A review by kaal_jayi
Five Point Someone: What Not to Do at IIT by Chetan Bhagat

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

0.5

First book I have read by someone who is acclaimed as a leading modern writer of the Indian Subcontinent. I dive into books without reading the synopsis, so maybe it's my fault that I had to read this trash. Three guys: one rich, one middle class and one poor are supposed to friends but as you dive through it, it is clear you are going to regret having these kind of people around you. The end is obscure and the author finishes the book by saying that this book is about IIT and not life of these people which seems like an excuse and gives an idea that even the author was not sure about the story and was just dictating what he heard somewhere. The boys are the representatives of crude and patriarchal mentality. Casting aside the protagonist Hari's misogyny. There are othere problems too. Hari and Ryan continuously make fun of Alok's poverty and emotions. Ryan is like those "alpha" guys who think showing emotions will make you less of a man though his carefree attitude is likeable. Alok is the only character who is normal but the author makes sure to cast him in bad light. The questions raised about the education system are worth thinking about and maybe are the best thing about the book. I would not even recommend this to my enemies.