7 Chetan Bhagat books you should add to your reading list!

Chetan Bhagat’s rise to fame

With an estimated net worth of INR 203 crore in the year 2021, Chetan Bhagat has taken over the roster as one of India’s most popular English-language authors! Chetan Bhagat books are the most popular among the youth.

The author’s significant popularity is owed to his simple yet relatable way of portraying the youth in modern India. Additionally, Bhagat continues to inspire and arouse his enthusiastic audience with regular columns about current affairs, career development, and issues about the youth in newspapers such as ‘The Times of India.’ 

New York Times had quoted him as “the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history” in 2008. This statement holds true even today! Some of his books are also among the must-read books for college students in 2020! 

If you admire Chetan Bhagat and aspire to become an author like him, here are 7 Chetan Bhagat books that will bring you up to date on his style, literature, and accurate depiction of middle-class Indian livelihood! 

Five Point Someone (2004)

First on the list of Chetan Bhagat books is Five Point Someone. Set in the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi) from 1991 to 1995, this book follows the adventures of Hari, Alok Gupta, and Ryan Oberoi.

The three friends fail to cope with the strenuous grading system of the IITs. Throughout the book, the author highlights the painful topics such as-

• Exploitation at the job place 
• Poverty 
• Parental pressure to succeed academically
• Issues of crime, drug abuse, sexuality, and violence

This is among the most influential works of Chetan Bhagat, which also marks the beginning of his career in the year 2004. 

The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008) 

This book is set in the city of Ahmedabad located in Western India. Among the Chetan Bhagat books that hit the bestseller list, this piece has also inspired the movie, Kai Po Che. 

A key theme highlighted in this book is racialism present in largely-conventional Indian cities. Continuing to demonstrate his flair for recognizing the pulse of the Indian youth, other themes covered in this book include corruption, academic and professional pressure, and conflicts with love & ambition. 

2 States (2009)

An objective take on love stories in India, ‘2 States’ highlights the notion of marriage & love versus culture & society.  

As a part of the book’s plotline, the author sheds significant light on social issues like dowry and the association of two families in matrimonial alliances. Besides, he also talks about people’s notions of multinational and multicultural marriages. 

If you are someone who wants to learn about the cultural disparity that continues to be a part of modern India, ‘2 States’ is among the best Chetan Bhagat books to read. This book is into an on-screen Bollywood narrative of the same name. 

Revolution 2020: Love, Corruption, Ambition (2011) 

‘Revolution 2020 (R2020)’ is among the Chetan Bhagat books that shed significant light on the fraudulent education system that runs rampant in India. 

A story interspersed with themes of self-discovery, corruption, and conflicting love triangles; this is a must-read for parents as well! 

A significant issue brought up in this book is the commercialization of the education system and the cut-throat competition to succeed professionally. 

This book is set in Varanasi, where Chetan Bhagat experienced “a special connection to the city” during his visit. 

The Girl in Room 105 (2018) 

This is among the Chetan Bhagat books that highlight his ability to write stories that mix different genres. The genre of this book is a ‘thriller’ and follows the life of Keshav, the son of an orthodox family. 

The themes covered in this book include instances of communal riots, distorted notions of love, and caste disparities. The latter prevails in India even today. If you feel like Chetan Bhagat’s books are specific to a single genre, this book can give you a fresh perspective. 

One Arranged Murder (2020) 

The continuation of the genre explored with the previous title is a book that revolves around the death of a young woman named Prerna. While reading this book, you will be drawn into the different plot holes and twists that are prevalent in the story. 

Sub-themes within the story highlight concepts such as democratic order, and the relationship between the police and the media. The author places a sharp light on the manipulative relationships with domestic help that are a part of middle-class Indian livelihood. 

400 Days (2021) 

Among the most recent Chetan Bhagat’s books, ‘400 Days’ continues with the story of the protagonist of the previous two books listed above.

The story is filled with the complexity of human relationships, friendships, and love. It also highlights a mother’s will towards protecting her children, regardless of their mistakes.

Key Takeaways 

• Chetan Bhagat is one of India’s most famous contemporary English-language authors. 
• With several books making it to the bestseller list, his stories commonly revolve around themes of oppression and conflict with the Indian youth. 
• Adding the above-listed Chetan Bhagat books to your library is an excellent way to explore his writing style, characters, and take on middle-class livelihood. 

So, which is the next book you’re going to read from the aforementioned ones? Tell us in the comments! Begin your journey to becoming an author. Contact us for further information on building a career in literature. Till then, happy reading!

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FAQs 

Q1. Is there any book that Chetan Bhagat has written from a female protagonist’s perspective? 

Answer – Yes, ‘One Indian Girl’ is a book where Chetan Bhagat has attempted to write from the perspective of a female protagonist. 

Q2. Is Chetan Bhagat a motivational speaker as well? 

Answer – Yes! Chetan Bhagat continues to be a youth icon with his well-constructed motivational speeches. You can browse for the same on video sharing platforms such as YouTube. 

Q3. Has Chetan Bhagat founded any non-profit ventures? 

Answer – Yes, ‘ASSET’ is a foundation that helps the young talent in India receive excellent employment opportunities with technology.