some of the si More...
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Feb 08, 2010
s.a
rated it:
Everyone I know who has read the book, has loved it. And recommended it. Not that I had raised my expectations due to that. Mainly because I did not like 5.someone that much either -- which was the author's first and best and even more popular and highly recommended book.
Firstly, the positives. The theme/intention is good, light, fun. This is definitely a book for masses. And YES, there are one-liners, and/or wise-cracks, that are totally hilarious and I too enjoyed them and laughed More...
Firstly, the positives. The theme/intention is good, light, fun. This is definitely a book for masses. And YES, there are one-liners, and/or wise-cracks, that are totally hilarious and I too enjoyed them and laughed More...
Dec 19, 2009
suchi
rated it:
I think I read some light and easy book after a very long stint of series of heavy and dense books. So, the change was welcome :). This was just another book from Chetan Bhagat in his own free-floating prose. Somehow, I could feel a connection with the book, owning to my Punjabi background. I could strongly and closely relate to routine incidents as in how the miss of ghee in a dal can cause fury, the lavish fat ceremonies, the expectations from children and last but not the least - the naming c
More...
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Nov 25, 2009
Moksh
rated it:
Dear Mr. Chetan Bhagat
Another Bollywood movie in the making
Two States is a story between a couple Ananya and Krish, who meet in college, the reputed IIM-A, and take their relationship forward even though there are from two separate worlds, two different cultures, two different states, and of course two families, dont think they wanted to relaise in the end they are brother and sister, that would be a story. Actually, the story is as to how the convince their parents to get them More...
Another Bollywood movie in the making
Two States is a story between a couple Ananya and Krish, who meet in college, the reputed IIM-A, and take their relationship forward even though there are from two separate worlds, two different cultures, two different states, and of course two families, dont think they wanted to relaise in the end they are brother and sister, that would be a story. Actually, the story is as to how the convince their parents to get them More...
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Nov 16, 2009
Ainee
rated it:
Chetan Bhagat goes back to his roots in 2 States. Taking off from where he left with Five Point Someone, he bases this one on his own love story that began on the campus. The protagonists Krish Malhotra and Ananaya Swaminathan meet in the mess of IIM Ahmedabad, become friends, fall in love and decide to tell their parents. Predictably, just like in a Bollywood potboiler, trouble starts when their parents meet for the first time and disapprove of a relationship between the Punjabi boy and the Tam
More...
Oct 13, 2009
Smita
rated it:
Chetan Bhagat’s fourth book (interestingly the Title of all his books has a number in it) is inspired by his own family & experience.
Krish & Ananaya meet in the mess of IIM A, become friends, fall in love, get jobs respectively & wish to carry the commitment forward by getting married.
The smooth sailing affair hits major road blocks because Krish is Punjabi & Ananaya a Tamilian. Their respective families are predictably against the alliance and thus begin the journey of More...
Krish & Ananaya meet in the mess of IIM A, become friends, fall in love, get jobs respectively & wish to carry the commitment forward by getting married.
The smooth sailing affair hits major road blocks because Krish is Punjabi & Ananaya a Tamilian. Their respective families are predictably against the alliance and thus begin the journey of More...
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Aug 20, 2011
Tanisha
rated it:
When I started with this book I decide to discard all my biases towards Bhagat's writings. Let’s admit it, he has never been a favorite of mine.Alas! it was of no use as the writer continues in exactly the same tone as his previous books.
I finally made up my mind to read this book after two years of its release after a strong recommendation by a friend. The story is simple-boy and girl love each other passionately, but the guy is Punjabi while the girl a Tamilian, which is a really big More...
I finally made up my mind to read this book after two years of its release after a strong recommendation by a friend. The story is simple-boy and girl love each other passionately, but the guy is Punjabi while the girl a Tamilian, which is a really big More...
Apr 23, 2011
Pulkit
rated it:
A story about marriage, stupidity and approval or stupidity in a hypocritical way.
Krish, a North Indian, A Punjabi specifically(who is clearly Hari Kumar from Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT), falls in love with Ananya, the hottest girl on campus who happens to be a Brahmin Tamilian from Chennai. Thus starts a quest with the couple seeking the approval of society. (of course in India you need the approval of society, because basically, you aren't marrying the girl, but the More...
Krish, a North Indian, A Punjabi specifically(who is clearly Hari Kumar from Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT), falls in love with Ananya, the hottest girl on campus who happens to be a Brahmin Tamilian from Chennai. Thus starts a quest with the couple seeking the approval of society. (of course in India you need the approval of society, because basically, you aren't marrying the girl, but the More...
Oct 01, 2011
Libin
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 29, 2011
Manu
rated it:
When Khanna & Iyer met Ek Duje ke Liye. Chetan Bhagat's works have never been literary classics, relying more on a racy story, wit, and an interesting enough plot. Sadly, this one works only the first count.
The plot is an oft repeated one - the love story of a Punjabi guy and a Chennai girl, who meet each other at IIM, and whose parents are opposed to their relationship. I found the depiction of the stereotypes obnoxious, and I'm neither Punjabi nor Tamilian. Making sure that there are digs aim More...
The plot is an oft repeated one - the love story of a Punjabi guy and a Chennai girl, who meet each other at IIM, and whose parents are opposed to their relationship. I found the depiction of the stereotypes obnoxious, and I'm neither Punjabi nor Tamilian. Making sure that there are digs aim More...
May 03, 2011
Pawan
rated it:
http://iandbooks.wordpress.com/
I have liked this book from Chetan Bhagat most as compared to his other books, even better than “Five Point Someone”. It is a very simple story where you almost know what is going to be the end but you are curious to read how it is going to happen. The beauty of the book is not in the story as much as it is in the narration of completely different cultures of north and south of India. Again the view is more from the Delhi Guy perspective but still it captures More...
I have liked this book from Chetan Bhagat most as compared to his other books, even better than “Five Point Someone”. It is a very simple story where you almost know what is going to be the end but you are curious to read how it is going to happen. The beauty of the book is not in the story as much as it is in the narration of completely different cultures of north and south of India. Again the view is more from the Delhi Guy perspective but still it captures More...
Oct 05, 2010
Shenanigan
rated it:
About ten years ago, on the campus of Ahmedabad’s Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Punjabi boy Chetan Bhagat fell in love with Tamilian girl Anusha. But unlike a typical ‘Western’ love story, theirs wasn’t a simple three-step process of boy-loves-girl, girl-loves-boy, and they-got-married.
Instead, they had to survive the multi-step obstacle course of an ‘Indian love marriage’. The invite to the launch function of his latest potboiler, 2 States: The Story Of My Marriage, enumerat More...
Instead, they had to survive the multi-step obstacle course of an ‘Indian love marriage’. The invite to the launch function of his latest potboiler, 2 States: The Story Of My Marriage, enumerat More...
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Nov 16, 2009
Sandhya
rated it:
Like all his last three works, Five Point Someone, One Night @ A Call Centre and 3 Mistakes of My Life, his latest, 2 States - The Story Of My Marriage, also leaves you with mixed feelings.
Chetan Bhagat's simple theme, rooted in middle class sensibilities and the ordinariness of life will once again appeal to his fans --- a sizeable class of emerging mid-brow readers. But let's be clear that it is the author's funny bone that saves the day for him again. His nonchalant wit gives a po More...
Chetan Bhagat's simple theme, rooted in middle class sensibilities and the ordinariness of life will once again appeal to his fans --- a sizeable class of emerging mid-brow readers. But let's be clear that it is the author's funny bone that saves the day for him again. His nonchalant wit gives a po More...
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Nov 11, 2009
Shonali
rated it:
Review :
I have been a Chetan Bhagat fan ever since I had randomly picked up Five Point Someone authored by him at a book exhibition. It might not have been a modern day classic but it got me hooked to this new age Indian writer whose works have sincerity and simplicity which goes straight to the heart. One Night At The Call Center and The Three Mistakes Of My Life were read my me within a week of their release , so I just couldn’t resist getting hold of 2 States upon its arrival at m More...
I have been a Chetan Bhagat fan ever since I had randomly picked up Five Point Someone authored by him at a book exhibition. It might not have been a modern day classic but it got me hooked to this new age Indian writer whose works have sincerity and simplicity which goes straight to the heart. One Night At The Call Center and The Three Mistakes Of My Life were read my me within a week of their release , so I just couldn’t resist getting hold of 2 States upon its arrival at m More...
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Feb 02, 2012
Tigger
rated it:
Set in the early 90s (and based off the experiences of author Bhaghat), the book follows the narrated story of Punjabi IIM graduate Krish on his (long and at times painful) journey to marrying Tamilian girlfriend Ananya.
The book succeeds because it's funny and feels so real, and he doesn't shy away from the nastier comments made about other communities in India while still making it a completely entertaining and ultimately heartwarming read.
This isn't a 'classic' novel, but it i More...
The book succeeds because it's funny and feels so real, and he doesn't shy away from the nastier comments made about other communities in India while still making it a completely entertaining and ultimately heartwarming read.
This isn't a 'classic' novel, but it i More...
Aug 02, 2011
Why God? Why? The man cannot write. Five Point Someone was crisp, and explored a new theme. Everything since then has been a complete bore. Waste of paper. And shelf space. And three hours of my day.
The book is about how the young couple in love manages to convince both the families to agree to the eventual marriage. It is cheesily written, with the characters frequently changing their colours, which leaves the reader absolutely confused. One minute, they are all nice, the next, pointing daggers More...
The book is about how the young couple in love manages to convince both the families to agree to the eventual marriage. It is cheesily written, with the characters frequently changing their colours, which leaves the reader absolutely confused. One minute, they are all nice, the next, pointing daggers More...
Jan 29, 2011
Suresh
rated it:
In an effort to read more Indian authors and to kill time in a 24 hour journey back to the US from India, I picked up six books from relatively new authors. I did enjoy Chetan Bhagat's 5 point someone and was hoping for a light read. Being a "Madrasi", and being accustomed to the typical slamming sessions on South Indians, I was prepared for what this book may be getting to. Needless to say, a lot of the things were stereotypical.
Some of the things that irked me about the boo More...
Some of the things that irked me about the boo More...
