Monday, October 12, 2009

3 Book Reviews

I am simply amazed. Finished off the 3rd book, while the first one took almost a month. While the remaining where finished in a day each. Somehow I am feeling that I am back to my self. After reading the Word documents, it was a welcome change and all thanks to this break, it has indeed made a difference. Looking forward for incorporating my other plans which were on hold all this time. Some self satisfaction finally...

Book Review : The Professional

The Professional
Book : The Professional
Author : Subroto Bagchi
Cost : 399/-

After reading "High Performance Entrepreneur" and "Go Kiss the World" , it wasnt a tough decision on whether to invest in this or not. Infact, If I hadnt, it would be a loss. With time, its not really about the book, but with the Author, with which a good will is built, and thats primarily due to "Professionalism". This is something which is emphasised in the book, and this professionalism is should be within you.
The difference, is, when a senior comes infront of you, whether you get up due to the respect or due to the power he/she carries. If its power, it will fade away with his/her power or position.

A wonderfully written book, which gives emphasis on various sections of your life, and how one needs to be good in all these respects.
There are some areas where we are thinking we are doing it right, but might actually not be professional. These are the subtle things that are listed in the book, added with appropriate examples to suit the context.
There are couple of instances in the book, whether the Author has bad experiences with the doctor, and a very professional experience with a nurse, who treated his mom. Now, whats important to learn is that, even after so many years, he re-collects both the incidences and writes it into a book, which would be read by hundred's of people, like me. Imagine that, this particular doctor also reads it, can you imagine the uneasyness that he would be going through. Though there is no mention of the name of the doctor nor the hospital. But that doctor will feel that trauma. One never knows , how and what will come into the day of light, which one has done , slightly unprofessionally , as the medium of reporting is becoming easier day by day.
Whats the solution for this issue ?
Be a professional. The probability of such issues coming up becomes less.

Then one take away, I had from the many..This revolves around the meetings which we have in office. Invariably, they are held so that a so called unanimous decsion can be taken. But in practice, not everyone really participates. Even if there are potential issues, its not necessary that it is conveyed. The meetings are a very formal mechanism of protecting a bigger decision, so incase something unpleasant happens, its not a sole person who is held responsible. Not really to find the real problems and sort them out. ( Though I have seen some brilliant managers who actually sort out the problems , rather than just get a consensus).
Various mechanisms are provided in the book, to handle such issues and various examples.

In short, I would say that its a must read for all. For those who are in the IT industry, there are no reasons not to read. More so, because, the author is from IT Industry and so am I. Its a small and great investment.
One wouldnt be able to absorb all the details in the book in one read. As one grows up the ladder, one will learn more and appreciate more what the author is trying to say.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Book Review : 2 states (The story of my marriage)


Book : 2 states (The story of my marriage)
Author : Chetan Bhagat
Price : 95/-

Its not everyday of your life that one gets the read a new Chetan Bhagat book. ( Do I sound like him now :)). I am sure, most of you who are reading this review, are already fans of Chetan Bhagat. Compared to the last two books, I liked this book more, but then nothing to beat "Five Point Someone". I am not sure why I liked this more, it could also be since again, it takes you to college life and then the real life, as against movie type stories in his last two books.
As like any CB book, one can comfortably complete this book in one day, though it might cost you a couple of hours of your sleep time, but its very well worth it. The book starts off as a flash back, like his last book, and then moves into the present. The storyline starts off with his life in IIMA, and then moves into his personal and professional life in Chennai. Very beautifully captured the details on Chennai and the mannerisms of South Indians, and then going north the lifestyle and mindsets of punjabis. It couldn't have got better. The book enhances the basic traits in these two communities and what are the ways one can get comfortable with them. To get the indepth details and what each of the community looks forward, can easily be found in this book, and will be remembered for life, since the presentation is very humorous and it will be etched in your mind.
The story also takes you to Goa, and since I am on vacation at home it felt all the more better.
Citibank , is an important character in this Novel, and I couldn't agree more on how Citibank really does business.
The story again has a spiritual angle and its beautiful. I cant wait to go to Pondicherry and visit the ashram once.
All in all, a great book. Its much much better than the last two books, but then FPS remains the best. This story could be a good sequel to 3 Idiots. Must read for all CB fans.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Book Review: Stay Hungry Stay Foolish

Book : Stay Hungry Stay Foolish
Author : Rashmi Bansal

The last time that I had heard about Rashmi Bansal was during the famous IIPM issue. I am sure every blogger would remember the sad story.
Nevertheless, every incident, makes a person only stronger. I guess an outcome of that is a book so beautifully written.
25 IIMA grads, each of them making a marking somewhere, and just reading their success stories, makes one feel, how important is failure in each one's life. Where would all there people be, had they quit after their failure. I am sure there are thousands of similar kind of individuals, but the only reason, we dont know of them, because, they didnt get up after their failure.

Every story, just makes one get up and wonder, "Why am I doing what I am doing?". What about your dreams and the things that one loves to do. All these great men, only did whatever their heart told them and they are where they are now. One more noticable fact is that none of them went after money. Its was the passion that drove them what they wanted to do, and the money just followed them. Had they followed the money, I guess many would have failed, as rats jump out of the sinking boat, while the captain stays on till the ship is not drowned.

Awesome book. A must read for everyone. No two thoughts about it. And all it costs is Rs 125/-. I guess thats the only part of the book which was not up to its right value.