Book review: Dork

Book: Dork
Author: Sidin Vadukut
Penguin Books India
Rs. 199


This is the first book of the 'Dork' trilogy featuring Robin 'Einstein' Varghese, a management consultant with a  'God' complex. The book is in the form of diary entries; an interesting way of presenting the story to the reader. The entries chronicle the life of Einstein who gets himself into one stunning mishap into another. Einstein wants to make it to associate at his firm and get into the pants of his lady love, Gouri, all within a year. Whether he succeeds or not forms the crux of the story.


Sidin Vadukut creates a protagonist who is filled up to the brim with flaws. Einstein is a bumbling idiot, blundering his way through life. Yet, he's supremely confident in his abilities and in spite of his qualities reminding the readers of someone they might know in real life, he is likeable and therein lies the brilliance of his characterization. As a reader, you are cheering him on, every step of the way. It reminded me of another narcissistic titular character, (Dr. House, anyone?)


Something that did irritate me though were the management or consulting terms used freely in the book. Coming from a non-management background, I for one, could not figure out what the author intended to convey at times. It could mean that I'm dense though I hope not! Overall, it's quite a refreshing read, quite different from the books that I have read recently. And yes, Shahrukh Khan's dentist's accountant and Padmalaxmi's ex-husband's hairdresser are on the spot with their reviews on this one! Stumped? Read the back cover of the book for it's most 'ROFL' moment!

Open letter to Mumbaikars

Dear Mumbaikar,

At the outset, I would like to make it clear that I love your city. I have stayed here for a little over 5 months and I have enjoyed myself a lot. I like the way the taxi drivers in your city charge according to the meters. I like it that an average Mumbaikar will go out of his/her way to make a South Indian like me feel at home in your wonderful city. I love the shopping malls, the beaches, the festivities during Ganesh Chaturthi and your vada pavs. But I would like to clarify a few things about the land south of the Vindhyas.

South India comprises of 4 states and each state has its own official language. I can't believe that after 12 years of formal schooling you do not know which language belongs to which state. First of all, it is Kannada, not 'Kannad' just like it is Marathi and not 'Marath'. And no, Telugu and Kannada are not the same, so, one CANNOT be used as a synonym for the other. 

All South Indians do not know all 4 languages. Chennai is NOT the same as Bangalore and therefore, Royal Challengers Bangalore SHOULD NOT be confused with Chennai SuperKings. 

It also goes without saying that all South Indians DO NOT speak with a Mallu accent..

I would also like to add that you should try Masala Dosas in a South Indian city before you order for it in any restaurant in Mumbai. (But having said that I do appreciate that our food is available in your city, so no offence meant here!)

Yours truly,

Stereotyped South Indian in Mumbai.

PS: I promise not to label Maharashtrians as North Indians ;)

PPS: I am trying to learn Marathi. Please give me some more time :)

PPPS: Mumbai Indians will be my second favourite team after RCB.

Life of a medico

All medicos who can relate with this say aye!