The grass is greener...

Just finished reading Karan Bajaj's 'Keep off the Grass'. The grass here, of course, is not a reference to the harmless variety we find in our fields, but is the marijuana that college students invariably seem to get into. I usually dont like the books by bussinessmen or IITians turned authors ( I like to call them pop authors, making crass novels for popular acclaim.). Chetan Bhagat is a name which comes to mind. Didn't like his first two books too much and haven't bothered reading the third one.

However, this book, by Karan Bajaj (alumni of IIM Bangalore) is definitely a good read. Although it does get a bit pretentious at times, with its comparison of how Indians are different from the Americans. Despite this, its a charming book, with its simple language, delicious wit and at times, genuinely philosophical discussions. Anybody who has experienced the familiar high of getting drunk or stoned during their student years, will understand the deep discussions on life, love and virtually everything that can come up between guys.

The story is basically about another confused desi, Samrat Ratan. All of 25 years old, and already earning half a million bucks as a hotshot investment banker on Wall Street, he suddenly feels that he is living out someone else's life. He decides to quit and go to India to 'find' himself. For this, he decides to enroll in the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore for the MBA. He figures it wouldn't be too difficult for him. However, once he reaches, he realises that the pressure of the IIM is getting to him.

Despite this, he makes some great friends there. There is Shine Sarkar, the pot smoking, perpetually high IItian, who effortlessly gets to the top of the class, and who is Samrat's chief partner in crime. Then there is Vinod, who has been scarred by his experiences, fighting in Kargil. The trio embark on a mulltitude of adventures, some downright crazy. Soon Samrat is doing things he never imagined he would be. But would he be able to keep his wits and graduate?

The book will deifinetely make you, in parts, laugh, think and retrospect. Go get it!