Official Review: It Ain't College, It's War!

[Dentarthurdent]

However, I felt none of the characters were very well-developed since the author tried more to build the plot rather than the characters. The narrator Rahul was the least developed of all. Even though I could relate to the moments from the book, I could not empathize or completely identify with the characters since their personalities were underdeveloped.

I hate it when this happens. It's also not great when the opposite happens; an array of well developed characters in a bad plot. I suppose it's all about balance.
I really like your insight. Great review!

[Janelle Juncos]

I like books like this that give me a glimpse into a world and culture that I'm unfamiliar with. I'm glad that you've had experiences similar to those in the novel and are able to tell us what's done well and what's not. This is a very thorough and interesting review. Thank you!

[Espie]

I can't say I've had a perfect college life either. At times, the scholastic battle took a toll. Yet we could really learn from our mistakes if we'd take the time to do so. Thank you for your insightful review.

[nooregano]

I'm Indian and in college, too! I wanted to read this book for that reason, and this review gave me a push to hurry up and do it. Thank you so much for your thorough analysis, you've painted a great picture of the book. Great review, Fuzalla!

[Kelyn]

I think this book would definitely bring back nostalgic memories, both good and not so good, of college life. It would be fascinating to learn how college life in India differs from that in the States. I may have to give this one a look! Great Review!

[Bluebird03]

I'm glad that you found so much in this book to relate to. It's just a shame that the characters were not as fully developed as the plot. Still, it does sound like a very interesting read. Thank you for such an engaging and personal review!

[Fu Zaila]

This sounds like a good way to find out what going to college in India is like. Thank you for the review!

It would definitely give you an idea. Thanks!

[Fu Zaila]

I love the idea of naming halls after famous scientists. Based on my experiences of attending college in England, I'd say "nerds" versus "rowdy boys" sums things up quite well ... I hope we start to see some books without fat hatred soon; there is way too much of it everywhere. Thank you for a fascinating review.

Hah, I've read quite some books set in England campuses too, so yeah, it is the same everywhere! Thank you for your lovely comment.

[Connie Otwani]

As an Indian, I often feel bad about how our culture perceives fat people to be ugly

Sadly, its not just in India, but the world over. I saw in the news sometime back, a Ugandan lady organizing a plus size beauty pageant. She faced so much ridicule and negativity from the public, and I just wondered when people will accept others for 'how' they are.

Anyway, the book sounds entertaining. I wouldn't mind seeing how campus life in India runs. Great review!

[Bianka Walter]

You are definitely the perfect person to have reviewed this book. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on what the author (and Indian people) perceive as beautiful and the different forms of shaming others. I think that every culture has perceptions and views on these things. I suppose it's all how we behave as individuals.

I really enjoyed reading your review - thanks!

[unamilagra]

This sounds like an interesting perspective on college life in a culture I know very little about, being from the United States. It's too bad the book falls into the trap of stereotyping the characters rather than giving them depth. Great, thorough review!

[gen_g]

The book sounds like it offers a honest look into Indian culture, made even more so with your review. I hope that the author takes your suggestions into account - I'm sure it'll be even better then. Thanks for the review!

[writingShannon]

Interesting... this is a storyline and world that would be new to so many readers, myself included. It is too bad about the stereotyping. That might get a little irritating!

[Erin Painter Baker]

Since I work in an Engineering department at a US University, I am interested in this book for the sole reason of learning how engineering education takes place in India. It sounds like a fun book, though I will probably be disappointed at the lack of character development and the continuation of stereotypes.