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How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co-Founded a Million Dollar Company by Varun Agarwal
Varun is a recent engineering graduate. His hours are filled with friends, pub hopping, and stalking his love-interest on Facebook. Through it all though, Varun harbours ambitions of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Meanwhile, Varuns mother, who is disturbed by her sons lack of focus on life, enlistshergoodfriendAnuAuntytoputhimontrack.ThemeddlingAnuAunty is more than willing to take up this assignment. How Varun dodges Anu Auntys nosey, irksome ways, en route to realizing his entrepreneurial dreams, makes for a story worth reading.
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First published May 12, 2012
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About the author
Varun Agarwal
7 books577 followersVarun Agarwal is a filmmaker, entrepreneur and a bestselling author. He is 25 years old and has three companies to his credit - Alma Mater , Reticular And Last Minute Films. His comapny Alma Mater is India's largest provider of merchandise and memorabilia to schools and colleges. He has directed the likes of Preity Zinta and AR Rahman in music videos and his films have over a million views on Youtube.He has been featured on the cover of India Today and numerous other periodicals as well as on the CNBC Young Turks Show.
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May 21, 2012Review of the book from the Hindu Journalist Neeti Sakrar :
"French American novelist Raymond Federman hit the nail on the head when he said: “everybody is writing a novel these days.” Not everyone, however, writes for the same reasons. In general, while some write for inner contentment, others write to earn rave reviews. But through ‘How I Braved Anu Aunty and Co-Founded a Million Dollar Compa...ny’, I have met the kind of writer who has churned out something so fresh, so fun, so informative, so personal, that he cannot be categorised as a particular kind of novelist.
Believe you, me, when I say you don’t need to get to Chapter 1 to get the pulse of this book. Right from Agarwal’s immaculately droll disclaimer all the way through the rendezvous you would have with his inebriated friends, his crush and of course with Anu Aunty who is the ersatz heroine/ubiquitous villain, this tome is as sodden with humour as it is with the author’s fervent passion to live his dream and take ‘Alma Mater’ up the rungs of fame.
His entrepreneurial journey spruced with other life experiences makes this written offering real, readable, enjoyable.
As Varun Agarwal rightly repudiates that he isn’t a writer but is a story teller, you are bound to take to his yarn faster than you fell in love with chocolate!"
"French American novelist Raymond Federman hit the nail on the head when he said: “everybody is writing a novel these days.” Not everyone, however, writes for the same reasons. In general, while some write for inner contentment, others write to earn rave reviews. But through ‘How I Braved Anu Aunty and Co-Founded a Million Dollar Compa...ny’, I have met the kind of writer who has churned out something so fresh, so fun, so informative, so personal, that he cannot be categorised as a particular kind of novelist.
Believe you, me, when I say you don’t need to get to Chapter 1 to get the pulse of this book. Right from Agarwal’s immaculately droll disclaimer all the way through the rendezvous you would have with his inebriated friends, his crush and of course with Anu Aunty who is the ersatz heroine/ubiquitous villain, this tome is as sodden with humour as it is with the author’s fervent passion to live his dream and take ‘Alma Mater’ up the rungs of fame.
His entrepreneurial journey spruced with other life experiences makes this written offering real, readable, enjoyable.
As Varun Agarwal rightly repudiates that he isn’t a writer but is a story teller, you are bound to take to his yarn faster than you fell in love with chocolate!"
December 4, 2013
If you guys think that your life's a waste, or you are depressed,disappointed,have no clue as to what is to be done with life, are still jobless, or are too scared to do anything new, find books boring, finding it hard to start putting your ideas into work, or you think that you are a loser or called one by your friends or family, or if you haven't done anything good in your life as yet, then read the book How I Braved Anu Aunty and Co-founded a Million Dollar Company and then see the CHANGE! Nothing has been more inspiring,interesting and amazing! I swear,I have never written a review for a book before, but if I don't do so for this one, then I am definitely gonna regret! Do get hold of one and do something good!
(BTW I am not much into reading but I still finished this book in 2 days,Believe it or not!)
Sincerely,
An Inspired Reader.
(BTW I am not much into reading but I still finished this book in 2 days,Believe it or not!)
Sincerely,
An Inspired Reader.
May 26, 2016
The best part of this book (for me) was that even though this was a non-fiction memoir, it didn't read like one. It was light and breezy and felt more like a novel.
On the other hand, this also was packed with problems I have with almost every book by an Indian author I read: over-dramatization of Indian family situations, the excessive alcohol consumption by every single male (I mean, this is understandable, but does it have to be mentioned in every page?) and extremely liberal use of Indian slang.
But still, this was waaaaay better than the 'books' that Ravinder Singh and Durjoy Dutta come out with.
Also, Bangalore is so much more than pubs and techies, so please stop this clichéd portrayal!!
February 21, 2013
Before I bought this book, I had clearly no idea that it existed(I didn't watch TV nor did I read about the book in the newspapers). I bought it all because of the fiery red huge bindi on Anu Aunty's forehead, read it all because of Anu Aunty's Varoooon(though I was completely embarrassed when my fellow commuters looked at me weirdly as I laughed out so loud reading the book in the bus) and loved it throughout.
Everyone has an Anu Aunty; some have so many more (Like me), but this is not just any other book of an entrepreneur inspiring you through the hardships she/he faced. It's all about one dream, enveloped with a large amount of passion and love, to be made real!
Varun Agarwal, this is your first book and it was incredible, indeed. Looking forward to some other books down the lane, if you find time from Alma Mater, your friends and love life! You write really well, and should continue doing so.
Everyone has an Anu Aunty; some have so many more (Like me), but this is not just any other book of an entrepreneur inspiring you through the hardships she/he faced. It's all about one dream, enveloped with a large amount of passion and love, to be made real!
Varun Agarwal, this is your first book and it was incredible, indeed. Looking forward to some other books down the lane, if you find time from Alma Mater, your friends and love life! You write really well, and should continue doing so.
March 18, 2016
5 star for the book's humor. In progress to write a similar book myself.
May 31, 2012
Actually I would I like to give: 3.5 stars. I am not saying there is anything I found I didn't like in this book, but 3.5 is good enough for this book. And I recommend this book to casual reading and light reading people, meaning this can be good coffee-table book.
This book is definitely a page-turner. Finished the book in around 6 hours, the fastest ever I read any book. Its in a narrative style. There are 50+ chapters split across four parts:
1) Introductory part: This explain the author's early life, his neighbor Anu Aunty, birth of his business idea at Noon-Wines,etc.
2) Business gets shape: When you reach this part you will be turning pages non-stop and almost every chapter is filled with rib-ticklish humors and also interesting to continue reading. Here he starts sharing some tips and information that will help budding young entrepreneurs to setup their dream start-ups. You can know his real-struggling experience to build his dream enterprise such as selling tees for first time, getting courier company to deliver their product, Anu Aunty trying get him a call-centre job, etc. He is mad about one girl Devika but ends up encountering two other girls in this part. There is also difference of opinion problem erupting with his business partner Rohn Malhotra or Mal.
3) Fight with childhood friend: His mom, Anu Aunty and other people will know the authors business only after few months. He gets disgusted with his friend Sid and fights with him.
4) Date with Devika: Here he speaks about his growing business and about finding right evaluator to valuate his enterprise. He finally manages gets a date with his dream girl Devika (This chapter is interesting). He settles the matter with Sid and they continue to be friends.
The Anu Aunty Characters looks like main antagonist of this book. But the character is a recurring character than being a repetitive one. This character portrays hindrance/obstacles faced by one who dreams doing something and how the author tackled the challenges against Anu Aunty.
Reading the book is engaging though its the essence of author's own personal. This book has the potential of getting adapted to Bollywood movie.
Read it before it materializes into a movie. :D
This book is definitely a page-turner. Finished the book in around 6 hours, the fastest ever I read any book. Its in a narrative style. There are 50+ chapters split across four parts:
1) Introductory part: This explain the author's early life, his neighbor Anu Aunty, birth of his business idea at Noon-Wines,etc.
2) Business gets shape: When you reach this part you will be turning pages non-stop and almost every chapter is filled with rib-ticklish humors and also interesting to continue reading. Here he starts sharing some tips and information that will help budding young entrepreneurs to setup their dream start-ups. You can know his real-struggling experience to build his dream enterprise such as selling tees for first time, getting courier company to deliver their product, Anu Aunty trying get him a call-centre job, etc. He is mad about one girl Devika but ends up encountering two other girls in this part. There is also difference of opinion problem erupting with his business partner Rohn Malhotra or Mal.
3) Fight with childhood friend: His mom, Anu Aunty and other people will know the authors business only after few months. He gets disgusted with his friend Sid and fights with him.
4) Date with Devika: Here he speaks about his growing business and about finding right evaluator to valuate his enterprise. He finally manages gets a date with his dream girl Devika (This chapter is interesting). He settles the matter with Sid and they continue to be friends.
The Anu Aunty Characters looks like main antagonist of this book. But the character is a recurring character than being a repetitive one. This character portrays hindrance/obstacles faced by one who dreams doing something and how the author tackled the challenges against Anu Aunty.
Reading the book is engaging though its the essence of author's own personal. This book has the potential of getting adapted to Bollywood movie.
Read it before it materializes into a movie. :D
August 14, 2015
This book is a success story of Varun Agarwal, Founder of Alma Mater. The author warns at the preface that he isn't Hemingway. As you start reading the book, It's clear he isn't. I am not an avid reader but I can tell which book has better language. This is pretty layman. Partly because of the conversations which are absurd. Yet, This book is enjoyable. A couple of funny incidents, nostalgia and Anu aunty, to which everyone can relate to.
A fun read if language isn't much of your concern and read with no expectations.
A fun read if language isn't much of your concern and read with no expectations.
June 9, 2012
The best thing about this book is you can connect to it even if you are not an entrepreneur. Mr. Agarwal has been a keen observer of kitty parties and aunties. And Anu Aunt represents all sorts of Aunties. His Journey from a jobless, pub-addict, Facebook stalker to a T-Shirt salesman (as Anu Aunt and his mum mentioned) to entrepreneur (which he was from the very beginning) takes you back to those days.
You have a goal, a dream, obstacles in the path are inevitable and incessant. You can think of those obstacles as Anu Aunties and that dream as opening Alma Mater. That proves my very first statement.
And, hey, Mr. Agarwal, I don't really mind being called a techie.
Another wonderful thing was the way he dealt with the Auto rickshaw drivers. The decrease in his A.Rickshaw fare (200-150-70-40) show his growth as an entrepreneur. I loved that part.
Before I began reading the actual part I read "He can't write for sh*t'". Well I don't really believe that. Varun's writing is fresh and bold. I mean I can't believe that I finished it in one go (despite my fever and the fact that I am a slow reader).
You have a goal, a dream, obstacles in the path are inevitable and incessant. You can think of those obstacles as Anu Aunties and that dream as opening Alma Mater. That proves my very first statement.
And, hey, Mr. Agarwal, I don't really mind being called a techie.
Another wonderful thing was the way he dealt with the Auto rickshaw drivers. The decrease in his A.Rickshaw fare (200-150-70-40) show his growth as an entrepreneur. I loved that part.
Before I began reading the actual part I read "He can't write for sh*t'". Well I don't really believe that. Varun's writing is fresh and bold. I mean I can't believe that I finished it in one go (despite my fever and the fact that I am a slow reader).
June 14, 2015
This book perfectly sums up why INDIA is shy to produce our own steve jobs and bill gates. The youth are reluctant to become entrepreneurs, we have our own Anu Aunties to thank for that. I may be a bit biased in this four star rating, Because this character may have influenced me a bit personally. Nevertheless, the book is marvelous and captivating. A short read of course, But based on real life and socially relevant.
June 18, 2012
Well, If you are a young wannabe enterpeneur, then this book is definitely for you :)
Read more
http://divyabisht.blogspot.in/2012/06...
Read more
http://divyabisht.blogspot.in/2012/06...
December 4, 2013
After listening to Varun's impressive speech (Varun Agarwal: From failing in engineering to co-founding a million), I was desperate to read his book "How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co-Founded A Million Dollar Company".
Its surely a motivational book. Author writes about his journey from being an engineer to CEO of a million dollar company. He has described ups and downs faced by him in the form of small stories. I liked the book.
I also liked the way he has mentioned few tips at last in case you want to start your own E-commerce company. Every entrepreneur can give it a try because he can actually relate himself with the situation these guys been through. What I like mostly in the book is their will power and zeal of working even if they have to become courier boys.
"If you really want to do something you have to be dead passionate about that thing and you can figure how to make it happen" Thats the motto of this book.
Its a very light book and I am sure you will enjoy reading it. But don't have very high hopes from the book you can't become entrepreneur simply by reading this book. Yes it will motivate you, give you reasons to think about your life in different way.
Its surely a motivational book. Author writes about his journey from being an engineer to CEO of a million dollar company. He has described ups and downs faced by him in the form of small stories. I liked the book.
I also liked the way he has mentioned few tips at last in case you want to start your own E-commerce company. Every entrepreneur can give it a try because he can actually relate himself with the situation these guys been through. What I like mostly in the book is their will power and zeal of working even if they have to become courier boys.
"If you really want to do something you have to be dead passionate about that thing and you can figure how to make it happen" Thats the motto of this book.
Its a very light book and I am sure you will enjoy reading it. But don't have very high hopes from the book you can't become entrepreneur simply by reading this book. Yes it will motivate you, give you reasons to think about your life in different way.
June 24, 2012
I picked up the book because of the catchy title and the art cover. and well of course, the book was about entrepreneurship. I would say the book really did not disappoint me but there are times when the writer's style of putting a comment after every other paragraph really put me off
But you soon get used to that style and sometimes they are really necessary to the context of the story. I really loved how along the way, Varun offers advice on starting your own business and manages to keep your attention till the last page.
Chapters where he is quoting a few entrepreneurs and giving a speech about his company to the finance guy who valued them at low price really stand out and have been written well.
If you want to be an entrepreneur and are looking for something to tell you that what you are doing is just great, pick up this book.
But you soon get used to that style and sometimes they are really necessary to the context of the story. I really loved how along the way, Varun offers advice on starting your own business and manages to keep your attention till the last page.
Chapters where he is quoting a few entrepreneurs and giving a speech about his company to the finance guy who valued them at low price really stand out and have been written well.
If you want to be an entrepreneur and are looking for something to tell you that what you are doing is just great, pick up this book.
December 15, 2014
Wow... A simple story of the life a person who was said to be a failure by the system. The story of a person who beat the system (Anu Aunty of course!) and make it big... Kudos to Varun for Alma mater! :)
They also say marketing is costly... But for Varun marketing is paying him in royalties!! Awesome idea!
Overall a good book to read! For people with entrepreneurial ambitions - must read!!!
They also say marketing is costly... But for Varun marketing is paying him in royalties!! Awesome idea!
Overall a good book to read! For people with entrepreneurial ambitions - must read!!!
August 21, 2013
Simple & Enjoyable,Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur it will boost your confidence in a way :-)How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co-Founded A Million Dollar Company
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur it will boost your confidence in a way :-)How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co-Founded A Million Dollar Company
January 20, 2015
I loved this book.
It tells the truth of how people think of job satisfaction and financial insecurity.
This book is for those who are aspiring to be entrepreneurs, or having great ideas , but are not able to execute it, due to some social, family reasons. It tells you to do what you like, and go chase your dreams.
It tells the truth of how people think of job satisfaction and financial insecurity.
This book is for those who are aspiring to be entrepreneurs, or having great ideas , but are not able to execute it, due to some social, family reasons. It tells you to do what you like, and go chase your dreams.
May 25, 2012
Narrated like your friend would.
Enjoyed reading it!
Enjoyed reading it!
March 21, 2018
Fun,inspiring and lively.
September 9, 2013
I usually keep myself distant from the so called "new age" comedy writings. Don't get me wrong, i loved catch-22, but the comedy style from those books are almost non-existent these days. So, when I came across this book, with the Title & the cover art I convinced myself that it is just another book.
Curiosity takes people to places. I had heard about Alma Mater, and I was quite impressed by their Idea, and being a Christite, I got to experience their services first hand. It was only after that I got to know that the book is about Alma Mater!
The book is a real entertainer from the word go. It doesn't matter, whichever part of the country you belong to, you can connect to each & every incidence narrated by the author. From the typical Mom-drama to the hangout places & slangs.. Simply Amazing!! I was able to finish this book in 3 hours straight, as I couldn't put the book down even for a minute!
The central character for this book,"Anu Aunty" lived up to her expectations, and ensured that the story has another angle going on. The author was beautifully able to vividly paint his love-to-hate relationship with her & how at some level she was an important ingredient for his eventual success.
All in all, a book which should be read by every person in his twenty's, even if he/she will not receive any tips, the entertainment is worth it!!
P.S. Varun, the way to express happiness needn't always take an orgasmic route! But, then again maybe you were reminded of the times when you were truly happy ;)
Curiosity takes people to places. I had heard about Alma Mater, and I was quite impressed by their Idea, and being a Christite, I got to experience their services first hand. It was only after that I got to know that the book is about Alma Mater!
The book is a real entertainer from the word go. It doesn't matter, whichever part of the country you belong to, you can connect to each & every incidence narrated by the author. From the typical Mom-drama to the hangout places & slangs.. Simply Amazing!! I was able to finish this book in 3 hours straight, as I couldn't put the book down even for a minute!
The central character for this book,"Anu Aunty" lived up to her expectations, and ensured that the story has another angle going on. The author was beautifully able to vividly paint his love-to-hate relationship with her & how at some level she was an important ingredient for his eventual success.
All in all, a book which should be read by every person in his twenty's, even if he/she will not receive any tips, the entertainment is worth it!!
P.S. Varun, the way to express happiness needn't always take an orgasmic route! But, then again maybe you were reminded of the times when you were truly happy ;)
August 8, 2013
I admit. It was the title that grabbed my attention. And of course the sinister looking Anu Aunty on the cover. I had already written my verdict for this book: Here is a wannabe, trying to make a goofy portrayal of well-meaning Indian women." Now, that's where I was wrong.
For one, this book was not an aunty-bashing party. It was THE Aunty-bashing party. But the kind of bashing you wished you'd done to those mean, narcissistic aunties, whose only purpose in life was to ruin yours. Remember that aunty who came to your house on the pretext of borrowing some sugar, but stayed on to gossip with your mother? Remember that aunty who told your mother how well her child had fared in the NTSE exams and how you were wasting your life? Now, that's the aunty we are talking about.
Long story short, this is a fun, interesting book you could glean a lot from. As I said earlier, the author is no P.G. Wodehouse or Douglas Adams. But what works for this author is that the writing style is hip, trendy, and full of Bangalore lingo. It feels as though the writer wrote this book to kill time while waiting for his coffee. The book touches you for its rawness, like an uncut gem.
If the entrepreneurship bug inhabits in your system, this book is good for you. Hear ye, all wannabes! Varun Agarwal dishes out good advice hot from the oven. You will live his dreams and frustrations. Thumbs up, Agarwal. Apart from a million dollar company, you have a million dollar book in the making!
For one, this book was not an aunty-bashing party. It was THE Aunty-bashing party. But the kind of bashing you wished you'd done to those mean, narcissistic aunties, whose only purpose in life was to ruin yours. Remember that aunty who came to your house on the pretext of borrowing some sugar, but stayed on to gossip with your mother? Remember that aunty who told your mother how well her child had fared in the NTSE exams and how you were wasting your life? Now, that's the aunty we are talking about.
Long story short, this is a fun, interesting book you could glean a lot from. As I said earlier, the author is no P.G. Wodehouse or Douglas Adams. But what works for this author is that the writing style is hip, trendy, and full of Bangalore lingo. It feels as though the writer wrote this book to kill time while waiting for his coffee. The book touches you for its rawness, like an uncut gem.
If the entrepreneurship bug inhabits in your system, this book is good for you. Hear ye, all wannabes! Varun Agarwal dishes out good advice hot from the oven. You will live his dreams and frustrations. Thumbs up, Agarwal. Apart from a million dollar company, you have a million dollar book in the making!
April 27, 2018
4.5 sao . Giọng văn hài hước tuy nhiên mạch văn gần cuối k hấp dẫn nữa mà trôi đi nhạt hơn so với trước nhiều . Like vì cách kể có duyên cộng thêm đọc xong thấy ẩn hiện bao nhiêu cảnh quen thuộc trong cuộc sống của mình . Nhất là chuyện bà dì anu và hội chị e buôn dưa lê =)))) Bonus chuyện mặc cả thần thánh của các mẹ ( trong buôn bán thì bố mình còn chặt chẽ và tinh hơn cả mẹ nữa =))) Đi theo là học được bao nhiêu skill , nhất là kiểu hỏi giá xong quay đi k mua nữa thì được gọi lại 😂 chuyện khoe con lồ lộ không lẫn vào đâu được =))) chuyện trốn nhị vị phụ huynh làm thứ mình thích ( vô cùng thấm thía với tác giả về vấn đề này ) . Hơn nữa mình rất thích hội bạn của tác giả , vừa tuổi trẻ vừa đam mê , cách tác giả trên con đường theo đuổi ước mơ của mình , cách a ta hét vào những định kiến kìm kẹp con người - những người tiêu biểu như lão Jam hay bà dì Anu khiến mình vote 100% đồng tình . Đến cả nghề nghiệp sau này mình cũng có ý định học MBA cũng được nhắc trong sách , nhưng đó là vì đam mê . Và thay vì ra rả về bằng MBA của bà dì Anu trong sách thì bà dì Anu ngoài đời xung quanh mình chuyên nói về doctor 😂 . Nhất định sẽ giới thiệu cuốn này cho hội bạn của mình vì trong thời gian thi đại học đã có quá nhiều bà dì Anu khiến chúng nó phát điênnn . 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2012
The book is as light hearted as they come, written in a boyish (almost bordering on childish) style that could appeal to some or prove to be a turn off for others. But the writer, young though he is, manages to hold the interest of his reader right through.
Indian middle class is definitely a safe and conservative group and hence hats-off to Varun for going after his dreams and make it happen.
Pick up this book if you are looking for something fresh, fun and maybe even informative for the weekend.
And yes, I had a first hand experience with them when we got hoodies made for our 5th re-union in August this year. It came out really well and hence all good in production. The only glitch was the guys with whom we co-ordinate for giving the order and following-up till we get it. They were really very slow on mails which is quite surprising considering the way it has grown over net and their platform which is based on e-commerce!
Indian middle class is definitely a safe and conservative group and hence hats-off to Varun for going after his dreams and make it happen.
Pick up this book if you are looking for something fresh, fun and maybe even informative for the weekend.
And yes, I had a first hand experience with them when we got hoodies made for our 5th re-union in August this year. It came out really well and hence all good in production. The only glitch was the guys with whom we co-ordinate for giving the order and following-up till we get it. They were really very slow on mails which is quite surprising considering the way it has grown over net and their platform which is based on e-commerce!
January 3, 2013
I picked up this book a few hours ago just so that i could give company to my daughter preparing for her board exams.After a very long gap i finished it in one go. Though the events in the book look too good to be true , its an original by all means. A very light read , its Hilarious and thought provoking at the same time , it really set me up thinking (pretty late) as to what i wanted to do and what i was doing with my life. Perhaps this book is another marketing strategy for Varun cause the first thing i did after i closed the book was to log into almamaterstore. I will get a hoodie for my bro in bangalore for giving me this book. A must read for all the budding entrepreneurs who are willing to make a change ...
July 21, 2020
Am I over Rating this book? NO.
This book is a perfect fast paced autobiography taking you through the ups and downs of a entrepreneur life :)I completed this book in like four hours. Such Awesomeness I wish I make such business one day :)
This book is a perfect fast paced autobiography taking you through the ups and downs of a entrepreneur life :)I completed this book in like four hours. Such Awesomeness I wish I make such business one day :)
April 22, 2017
This is indeed an inspirational bible for Indian entrepreneurs. Finished it in a go. Really inspiring story of Alma Mater.
November 17, 2017
Nice read.
Light humourous read. A startup journey and how it is opposed on every phase by Indian mentality is well noticed. Funny and relaxed read. Recommended.
Light humourous read. A startup journey and how it is opposed on every phase by Indian mentality is well noticed. Funny and relaxed read. Recommended.
January 29, 2022
Underrated book.. Indian youths need to read this book.. once you finish this book you'll get to know how Indian education system works and Indian parents think about start ups.. and you'll get to know why there's a lack of support for new start-ups in India..
November 17, 2020
I can't understand how this book is so highly rated!
Honestly, this book was not needed to be written.
Honestly, this book was not needed to be written.
September 19, 2012
By Varun Agarwal. Grade B+
At the beginning of the book, Varun Agarwal, the author, casually mentions that he cannot write. I disagree because he can write pretty well, even if he does not use long unpronounceable words that nobody knows. The simplicity of the language is what makes the story so enjoyable. He also has an excellent sense of humor which he projects very well throughout the book.
Twenty-something Varun is in a fix: he shuns the corporate rat race and dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. Armed with an unwanted engineering degree, his hours are filled with friends, pub-hopping, and ‘stalking’ the girl he loves on Facebook.But when the formidable Anu Aunty enters his life, his languorous existence spirals out of control. She tries steering the course of Varun’s destiny by scheming to bring him on ‘track’. His mother turns on the Bollywood histrionics and drags him to a counsellor. Feeling cornered, Varun hatches a strategy to hoodwink the canny aunty at her own game. But as the chase heats up, who will have the last word? Will Anu Aunty thwart his plans to full-fill his dreams? Or will he succeed? Along the way, Varun learns his best business lessons from kitty parties and the ubiquitous Indian aunty.
This is a true story based on Varun’s life, who went from being a lazyass college passout to an entrepreneur in a matter of few months. He and his friend bring to life their idea of creating jackets, t-shirts and mugs for various colleges and schools as souvenirs for the students as reminder of their school/college days. In the process, they brave rude autowallas, snobbish businessmen, dumb teenage girls and crazy Indian aunties, one in particular – Anu Aunty. She is the leader of the entire Aunty gang, is up to date with the latest gossip, has a son working in Infotech and believes that she knows EVERYTHING there is to know.
As a result, she is entitled to play a pivotal role in everybody’s life including Varun’s, and constantly drills him about being jobless and then ending up as a T-shirt seller of all things. He couldn’t care less. He doesn’t want to follow in the footsteps of millions of youngsters who after pursuing a prestigious degree from abroad, end up working in an MNC for a 9 to 5 job, leading a robotic, monotonous life. He has ideas and the enthusiasm to actually implement them, which he does, because in the end they have a company worth a million dollars.
What I also loved is the way Bangalore has been described in the book; a number of lucrative hotspots have been named that certainly sound wonderful. The book is definitely inspiring and VERY funny, with references to crying women, Bollywood movies and everything else remarkably Indian. It makes you wonder if you are actually following your dreams or simply fulfilling the wishes imposed on you by other people. A quick, breezy – but nevertheless inspiring – read that will find many fans this summer.
Originally reviewed at :www.vaultofbooks.com
At the beginning of the book, Varun Agarwal, the author, casually mentions that he cannot write. I disagree because he can write pretty well, even if he does not use long unpronounceable words that nobody knows. The simplicity of the language is what makes the story so enjoyable. He also has an excellent sense of humor which he projects very well throughout the book.
Twenty-something Varun is in a fix: he shuns the corporate rat race and dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. Armed with an unwanted engineering degree, his hours are filled with friends, pub-hopping, and ‘stalking’ the girl he loves on Facebook.But when the formidable Anu Aunty enters his life, his languorous existence spirals out of control. She tries steering the course of Varun’s destiny by scheming to bring him on ‘track’. His mother turns on the Bollywood histrionics and drags him to a counsellor. Feeling cornered, Varun hatches a strategy to hoodwink the canny aunty at her own game. But as the chase heats up, who will have the last word? Will Anu Aunty thwart his plans to full-fill his dreams? Or will he succeed? Along the way, Varun learns his best business lessons from kitty parties and the ubiquitous Indian aunty.
This is a true story based on Varun’s life, who went from being a lazyass college passout to an entrepreneur in a matter of few months. He and his friend bring to life their idea of creating jackets, t-shirts and mugs for various colleges and schools as souvenirs for the students as reminder of their school/college days. In the process, they brave rude autowallas, snobbish businessmen, dumb teenage girls and crazy Indian aunties, one in particular – Anu Aunty. She is the leader of the entire Aunty gang, is up to date with the latest gossip, has a son working in Infotech and believes that she knows EVERYTHING there is to know.
As a result, she is entitled to play a pivotal role in everybody’s life including Varun’s, and constantly drills him about being jobless and then ending up as a T-shirt seller of all things. He couldn’t care less. He doesn’t want to follow in the footsteps of millions of youngsters who after pursuing a prestigious degree from abroad, end up working in an MNC for a 9 to 5 job, leading a robotic, monotonous life. He has ideas and the enthusiasm to actually implement them, which he does, because in the end they have a company worth a million dollars.
What I also loved is the way Bangalore has been described in the book; a number of lucrative hotspots have been named that certainly sound wonderful. The book is definitely inspiring and VERY funny, with references to crying women, Bollywood movies and everything else remarkably Indian. It makes you wonder if you are actually following your dreams or simply fulfilling the wishes imposed on you by other people. A quick, breezy – but nevertheless inspiring – read that will find many fans this summer.
Originally reviewed at :www.vaultofbooks.com
October 24, 2013
First, let me clarify that of the few Indian author commercial fiction, I liked this book. Varun Agarwal has a breezy style and the book is a light read, although somewhat predictable (since it is a true story, mostly).
However, his "philosophy" in the book leaves much to be desired. At one point he delivers a drunken lecture about how Wipro employees have jobs because of Azim Premji. The book glorifies "business founders" this way, even though Azim Premji inherited the business empire; and if Premji did not have Wipro, someone else would have some Cipro and people would simply work there.
"How I braved.." is the story of a kid out of college who becomes an entrepreneur running a T-shirt business online (specifically customized T-shirts for schools, corporates and so on). Most of the story is about how he is being asked to "confirm" by taking some job and he bucks the trend to be a great "founder". The idea is that you have to pursue your passions.
However, what is very difficult to believe is that Varun, the hero and author was passionate about selling T-shirta online. It is difficult to imagine THAT, as being a passion for anyone. What Varun seems to be passionate about is the IDEA of doing "business" - ANY business. In other words, Varun misses that people can be passionate about something in their normal jobs. He projects his passion for business to be a global one, not able to imagine that people may be passionate for (say) the software they build, even if they do not RUN the business they work in. That is a pretty gigantic failure, but Varun is young. I wish him best of luck.
However, his "philosophy" in the book leaves much to be desired. At one point he delivers a drunken lecture about how Wipro employees have jobs because of Azim Premji. The book glorifies "business founders" this way, even though Azim Premji inherited the business empire; and if Premji did not have Wipro, someone else would have some Cipro and people would simply work there.
"How I braved.." is the story of a kid out of college who becomes an entrepreneur running a T-shirt business online (specifically customized T-shirts for schools, corporates and so on). Most of the story is about how he is being asked to "confirm" by taking some job and he bucks the trend to be a great "founder". The idea is that you have to pursue your passions.
However, what is very difficult to believe is that Varun, the hero and author was passionate about selling T-shirta online. It is difficult to imagine THAT, as being a passion for anyone. What Varun seems to be passionate about is the IDEA of doing "business" - ANY business. In other words, Varun misses that people can be passionate about something in their normal jobs. He projects his passion for business to be a global one, not able to imagine that people may be passionate for (say) the software they build, even if they do not RUN the business they work in. That is a pretty gigantic failure, but Varun is young. I wish him best of luck.
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