Once friends, now fierce competitors, the stakes are enormously high for them. What will it cost them? Will they ever get back together? A tale of greed, love, friendship and conspiracy which ends in a pulsating climax after seven days of bitter fight for control. It is always difficult to follow up on a well-written, engaging book and ZP2. Apart from awkward sentences cases and non-seamless narrative, the book entwines in so much that at times, you have to stop to check on the flow of events.
Pacing has never been a problem in Chhibba's books, but it is the lack of detailing and logical loopholes which hurt the final product this time. Each character comes with its own set of rules and problems, more complex than others. It helps that most of these are regular situations with which one can identify and the book has a good heart which we all want to see somewhere in ourselves. The narrative is punctuated by flesh and blood characters with whom you can identify and it is brave on the author's part not to show any prejudices.
I particularly enjoyed the portions of Arjun's daughter, which are written with a deft touch and a rare maturity when it comes to writing about the specially challenged children. The second section of the book, however, was too long for me, and provides a convenient back-story to justify each characters eccentricities. The cross-connecting of various stories is a tad confusing and the amalgamation of sub-plots with the main story left a lot to be desired.
I personally felt the brouhaha over Nitin's AIDS campaign over-the-top mainly because it is set in IT industry where you would expect the intellectual level of people working to be of an optimum level. I am going with generous 2. It is more complex, but less engaging than its prequel. More focus should have been on exploring relationships and less on number of relationships. It might just have worked much better in that form.
Read it if you are a fan of racy metro reads. Dec 15, Smita Beohar rated it liked it Shelves: contemporary-indian-authors. Motu is trying to save his company from an eminent hostile takeover. But what is disturbing him is the fact that it might be Pankaj who is behind the takeover. Priya works with Motu but is in love with Pankaj. She is torn between her two best friends, whom will she chose. Arjun is a single father bringing up a special child. His wife had left them when she realised that she had given birth to a daughter who was not perfect.
Nitin is fighting the battle of AIDS and the stigma associated with it. Pankaj is a changed man, betrayal by people whom he had trusted the most makes him a ruthless man. For him it is money which matters the most. These 5 parallel but interconnected stories form Zero Percentile 2. How they build back the burnt bridges forms the crux of the book. The first book had the advantage of a new setting, Russia and this book shows us the time when software industry had just begin to thrive and there were success stories all around.
This itself is a novelty according to me and sets the book apart. The book begins slowly and makes you wonder about the lingering past which is discussed continuously but not revealed until later.
As soon as the past begins to unravel the book catches a pace and becomes a fast paced roller coaster ride. The grudge that I have with this book is that it tries to pack in too many issues.
Go grab a copy and am sure you will finish it one sitting. Jan 23, Aletha Tavares rated it it was ok. A fast pace book that takes you thru all the twists and turns of present day corporate scenarios. Written simply but not earth moving. Problem is I had just finished reading Night Train to Lisbon and that put me in a different plane of thought. So i just concluded that some books are authored and some books are written, and Zero Percentile falls in the latter category.
Reason being that it just expresses one thought - an interplay of characters. Writers of today keep it short and racy. But with A fast pace book that takes you thru all the twists and turns of present day corporate scenarios.
But with books like Night Train to Lisbon, the depths of a character are explored, you live that person, and the character stays with you for long- so yes I don't want to even make a comparison here, as it would be sacrilege. So as not to sound over critical, but I wish our new crop of Indian writers grow out of college experiences, and sit down to exploring the human being in an Indian setting much more. I hate seeing wastage of paper. Catchy name, but this book Zero percentile does not leave you lasting images.
It is a light read, written fairly well and the knots all unravel and tie up well at the end. It will do well for those who don't read and would like to start reading about environments they are familiar with and know, rather than travel with an author across continents into cultures unknown and unfamiliar. When I read a book I would like to learn something new about people, cultures, places, and even words and the use of phrases that express inner thots in a way that you would put down the book and think about that phrase a bit, mull it over in mind.
So Zero percentile falls short on all these counts. It does lack depth in exploring the characters and even the places which could have helped bring out the place setting in a more richer way and the changing culture that affects relationships.
Jan 31, Nidhi rated it it was ok Shelves: giveaway. The setting of the story has an IT context and the race to launch a product that will change the dynamics of the Pharma Industry. The book is like a typical Bollywood masala movie.
It has all the ingredients to make it a blockbuster — there is love, revenge, death — all the spicy stuff. So if you like this genre then the book is for you. The story is fast paced and has enough characters with their convoluted sub-stories to keep you going. As I am from an IT background, I had to no issues in having empathy for the IT issues that the characters in the story faced — so this aspect of the story should find resonance within the readers of the IT group.
Feb 15, Apurva Mehta rated it it was ok. I got this book from someone, and completed in a record break time for my self of 2 days. As i don't want to waste my more time on this book.
I don't know it's good or bad thing about this book. Neither i could liked it nor i could ignore it. I never felt bored, but at the same time i never enjoyed it. It's having so so much pace that story is rolling faster than our breathing rate. I just like to mention that some books are authored and some books are written, and Zero Percentile falls in the la I got this book from someone, and completed in a record break time for my self of 2 days.
I just like to mention that some books are authored and some books are written, and Zero Percentile falls in the latter category. This is like a typical Bollywood malsala movie, created just for enjoyment. You can't gain anything from it. When I read a book I would like to learn something new about people, cultures, places, and even words and the use of phrases that express inner thoughts in a way that you would put down the book and think about that phrase a bit, mull it over in mind.
Your life won't have any change either you read it or not!!! Sep 20, Sharang Limaye rated it it was ok. Chhiba firmly belongs to the new breed of Indian writers who feel the only quality required to be an author is to be able to write grammatically correct English. He sets out to write a sequel to his 'best-selling' debut novel and completely forgets there may be readers who may not have read the first book. So, one wades through large portions of ZP2 with very little making sense.
Also, the various tracks in the novel seem to be proceeding on different planets. While years pass away for some char Chhiba firmly belongs to the new breed of Indian writers who feel the only quality required to be an author is to be able to write grammatically correct English.
While years pass away for some characters, others seem to have only got through a few days in the same time period. Even schoolkids wouldn't make such mistakes. Chhiba would do well to stick to his corporate job and leave fiction writing to more capable people. No storyline! Feb 14, Kkamakshi Bhartia rated it it was amazing. It's an amazing book, once picked up for reading wouldn't want to leave.
Super awesome work by Neeraj Chibba! Dec 02, Vvbbb rated it it was amazing. It's the first book of my life that I read completely it taught me best things and best experience It's the first book of my life that I read completely it taught me best things and best experience Jun 16, Amit Gupta rated it liked it.
Always destined to go to IIT, a cruel incident makes him end up in a place he has never heard of before, Volgograd - a Russian 'City of heroes'. Zero percentile is a heady cocktail of the fascinating adventures of Pankaj, a less flavored son of destiny, across two completely different countries, India and Russia.
I am glad someone took an initiative to write a bo As a brilliant young boy Pankaj never imagines that he will ever be swamped with problems. I am glad someone took an initiative to write a book about people who try their level best to get into IIT but don't succeed for some reason. There is also an equally pertinent issue about the exposure of young people from India into a drastically different booze-babes-BJs ridden culture and the subsequent ramifications on their personality.
It can be a very depressing and life altering event for such individuals and if done well, can make up for engrossing read. Luckily, Zero percentile quite achieves in that sphere of writing with some witty, charming and cunning moments. Having lived in Russia for close to 7 years, the author is well versed with the kind of environment he is leading us into and the detailing of the hostel life is endearing.
The book's basic plot remains faithful to the blueprint of your coming-of-age story, but the screenplay is bursting at its seam with numerous tricks to keep you on your toes. So we have an head-master who can do anything for your grades to earn quick money, a sex-addict friend who don't think twice before sleeping with any Russian chick he can lay his hands, an old couple who treats Pankaj as their own child and a bisexual girlfriend who ditches him for another girl even when he is busy making plans to convince his parents to marry her.
Relying on some keen observations about the life of the good-bad-ugly side of Russia, the writer explores the personality of every possible individual from various strata of society associated with the college. Almost all the characters are grey here, full of flaws specially when it came to the portrayal of those involved with the local mafia gang. With elements of hope, sex, violence, campus gangs and revenge, it offers almost all the pot-boiler moments of a Bollywood film.
I particularly liked the sub-plot of role reversal of lives of Motu and Pankaj at various points in the narrative, it is ironical and humorous in equal mix. In the end, they just add to the length of the book. The pun intended on the fascination with male child is hilarious in the first part of the book, though a tad over-stretched.
The whole quizzing competition even though riveting is lengthy because the bond between the three friends has already been established sufficiently. The last act of getting back to Priya is done so conveniently that it looks contrived, emotionless and reeks of bizarreness to say the least. However, keeping in mind that the author is penning down its sequel, it may not turn out to be such a farce. The blurb of the book is too long as it gives away all the major twists and turns in the narrative, which is quite preposterous for me.
I want to explore them, not just read at the back of the book. But these are small nitpicking's in an otherwise engaging masala book which provides a good time pass read on a lazy day.
Even though it is quite predictable in parts, it covers up by some smart writing. It is set in a new world, and has a bunch of wonderful moments. It delivers more than it promises. Sometimes, that's all you want from a book! Jan 26, Amanpreet Singh Arora rated it really liked it. I got Zero percentile from the author Neeraj Chibba himself through GoodReads website and as soon as I got the book I started reading it.
The book talks about the experiences, the life and the emotional dilemma which the guy faces over the years. The story starts from the very early life of Pankaj, who is the central character of the story, revolves around his friends, relationships and family along with his desire to pursue higher education at IIT.
But a tragic turn leads him to a dead end and he feels disheartened, losing all of his confidence and self esteem. The life of Russia is well depicted and the struggles, problems and hardships faced by Pankaj are nicely put in words.
The environment of hostel would surely catch the eye of the Hostellers and they would surely be able to relate it to themselves. In the latter half of the story, Pankaj has to face a few more troubles with tragic incidents at home and in his personal life but he comes out to be a strong character; sets up his own business, plays fair and foul as per the need of the hour.
The character of Sveta, with whom Pankaj falls in love also is depicted quite nicely but later on she is not what our hero thought of as her soul mate. As most of the stories end with a happy ending, this one too has one.
Though as per my view point, it becomes quite predictable in the end and somewhat reader losses his interest in last few pages in contrast with the whole read which is easily able to hold the reader in a spell and gives a thrust to read on more and more. Overall a good read. Narration — 4. Jan 06, Ahimaaz R rated it liked it. If only life could be so straightforward. Neeraj catches the fine and not-so-fine essence of life, stirs it, and serves, one at a time or a few.
There are elements that feels would be complete if only given little more space. I am, oddly enough, reminded to dust my copy of Crime and Punishment which I am in the three-fourth of This setting gives the story a breath of fresh air.
There is so much to relate to in it. The high point to me was the protagonist, Pankaj, falling in love with the Russian woman. Though it lasts only so long, speaks volumes. Put together, pretty impressive read in many places. There were many moments I could relate to. Phase I was subpar, when it had its own things to say that I liked, compared to what followed. The reading picked up for me from the second act. It's a pretty decent effort that, not being overly melodramatic but realistic, comes off as a post-colonial, modern fable for both worlds it is created in.
Feb 26, Ankita Gour rated it liked it. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The book is about a boy Pankaj and his life in India and Russia. The book is divided in three parts: Phase 1: It is all about Pankaj's young life and his friends at school. It reminds of the phase of life when we are young and carefree, make lifetime friends and dream of an extraordinary future.
Pankaj's life revolves around his friends, their adventures, failures until the time comes to make a career decision. Phase 2: It deals with the college life of pankaj and is based in Volgograd, Russia.
Pankaj lives among students from almost every part of the world and tries to cope up with their entirely different outlook towards life. He learns a lot of ways to deal with the world. Phase 3: Pankaj becomes responsible about his priorities in life.
He tries to make a living in Russia but is deceived by his seniors who cheat him. He starts his own business and faces new challenges at every step. He is also worried about his non-existent love life. The book is a good read because it is a simple story written in an interesting way. The book is written in first person and has a feel of personal diary.
It gives an insight to the problems faced by teenagers, it deals with the fact that ordinary people have the additional weight of responsibility to do something extraordinary to get noticed, it reflects that failures are a part of everyone's life and inspires to look ahead, leaving the bitter memories of past behind. Dec 20, Ananya rated it liked it. This is my first Author requested review. So I'll start with the positives! The title is a clincher and at Rs95 its a deal. Its the ever popular story of triumph over struggle with an endearing young man as the protagonist.
For a debutante, Neeraj Chhibba got very lucky indeed, making the bestseller list in spite of several misprints all over the book. A story which can only be an autobiographical embellishment, it is something most IIT aspirants can identify with.
Like Neeraj, Pankaj too gets lucky when he gets a second chance in Russia. Does he make it there? That part of the book was definitely more interesting. I would recommend it for young adults. Jan 06, Trupti Dorge rated it liked it Shelves: i-own , review-copy. Rating: 3. The story begins in Russia where Pankaj is about to board a flight to India and waiting for one phone call that could change the course of his life.
Although I think the childhood part was quite stretched out with unnecessary details, I do think it was ne Rating: 3. Although I think the childhood part was quite stretched out with unnecessary details, I do think it was necessary. Just because he misses the IIT exam due to an incident, he lands up in Russia for an engineering degree. What I liked the most about the book was the information it provided.
This book reads like a Bollywood Movie, a potboiler from beginning to end. The writing does need work but overall it was entertaining. Feb 24, Sundeep Supertramp rated it really liked it. When I first read the the title of the book, I just ignored book thinking it is another college story.. And then, I came across this contest named "Register and win Zero Percentile 2.
I registered the contest knowing that I wont be winning it.. Come on, no one wins anything for free, isn't it? One day, I received a book Actually, I really won a free sopy of "Zero Percentile 2. Since I didnt read the first book, I ordered it and read it.. This is how I read this book.
First o When I first read the the title of the book, I just ignored book thinking it is another college story.. First of all, I want to say this is no college love story.. This is more than that.. It is the story of a guy, named Pankaj probably the hero , from an Indian lower middle class family..
The story starts from the hero's great-grand father to his grand father to his father to himself in the form of a sperm to himself in his mother's womb to himself in this world.. The story with lot of boring stuff, and the font size is really small which makes you very disinterested in the book Like, there are many other books from Indian authors, whose font size is very big and the speacing between the lines are huge too, just to fill the pages..
Then after the first 40 pages, it gets interesting.. So interesting that you cant put the book down.. If you are not as bad reader as I am, you can complete this book in one go.. You will like it.. Dec 20, Poonam rated it liked it. Zero Percentile is a book that is compelling and easy read.
I finished the book in a sitting in a matter of few hours. It is story of an Indian middle-class boy Pankaj yeah, Pankaj who thinks education as a means of improving the financial, and subsequently social status of his family. He has his plans clearly laid out: to be at IIT. A twist in the tale finds Pankaj in Volgograd, Russia. Before leavi Zero Percentile is a book that is compelling and easy read. Prediction does come true, but Pankaj is clueless about the outcome since the astrologer had failed to comment on it.
The book is set into three parts: India, Russia and finally the love story. My favourite is the second part that is set in Russia. The survival story of Pankaj tinged with bits of Russian Russia that was U. Dec 11, Kuhu rated it it was amazing. This book is about a life of an Indian boy set in 70ss. With the tagline and price of the book I though it would be one of a Chetan Bhagat kinds. But I couldn't be more wrong. The life of boy in 80s is set in India and I was amazed to find how he had intertwined the time with the story.
The values, the friendship, the family, the struggle of Indian middle class, at that time. The 90s are set in erstwhile USSR, when she was on verge of disintegration. A beautiful portrayal of life of an Ind This book is about a life of an Indian boy set in 70ss. A beautiful portrayal of life of an Indian outside India.
First the luxuries which spoil the always protected Indian kids. The survival in foreign land with other people from aggressive nations. Finally falling in love with NO I just can't give out the story. When it comes to praise, you want it only for yourself.
Must read. Jan 30, Vikas rated it it was amazing Shelves: favorites , indian-authors , owned. One of the best books written by Indian authors focused around education institutes. In this book our narrator misses his IIT exam due to some issues and then with help of few friends of his dad's he finds himself in Russia. My dream of being a writer is realised and I am now a Goodreads Author.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self One of the best books written by Indian authors focused around education institutes. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while.
I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading. Dec 24, Kavya rated it liked it Shelves: own. A person with high aims of getting into an IIT, after a traumatic accident ends up in a college in Russia!
Chhibba explains events beautifully and sequentially but fails to emphasize on the feelings of Pankaj and others! Some characters do not even get an inch of the spot light and the lack of surprises lets you down so many times along the way! Life in Russia blooms up the spirit because of vivid descriptions presented atleast for those who never had any glimpse of Russia and the education A person with high aims of getting into an IIT, after a traumatic accident ends up in a college in Russia!
Life in Russia blooms up the spirit because of vivid descriptions presented atleast for those who never had any glimpse of Russia and the education!! Few things seem to be unnecessarily placed, but overall a quick and entertaining read!
I would recommend this for those who have been newly introduced to reading! Mar 08, Anne rated it liked it. In that case one just uses the quantile value of each element in A with respect to the reference set S. This does not change the fact that the I3 indicator is a strictly congruous indicator of absolute performance. Note 2 The proposal by Waltman and van Eck b , see also Plomp, to use the number of highly cited publications as an indicator the HCP-indicator can be consider as a special case of the I3 score.
Conclusion When the notion of relative congruous indicators is carefully defined then percentile rank scores are congruous indicators of relative performance. Similarly, the I3 indicator is a strictly congruous indicator of absolute performance. The HCP-indicator can be considered as a special simple case of the I3 indicator. The author thanks Loet Leydesdorff for many useful discussions about the notions studied in this article.
Work of the author is supported by NSFC grants and References Beirlant, J. Statistiek en Wetenschap. Acco: Leuven. Bornmann, L. Further steps towards an ideal method of measuring citation performance: The avoidance of citation ratio averages in field- normalization.
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Aslib: London. Hardy, G. Inequalities sec. Hyndman, R. Sample quantiles in statistical packages. The American Statistician, 50 4 , Leydesdorff, L. Turning the tables on citation analysis one more time: Principles for comparing sets of documents. Lifting the crown — citation z-score.
Journal of Informetrics, 1 2 , Marchant, T. An axiomatic characterization of the ranking based on the h- index and some other bibliometric rankings of authors. Scientometrics, 80 2 , Opthof, T. Journal of Informetrics, 4 3 , Palacios-Huerta, I. The measurement of intellectual influence. Econometrica, 72, — Pielou, E. Ecological diversity. Wiley, New York. Plomp, R. The significance of the number of highly cited papers as an indicator of scientific prolificacy.
Scientometrics, 19 , Quesada, A. Monotonicity and the Hirsch index. Journal of Informetrics, 3, Rousseau, R. Concentration and diversity in informetric research. Doctoral thesis, UIA. Journal of Informetrics, 2 4 , Simple arithmetic versus intuitive understanding: the case of the impact factor. Stirling, A. A general framework for analysing diversity in science, technology and society.
Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 4 15 , Rivals for the crown: Reply to Opthof and Leydesdorff. Waltman, L. A taxonomy of bibliometric performance indicators based on the property of consistency.
Leta, eds. A simple alternative to the H-index.
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