I received a hardcover copy of this book from a high school teacher of mine, who I still greatly respect. However, he should have previewed it - speaking as a high school teacher myself, now, it is definitely NOT appropriate reading for a high school student!
I didn't actually read it until years later, because (frankly) the description utterly bored me. Almost immediately, I began to dislike the book; not due to the cultural difference - on the contrary, I liked learning something about Indian culture - nor even so much due to the undesirable content. It was just, well, boring! I would have had a more enjoyable time reading a textbook on Indian culture, and it would have been faster, to boot.
I can honestly say this is one of the few books I have ever read and considered putting down before finishing. I'm just not a quitter. Nor would I disrespect the author's hard work by burning it... though I was sorely tempted. I ended up leaving it behind on the desk of the teacher I was substituting for the day I finished reading it on my lunch break, with a note warning of the contents.
So, there you have it. I was 99% bored with it, forced myself to finish it, and very nearly burned it once I was done. Don't waste your time, or a credit, on this book.
I didn't actually read it until years later, because (frankly) the description utterly bored me. Almost immediately, I began to dislike the book; not due to the cultural difference - on the contrary, I liked learning something about Indian culture - nor even so much due to the undesirable content. It was just, well, boring! I would have had a more enjoyable time reading a textbook on Indian culture, and it would have been faster, to boot.
I can honestly say this is one of the few books I have ever read and considered putting down before finishing. I'm just not a quitter. Nor would I disrespect the author's hard work by burning it... though I was sorely tempted. I ended up leaving it behind on the desk of the teacher I was substituting for the day I finished reading it on my lunch break, with a note warning of the contents.
So, there you have it. I was 99% bored with it, forced myself to finish it, and very nearly burned it once I was done. Don't waste your time, or a credit, on this book.
