DADA by Vibhor Tikiya. Paperback-80 rs(amazon). *I WON THIS BOOK IN A GIVEAWAY* This book is something different from the stereotypical novels. Through a simple yet captivating story, the author has done a tremendous job of depicting the life of labor class and the management. A quick red but one that leaves some food for your thoughts. When Prakash decides to take up his father's position in Dharam, it wasn't an easy job. But young and determined, Prakash excels in the field and takes Dharam towards new direction. But the road wasn't smooth. Deceptive Shah, Mill workers' strike led by Doctor Sahib - the difficulties were many. But just when Prakash thinks he has crossed the hurdles, the biggest of all hurdle appears in front of him - Uday!
The workers turn against Prakash, political parties back them with the greed of increasing their bank balance, Uday threatens to bring him down and refuses to back out. Prakash's life has suddenly turned upside down and when things go bad on the personal front too, he completely breaks down. Will he give up on his dream Dharam or will he fight back? Will he be able to eliminate the biggest threat in his path?
Things I Liked:
The most interesting factor in this book is the comparisons drawn between The Geeta and the day-to-day politics. I liked the easy-go banter between Sanjay and Jha. Sometimes, it was a welcome break amidst the intense proceedings. I liked how a topic like politics, labor rights and riots are handled in this book. The sweet proceedings between Sushma and Prakash and the way it ends, adds another dimension to the story, making the characters seem realistic. Both the parties fighting the battle were right with the claims. Somehow this made the title seem apt. The narration was smooth.
I received this book as a part of goodreads giveaway!
This book is about friendship in engineering college. That's the easiest way to put it, but that's not how it seems when reading. There are so many memories and emotions in this book that it reminds you of Chetan Bhagat and his books. The drinks and girls factor seemed a little far fetched because I'm an engineering student myself and I haven't encountered any hungover students in class (yet). But what the story tells about friendship, I found it to be really true. That's what I liked the most about the book. It brings out all the sweet memories associated with friends and home. So if you are looking for some fun filled, humor induced, entertainer, then this the book for you!
The book, I feel, is for people who take a practical approach in life where it’s not just intelligence alone that can make you successful. The protagonist of this book symbolizes one of these – Manipulate, Negotiate, Street smartness and get what you need to survive and move on. Yet, you somehow find it difficult to hate this character even though he leaves no stone unturned in getting his way. You empathize with him over some pages and start to feel for him.
‘DADA’ is the nickname of Aditya, a boy who starts his journey the tough way and finds himself over time courtesy his association with his friends and a professor who influences him to achieve his true calling in life. He shifts his field of study midway and finds himself in an off-beat profession. What impressed me is that author pointed out that conventional fields such as Medical & Engineering are not the only way to make it big in life; someone can be equally successful in an off-beat profession such as Fine Arts.
DADA is full of interesting college incidents that many of us will identify with. You enjoy reading the incidents be it college elections, the alcohol parties, vacations et al. You laugh with the characters as they cruise through college life. You can’t help but shed a tear at instances. It takes you through the whole spectrum of emotions while moving the story forward and keeping the interest of the reader intact. There are few passages which symbolize the message that the book is trying to drive through:
1. “Dreams do not catch fire. Places do. Dreams only make way for other dreams. The fire has to burn in the heart.”
2. Free minds do not need to be taught. They need to be given facts and left to interpret them on their own. Definitions of right and wrong, evil and saintly varied from person to person and there was no wrong. They just needed to justify their interpretations, and more often to themselves than to anyone else.
Yet, the book does not preach. It is a wonderful book overall thoroughly enjoyable as there are conversations throughout making it entertaining. I felt there’s a part of “Dada” in me too. Although, I felt that somewhere the other characters of Vivek, Divya and John were not described in detail as I wanted to keep reading more about them. Who knows – if Vibhor Tikiya comes up with a sequel to the book?!!
The storyline is so interesting that I won’t be surprised if a move is made on the book!
For someone who enjoys reading light hearted novels, I would suggest to buy a copy of “Dada”.
I like light read books and DADA is a perfect example of a feel-good book that one should read in his spare time. You want to live with the character and experience the fun that he takes you through. I have read many books by Indian authors lately and this has been a notch above those books.
There were moments in the book that got me emotional about the character and you start worrying for him. You wonder where his trials will take him and I related it to my life and my ups and downs. I haven't been a very good academic student and still have done well for myself just like the lead character of this book.
The book brings out relationships very well and after reading it, I immediately wanted to contact my friends back from college days since it brought back those memories.
There are some parts of the book which are difficult to believe can really happen. Also, the book tends to digress at some places.
The book is overall a must read. The feel-good factor of the book for me makes it a five star.
Overall Fun Read. It is a work of fiction albeit there are lots of incidents in the book that correlate with what happens in the IITs, IIMs and the NITs. I am a graduate of NIT and an MTech from IIT. The alcohol, the scenarios mentioned in the book come very close to what happens in our lives as an NIT and IIT student or for that matter any hostelite.
The strength of the book lies in the fact that a lot of people who freak out in college and are at decent positions today will relate to the book. It is a light read not meant for people who enjoy hardcore literature. I doubt if the author wanted to position it as that.
The US part is slightly difficult to digest but it is a work of fiction and should be treated as thus.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and loved the part where the author said "Dreams do not catch fire." Live your dreams. I also liked the part where the book says "Free minds need to be given facts and left to interpret them on their own." Read the book. You will definitely enjoy it.
There is a little bit of DADA in everyone. The way in which characteristics of DADA are highlighted is just amazing. While reading it I felt as if an am re-living my college experience. The Book is in Sync with the generation who completed college during early 2000. I am sure everyone will enjoy it :)
The best thing I liked about the book is the story, the way it is carried and the theme - "Relationships Transform Lives". I could relate some of the incidents that I experienced with my friends too. I cherish my friendship and the author has made me laugh and cry by touching the right chords.
Dada is a sure entertainer. I recommend a copy to all those who wish to be taken back to college days and relive the experiences.
"Dada" - When I first read the title, I thought its about some ruffian or some "bhai" of Mumbai/ Calcutta or maybe even Saurav Ganguly!!
I was partly correct - Dada is derived from 2 characteristics - an elder brother who was a ruffian at some point in his life. I realised how my life was also shaped by my friends who forced me into doing things I never thought I was capable of. Sometimes you need that extra push to realize your true potential.
Another interesting aspect – it’s not always the conventional fields in life that determines success. I also took up the conventional path of education - engineering and MBA Finance, although I always had a creative bent towards marketing and design. I'm trying to pursue that parallely now. It’s never too late to realise your true passion afterall!!
Enjoy the book over a nice cup of coffee on a weekend. The book has a "Feel good" factor.
DADA is a good read which traces the story of a ruffian who manages to get into a prestigious engineering college. He forms a group of friends and they handle tricky situations and manage to pull off an engineering degree. They have fun while doing it. You can relate with the book and it takes you through a great journey of ups and downs, highs and lows much akin to what you might have experienced in your own college.
The book has its weak points and some parts of the book become difficult to believe in but the underlying messages are good and the book ends with a good tone.
A good work of fiction which at the core of it tells you how challenges that one faces can be surmounted and how your aspirations can and should be turned into reality against the odds. Vibhor Tikiya has done a good job in taking you through the character DADA's story and one enjoys reading the book overall.
You start relating with the character a few pages into the book and it feels as if you are living with him. DADA is an interesting name choice which I don't necessarily approve of but the story is first class.
Its not about some underworld Don but about a guy, who manipulates people n situations.. Its not a literary work, so if you like serious writing avoid it.
The book is about friendships and experiences. It brought back memories of all my friends, wanted to list and tag them but list too long...
This book recommended if you get nostalgic about your friends, if u have done crazy things in your college.. I have and i miss people who were with me..
To sum, I quote Jim Morrison's words, "A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself..."
Horrible book I ever read. Trying to seek attention but in the end fails miserably. I would not have rated this book, but then I did not want others to make the mistake I made. I am quite disgusted by the fact that the writing sometimes wanders off the main plot (there is no plot as such). It gives a feel of reading some drunkards dairy. Absolutely pathetic writing, don't waste your time on this book.
Interesting read. Very easy language that helps to finish it faster. Incidents are fun college based ones. What amused me was the lateral shift that Dada takes in the latter half of his life.
I await Dharam - sounds more interesting and different genre by the same author!
A very cliche, yet interesting account of how the lives of the characters played out through their graduation years and beyond. Something most people will be able to connect with owing to the realism of the characters.