Of Finish Lines, Fat Chances, and Friendships

Review by Ronica Wahi                  

 

9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: A Race Against Time

By Harish C. Rijhwani

First published: December 28, 2023, Self-published.

Paperback Pages: 182.

ISBN: 9789360761394

9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: A Race Against Time is a fitting sequel to Part 1 – 9 to 5 Cubicle Tales - of the series. This Part 2 relates the next few milestones on the personal and the professional journeys of the protagonist Hridaan Rajdev. The sequel maintains the style, tone, pace, and everyday aspect of Part 1, the review for which can be read here.

The race is in the work targets – yes, but a major race – A Race Against Time ­– that Hridaan runs is to reach the finish line of his MBA interview while faced with the hurdle posed by “a mysterious rash”. As the multiple races in the book are run, in the reader’s mind race snippets of past experiences, and similar stories and memories.

In the early portion (Chapter-2) of 9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: A Race Against Time, the luggage episode at the airport is very relatable – the reader must have experienced or heard of someone who has experienced something similar. In fact, the book is full of little episodes that take the reader down his /her memory lane, or remind him /her of stories heard.

Those with corporate experience - particularly those staying away from home to work and strive to build a better life for themselves and their families – will find Hridaan’s story resonating with them. As is the case with others like him, colleagues become family members in a foreign land for Hridaan. The experience of staying together, splitting expenses, cooking by turns is told well by Rijhwani.

In fact, this Part 2 is, in a big way, a tale of friendship – colleagues who are friends too support one another, celebrate and joke around with one another, and come to the rescue of one another. When Hridaan is faced with his rash in the far-off land, away from his family, it is his friends who stand by and help him. Just like Hridaan was there for his friend Nijin!

Ordinary happenings often take on much meaning when they pose a ‘disruption’ to routine and enliven our conversations with our loved ones. Small, memorable incidents enliven Hridaan’s life and bring a smile to the reader’s face. One such particularly interesting episode is of “the pigeon escapade”.

One really well-written section is that about the visit to Stone Mountain Park; it is immensely enjoyable, for it makes the reader pause and recall outings with friends /colleagues. And reminds the reader also of how, even on outings, work can just come knocking like an unwanted guest (read intrusion).

Though some of the incidents could have been fleshed out just as some others are, in some aspects, Rijhwani is always detail-oriented. He describes journeys and settings particularly well; such use of visual imagery certainly enhances the reading experience.

As the review on this blog on Part 1 of this series mentions, Part 1 did have much scope for editing as it contained many errors. Happily, Part 2 does not. Some word choices – especially the choice of adverbs - could have been better though.

For proper appreciation of what drives Hridaan and to gain more familiarity with the characters, reading Part 1 first would be worthwhile.

Do order both Part 1 and Part 2 today!

 

9 to 5 Cubicle Tales (Part 1)

Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/41zEPZs

Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/3IZgXat

9 to 5 Cubicle Tales: A Race Against Time (Part 2)

Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3S5BJJH

Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/3XXXCyi

 

To know more about one of Rijhwani’s previous books - Master the Mystic Arts: The Journey Begins, his writing journey, and his tips for writers, do watch his interview:

Interview - Harish Rijhwani, Healthcare IT Professional and Writer of a Unique Book on Data Science

 

Do check out reviews on Rijhwani’s other works:

Master the Mystic Arts: The Journey Begins

Review

Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3qef52I

Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/3qic69E

 

Technology to Business: The Invisible Gap

Review

Amazon India link (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3zKYcAY

Amazon India link (Kindle): https://amzn.to/2STTXCx

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Ronica Wahi is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. If you make a purchase through any of the Amazon links provided by Ronica here, she may receive a small commission, without any extra cost to you.

  

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