Feb 19, Soumi Sarkar rated it really liked it. Apr 07, Faizan rated it liked it. It was good. However, the ending is cliche. The whole book is cliche, but the trope could be good. So I enjoy it? It is a lockdown, and I don;t have much books with me. Jun 16, Amit Gupta rated it liked it. Surrounded by friends, Nitin, Priya and Arjun, they have pinned their hopes on the Babe — the software they are developing. Once friends, now fierce competitors, the stakes are enormously high for them.
What will it cost them? Will they ever get back together? A tale of greed, love, friendship and conspiracy which ends in a pulsating climax after seven days of bitter fight for control. It is always difficult to follow up on a well-written, engaging book and ZP2. Apart from awkward sentences cases and non-seamless narrative, the book entwines in so much that at times, you have to stop to check on the flow of events.
Pacing has never been a problem in Chhibba's books, but it is the lack of detailing and logical loopholes which hurt the final product this time. Each character comes with its own set of rules and problems, more complex than others. It helps that most of these are regular situations with which one can identify and the book has a good heart which we all want to see somewhere in ourselves.
The narrative is punctuated by flesh and blood characters with whom you can identify and it is brave on the author's part not to show any prejudices. I particularly enjoyed the portions of Arjun's daughter, which are written with a deft touch and a rare maturity when it comes to writing about the specially challenged children.
The second section of the book, however, was too long for me, and provides a convenient back-story to justify each characters eccentricities. The cross-connecting of various stories is a tad confusing and the amalgamation of sub-plots with the main story left a lot to be desired.
I personally felt the brouhaha over Nitin's AIDS campaign over-the-top mainly because it is set in IT industry where you would expect the intellectual level of people working to be of an optimum level. I am going with generous 2.
It is more complex, but less engaging than its prequel. More focus should have been on exploring relationships and less on number of relationships. It might just have worked much better in that form. Read it if you are a fan of racy metro reads. Dec 15, Smita Beohar rated it liked it Shelves: contemporary-indian-authors. Motu is trying to save his company from an eminent hostile takeover.
But what is disturbing him is the fact that it might be Pankaj who is behind the takeover. Priya works with Motu but is in love with Pankaj. She is torn between her two best friends, whom will she chose. Arjun is a single father bringing up a special child. His wife had left them when she realised that she had given birth to a daughter who was not perfect. Nitin is fighting the battle of AIDS and the stigma associated with it.
Pankaj is a changed man, betrayal by people whom he had trusted the most makes him a ruthless man. For him it is money which matters the most. These 5 parallel but interconnected stories form Zero Percentile 2. How they build back the burnt bridges forms the crux of the book.
The first book had the advantage of a new setting, Russia and this book shows us the time when software industry had just begin to thrive and there were success stories all around. This itself is a novelty according to me and sets the book apart. The book begins slowly and makes you wonder about the lingering past which is discussed continuously but not revealed until later. As soon as the past begins to unravel the book catches a pace and becomes a fast paced roller coaster ride.
The grudge that I have with this book is that it tries to pack in too many issues. Go grab a copy and am sure you will finish it one sitting. Jan 23, Aletha Tavares rated it it was ok. A fast pace book that takes you thru all the twists and turns of present day corporate scenarios.
Written simply but not earth moving. Problem is I had just finished reading Night Train to Lisbon and that put me in a different plane of thought. So i just concluded that some books are authored and some books are written, and Zero Percentile falls in the latter category.
Reason being that it just expresses one thought - an interplay of characters. Writers of today keep it short and racy. But with A fast pace book that takes you thru all the twists and turns of present day corporate scenarios. But with books like Night Train to Lisbon, the depths of a character are explored, you live that person, and the character stays with you for long- so yes I don't want to even make a comparison here, as it would be sacrilege. So as not to sound over critical, but I wish our new crop of Indian writers grow out of college experiences, and sit down to exploring the human being in an Indian setting much more.
I hate seeing wastage of paper. Catchy name, but this book Zero percentile does not leave you lasting images. It is a light read, written fairly well and the knots all unravel and tie up well at the end. It will do well for those who don't read and would like to start reading about environments they are familiar with and know, rather than travel with an author across continents into cultures unknown and unfamiliar.
When I read a book I would like to learn something new about people, cultures, places, and even words and the use of phrases that express inner thots in a way that you would put down the book and think about that phrase a bit, mull it over in mind. So Zero percentile falls short on all these counts. It does lack depth in exploring the characters and even the places which could have helped bring out the place setting in a more richer way and the changing culture that affects relationships.
Jan 31, Nidhi rated it it was ok Shelves: giveaway. The setting of the story has an IT context and the race to launch a product that will change the dynamics of the Pharma Industry. The book is like a typical Bollywood masala movie. It has all the ingredients to make it a blockbuster — there is love, revenge, death — all the spicy stuff. So if you like this genre then the book is for you. The story is fast paced and has enough characters with their convoluted sub-stories to keep you going.
As I am from an IT background, I had to no issues in having empathy for the IT issues that the characters in the story faced — so this aspect of the story should find resonance within the readers of the IT group. Feb 15, Apurva Mehta rated it it was ok.
I got this book from someone, and completed in a record break time for my self of 2 days. As i don't want to waste my more time on this book. I don't know it's good or bad thing about this book. Neither i could liked it nor i could ignore it. I never felt bored, but at the same time i never enjoyed it.
It's having so so much pace that story is rolling faster than our breathing rate. I just like to mention that some books are authored and some books are written, and Zero Percentile falls in the la I got this book from someone, and completed in a record break time for my self of 2 days. I just like to mention that some books are authored and some books are written, and Zero Percentile falls in the latter category.
This is like a typical Bollywood malsala movie, created just for enjoyment. You can't gain anything from it. When I read a book I would like to learn something new about people, cultures, places, and even words and the use of phrases that express inner thoughts in a way that you would put down the book and think about that phrase a bit, mull it over in mind.
Your life won't have any change either you read it or not!!! 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. Isn't it? Like Chetan Bhagat's 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. 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. 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. But then again, I guess it depends on who your intended audience is. 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.
I want to conclude this all. 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 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? Dec 08, Smita Beohar rated it liked it. 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.
It was then that his father decides to send him to and engineering college in Volgograd in Russia. He battles the new language, horrid climate, totally different people etc. 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. 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. 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. The book is a fact pace read, which entertains you and turns out to be a page turner. Recommended to Uttam by: Neeraj Chhibba. 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 Excep About the Story Fast storyline and too many twists can bind the readers to its pages throughout.
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.
I put the cellphone in my pocket and proceeded to board 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'. He said I said I have one last accusation, you non-Bengalees have a tendency to relate everything and anything of Kolkata to Rabindranath.
It's pretty irritating. View all 3 comments. Jan 10, suchi rated it it was ok. Saubhagya Prada January 17 at am Hi, I am unable to find the option for attaching a word document. Hence, I am pasting my review below. 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 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.
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. 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. 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. 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. This is very nicely done and looks good. Thank you so much View 2 comments. Feb 13, Bhargavi Balachandran rated it liked it Shelves: from-my-library , fiction , indian-writing , read-in , young-adult , review-copy. A genre that has been done to death,IMHO.
Thankfully for me,Zero percentile is much more than that. 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. 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. 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. 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 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!. After this book,I am looking forward to his next book.! This is an author requested review. View 1 comment. Feb 17, Neha rated it liked it Shelves: read , own , g-asia-india , author-req.
Zero Percentile.. Missed IIT Kissed Russia.. So to read something in the same league was not what I wanted to do. So Pankaj - is a smart, intelligent, hard working guy who clearly knows what he wants.
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. And BANG 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.. Maybe Pankaj was a man like in Business Magazines and nowhere he showed any weak emotion.. So read it but don't analyse it too much the way I tend to!! Apr 13, Avid rated it did not like it Shelves: indian-author , small , india , read-in , fiction.
When Neeraj Chhibba, the author of this book, contacted me to ask if I can review his book, I was not sure about it. Please note that the tricks or techniques listed in this pdf are either fictional or claimed to work by its creator.
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