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Zero Percentile #1.0
Zero Percentile – Missed IIT Kissed Russia
Zero Percentile is not merely a book, but a pile of memories which everyone inadvertently carries with him. You identify with one character or the other and thus find bits of your own life in the story.
It is a heady cocktail of the fascinating adventures of Pankaj, a less favoured son of destiny across two completely different countries, India and Russia.
As a brilliant young boy Pankaj never imagines that he will ever be swamped with problems. Life with his friends Motu and Priya is fun. Always destined to go to IIT, a cruel accident makes him end up in a place he had never heard of before, Volgograd – a Russian ‘City of Heroes’, so-called for its role in the Second World War for stopping Hitler’s assault on Russia.
At hostel, in Volgograd, life is entirely different. There, not brain but brawn rules, which makes him land in jail after being induced into a gruesome brawl over food, with other very powerful and aggressive hostellers. Desperate for a win, he masterminds a coup, but makes the Dean his enemy instead who becomes hell-bent on destroying him. The journey never eases for him after that. Under extreme peer pressure he tries hard to lose his virginity and then cope with the agony of his best friend Nitin getting infected with HIV.
After his father’s death, he struggles to sustain himself in a highly expensive, newly capitalist Russia. His seniors, who he always looks upto as Gods unexpectedly turn into his enemy and conspire to ruin him with the help of the local mafia. He takes the gauntlet of fighting all these adversities and emerges victorious ultimately only to succumb to love.
Zero Percentile does a few firsts in the history of fiction
- Never before has IIT been written about from the perspective of someone who did not study there. Zero Percentile delves into this aspect and tells readers that there is life beyond IIT, beyond failure and you just need the courage to get on with it
- Russia has always been portrayed as the enemy by the west. Zero Percentile takes a look at the humane side of the Russian society, a far cry from the evil people they are always shown as. The time explored in the book is the tumultuous 90s when Russia was converting from a communist to a capitalist state, one of the more turbulent times for their huge population trying to cope with the extreme changes brought about by the rapid transformation.
- Interwoven in the story is the part about the lives of Russian War Heroes who were a part of the II world war and played a major role in stopping Hitler’s onslaught, an obscure fact not known much outside the Eastern Bloc. This part talks about Volgograd, one of the five ‘Hero Cities’ in Russia which had more than two million casualties in World War II.
It is a heady cocktail of the fascinating adventures of Pankaj, a less favoured son of destiny across two completely different countries, India and Russia.
As a brilliant young boy Pankaj never imagines that he will ever be swamped with problems. Life with his friends Motu and Priya is fun. Always destined to go to IIT, a cruel accident makes him end up in a place he had never heard of before, Volgograd – a Russian ‘City of Heroes’, so-called for its role in the Second World War for stopping Hitler’s assault on Russia.
At hostel, in Volgograd, life is entirely different. There, not brain but brawn rules, which makes him land in jail after being induced into a gruesome brawl over food, with other very powerful and aggressive hostellers. Desperate for a win, he masterminds a coup, but makes the Dean his enemy instead who becomes hell-bent on destroying him. The journey never eases for him after that. Under extreme peer pressure he tries hard to lose his virginity and then cope with the agony of his best friend Nitin getting infected with HIV.
After his father’s death, he struggles to sustain himself in a highly expensive, newly capitalist Russia. His seniors, who he always looks upto as Gods unexpectedly turn into his enemy and conspire to ruin him with the help of the local mafia. He takes the gauntlet of fighting all these adversities and emerges victorious ultimately only to succumb to love.
Zero Percentile does a few firsts in the history of fiction
- Never before has IIT been written about from the perspective of someone who did not study there. Zero Percentile delves into this aspect and tells readers that there is life beyond IIT, beyond failure and you just need the courage to get on with it
- Russia has always been portrayed as the enemy by the west. Zero Percentile takes a look at the humane side of the Russian society, a far cry from the evil people they are always shown as. The time explored in the book is the tumultuous 90s when Russia was converting from a communist to a capitalist state, one of the more turbulent times for their huge population trying to cope with the extreme changes brought about by the rapid transformation.
- Interwoven in the story is the part about the lives of Russian War Heroes who were a part of the II world war and played a major role in stopping Hitler’s onslaught, an obscure fact not known much outside the Eastern Bloc. This part talks about Volgograd, one of the five ‘Hero Cities’ in Russia which had more than two million casualties in World War II.
219 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
27 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 24, 2009
Preamble
I read this book because Neeraj Chhibba, the author wrote to me out of blue. He communicated through E-mails and requested me if I could do a review of his maiden body of work. While I felt (gut feel) that I needed to pitch in and read this book, I wanted to let Neeraj know that I usually do not mince words and that I would be frank and forthright in saying what I would feel.
In any case, I always post my review as soon as I am done with a book on www.goodreads.com. This book was special because Neeraj had requested me to read it. He even went ahead and sent me a signed copy soon after. Honestly, I neither know Neeraj as a writer nor have I ever met him in person. For all practical purposes, Neeraj is one of the authors out there. That’s all! However, when I received the request, I took it on because someone was seeking a review for the first time from me. It also meant I could read something different. I also felt that if I could help a budding “Booker Winner” by doing this, it would be my little contribution to the field of literature.
I must admit that, for some strange reason, while reading this book, I was reminded of a book I had read long time ago. I had read the Marathi translation titled 'Volga Jenvha Laal Hote" (When Volga Turns Red). It was about Second World War and what happened in Russia around that time. There were many references to Volgograd in that book. Coincidentally, the Hero of the Book, Pankaj lives in Volgograd as well. So there was this instant connect. Strange! Isn't it?
The Book
Well, with this story as the backdrop, I started voyage from IIT to Russia through “Zero Percentile.” Honestly, if someone were to ask me to describe this book in few sentences, I would say,” it's a good book for a Masala Hindi Film. Like Chetan Bhagat's books! This one is two shades more titillating than Bhagat’s books for sure. I also felt that this book is for people who have graduated from “Mills and Boon, Archies kind of books. I am sure they would enjoy it more than I did. It has everything Campus life, hostel days, sexual encounters, fights, and I presume that all that is inviting for a young mind. I would not be surprised if the younger generation takes up to this book.
In many places, the book appears like a travelogue, at times, it drags a little bit, sounds verbose with explicit details of sexual encounters, scene/scenery from Volgograd, etc. It also comes across as amateurish in nature.
Details are good for visualization but for me, they are here in this book at the wrong places. For example, there is a reference in the book about the number of letters that the Hero, Pankaj writes to his parents and the number of letters that he receives from them. Great! However, if Neeraj had elaborated a little bit on what that meant to Pankaj and to his parents, I think it would have been wonderful. Those details, and nuances of human emotions would have made this book endearing. I feel that details about sexual intercourse and bus journeys are things that could have been avoided. I believe these things do not get the reader to “relate” to the trials and tribulations of Pankaj. But then again, I guess it depends on who your intended audience is. I am not sure about Neeraj’s intention behind all this. Similarly, I did not get intrigued by the characters of Priya and Motu. If Motu was Pankaj's best friend then he deserves a better footage in the book. He kind of comes and goes in few pages. Pankaj is in love with Priya but then what! Priya comes across as a glam doll in a commercial Hindi film.
Observations
I also felt that Neeraj could have been overwhelmed with emotions while writing this book. He has obviously drawn inspiration from his own experiences, thoughts and feelings. Needless to say, that is apparent in the book. The book comes across as autobiographical. Well, I am not sure if he intended it to be that way!
I also felt that Neeraj wrapped up the book pretty hurriedly from chapter 24 onwards. It seems like “yaah! I want to conclude this all.” The typical Masala Hindi film ending of “and they lived happily ever after" is evident in the way Neeraj has ended this book.
I personally feel that it is good to draw inspiration from personal experiences when you write something like this, however, one should preferably avoid getting carried away with emotions that might surface as you recollect all of those. The author, Neeraj seemed occupied and highly influenced in his writing by all of these emotions.
I empathized with Pankaj at times because of my personal experiences of studying in the US. While the environment was totally different, I have felt homesick, lonely and hungry on many occasions and of course, there were camps there. Those aspects of the book took my down memory lane. The back cover of the book talks about the story as a fascinating journey of a young man! Well, it sure is a journey but I am not sure if it comes across as fascinating. In fact, it comes across as pages from the diary of Pankaj.
Conclusion
I have given it three stars considering this to be his first body of work. Neeraj has done a commendable job. Whatever may be the reason, you are tempted to flip through the pages. The book is easy on you as a reader. Certainly good if you are flying long distance and want to kill time! It's little mushy, yet stark, it has sex, graphic details, mystery, heroism and it's spicy to a certain extent. Read it if you like this kind of work.
The book held my attention but that is because I wanted to make sure that I do justice to Neeraj by reading it with focus and in detail. Had Neeraj not requested me to do this, I would have probably scanned through the book real fast.
Neeraj, I wish you the very best! I am sure we would get to read more as years roll by. And one day, when you win the "Booker", please do not forget to send me a signed copy. :)
I am repeating myself when I say that I was confused if the book is "an autobiography" or "a novel". I am sure as Neeraj gets seasoned as a writer, he would also master the art of storytelling.
Is there any way, you can get all the misprints to get corrected in the future editions?
I read this book because Neeraj Chhibba, the author wrote to me out of blue. He communicated through E-mails and requested me if I could do a review of his maiden body of work. While I felt (gut feel) that I needed to pitch in and read this book, I wanted to let Neeraj know that I usually do not mince words and that I would be frank and forthright in saying what I would feel.
In any case, I always post my review as soon as I am done with a book on www.goodreads.com. This book was special because Neeraj had requested me to read it. He even went ahead and sent me a signed copy soon after. Honestly, I neither know Neeraj as a writer nor have I ever met him in person. For all practical purposes, Neeraj is one of the authors out there. That’s all! However, when I received the request, I took it on because someone was seeking a review for the first time from me. It also meant I could read something different. I also felt that if I could help a budding “Booker Winner” by doing this, it would be my little contribution to the field of literature.
I must admit that, for some strange reason, while reading this book, I was reminded of a book I had read long time ago. I had read the Marathi translation titled 'Volga Jenvha Laal Hote" (When Volga Turns Red). It was about Second World War and what happened in Russia around that time. There were many references to Volgograd in that book. Coincidentally, the Hero of the Book, Pankaj lives in Volgograd as well. So there was this instant connect. Strange! Isn't it?
The Book
Well, with this story as the backdrop, I started voyage from IIT to Russia through “Zero Percentile.” Honestly, if someone were to ask me to describe this book in few sentences, I would say,” it's a good book for a Masala Hindi Film. Like Chetan Bhagat's books! This one is two shades more titillating than Bhagat’s books for sure. I also felt that this book is for people who have graduated from “Mills and Boon, Archies kind of books. I am sure they would enjoy it more than I did. It has everything Campus life, hostel days, sexual encounters, fights, and I presume that all that is inviting for a young mind. I would not be surprised if the younger generation takes up to this book.
In many places, the book appears like a travelogue, at times, it drags a little bit, sounds verbose with explicit details of sexual encounters, scene/scenery from Volgograd, etc. It also comes across as amateurish in nature.
Details are good for visualization but for me, they are here in this book at the wrong places. For example, there is a reference in the book about the number of letters that the Hero, Pankaj writes to his parents and the number of letters that he receives from them. Great! However, if Neeraj had elaborated a little bit on what that meant to Pankaj and to his parents, I think it would have been wonderful. Those details, and nuances of human emotions would have made this book endearing. I feel that details about sexual intercourse and bus journeys are things that could have been avoided. I believe these things do not get the reader to “relate” to the trials and tribulations of Pankaj. But then again, I guess it depends on who your intended audience is. I am not sure about Neeraj’s intention behind all this. Similarly, I did not get intrigued by the characters of Priya and Motu. If Motu was Pankaj's best friend then he deserves a better footage in the book. He kind of comes and goes in few pages. Pankaj is in love with Priya but then what! Priya comes across as a glam doll in a commercial Hindi film.
Observations
I also felt that Neeraj could have been overwhelmed with emotions while writing this book. He has obviously drawn inspiration from his own experiences, thoughts and feelings. Needless to say, that is apparent in the book. The book comes across as autobiographical. Well, I am not sure if he intended it to be that way!
I also felt that Neeraj wrapped up the book pretty hurriedly from chapter 24 onwards. It seems like “yaah! I want to conclude this all.” The typical Masala Hindi film ending of “and they lived happily ever after" is evident in the way Neeraj has ended this book.
I personally feel that it is good to draw inspiration from personal experiences when you write something like this, however, one should preferably avoid getting carried away with emotions that might surface as you recollect all of those. The author, Neeraj seemed occupied and highly influenced in his writing by all of these emotions.
I empathized with Pankaj at times because of my personal experiences of studying in the US. While the environment was totally different, I have felt homesick, lonely and hungry on many occasions and of course, there were camps there. Those aspects of the book took my down memory lane. The back cover of the book talks about the story as a fascinating journey of a young man! Well, it sure is a journey but I am not sure if it comes across as fascinating. In fact, it comes across as pages from the diary of Pankaj.
Conclusion
I have given it three stars considering this to be his first body of work. Neeraj has done a commendable job. Whatever may be the reason, you are tempted to flip through the pages. The book is easy on you as a reader. Certainly good if you are flying long distance and want to kill time! It's little mushy, yet stark, it has sex, graphic details, mystery, heroism and it's spicy to a certain extent. Read it if you like this kind of work.
The book held my attention but that is because I wanted to make sure that I do justice to Neeraj by reading it with focus and in detail. Had Neeraj not requested me to do this, I would have probably scanned through the book real fast.
Neeraj, I wish you the very best! I am sure we would get to read more as years roll by. And one day, when you win the "Booker", please do not forget to send me a signed copy. :)
I am repeating myself when I say that I was confused if the book is "an autobiography" or "a novel". I am sure as Neeraj gets seasoned as a writer, he would also master the art of storytelling.
Is there any way, you can get all the misprints to get corrected in the future editions?
December 9, 2009
When I saw the title my instant reaction was “oh no, not another college book” but then I read the line under the title and opened the book.
Zero Percentile is the story of Pankaj who is the only son in a family of 2 daughters. Needless to say all he is expected to fulfill all the dreams of his family and to bring them out of their sad existence. Things didn’t look difficult for the brilliant & enterprising boy who was all set to clear IIT exams when a twist of fate threw him in a self pitying & depressing state. It was then that his father decides to send him to and engineering college in Volgograd in Russia.
Leaving behind his childhood friends Motu & Priya he moves on marking the beginning of a roller coaster ride. He battles the new language, horrid climate, totally different people etc. In the process he also finds love & an enterprising side in him which takes him to places. In all the bad times what works for him is his brain & aggressive behavior.
To know how things unfold you need to read the book.
The book is in flashback; Pankaj is waiting for a phone call and introspects about his life! We travel through his pre-birth days, his birth, school days moving on to present. Clichéd at places but an entertaining read.
What makes the book different is its setting. Russia is a country which is hardly talked about in books; I mean at least I haven't read such books from Indian authors. Apparently they feel that the book should be set in a place to which readers can relate to. In this case half the book is set in Russia & the author really transports you there. The cold & gloominess of cold/ snow gives you a sense of loneliness faced by the students & the author manage to capture it well through his words. I guess the fact that Neeraj himself has spent seven years in Volgograd is what adds to the authentic portrayal of the place.
Not only that, even the school days (Set in Delhi) of Pankaj are described in a way that they will surely take you down memory lane. The stupid fights, childhood crush, desire to be first et. al it's all there and well written.
The book is a fact pace read, which entertains you and turns out to be a page turner. At places I did feel that it is clichéd but overall the book makes for a good time pass read with all the masala at the right places.
A Rating of 3 from me, Priced at 95/- bucks, the book is surely worth a buy!
The book is currently available for 76/- at Flipkart :-)
Zero Percentile is the story of Pankaj who is the only son in a family of 2 daughters. Needless to say all he is expected to fulfill all the dreams of his family and to bring them out of their sad existence. Things didn’t look difficult for the brilliant & enterprising boy who was all set to clear IIT exams when a twist of fate threw him in a self pitying & depressing state. It was then that his father decides to send him to and engineering college in Volgograd in Russia.
Leaving behind his childhood friends Motu & Priya he moves on marking the beginning of a roller coaster ride. He battles the new language, horrid climate, totally different people etc. In the process he also finds love & an enterprising side in him which takes him to places. In all the bad times what works for him is his brain & aggressive behavior.
To know how things unfold you need to read the book.
The book is in flashback; Pankaj is waiting for a phone call and introspects about his life! We travel through his pre-birth days, his birth, school days moving on to present. Clichéd at places but an entertaining read.
What makes the book different is its setting. Russia is a country which is hardly talked about in books; I mean at least I haven't read such books from Indian authors. Apparently they feel that the book should be set in a place to which readers can relate to. In this case half the book is set in Russia & the author really transports you there. The cold & gloominess of cold/ snow gives you a sense of loneliness faced by the students & the author manage to capture it well through his words. I guess the fact that Neeraj himself has spent seven years in Volgograd is what adds to the authentic portrayal of the place.
Not only that, even the school days (Set in Delhi) of Pankaj are described in a way that they will surely take you down memory lane. The stupid fights, childhood crush, desire to be first et. al it's all there and well written.
The book is a fact pace read, which entertains you and turns out to be a page turner. At places I did feel that it is clichéd but overall the book makes for a good time pass read with all the masala at the right places.
A Rating of 3 from me, Priced at 95/- bucks, the book is surely worth a buy!
The book is currently available for 76/- at Flipkart :-)
March 17, 2010
About the Story
Fast storyline and too many twists can bind the readers to its pages throughout. It can be made into a Bollywood blockbuster. There's no doubt about it.
Technicalities
Since it is a First Person Narrative the first few chapters about the birth of the narrator are irrational. As the narrator is within the story he shouldn't have knowledge of all the events; though the narrator might have referred to information he heard form other characters to provide a larger point of view... Except the narrator, we got to see the thoughts, feelings and opinions of his Russian girlfriend only, through his perceptions, and not much of his best friend Motu and of his childhood love interest Priya, which made these characters more passive. Nitin who has been projected in the summary on back front cover actually had very little role to play in the story, which was not anticipated.
The hint of the conversation at the end of prologue which created the suspense to be told later did not identify with the conversation when it was actually told. (in the prologue: “We spoke for five minutes before she said 'Dasvidaniya'. I put the cellphone in my pocket and proceeded to board the plane.” And at the end of the chapter next to the last: no saying of 'Dasvidaniya' and narrator “slammed the phone shut.” and there's a short conversation with a hostess of the airline before he followed her to the plane. Moods were all different.)
I myself do not write good English. But the story did not sound as smooth as one told by a native English. Complex sentences, use of passive voice 'strikes'. There are “I said... He said... I said... He said... I said...” sequences with too short sentences which also do not sound pleasant. “After the few second...¶After the day's meeting...¶After the usual prayer...¶” such small successive paragraphs appears like you are writing a recipe...
I have one last accusation, you non-Bengalees have a tendency to relate everything and anything of Kolkata to Rabindranath. It's pretty irritating. I am a Calcuttan and I have not heard of any renowned “Rabindranath Tagore School” at-least which can take part to a national level quiz competition.
Fast storyline and too many twists can bind the readers to its pages throughout. It can be made into a Bollywood blockbuster. There's no doubt about it.
Technicalities
Since it is a First Person Narrative the first few chapters about the birth of the narrator are irrational. As the narrator is within the story he shouldn't have knowledge of all the events; though the narrator might have referred to information he heard form other characters to provide a larger point of view... Except the narrator, we got to see the thoughts, feelings and opinions of his Russian girlfriend only, through his perceptions, and not much of his best friend Motu and of his childhood love interest Priya, which made these characters more passive. Nitin who has been projected in the summary on back front cover actually had very little role to play in the story, which was not anticipated.
The hint of the conversation at the end of prologue which created the suspense to be told later did not identify with the conversation when it was actually told. (in the prologue: “We spoke for five minutes before she said 'Dasvidaniya'. I put the cellphone in my pocket and proceeded to board the plane.” And at the end of the chapter next to the last: no saying of 'Dasvidaniya' and narrator “slammed the phone shut.” and there's a short conversation with a hostess of the airline before he followed her to the plane. Moods were all different.)
I myself do not write good English. But the story did not sound as smooth as one told by a native English. Complex sentences, use of passive voice 'strikes'. There are “I said... He said... I said... He said... I said...” sequences with too short sentences which also do not sound pleasant. “After the few second...¶After the day's meeting...¶After the usual prayer...¶” such small successive paragraphs appears like you are writing a recipe...
I have one last accusation, you non-Bengalees have a tendency to relate everything and anything of Kolkata to Rabindranath. It's pretty irritating. I am a Calcuttan and I have not heard of any renowned “Rabindranath Tagore School” at-least which can take part to a national level quiz competition.
January 17, 2010
Saubhagya Prada January 17 at 11:32am
Hi,
I am unable to find the option for attaching a word document. Hence, I am pasting my review below.
Title:- Zero percentile - Missed IIt, Kissed Russia
Author:- Neeraj Chibba
Place:- New Delhi, India
Publisher: - Rupa and Co.
Publication Date:-
Edition:- Second Impression 2010
Pages:- 220
Price: - Rs95
As I start, I feel as if I am reading some free-flowing fable. The parable runs us through the negative and positive events in the life of a character named ‘Pankaj’. The first phase of the book has been written in a light melody. There are many incidents and upshots which you could anticipate as a reader. But, then the content of the story and streamlining is in such a way that it keeps you captivated and somehow connected with the book. The instances of Pankaj’s admission and the initial few years in the primary section, the spat among Priya, Motu and s over trifling matters, bicycle ride to school remind you of spring days. The strong desire of the family to have a son after the not so desirable birth of two daughters in the family throws light on the still prevailing discrimination in the Indian society. But, as the characters suppurate with the rolling book, the fable takes a mature and serious turn.
Pankaj has been reflected as a wise and productive character from the early on. But, to keep our fate in the almighty integral, he has been portrayed as a less favored child of the destiny. He meets with a fate-devastating accident and is both physically and psychologically handicapped. And, hence, shattering all his dreams to get through and study in an IIT. But, since, destiny has some other plans in store, he lands onto desolate Russian city ‘Volgograd’. Henceforth, Pankaj is on altogether new journey and life takes a new meaning and has a new purpose. Pankaj becomes a part of a small clan comprising of a few Indians, Uzbeks, Srilankans, Bangladeshis along with Afghans. And then, there are Super Gods i.e. the laterals who are comfortable and experienced in all the tactics required in Volgograd for survival. There is a first time for almost everything and hence learning experience for newbie from cooking to a new language ‘Russian’. The first years also witnesses the growls, feuds and the junkies. There is steep deterioration in the academic performance of Pankaj, courtesy to newly developed interest in alcohol and the strong urge to lose his virginity.
Destiny perhaps wanted to reflect still abrasive and tough circumstances on Pankaj. One of the closed chums of Pankaj, Nitin, is detected with HIV positive. As repercussion, he is out casted and is sent back to India. Still trying to cope up with the grief, doom pronounces the demise of his father. As there is no cloud without silver lining, the visit of Pankaj to India to attend the formalness of rituals and the collateral circumstances make a strong impact on Pankaj’s preset mind. He resolves to get out of the college with flying colors and a red degree. In this lurch, he takes on some business also to meet all the odds and ends. As the life rolls on, Pankaj is able to keep his promise to his mother of coming back to India and settling down there. The allegory ends on a positive note with things settling down back to normal and with Pankaj getting back to his childhood love Priya.
The prose is even, clear and flowing, suitable for the intended audience of general masses, especially the youth. There is much to learn for such a meek price. And also, there is a hidden message in the parable – The grass is always greener on the other side of fence.
Wish you good luck for future endorsements.
Thanks and Regards,
Saubhagya Prada
Neeraj Chhibba January 17 at 12:49pm
Wow Saubhagyaji. This is very nicely done and looks good. Thank you so much
Hi,
I am unable to find the option for attaching a word document. Hence, I am pasting my review below.
Title:- Zero percentile - Missed IIt, Kissed Russia
Author:- Neeraj Chibba
Place:- New Delhi, India
Publisher: - Rupa and Co.
Publication Date:-
Edition:- Second Impression 2010
Pages:- 220
Price: - Rs95
As I start, I feel as if I am reading some free-flowing fable. The parable runs us through the negative and positive events in the life of a character named ‘Pankaj’. The first phase of the book has been written in a light melody. There are many incidents and upshots which you could anticipate as a reader. But, then the content of the story and streamlining is in such a way that it keeps you captivated and somehow connected with the book. The instances of Pankaj’s admission and the initial few years in the primary section, the spat among Priya, Motu and s over trifling matters, bicycle ride to school remind you of spring days. The strong desire of the family to have a son after the not so desirable birth of two daughters in the family throws light on the still prevailing discrimination in the Indian society. But, as the characters suppurate with the rolling book, the fable takes a mature and serious turn.
Pankaj has been reflected as a wise and productive character from the early on. But, to keep our fate in the almighty integral, he has been portrayed as a less favored child of the destiny. He meets with a fate-devastating accident and is both physically and psychologically handicapped. And, hence, shattering all his dreams to get through and study in an IIT. But, since, destiny has some other plans in store, he lands onto desolate Russian city ‘Volgograd’. Henceforth, Pankaj is on altogether new journey and life takes a new meaning and has a new purpose. Pankaj becomes a part of a small clan comprising of a few Indians, Uzbeks, Srilankans, Bangladeshis along with Afghans. And then, there are Super Gods i.e. the laterals who are comfortable and experienced in all the tactics required in Volgograd for survival. There is a first time for almost everything and hence learning experience for newbie from cooking to a new language ‘Russian’. The first years also witnesses the growls, feuds and the junkies. There is steep deterioration in the academic performance of Pankaj, courtesy to newly developed interest in alcohol and the strong urge to lose his virginity.
Destiny perhaps wanted to reflect still abrasive and tough circumstances on Pankaj. One of the closed chums of Pankaj, Nitin, is detected with HIV positive. As repercussion, he is out casted and is sent back to India. Still trying to cope up with the grief, doom pronounces the demise of his father. As there is no cloud without silver lining, the visit of Pankaj to India to attend the formalness of rituals and the collateral circumstances make a strong impact on Pankaj’s preset mind. He resolves to get out of the college with flying colors and a red degree. In this lurch, he takes on some business also to meet all the odds and ends. As the life rolls on, Pankaj is able to keep his promise to his mother of coming back to India and settling down there. The allegory ends on a positive note with things settling down back to normal and with Pankaj getting back to his childhood love Priya.
The prose is even, clear and flowing, suitable for the intended audience of general masses, especially the youth. There is much to learn for such a meek price. And also, there is a hidden message in the parable – The grass is always greener on the other side of fence.
Wish you good luck for future endorsements.
Thanks and Regards,
Saubhagya Prada
Neeraj Chhibba January 17 at 12:49pm
Wow Saubhagyaji. This is very nicely done and looks good. Thank you so much
February 22, 2010
On my own,I might not have picked up Neeraj Chhibba’s book Zero Percentile- Missed IIT Kissed Russia ,as the book’s name gave me the impression that this was going to be yet another IIT-centric story.A genre that has been done to death,IMHO. Thankfully for me,Zero percentile is much more than that.The book begins with a very elaborate account of Pankaj’s ( the Protagonist) childhood.Something I didn’t expect the book to talk about.I thought that the book would directly jump into the IIT- missed story..This part of the tale is fascinating,meanders and flows rather well.Most readers who grew up in India in the 70-80’s would relate to the incidents that Pankaj faces – tales of his ancestors,school -life, quizzing competitions and the competitive IIT-entrant scene.
Pankaj also meets his 2 best friends – Priya and Motu at school and their exploits are endearing.As Pankaj grows up,he is expected by his father to get into IIT.He finds out ingenious ways to get the coaching required as the family is not financially sound. The intelligent Pankaj also shows entrepreneurial skills and helps increase the student enrollment for the coaching classes he enrolls at. He expects to crack the IITs easily, but unexpectedly, disaster strikes and he is unable to realise his dreams. He sinks into depression and loses his enthusiasm for getting into IIT. He also withdraws from Priya, who he is secretly in, love with.
The second phase of Pankaj’s life starts with him getting a scholarship for Engineering (for 6 years) in the erstwhile USSR.This phase of Pankaj’s life is very entertaining.Apart from the usual exploits like alchohol and casual sex, the story also gives you a sneak peak into the times before the great USSR disintegrated.The writing style, one realizes is pretty straight forward.No flowery language or metaphors.Narration style is neither complex or exquisite by any standards.The book reads like the script of a Hindi movie.A fast,racy Hindi movie shot in a foreign country.However,this happens to be the strength of this book-the author keeps you glued to the book from the word go.And, that is very commendable.
If not anything, the book is a page turner.The back jacket of the book almost gives away the plot,but you can be sure to expect the unexpected when you read the book .
Moving on with the plot, Pankaj’s tale in Russia talks about corrupt officials in university, Gang wars (literally!!) in the hostel and assorted sexual encounters.Pankaj also turns a successful entrepreneur and the rest of the story is about how he outwits his business rivals and finds love unexpectedly.In a way,I almost figured out the end ,despite the roller coaster ride that ensures before Pankaj is at peace with several issues that plague him.Any more information ,and I would have to give out a spoiler alert !! ..The last 2 phases of the book are so racy that, several times, I wanted the plot to slow down to give me some time to digest Pankaj’s exploits.However, the book doesn’t slow down for you.. The author also beautifully captures the socio-economic and political climate of USSR before it disintegrated.
For a first-time author, it is a good effort. The plot is definitely a winner.A thoroughly entertaining, unusual novel.At 95 bucks,it is a steal !.
Four stars out of 5 for the plot,2 stars for the imagery and the Author’s writing prowess. Overall,3 stars out of 5 for Neeraj’s book. After this book,I am looking forward to his next book.!
This is an author requested review.
Pankaj also meets his 2 best friends – Priya and Motu at school and their exploits are endearing.As Pankaj grows up,he is expected by his father to get into IIT.He finds out ingenious ways to get the coaching required as the family is not financially sound. The intelligent Pankaj also shows entrepreneurial skills and helps increase the student enrollment for the coaching classes he enrolls at. He expects to crack the IITs easily, but unexpectedly, disaster strikes and he is unable to realise his dreams. He sinks into depression and loses his enthusiasm for getting into IIT. He also withdraws from Priya, who he is secretly in, love with.
The second phase of Pankaj’s life starts with him getting a scholarship for Engineering (for 6 years) in the erstwhile USSR.This phase of Pankaj’s life is very entertaining.Apart from the usual exploits like alchohol and casual sex, the story also gives you a sneak peak into the times before the great USSR disintegrated.The writing style, one realizes is pretty straight forward.No flowery language or metaphors.Narration style is neither complex or exquisite by any standards.The book reads like the script of a Hindi movie.A fast,racy Hindi movie shot in a foreign country.However,this happens to be the strength of this book-the author keeps you glued to the book from the word go.And, that is very commendable.
If not anything, the book is a page turner.The back jacket of the book almost gives away the plot,but you can be sure to expect the unexpected when you read the book .
Moving on with the plot, Pankaj’s tale in Russia talks about corrupt officials in university, Gang wars (literally!!) in the hostel and assorted sexual encounters.Pankaj also turns a successful entrepreneur and the rest of the story is about how he outwits his business rivals and finds love unexpectedly.In a way,I almost figured out the end ,despite the roller coaster ride that ensures before Pankaj is at peace with several issues that plague him.Any more information ,and I would have to give out a spoiler alert !! ..The last 2 phases of the book are so racy that, several times, I wanted the plot to slow down to give me some time to digest Pankaj’s exploits.However, the book doesn’t slow down for you.. The author also beautifully captures the socio-economic and political climate of USSR before it disintegrated.
For a first-time author, it is a good effort. The plot is definitely a winner.A thoroughly entertaining, unusual novel.At 95 bucks,it is a steal !.
Four stars out of 5 for the plot,2 stars for the imagery and the Author’s writing prowess. Overall,3 stars out of 5 for Neeraj’s book. After this book,I am looking forward to his next book.!
This is an author requested review.
October 28, 2014
Zero Percentile.. rings a bell. '5 point Someone'..
Missed IIT... definitely '5 point someone'..
Kissed Russia.. hmm thats not IIT.. then what...
So thats how this story starts & so did my expectations from the book..I had recently read '2 States' of Chetan Bhagat & it turned out to be a disappointment. So to read something in the same league was not what I wanted to do. But I had got this book & a Book review request so I thought of giving this a try. All books have a protagonist & that character determines the personality of the book. So Pankaj - is a smart, intelligent, hard working guy who clearly knows what he wants. He keeps his friends close & enemies closer - making sure he avenges himself to who ever messes with him. He spearheads towards his goals & gets it no matter what.
He is a regular Delhi guy who grows up studying in an English medium school - has 2 best friends like Ron & Hermoine in Harry Potter.. they are very close & equally intelligent. The story till here is very standard & to an extent a little over mature. The kids supposedly know everything - about their goals, about what they want to become, are highly focused, studious & made of the stuff which Head Boy & Head Girls are made of. All this is a tad boring about a boy who stands 1st in class, is elected for a Head Boy, is poor but manages his preparation for IIT by actually helping in growth of a coaching institute. So the first half is like an essay on 'Ideal School Boy' or 'My Path to IIT'. And BANG... suddenly one accident shatters him & he gives up everything, all his dreams. There are parts interspersed with mention of Indo - Pak Wars, Anti Sikh Riots & other essential happenings of the 80s, something like a GK section. Though interesting facts which I would have liked to read more but not adding to the plot.
The second half of the story moves to Russia - giving a good turn to the events with life in an Engineering school in Russia during its disintegration phase.. The phase of settling down in a new campus, mistakes made & learnings from them were interesting and an enjoyable read. But then suddenly Pankaj becomes righteous again with the focus of being a Topper in the college & making some money to support his family & his high ambitions. In between he also falls into love & is torn between his family & his partner.
The relationships featured in the book are very straightforward and a matter of fact types like loyalty to best friends, responsibility towards parents & sisters, teaching lesson to enemies, romantic duties towards girlfriend. The author somehow could not bring out the fine nuances of emotions & feelings of loved or lost, guilt & remorse over revenge, etc. Maybe Pankaj was a man (like in Business Magazines) and nowhere he showed any weak emotion.. he was right in whatever he did.. he cracked deals like a mastermind & easily handled people & business dealings.. I felt confused & could not decipher Pankaj or relate to his character.
All in all this books is a mix of 5 point some one & 3 mistakes of my life. So read it but don't analyse it too much the way I tend to!!
Missed IIT... definitely '5 point someone'..
Kissed Russia.. hmm thats not IIT.. then what...
So thats how this story starts & so did my expectations from the book..I had recently read '2 States' of Chetan Bhagat & it turned out to be a disappointment. So to read something in the same league was not what I wanted to do. But I had got this book & a Book review request so I thought of giving this a try. All books have a protagonist & that character determines the personality of the book. So Pankaj - is a smart, intelligent, hard working guy who clearly knows what he wants. He keeps his friends close & enemies closer - making sure he avenges himself to who ever messes with him. He spearheads towards his goals & gets it no matter what.
He is a regular Delhi guy who grows up studying in an English medium school - has 2 best friends like Ron & Hermoine in Harry Potter.. they are very close & equally intelligent. The story till here is very standard & to an extent a little over mature. The kids supposedly know everything - about their goals, about what they want to become, are highly focused, studious & made of the stuff which Head Boy & Head Girls are made of. All this is a tad boring about a boy who stands 1st in class, is elected for a Head Boy, is poor but manages his preparation for IIT by actually helping in growth of a coaching institute. So the first half is like an essay on 'Ideal School Boy' or 'My Path to IIT'. And BANG... suddenly one accident shatters him & he gives up everything, all his dreams. There are parts interspersed with mention of Indo - Pak Wars, Anti Sikh Riots & other essential happenings of the 80s, something like a GK section. Though interesting facts which I would have liked to read more but not adding to the plot.
The second half of the story moves to Russia - giving a good turn to the events with life in an Engineering school in Russia during its disintegration phase.. The phase of settling down in a new campus, mistakes made & learnings from them were interesting and an enjoyable read. But then suddenly Pankaj becomes righteous again with the focus of being a Topper in the college & making some money to support his family & his high ambitions. In between he also falls into love & is torn between his family & his partner.
The relationships featured in the book are very straightforward and a matter of fact types like loyalty to best friends, responsibility towards parents & sisters, teaching lesson to enemies, romantic duties towards girlfriend. The author somehow could not bring out the fine nuances of emotions & feelings of loved or lost, guilt & remorse over revenge, etc. Maybe Pankaj was a man (like in Business Magazines) and nowhere he showed any weak emotion.. he was right in whatever he did.. he cracked deals like a mastermind & easily handled people & business dealings.. I felt confused & could not decipher Pankaj or relate to his character.
All in all this books is a mix of 5 point some one & 3 mistakes of my life. So read it but don't analyse it too much the way I tend to!!
April 15, 2010
When Neeraj Chhibba, the author of this book, contacted me to ask if I can review his book, I was not sure about it. It didn’t look like a book which I would pick up on my own. Still, since I didn’t have any compelling reason to decline his request, I agreed to review his book. The very first thing I noticed about the book is its striking similarity to Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone. For the records, I haven’t read Bhagat’s book and don’t plan to do so. Without reading it, I know I am not going to like it. This was not a great way to start Chhibba’s book, but I tried to be as unbiased and unprejudiced as possible.
Zero Percentile is about Pankaj, a young lad who is like any other typical boy. The book starts with his birth and gives us a detailed view of how his life turns out. The story of his birth is amusing. The author tries to turn the story into a humor cum sarcastic one, but it just didn’t work. Pankaj is the apple of the eye back home and gets a special treatment by being sent to a public school whereas his sisters have to be satisfied with going to government school. He is bright, intelligent and does well in school. He tells us about his best friends – Priya and Motu, who are with him through thick and thin. His fights in school, crush on teachers and friends, studies, election as a Head Boy and so on. His aim in life is to get into IIT and he works hard towards it. An accident quashes his hopes and he has to console himself with something else. His Dad decides to send him to Russia to study engineering. This is the reason for the title ‘Missed IIT, Kissed Russia’. The book goes on to tell us his experience in Russia, his financial struggle and his love life.
The writing is simple and straight. The book actually reads like a diary of a young man. Since the book is in first person POV, this is quite acceptable, but Chhibba could have added some more style to his writing. There are quite a few errors, as pointed by many other readers. Not only print errors, there are a few places where Pankaj contradicts himself. When he is traveling to Russia, he is clearly a non-vegetarian, but he mentions about converting from vegetarian to non-vegetarian after landing in Russia.
The characters are all shallow. You don’t feel anything towards them – be it the protagonist or his friends or his parents. Pankaj himself comes across as a two dimensional character. If you don’t bond with the protagonist, there is very little chance that you will like the book.
The book reads like a last minute attempt in writing something down and getting it published. Or more like take someone’s diary and publish it. The story appears disconnected and things are introduced just to create drama. Nitin’s HIV episode, Pankaj’s stint as a salesman and so on. At one point of time, Pankaj is struggling to get hold of a few hundreds dollars whereas after his salesman days, he is suddenly playing with millions. A little hard to digest, isn’t it?
In the end, it all boils down to what I took back from the book. No inspiration from the story, no memorable characters, no contemplating moments – in the end, there is nothing that I gained from this book. Chhibba’s debut book might not strike a chord with book lovers, so he has try harder next time.
Zero Percentile is about Pankaj, a young lad who is like any other typical boy. The book starts with his birth and gives us a detailed view of how his life turns out. The story of his birth is amusing. The author tries to turn the story into a humor cum sarcastic one, but it just didn’t work. Pankaj is the apple of the eye back home and gets a special treatment by being sent to a public school whereas his sisters have to be satisfied with going to government school. He is bright, intelligent and does well in school. He tells us about his best friends – Priya and Motu, who are with him through thick and thin. His fights in school, crush on teachers and friends, studies, election as a Head Boy and so on. His aim in life is to get into IIT and he works hard towards it. An accident quashes his hopes and he has to console himself with something else. His Dad decides to send him to Russia to study engineering. This is the reason for the title ‘Missed IIT, Kissed Russia’. The book goes on to tell us his experience in Russia, his financial struggle and his love life.
The writing is simple and straight. The book actually reads like a diary of a young man. Since the book is in first person POV, this is quite acceptable, but Chhibba could have added some more style to his writing. There are quite a few errors, as pointed by many other readers. Not only print errors, there are a few places where Pankaj contradicts himself. When he is traveling to Russia, he is clearly a non-vegetarian, but he mentions about converting from vegetarian to non-vegetarian after landing in Russia.
The characters are all shallow. You don’t feel anything towards them – be it the protagonist or his friends or his parents. Pankaj himself comes across as a two dimensional character. If you don’t bond with the protagonist, there is very little chance that you will like the book.
The book reads like a last minute attempt in writing something down and getting it published. Or more like take someone’s diary and publish it. The story appears disconnected and things are introduced just to create drama. Nitin’s HIV episode, Pankaj’s stint as a salesman and so on. At one point of time, Pankaj is struggling to get hold of a few hundreds dollars whereas after his salesman days, he is suddenly playing with millions. A little hard to digest, isn’t it?
In the end, it all boils down to what I took back from the book. No inspiration from the story, no memorable characters, no contemplating moments – in the end, there is nothing that I gained from this book. Chhibba’s debut book might not strike a chord with book lovers, so he has try harder next time.
January 27, 2010
The hallmark of a good book whether it is literary or popular, contemporary or classic, is its ability to hold the reader’s attention. Neeraj Chhibba’s book successfully does that. In spite of the fact that the title as well as the summary of the story on the back page gives away the story, well almost. For a first time writer that is no mean achievement. The book ‘Zero Percentile, Missed IIT, Kissed Russia’ is a coming-of-age story set in the contemporary times (the chief protagonists are born in early Seventies). The story plays out in India and the erstwhile USSR. The book gives some insights into the Soviet Union in transition from a Communist economy to a capitalist one through the experiences and narratives of some of the characters set there. It also provides some glimpses of the educational system there. For those of us who grew up in India in the same time as the chief protagonists the mention of some of the important moments of our past is bound to strike a chord, the quiz contests in schools, for example. For those who tried for JEE, the hard work, sweat and sometimes heart-burn of preparing for the toughest entrance exam in the country will definitely bring back alive those memories. The book doesn’t crowd itself with too many characters and has a nice pace (though it slackens somewhat a little after half-way through the book) and has enough twists to keep the reader engaged.
There are a few shortcomings in the book. For example, when the story begins, you feel it is probably being narrated by the soul of the chief protagonist who is yet to assume its human form. That is fine. But then once it is inside the womb of the mother it jars that it should narrate what is happening with his father and other family members when they are away from him (the foetus). Also, the language used by a 5 or 6 year old in those times seems a little odd and some observations are too wise for children of that age. But the limitations do not overpower the good reading that the book provides.
The book could do with better editing; some sentences read quite convoluted. And at one place I thought the word that author was looking for was emaciated and not emancipated.
One final thought. I don’t know how much of the story is based on facts. If it is, the final twist in the story leaves me completely baffled!
There are a few shortcomings in the book. For example, when the story begins, you feel it is probably being narrated by the soul of the chief protagonist who is yet to assume its human form. That is fine. But then once it is inside the womb of the mother it jars that it should narrate what is happening with his father and other family members when they are away from him (the foetus). Also, the language used by a 5 or 6 year old in those times seems a little odd and some observations are too wise for children of that age. But the limitations do not overpower the good reading that the book provides.
The book could do with better editing; some sentences read quite convoluted. And at one place I thought the word that author was looking for was emaciated and not emancipated.
One final thought. I don’t know how much of the story is based on facts. If it is, the final twist in the story leaves me completely baffled!
June 9, 2019
Pankaj is a young man with a plan and all the attributes he needs to achieve his goals. Admittedly he’s poor but he has a lot going for him despite the barriers of class, caste and poverty. From an early age he’s ambitious beyond measure, fiercely intelligent and has the true entrepreneur spirit. With absolute determination to win a place at India’s finest Institute – the IIT – he’s not going to let anything stand in his way. What could possibly go wrong?
Sure enough, the only thing he couldn’t plan for comes to pass and through no fault of his own, he misses the exam, ensuring the Zero Percentile score of the book's title. With a card-carrying Communist for an uncle, his family come up with an alternative. Unable to afford the cost of waiting to give Pankaj another go at the IIT entrance exam, he’s soon sent to the USSR, the recipient of a scholarship to study engineering at the hands of the Soviets.
Pankaj finds himself very far from home in Volgograd where men are tough (it was Stalingrad before the big guy went out of fashion so if you know your history, you’ll know just how tough they are out there) and the women ought to be easy. At least he’s assigned to a western part of the USSR and not one of the Muslim areas where wine, women and song would be rarer than hens' teeth. Pankaj needs to find his place in a very different academic forum; a place where it’s not enough to be clever, you’ve got to be able to keep up with a different kind of manliness to what he’s known back home. It’s colder than an Indian could ever imagine, the day to day politics of the university are not something he really understands and there’s the burdensome issue of trying to get rid of his troublesome virginity to deal with. Thrown into a student hostel where he and his fellow international scholars have just a year to learn enough Russian to take the rest of their courses entirely in Russian, he soon finds that his skill set isn’t matched to the needs of his environment.
The time span of the story should be interesting. He arrives with the Soviet Union in its death throws and the new Russia coming through when a young man with an entrepreneurial spirit can make a mint if he knows who to speak to and how to get around the protection rackets. Corruption could be said to come naturally to anyone who’s grown up in India! So we have all the makings of a great book – the childhood in New Delhi followed by his student days in Soviet and then de-Sovietised Russia – what’s not to like?
Sadly this book misses the mark on so many levels that it’s hard to know where to start being rude about it. The childhood section was my favourite although at times his three-way friendship with pretty but privileged Priya and clever but chunky Motu reads like a cross between 'Harry Potter' and the 'Three Musketeers' but without the magic and the swords. It’s really nothing that hasn’t been written before. Their pursuit of national quiz circuit fame was fun but the childhood section is rather too long for a book that’s supposed to be about his student life. Soviet Russia is mildly interesting although his cloistered life in the international hostel reduces his ability to really say much of any great insight about his time and place. Post Soviet capitalism offers lots of opportunities but the sheer speed and scale with which he builds his little business empire was so silly as to be almost unreadable.
It’s not all bad. The book does touch on important issues such as corruption within academia and the wider business world, the stigma of HIV (though quite frankly the epidemiology of who gets it and how left me thinking that the plot was seriously flawed) and the easy availability of prostitution. The problem is in each case it really does only ‘touch’ the topics. In general, the book is superficial to such an extent that it’s just plain silly in more parts than I would want.
So how do I come to be reviewing a first book by a new Indian writer whom I seem to hold in such contempt? I was crammed into a metro train in New Delhi during my holiday whilst a young chap standing nearby was chatting to my husband and holding a copy of this book. I squinted at the cover and asked if I could have a proper look. He said he thought it was pretty good and recommended that I get a copy.
I have a prurient interest in crappy Indian writers. After decades of reading the great Indian literary writers, I’m drawn to the modern ‘populist’ writers with the same kind of self-shame that I get from reading the Daily Mail. Yes I’d rather stick to the good stuff but once in a while it’s good to dip into what the man in the street (or man on the Metro in this case) thinks is fun. This particular genre targets young hip Indians who don’t want to read the heavy stuff but want to buy into a racier, more modern style of writing which – to my western eyes – is clumsy, gauche and often down-right embarassingly bad. It’s also undeniably cheap. At 95 rupees cover price (about £1.30 ish) it’s less than half the price of most local publications of a decent literary novel.
The characters are poorly drawn and very shallow and many are very hard to relate to. His ‘love interest’ in Russia didn’t ring true for me in any way and his fellow students just irritated me more than interested me. The evil Russian Dean of the university gave a little light relief and his promiscuous room mate was mildly interesting. His childhood friends were better developed and I couldn’t help but think they were based on real people that he actually cared about in a way that many of the other characters weren’t.
On his website Neeraj Chhibba is asked if he thinks the book can become an international best seller and he says he’s confident it can because it tackles the aspiration to get into IIT (shared by every bright kid in India but practically unknown outside the country), examines Russia from a different angle (hmm, not one that will interest too many Russians I’d have thought), covers the period of change in Russia in the 90s (should be interesting, sadly isn’t) and is set in Volgograd (now that really isn’t going to get the tills ringing – how many people even know or care that it used to be Stalingrad). I just don’t know who is supposed to want a book of this type. It’s pitched at the racier slice of the market but it doesn’t deliver on the sex and vodka titillation those readers might be seeking. It might appeal to would-be university students if it actually had anything to say about getting in and staying in University, but it doesn’t. And anyone thinking it might be fun to go and start up an Import-Export business in Russia has long missed their window of opportunity.
If I haven’t put you off, you can order a copy on Amazon – it’s not in stock, not surprisingly. I might just list my copy to get rid of it.
Chhibba currently works in an IT company in a suburb of New Delhi. I would advise him not to give up the day job just yet.
Sure enough, the only thing he couldn’t plan for comes to pass and through no fault of his own, he misses the exam, ensuring the Zero Percentile score of the book's title. With a card-carrying Communist for an uncle, his family come up with an alternative. Unable to afford the cost of waiting to give Pankaj another go at the IIT entrance exam, he’s soon sent to the USSR, the recipient of a scholarship to study engineering at the hands of the Soviets.
Pankaj finds himself very far from home in Volgograd where men are tough (it was Stalingrad before the big guy went out of fashion so if you know your history, you’ll know just how tough they are out there) and the women ought to be easy. At least he’s assigned to a western part of the USSR and not one of the Muslim areas where wine, women and song would be rarer than hens' teeth. Pankaj needs to find his place in a very different academic forum; a place where it’s not enough to be clever, you’ve got to be able to keep up with a different kind of manliness to what he’s known back home. It’s colder than an Indian could ever imagine, the day to day politics of the university are not something he really understands and there’s the burdensome issue of trying to get rid of his troublesome virginity to deal with. Thrown into a student hostel where he and his fellow international scholars have just a year to learn enough Russian to take the rest of their courses entirely in Russian, he soon finds that his skill set isn’t matched to the needs of his environment.
The time span of the story should be interesting. He arrives with the Soviet Union in its death throws and the new Russia coming through when a young man with an entrepreneurial spirit can make a mint if he knows who to speak to and how to get around the protection rackets. Corruption could be said to come naturally to anyone who’s grown up in India! So we have all the makings of a great book – the childhood in New Delhi followed by his student days in Soviet and then de-Sovietised Russia – what’s not to like?
Sadly this book misses the mark on so many levels that it’s hard to know where to start being rude about it. The childhood section was my favourite although at times his three-way friendship with pretty but privileged Priya and clever but chunky Motu reads like a cross between 'Harry Potter' and the 'Three Musketeers' but without the magic and the swords. It’s really nothing that hasn’t been written before. Their pursuit of national quiz circuit fame was fun but the childhood section is rather too long for a book that’s supposed to be about his student life. Soviet Russia is mildly interesting although his cloistered life in the international hostel reduces his ability to really say much of any great insight about his time and place. Post Soviet capitalism offers lots of opportunities but the sheer speed and scale with which he builds his little business empire was so silly as to be almost unreadable.
It’s not all bad. The book does touch on important issues such as corruption within academia and the wider business world, the stigma of HIV (though quite frankly the epidemiology of who gets it and how left me thinking that the plot was seriously flawed) and the easy availability of prostitution. The problem is in each case it really does only ‘touch’ the topics. In general, the book is superficial to such an extent that it’s just plain silly in more parts than I would want.
So how do I come to be reviewing a first book by a new Indian writer whom I seem to hold in such contempt? I was crammed into a metro train in New Delhi during my holiday whilst a young chap standing nearby was chatting to my husband and holding a copy of this book. I squinted at the cover and asked if I could have a proper look. He said he thought it was pretty good and recommended that I get a copy.
I have a prurient interest in crappy Indian writers. After decades of reading the great Indian literary writers, I’m drawn to the modern ‘populist’ writers with the same kind of self-shame that I get from reading the Daily Mail. Yes I’d rather stick to the good stuff but once in a while it’s good to dip into what the man in the street (or man on the Metro in this case) thinks is fun. This particular genre targets young hip Indians who don’t want to read the heavy stuff but want to buy into a racier, more modern style of writing which – to my western eyes – is clumsy, gauche and often down-right embarassingly bad. It’s also undeniably cheap. At 95 rupees cover price (about £1.30 ish) it’s less than half the price of most local publications of a decent literary novel.
The characters are poorly drawn and very shallow and many are very hard to relate to. His ‘love interest’ in Russia didn’t ring true for me in any way and his fellow students just irritated me more than interested me. The evil Russian Dean of the university gave a little light relief and his promiscuous room mate was mildly interesting. His childhood friends were better developed and I couldn’t help but think they were based on real people that he actually cared about in a way that many of the other characters weren’t.
On his website Neeraj Chhibba is asked if he thinks the book can become an international best seller and he says he’s confident it can because it tackles the aspiration to get into IIT (shared by every bright kid in India but practically unknown outside the country), examines Russia from a different angle (hmm, not one that will interest too many Russians I’d have thought), covers the period of change in Russia in the 90s (should be interesting, sadly isn’t) and is set in Volgograd (now that really isn’t going to get the tills ringing – how many people even know or care that it used to be Stalingrad). I just don’t know who is supposed to want a book of this type. It’s pitched at the racier slice of the market but it doesn’t deliver on the sex and vodka titillation those readers might be seeking. It might appeal to would-be university students if it actually had anything to say about getting in and staying in University, but it doesn’t. And anyone thinking it might be fun to go and start up an Import-Export business in Russia has long missed their window of opportunity.
If I haven’t put you off, you can order a copy on Amazon – it’s not in stock, not surprisingly. I might just list my copy to get rid of it.
Chhibba currently works in an IT company in a suburb of New Delhi. I would advise him not to give up the day job just yet.
Read
January 2, 2010'I was about to lose my home and had still not found a new one. I was all set but not ready to go.' (78)
April 27, 2016
Like countless books by Indian engineers turned author.
February 14, 2020
No storyline!
February 15, 2020
It's an amazing book, once picked up for reading wouldn't want to leave. Super awesome work by Neeraj Chibba!
December 2, 2021
It's the first book of my life that I read completely it taught me best things and best experience
June 14, 2024
Nice story.....Mix of Indian and Russian culture.....
November 8, 2024
First book I ever read in my teens, definitely not for a teen boy 😂
June 17, 2015
As a brilliant young boy Pankaj never imagines that he will ever be swamped with problems. Life with his friends Motu and Priya is fun. Always destined to go to IIT, a cruel incident makes him end up in a place he has never heard of before, Volgograd - a Russian 'City of heroes'. Zero percentile is a heady cocktail of the fascinating adventures of Pankaj, a less flavored son of destiny, across two completely different countries, India and Russia.
I am glad someone took an initiative to write a book about people who try their level best to get into IIT but don't succeed for some reason. There is also an equally pertinent issue about the exposure of young people from India into a drastically different booze-babes-BJs ridden culture and the subsequent ramifications on their personality. It can be a very depressing and life altering event for such individuals and if done well, can make up for engrossing read. Luckily, Zero percentile quite achieves in that sphere of writing with some witty, charming and cunning moments.
Having lived in Russia for close to 7 years, the author is well versed with the kind of environment he is leading us into and the detailing of the hostel life is endearing. The book's basic plot remains faithful to the blueprint of your coming-of-age story, but the screenplay is bursting at its seam with numerous tricks to keep you on your toes. So we have an head-master who can do anything for your grades to earn quick money, a sex-addict friend who don't think twice before sleeping with any Russian chick he can lay his hands, an old couple who treats Pankaj as their own child and a bisexual girlfriend who ditches him for another girl even when he is busy making plans to convince his parents to marry her.
Relying on some keen observations about the life of the good-bad-ugly side of Russia, the writer explores the personality of every possible individual from various strata of society associated with the college. Almost all the characters are grey here, full of flaws specially when it came to the portrayal of those involved with the local mafia gang. With elements of hope, sex, violence, campus gangs and revenge, it offers almost all the pot-boiler moments of a Bollywood film. I particularly liked the sub-plot of role reversal of lives of Motu and Pankaj at various points in the narrative, it is ironical and humorous in equal mix.
The book is not free of flaws, there are some clichés which could have been easily avoided. In the end, they just add to the length of the book. The pun intended on the fascination with male child is hilarious in the first part of the book, though a tad over-stretched. The whole quizzing competition even though riveting is lengthy because the bond between the three friends has already been established sufficiently. The last act of getting back to Priya is done so conveniently that it looks contrived, emotionless and reeks of bizarreness to say the least. However, keeping in mind that the author is penning down its sequel, it may not turn out to be such a farce. The blurb of the book is too long as it gives away all the major twists and turns in the narrative, which is quite preposterous for me. I want to explore them, not just read at the back of the book.
But these are small nitpicking's in an otherwise engaging masala book which provides a good time pass read on a lazy day. I am going with 3/5 for Neeraj Chhibba's first book, Zero Percentile. Even though it is quite predictable in parts, it covers up by some smart writing. It is set in a new world, and has a bunch of wonderful moments. It delivers more than it promises. Sometimes, that's all you want from a book!
I am glad someone took an initiative to write a book about people who try their level best to get into IIT but don't succeed for some reason. There is also an equally pertinent issue about the exposure of young people from India into a drastically different booze-babes-BJs ridden culture and the subsequent ramifications on their personality. It can be a very depressing and life altering event for such individuals and if done well, can make up for engrossing read. Luckily, Zero percentile quite achieves in that sphere of writing with some witty, charming and cunning moments.
Having lived in Russia for close to 7 years, the author is well versed with the kind of environment he is leading us into and the detailing of the hostel life is endearing. The book's basic plot remains faithful to the blueprint of your coming-of-age story, but the screenplay is bursting at its seam with numerous tricks to keep you on your toes. So we have an head-master who can do anything for your grades to earn quick money, a sex-addict friend who don't think twice before sleeping with any Russian chick he can lay his hands, an old couple who treats Pankaj as their own child and a bisexual girlfriend who ditches him for another girl even when he is busy making plans to convince his parents to marry her.
Relying on some keen observations about the life of the good-bad-ugly side of Russia, the writer explores the personality of every possible individual from various strata of society associated with the college. Almost all the characters are grey here, full of flaws specially when it came to the portrayal of those involved with the local mafia gang. With elements of hope, sex, violence, campus gangs and revenge, it offers almost all the pot-boiler moments of a Bollywood film. I particularly liked the sub-plot of role reversal of lives of Motu and Pankaj at various points in the narrative, it is ironical and humorous in equal mix.
The book is not free of flaws, there are some clichés which could have been easily avoided. In the end, they just add to the length of the book. The pun intended on the fascination with male child is hilarious in the first part of the book, though a tad over-stretched. The whole quizzing competition even though riveting is lengthy because the bond between the three friends has already been established sufficiently. The last act of getting back to Priya is done so conveniently that it looks contrived, emotionless and reeks of bizarreness to say the least. However, keeping in mind that the author is penning down its sequel, it may not turn out to be such a farce. The blurb of the book is too long as it gives away all the major twists and turns in the narrative, which is quite preposterous for me. I want to explore them, not just read at the back of the book.
But these are small nitpicking's in an otherwise engaging masala book which provides a good time pass read on a lazy day. I am going with 3/5 for Neeraj Chhibba's first book, Zero Percentile. Even though it is quite predictable in parts, it covers up by some smart writing. It is set in a new world, and has a bunch of wonderful moments. It delivers more than it promises. Sometimes, that's all you want from a book!
March 5, 2010
Zero Percentile – Missed IIT, Kissed Russia
Zero percentile is one such book which I personally liked. I got Zero percentile from the author Neeraj Chibba himself through GoodReads website and as soon as I got the book I started reading it.
Zero Percentile is about a guy who missed the IIT bus and landed up in Russia. The book talks about the experiences, the life and the emotional dilemma which the guy faces over the years. The story is well depicted and one could easily form the picture of the narration in one’s mind.
The story starts from the very early life of Pankaj, who is the central character of the story, revolves around his friends, relationships and family along with his desire to pursue higher education at IIT.
But a tragic turn leads him to a dead end and he feels disheartened, losing all of his confidence and self esteem. After wasting his life’s precious years, he moves on to Russia to pursue Engineering.
The life of Russia is well depicted and the struggles, problems and hardships faced by Pankaj are nicely put in words. The environment of hostel would surely catch the eye of the Hostellers and they would surely be able to relate it to themselves.
In the latter half of the story, Pankaj has to face a few more troubles with tragic incidents at home and in his personal life but he comes out to be a strong character; sets up his own business, plays fair and foul as per the need of the hour.
The character of Sveta, with whom Pankaj falls in love also is depicted quite nicely but later on she is not what our hero thought of as her soul mate.
As most of the stories end with a happy ending, this one too has one. Though as per my view point, it becomes quite predictable in the end and somewhat reader losses his interest in last few pages in contrast with the whole read which is easily able to hold the reader in a spell and gives a thrust to read on more and more.
Overall a good read.
Narration – 4.5/5
Imagery – 4.5/5
Overall – 4/5
Zero percentile is one such book which I personally liked. I got Zero percentile from the author Neeraj Chibba himself through GoodReads website and as soon as I got the book I started reading it.
Zero Percentile is about a guy who missed the IIT bus and landed up in Russia. The book talks about the experiences, the life and the emotional dilemma which the guy faces over the years. The story is well depicted and one could easily form the picture of the narration in one’s mind.
The story starts from the very early life of Pankaj, who is the central character of the story, revolves around his friends, relationships and family along with his desire to pursue higher education at IIT.
But a tragic turn leads him to a dead end and he feels disheartened, losing all of his confidence and self esteem. After wasting his life’s precious years, he moves on to Russia to pursue Engineering.
The life of Russia is well depicted and the struggles, problems and hardships faced by Pankaj are nicely put in words. The environment of hostel would surely catch the eye of the Hostellers and they would surely be able to relate it to themselves.
In the latter half of the story, Pankaj has to face a few more troubles with tragic incidents at home and in his personal life but he comes out to be a strong character; sets up his own business, plays fair and foul as per the need of the hour.
The character of Sveta, with whom Pankaj falls in love also is depicted quite nicely but later on she is not what our hero thought of as her soul mate.
As most of the stories end with a happy ending, this one too has one. Though as per my view point, it becomes quite predictable in the end and somewhat reader losses his interest in last few pages in contrast with the whole read which is easily able to hold the reader in a spell and gives a thrust to read on more and more.
Overall a good read.
Narration – 4.5/5
Imagery – 4.5/5
Overall – 4/5
February 6, 2010
The book is divided into three Phases, the first depicting childhood/boyhood and education, the second adulthood/education and lust, the third adulthood and romantic love, to say the least. If only life could be so straightforward. Life isn’t something mellow and forthcoming. Neeraj catches the fine and not-so-fine essence of life, stirs it, and serves, one at a time or a few.
There are clichés, there are insipidly put down jokes, the limitation of first-person narrative showing up a little, there are sentences that would be better served by better turn of phrase. There are elements that feels would be complete if only given little more space. (Speaking of which, I was glad to find a latter moment given only so much mention which I thought was its strength) Then, here’s a first-time author who is dealing with a narrative that spans a quarter century of his protagonist.
Russia, the book’s key/second setting, is treated fairly. Any culture/country has its downsides and upsides. It’s not fairness to look down with ingratitude. (I am, oddly enough, reminded to dust my copy of Crime and Punishment which I am in the three-fourth of) This setting gives the story a breath of fresh air.
There is so much to relate to in it. The high point to me was the protagonist, Pankaj, falling in love with the Russian woman. Though it lasts only so long, speaks volumes. I must say I am not a sucker for romantic moments in fiction and I tend to blame it on the monotony of Indian Cinema which is clichéd beyond belief beyond refutation.
Put together, pretty impressive read in many places. There were many moments I could relate to. Phase I was subpar, when it had its own things to say that I liked, compared to what followed. The reading picked up for me from the second act. It's a pretty decent effort that, not being overly melodramatic but realistic, comes off as a post-colonial, modern fable for both worlds it is created in.
There are clichés, there are insipidly put down jokes, the limitation of first-person narrative showing up a little, there are sentences that would be better served by better turn of phrase. There are elements that feels would be complete if only given little more space. (Speaking of which, I was glad to find a latter moment given only so much mention which I thought was its strength) Then, here’s a first-time author who is dealing with a narrative that spans a quarter century of his protagonist.
Russia, the book’s key/second setting, is treated fairly. Any culture/country has its downsides and upsides. It’s not fairness to look down with ingratitude. (I am, oddly enough, reminded to dust my copy of Crime and Punishment which I am in the three-fourth of) This setting gives the story a breath of fresh air.
There is so much to relate to in it. The high point to me was the protagonist, Pankaj, falling in love with the Russian woman. Though it lasts only so long, speaks volumes. I must say I am not a sucker for romantic moments in fiction and I tend to blame it on the monotony of Indian Cinema which is clichéd beyond belief beyond refutation.
Put together, pretty impressive read in many places. There were many moments I could relate to. Phase I was subpar, when it had its own things to say that I liked, compared to what followed. The reading picked up for me from the second act. It's a pretty decent effort that, not being overly melodramatic but realistic, comes off as a post-colonial, modern fable for both worlds it is created in.
April 16, 2010
The book is about a boy Pankaj and his life in India and Russia. The book is divided in three parts:
Phase 1: It is all about Pankaj's young life and his friends at school. It reminds of the phase of life when we are young and carefree, make lifetime friends and dream of an extraordinary future. Pankaj's life revolves around his friends, their adventures, failures until the time comes to make a career decision. On his father's advise, he starts preparing exhaustively for IIT JEE.
Phase 2: It deals with the college life of pankaj and is based in Volgograd, Russia. Pankaj lives among students from almost every part of the world and tries to cope up with their entirely different outlook towards life. He learns a lot of ways to deal with the world.
Phase 3: Pankaj becomes responsible about his priorities in life. He tries to make a living in Russia but is deceived by his seniors who cheat him. He starts his own business and faces new challenges at every step. He is also worried about his non-existent love life.
The book is a good read because it is a simple story written in an interesting way. The book is written in first person and has a feel of personal diary. It gives an insight to the problems faced by teenagers, it deals with the fact that ordinary people have the additional weight of responsibility to do something extraordinary to get noticed, it reflects that failures are a part of everyone's life and inspires to look ahead, leaving the bitter memories of past behind.
Phase 1: It is all about Pankaj's young life and his friends at school. It reminds of the phase of life when we are young and carefree, make lifetime friends and dream of an extraordinary future. Pankaj's life revolves around his friends, their adventures, failures until the time comes to make a career decision. On his father's advise, he starts preparing exhaustively for IIT JEE.
Phase 2: It deals with the college life of pankaj and is based in Volgograd, Russia. Pankaj lives among students from almost every part of the world and tries to cope up with their entirely different outlook towards life. He learns a lot of ways to deal with the world.
Phase 3: Pankaj becomes responsible about his priorities in life. He tries to make a living in Russia but is deceived by his seniors who cheat him. He starts his own business and faces new challenges at every step. He is also worried about his non-existent love life.
The book is a good read because it is a simple story written in an interesting way. The book is written in first person and has a feel of personal diary. It gives an insight to the problems faced by teenagers, it deals with the fact that ordinary people have the additional weight of responsibility to do something extraordinary to get noticed, it reflects that failures are a part of everyone's life and inspires to look ahead, leaving the bitter memories of past behind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2010
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Zero Percentile is the story of a guy called Pankaj from Delhi, India. The story begins in 1997 Russia where Pankaj is about to board a flight to India and waiting for one phone call that could change the course of his life. This is just a 2 page prologue after which the story shifts to Delhi and then for the first half of the book we are taken through Pankaj’s childhood.
Although I think the childhood part was quite stretched out with unnecessary details, I do think it was necessary. Even though the tagline of the book says ‘Missed IIT Kissed Rusia’, IIT is a very small part of this book. Just because he misses the IIT exam due to an incident, he lands up in Russia for an engineering degree. After that it’s about his experiences in Russia.
What I liked the most about the book was the information it provided. I haven’t read a lot of books set in Russia and that’s why the setting of this book was very refreshing. I got to know a LOT of things about Russia and the education system back in the 1990’s. Along with that he’s also managed to insert quite a bit of Russian history in the book.
This book reads like a Bollywood Movie, a potboiler from beginning to end. It’s a book for the masses and I would safely put it into the ‘Chetan Bhagat’ category. It’s a quick read and it also costs less. The writing does need work but overall it was entertaining.
First posted at http://violetcrush.wordpress.com/2010...
Zero Percentile is the story of a guy called Pankaj from Delhi, India. The story begins in 1997 Russia where Pankaj is about to board a flight to India and waiting for one phone call that could change the course of his life. This is just a 2 page prologue after which the story shifts to Delhi and then for the first half of the book we are taken through Pankaj’s childhood.
Although I think the childhood part was quite stretched out with unnecessary details, I do think it was necessary. Even though the tagline of the book says ‘Missed IIT Kissed Rusia’, IIT is a very small part of this book. Just because he misses the IIT exam due to an incident, he lands up in Russia for an engineering degree. After that it’s about his experiences in Russia.
What I liked the most about the book was the information it provided. I haven’t read a lot of books set in Russia and that’s why the setting of this book was very refreshing. I got to know a LOT of things about Russia and the education system back in the 1990’s. Along with that he’s also managed to insert quite a bit of Russian history in the book.
This book reads like a Bollywood Movie, a potboiler from beginning to end. It’s a book for the masses and I would safely put it into the ‘Chetan Bhagat’ category. It’s a quick read and it also costs less. The writing does need work but overall it was entertaining.
First posted at http://violetcrush.wordpress.com/2010...
February 26, 2012
When I first read the the title of the book, I just ignored book thinking it is another college story.. And then, I came across this contest named "Register and win Zero Percentile 2.0" on goodreads.. I registered the contest knowing that I wont be winning it.. Come on, no one wins anything for free, isn't it?
One day, I received a book... Actually, I really won a free sopy of "Zero Percentile 2.0"..
Since I didnt read the first book, I ordered it and read it.. This is how I read this book.
First of all, I want to say this is no college love story.. This is more than that.. It is the story of a guy, named Pankaj (probably the hero), from an Indian lower middle class family.. The story starts from the hero's great-grand father to his grand father to his father to himself in the form of a sperm to himself in his mother's womb to himself in this world.. The story with lot of boring stuff, and the font size is really small which makes you very disinterested in the book... Like, there are many other books from Indian authors, whose font size is very big and the speacing between the lines are huge too, just to fill the pages.. Then after the first 40 pages, it gets interesting.. So interesting that you cant put the book down.. If you are not as bad reader as I am, you can complete this book in one go..
You will like it..
One day, I received a book... Actually, I really won a free sopy of "Zero Percentile 2.0"..
Since I didnt read the first book, I ordered it and read it.. This is how I read this book.
First of all, I want to say this is no college love story.. This is more than that.. It is the story of a guy, named Pankaj (probably the hero), from an Indian lower middle class family.. The story starts from the hero's great-grand father to his grand father to his father to himself in the form of a sperm to himself in his mother's womb to himself in this world.. The story with lot of boring stuff, and the font size is really small which makes you very disinterested in the book... Like, there are many other books from Indian authors, whose font size is very big and the speacing between the lines are huge too, just to fill the pages.. Then after the first 40 pages, it gets interesting.. So interesting that you cant put the book down.. If you are not as bad reader as I am, you can complete this book in one go..
You will like it..
December 20, 2009
Zero Percentile is a book that is compelling and easy read. I finished the book in a sitting in a matter of few hours.
It is story of an Indian middle-class boy Pankaj (yeah, Pankaj) who thinks education as a means of improving the financial, and subsequently social status of his family. He has his plans clearly laid out: to be at IIT.
If you think this book is Chetan Bhagat’s What Not to Do at IIT, then you couldn’t be more wrong.
A twist in the tale finds Pankaj in Volgograd, Russia. Before leaving India, his father reminds him of an astrologer’s predictions (you know how seriously we Indians take them) who had predicted at his birth that he will travel abroad and will fall in love with a foreign woman.
Prediction does come true, but Pankaj is clueless about the outcome since the astrologer had failed to comment on it.
The book is set into three parts: India, Russia and finally the love story. My favourite is the second part that is set in Russia. The survival story of Pankaj tinged with bits of Russian (Russia that was U. S. S. R.) history and culture completely hooks a reader’s curiosity.
Read the complete review here at: http://alchemistpoonam.wordpress.com/...
It is story of an Indian middle-class boy Pankaj (yeah, Pankaj) who thinks education as a means of improving the financial, and subsequently social status of his family. He has his plans clearly laid out: to be at IIT.
If you think this book is Chetan Bhagat’s What Not to Do at IIT, then you couldn’t be more wrong.
A twist in the tale finds Pankaj in Volgograd, Russia. Before leaving India, his father reminds him of an astrologer’s predictions (you know how seriously we Indians take them) who had predicted at his birth that he will travel abroad and will fall in love with a foreign woman.
Prediction does come true, but Pankaj is clueless about the outcome since the astrologer had failed to comment on it.
The book is set into three parts: India, Russia and finally the love story. My favourite is the second part that is set in Russia. The survival story of Pankaj tinged with bits of Russian (Russia that was U. S. S. R.) history and culture completely hooks a reader’s curiosity.
Read the complete review here at: http://alchemistpoonam.wordpress.com/...
December 11, 2009
This book is about a life of an Indian boy set in 70s-90s. With the tagline and price of the book I though it would be one of a Chetan Bhagat kinds. But I couldn't be more wrong.
. The life of boy in 80s is set in India and I was amazed to find how he had intertwined the time with the story. The values, the friendship, the family, the struggle of Indian middle class, at that time.
.The 90s are set in erstwhile USSR, when she was on verge of disintegration. A beautiful portrayal of life of an Indian outside India. First the luxuries which spoil the always protected Indian kids. The survival in foreign land with other people from aggressive nations. Finally falling in love with.... NO I just can't give out the story.
This all comes with a simple flow and some wonderful quotes from author:
*pain is like appendix and you tend o carry it where its not needed.
*Gudiya didn’t look too happy, perhaps because she was not the centre of attraction. When it comes to praise, you want it only for yourself.
you will find many more like this in the book.
Must read.
. The life of boy in 80s is set in India and I was amazed to find how he had intertwined the time with the story. The values, the friendship, the family, the struggle of Indian middle class, at that time.
.The 90s are set in erstwhile USSR, when she was on verge of disintegration. A beautiful portrayal of life of an Indian outside India. First the luxuries which spoil the always protected Indian kids. The survival in foreign land with other people from aggressive nations. Finally falling in love with.... NO I just can't give out the story.
This all comes with a simple flow and some wonderful quotes from author:
*pain is like appendix and you tend o carry it where its not needed.
*Gudiya didn’t look too happy, perhaps because she was not the centre of attraction. When it comes to praise, you want it only for yourself.
you will find many more like this in the book.
Must read.
March 2, 2021
One of the best books written by Indian authors focused around education institutes. In this book our narrator misses his IIT exam due to some issues and then with help of few friends of his dad's he finds himself in Russia.
My dream of being a writer is realised and I am now a Goodreads Author. People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
My dream of being a writer is realised and I am now a Goodreads Author. People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
December 25, 2009
A person with high aims of getting into an IIT, after a traumatic accident ends up in a college in Russia! Mr. Chhibba explains events beautifully and sequentially but fails to emphasize on the feelings of Pankaj and others! Some characters do not even get an inch of the spot light and the lack of surprises lets you down so many times along the way! Life in Russia blooms up the spirit because of vivid descriptions presented( atleast for those who never had any glimpse of Russia and the education) !! Few things seem to be unnecessarily placed, but overall a quick and entertaining read!
I would recommend this for those who have been newly introduced to reading!
I would recommend this for those who have been newly introduced to reading!
March 12, 2010
The story is about a boy who wants to study in IIT but ends up in Russia..I think even if the book didnt use the title IIT,it would be fine because it hardly describes IIT.The book is ok for a first time writer..the story is about Pankaj who is a goody two shoes in the 1st half but turns into a scheming,aimless person in the 2nd half..its a bit difficult to imagine that a person who is once so focussed in life throws everthing away later.The parts about his setting up a coaching institute,sacrificing for friendship is a bit over dramatic.However,the description about Russia is good and interesting..Overall a quick,light read.
September 15, 2012
Read ‘Zero Percentile’ by Neeraj Chhibba, it was wonderful reading the book ‘Zero Percentile’ – reading a new author, to be able to go through a book without any preconceived ideas and expectations. The book has a potential to develop into a bollywood (Karan Johar style) script. Ten times better than ‘three mistake of my life.’ Zero Percentile is a heady cocktail of the fascinating adventures of Pankaj, a less favored son of destiny across two completely different countries, India and Russia. My ratting to this book is 3/5.
February 7, 2014
The moment i saw the title I was convinced that it would be another goof of an IITian who strives hard and drives down. I think author has specifically chosen the title as a marketing strategy.
I loved the way the author took the story from the preamble of three children to the adolescent and the adult. Especially the author's way of writing style.
I do not want to comment much about the story and to spoil others.
Waiting for its 2.0 version.
My personal opinion is that the story narrated in the last 30 pages was first moving and inconclusive.
I loved the way the author took the story from the preamble of three children to the adolescent and the adult. Especially the author's way of writing style.
I do not want to comment much about the story and to spoil others.
Waiting for its 2.0 version.
My personal opinion is that the story narrated in the last 30 pages was first moving and inconclusive.
February 11, 2012
just finished...utterly disappointed.many events in this book r far too stretched....nt exactly a page-turner.i wonder how it got a 'best seller' tag!!!well,on positive note,first tym reading a book abt Russia n its lifestyle,culture,education system etc...which is quite good.also from d book,i inferred that Indians are very adored abroad.being an Indian,m proud of it. :)
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