Skip to main content

My Thoughts on Dork: The Adventures Of Robin 'Einstein' Varghese

When I am reading a book, I get into 'phases' but I just hope that doesn't make me sound like a crazy person. Right at the beginning, when I read a book, I feel so thrilled as if I am poised on top of a cliff and watching the most exciting view from top. That feeling of being at the edge makes me want to read the whole book at one go, without being disturbed by the door bell ringing or the cell phone singing. 

Then, when I am half way through a book, a sort of irritation starts building up because I've already got through the outline and I know how the storyline is proceeding.  I have noticed that while I am mid-way, I like to tell people about what I have read so far including the interesting tidbits and conversations that thread the storyline. There are some scenes and dialogues  that I love to share with my friends. When I was reading Chetan Bhagat's Two States, I was constantly quoting passages from it with friends and family because I found it so relevant and funny.

When my colleague, Saurav, recommended "Dork: The Incredible Adventures of Robin 'Einstein Varghese" by Sidin Vadkut, I never expected to go on a totally hilarious rollercoaster ride. I was laughing throughout the reading phase and quoting incidents from the book. The story is about Robin, who graduates from one of India's best known business schools and lands a prestigious job as an analyst with Dufresne Partners. Blunders after blunders punctuate Robin's life with Dufresne Partners. His one-sided love for Gowri is full of embarassing ups and downs too. It's hard to say what's funnier - Robin's stupid mistakes at work or his embarassing episodes with Gowri.

The book also throws light on the hypocrisy of consultant analysts and the work scenario in India. Everything is related in a witty way but 99% of it is accurate.  The book is cheeky, funny, saucy and very real.

Don't miss it.

Comments

PNA said…
I get thru these phases too, especially when I'm mid-way, and if it is a thriller, I have this itching urge to turn over to last chapaters and read the end...the lack of patience created by the suspense!!

I read two similar work scenario in corporate india recently, Keep the Change and Married But Available... The first one is recommendable with clauses the later can be missed!

But they reflect a lot of truth
Readers Dais said…
Hi!

Thanks for sharing, U r lucky to have people around you to share your thoughts and express while reading.
Bhargavi said…
i am loving his book.. just halfway thru and am doubling over with laughter every single page .. !
@PNA, Yes, that is so true...these phases are an inevitable phase of reading. Keep the Change sounds interesting, would love to know more about it.

@ReadersDais: Thank you. I am surrounded by avid readers and I try to learn as much as possible from what they share from the books they read. We have interesting discussions on books and writers. The best thing is that we all share each others books and help save money too.

@Bedazzled: Yes, I know exactly what you mean.
Sunitha said…
Hm.. there are so many Indian authors to read out there. Its wonderful you are introducing so many through your posts..
@Nostalgia: Thank you so much!
interesting review.. will try to get this book soon..

Most Popular Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being born

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is.    The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra  and never once hesitate once you decide to do it.  Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. .  Also read: The Power of OM   Chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly: Pause Five Times Here are some important thi

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: Meaning, Benefit of Chanting and Who can Chant the Mantra

Mahadmrityunjaya Mantra: Benefit of chanting this mantra There are very few mantras that are as powerful as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Do read my post: Does Mahamrityunajaya mantra really work?       Mahamrityunjaya mantra is believed to have the power to remove all sufferings, diseases and bestow the one who chants it with good health and long life.   It is also believed that constant contemplation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra can help spiritual aspirants to overcome the cycle of birth and death. What got me fascinated about this mantra is something personal.  I learned this mantra from my father but it is my maternal grandmother who chanted it all the time and repeatedly told me of its tremendous power to protect. However, I did not chant this mantra regularly.  At the age of two, my son was taught some mantras by my mother who explained what it means to him and he became very enthusiastic about chanting the mantras. Following this, my mother taught him the Maha Mrityun

Saree Woes 2

Our earlier discussion on Saree Woes really perked up my spirits. A big thanks to all of you for pepping me up. Okay, here's the good news. There was an unexpected late night party that I had to attend in Gurgaon. To be honest, I haven't had the time or energy to attend any such parties after Adi was born. I was sure I wouldn't have the confidence to make conversation with the glitterati, let alone feel confident to carry off wearing a saree. This is one of those parties where you have to be dressed very formally. Well, at the end of a working woman's day, you hardly feel ready to attend one of these parties looking like a moron, right? So, with very little preparation and very few hours left, I called on all the gods in Heaven to help me look a little younger and prettier since I don't have the magic to look young all on my own. Although I was tempted to wear one of my awesome Kancheevaram treasures, I knew it would be very difficult to drape it without any h