Friday, July 19, 2013

Review: To B.E Or not to B.E by Dipen Ambalia

An engineer's life is under constant scanner most of the times. From the time they decide to join engineering from their school days till they are done with their mission it's a journey of a lifetime. Author Dipen Ambalia in his third book gathers all his experiences and tries to give a clear insight of what rigorous regime engineers go through and at the end of the day what they achieve out of it. So is an engineer's life best portrayed in this book or there is some malfunctioning in the book. Let's check it out. 

Dipen Ambalia’s third book To B.E. Or Not To B.E.? follows his signature style – satire – that he used in his previous book LOSER as well. In his previous book he discussed the lives of software engineers, whereas in the present one he presents a satirical portrayal of the lives of engineering students. Written in a humorous manner, the book is sure to bring back the memories for those who have gone through the rigorous years of engineering classes.
In an interview the author revealed that he has designed this book for those professionals who were once engineering students. He wanted them to relive the wonderful memories in college through his book. However, the book is also an insight for 12th grade students and their parents who are considering engineering as one of the options. This book gives them an insightful view of what they should be expecting during the four years of engineering life.
Also, students who are pursuing engineering will cherish Dipen’s book as they will be able to relate to the anecdotes and situations included here. It will present them with funny answers to questions they have been asking for a long time. The author has used his personal experience to pen down this book. He recollected his days at engineering college and has presented them in a witty and amusing way.
Dipen answers some questions about the engineering field and its various components. Who originated engineering? Is there any relation between submission and corruption? Who invented Viva? Filled with fun, this book takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of the life of an engineering student and answers the question To B.E. Or Not to B.E.?


The cover is fancy and glossy. The title is good and the blurb gives a fair idea of what's going to happen in the book. It's a satire presenting the lives of engineering students. All the fun and experience has been mixed together to weave a story possible for everyone to enjoy. But is it a treat or a dud next few paragraphs will clear all the air about it. 

The story revolves around Dipen who finds himself in hell after a fatal accident and ends up with another engineer as a roomie for companionship. He takes time to get adjusted to the surroundings and them summoned by the supreme authority of Hell to write about the lives of engineers as even hell and heaven are curious to get an insight about the lives of a much talked profession. Some demands are made and accepted and 3 people along with Dipen get on for a ride of their lives. 

The imagination of the author is good. He chooses heaven and hell and himself to narrate the plight and the experiences of an engineer. The author accounts all his experiences and chooses humor for company to make it readable for the readers. It's an engineer's delight. Those who are pursuing engineering or in the process of getting admission or already have led this roller coaster life can relive their past, present and future through this book. 

The conversations and explanations in some parts are delightful. Some parts are over-imaginative. The story has been beautifully divided into chapters and the headings gives a fair idea what to expect in the next chapter. Humor has the last laugh in the book. Lengthy explanations at times might be turn off for readers. Narration is smooth and few questions raised by the author with respect to their profession in the book are legitimate.

It's not a casual read. It's a book for those who are from this profession or want to be part of it. It might not make a very good choice for readers who are into romance, drama, thriller, mystery etc. It's a different satire altogether woven on the expense of the author's own experiences. An engineer can take a lot of heart from it and count on some experiences as they are truly applicable in real lives too. 


RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5.  

1 comment: