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The Boy Who Did Not Sign : How I Failed Physics at Age 18 and yet became a Scientist at both India's Nuclear and Space Programs by 24. Paperback – 11 August 2023
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Ashwin Taksh is a 23-year-old small-town boy who aspires to work as a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – India's Space Program - which accepts only 0.04% of applicants. In June 2017, he is coming out of a failure in his first attempt to qualify for the highly competitive ISRO entrance exam. When he gets admitted to India's prestigious Nuclear Program instead, he accepts, even though it's not his first choice. He initiates his new job and decides to simultaneously study for the next ISRO exam-quickly learning that this is no ordinary job either. It requires him to complete a one-year stringent training program in Nuclear Science & Engineering at its Academy - learning the most complex and cutting-edge technologies of Nuclear Fission. The further he moves, the more he understands the price of achieving a dream career. When he begins to develop feelings for one of his colleagues, he discovers the politics and groupism of the Academy. He finds himself cornered by the corruption of the system.
Ashwin must decide whether he is willing to risk his sanity and achievements - risking his high-end career in the Nuclear program - for the illustrious career he has always dreamed of. This path he chose led him to make choices that pushed his career to the verge of termination. What actions and determination brought an academically poor boy into the Nuclear Program of the World's Largest Democracy? What concoction of passion, stubbornness, and ego then brought him to the verge of unemployment - A Rogue Scientist? The Boy Who Did Not Sign, through its inspirational yet twisted tale, gives you the experience of that journey to pursue a goal with an incomprehensible degree of passion.
- Print length332 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication date11 August 2023
- Dimensions15.24 x 2.13 x 22.86 cm
- ISBN-13979-8890668981
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From the Publisher
Product details
- ASIN : B0CFC46RGK
- Publisher : Notion Press (11 August 2023); Notion Press Media Pvt Ltd | No,50, Chettiyar Agaram Main Road, Vanagaram, Chennai - 600095 | URL: https://notionpress.com/store | Mail Id: orders@notionpress.com
- Language : English
- Paperback : 332 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8890668981
- Item Weight : 1 kg 50 g
- Dimensions : 15.24 x 2.13 x 22.86 cm
- Country of Origin : India
- Packer : Notion Press Media Pvt Ltd | No,50, Chettiyar Agaram Main Road, Vanagaram, Chennai - 600095 | URL: https://notionpress.com/store | Mail Id: orders@notionpress.com
- Best Sellers Rank: #79,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,140 in Science Fiction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers say
Customers find the book engaging and inspiring. They describe the narrative as compelling and relatable, wrapping emotions around them. The content teaches life lessons and motivates readers to fight for their passions. Readers appreciate the author's writing style and thoughtful lines. The characters come to life on the pages, making it easy to empathize with their struggles. The book covers strategies for preparing for competitive exams and provides helpful advice.
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Customers find the book engaging and inspiring. They say it's a wonderful reading experience and recommend it to aspirants.
"...of reality ( his own life) woven into a wonderful story that is engaging, entertaining, inspiring as you go through chapter to chapter...." Read more
"*"The Boy Who Did Not Sign" is an engaging read with a compelling narrative that keeps you intrigued...." Read more
"One of the best books I've read till now. The story is amazing and realistic. I like the writing style of the author...." Read more
"It ain't a book , it's a masterpiece✨ full of struggles , hardships, comebacks and a bit of romance...." Read more
Customers find the storytelling amazing and relatable. They appreciate the realness of the story, which makes the plot interesting. The book is described as inspiring, immersive, and exciting.
"...universal themes of failure, loneliness, and perseverance with a personal narrative is appealing...." Read more
"...This book itself is rare and also unique of its kind. It's a nice blend of reality ( his own life) woven into a wonderful story that is engaging,..." Read more
"*"The Boy Who Did Not Sign" is an engaging read with a compelling narrative that keeps you intrigued...." Read more
"...I like the writing style of the author. This story motivated me alot and gave me the strength to fight for my passion...." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and relatable. They say it teaches life lessons, motivates them, and gives them the strength to fight for their passion. The story helps them believe in themselves and take the right decisions. Readers mention it helps change their perspective on life and challenges. Overall, they describe the book as educational and inspirational, with some saying it will inspire generations of engineers.
"...One of the most powerful thrusts of this book comes from the power of resilience. It has been hard to find motivation again these last months...." Read more
"...Very well written by this boy with excellent analytical and problem solving skills and a visionary mind even at such a young age...." Read more
"...Not Sign" is an engaging read with a compelling narrative that keeps you intrigued...." Read more
"...This story motivated me alot and gave me the strength to fight for my passion...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's writing style. They find the story engaging with vivid descriptions and a compelling narrative. The writing is described as thoughtful, well-structured, and crisp.
"...What was the most interesting aspect of this book is the way of the writer's style...." Read more
"...Very well written by this boy with excellent analytical and problem solving skills and a visionary mind even at such a young age...." Read more
"...The writing is sharp, and the plot unfolds in an unexpected yet satisfying way." Read more
"...The story is amazing and realistic. I like the writing style of the author...." Read more
Customers find the characters engaging and realistic. They appreciate the author's vivid descriptions that immerse them in Alex's world and captivate them with the story.
"...Each character is meticulously crafted, adding depth and authenticity to the story's emotional core...." Read more
"...The characters come to life on the pages, making it easy to empathize with their struggles and triumphs...." Read more
"Characters are fictional but story is real worth buying The story of average scorer to become a great scientist" Read more
"...The Author has an extraordinary way of writing the story which captivates the readers...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for preparing for competitive exams. It covers strategies before exams, how to prepare, and when to start preparing. Readers appreciate its effort in providing solutions to students.
"...Very well written by this boy with excellent analytical and problem solving skills and a visionary mind even at such a young age...." Read more
"...It covers strategies before exams, how to prepare, when to start preparing, and most importantly, it emphasizes never giving up. This is crucial...." Read more
"...about the problems that come in the life of students and provide many solutions to them. I really felt motivated after reading the book...." Read more
"This book has been helpful to me as an individual who is preparing for competitive exams. I'm glad I read this book." Read more
Reviews with images
This is a great book if you've lost your path in any point of life.
Top reviews from India
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- Reviewed in India on 9 November 2024Verified Purchase"The Boy Who Did Not Sign" was a breath of fresh air and reflective read that, for someone like me, hit very close to home. A former aspirant for JEE and BITS for over 2.5 years in the complex and often grueling journey of entrance exams, this book was like looking into a mirror with respect to my own journey, struggles and setbacks.
What was the most interesting aspect of this book is the way of the writer's style. The primitive, familiar, and reflective voice of Ranjan is interesting and thoughtful. Not so often that a book makes you a feeling that you are conversing very intimately with the author, but this one did. The way he weaves the universal themes of failure, loneliness, and perseverance with a personal narrative is appealing.
Since I am a college fresher as of 2024, I have so far been experiencing my version of the college experience. And as I read this book, I couldn't help but see how many students-even including myself-have fallen into the trap of "college life" becoming something it was never meant to be. This's not always that life-changing journey we imagine, and *The Boy Who Did Not Sign* is a good exploration of the disillusionment that can come with it. It's a sharp reminder that I still have power over my college life and need to make it count—despite the dull, monotonous cycle that sometimes feels like this.
The book's exploration of failure hit me in ways I did not expect. I, too, have the bitter taste of losing that sub-criteria. After messing my 12th boards I managed to get a seat in BITS Goa, Hyderabad ECE/EEE and the Tier-2 colleges in Bangalore in the list CSE-AIML. But due to my series of mistakes, I ended getting a Tier-2 private college through JEE mains, a late comer to the race who would never get the opportunities because of poor timing and poor decisions. As Ranjan vividly describes, it was that feeling of betrayal at the hands of the "gods" of academia that really put me in touch with this book.
I read this book during my gap period between finishing 12th and joining college, so I had ample time to reflect. Colleges in Bangalore opened pretty late since the NEET exams were there, among other bureaucratic backlogs, and I wasn't clear about much and lost my direction so much at that juncture. During that time, *The Boy Who Did Not Sign* presented a whole new perspective to life. This message "Ordinary is the Father of Extraordinary" struck my heart and brought me much peace and acceptance that sometimes great things come from the most ordinary of all places.
One of the most powerful thrusts of this book comes from the power of resilience. It has been hard to find motivation again these last months. I had fire in the preparation for the exam. I had passion in the preparation for the exam. From the time I got to college, I never again felt like a living zombie going through motions, without passion such as I once had. The author's words helped me, because he told me about his living struggles, moments of despair, and his refusal to give up despite the hardships. If this guy, who lived through much tougher hardships than those I experienced, could get over them, then why should I? This rekindled in me the flame that I had concluded I had lost.
The book has made me rethink my way ahead. After reading it, I am now thinking of re-attempting a competitive examination in 2025, but this time for sure without the mistakes I made the first time. I do know that I still have it in me to do so much better-not for a better college, but myself and my future. Ranjan's narrative reminded me that failure is not the end of the road; it's just a stepping stone to growth.
Final thanks go to Ashish Ranjan for his efforts in writing this book, and to Ashwin Taksh- whose experiences in this book renewed my own ambition. You have given me reason to keep going and to continue on my journey in life with a new focus and purpose.
In one word, *The Boy Who Did Not Sign* speaks not only to the students who have been struggling with entrance exams but to anybody who has been struck down and tested with life's slips and encounters. It is a tale of strength, hope, and the solidity never to give up on themselves when the situations are really tough. I highly recommend reading it for those who feel lost, as this book will surely give you the light you need to rise above.
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book if you've lost your path in any point of life."The Boy Who Did Not Sign" was a breath of fresh air and reflective read that, for someone like me, hit very close to home. A former aspirant for JEE and BITS for over 2.5 years in the complex and often grueling journey of entrance exams, this book was like looking into a mirror with respect to my own journey, struggles and setbacks.
Reviewed in India on 9 November 2024
What was the most interesting aspect of this book is the way of the writer's style. The primitive, familiar, and reflective voice of Ranjan is interesting and thoughtful. Not so often that a book makes you a feeling that you are conversing very intimately with the author, but this one did. The way he weaves the universal themes of failure, loneliness, and perseverance with a personal narrative is appealing.
Since I am a college fresher as of 2024, I have so far been experiencing my version of the college experience. And as I read this book, I couldn't help but see how many students-even including myself-have fallen into the trap of "college life" becoming something it was never meant to be. This's not always that life-changing journey we imagine, and *The Boy Who Did Not Sign* is a good exploration of the disillusionment that can come with it. It's a sharp reminder that I still have power over my college life and need to make it count—despite the dull, monotonous cycle that sometimes feels like this.
The book's exploration of failure hit me in ways I did not expect. I, too, have the bitter taste of losing that sub-criteria. After messing my 12th boards I managed to get a seat in BITS Goa, Hyderabad ECE/EEE and the Tier-2 colleges in Bangalore in the list CSE-AIML. But due to my series of mistakes, I ended getting a Tier-2 private college through JEE mains, a late comer to the race who would never get the opportunities because of poor timing and poor decisions. As Ranjan vividly describes, it was that feeling of betrayal at the hands of the "gods" of academia that really put me in touch with this book.
I read this book during my gap period between finishing 12th and joining college, so I had ample time to reflect. Colleges in Bangalore opened pretty late since the NEET exams were there, among other bureaucratic backlogs, and I wasn't clear about much and lost my direction so much at that juncture. During that time, *The Boy Who Did Not Sign* presented a whole new perspective to life. This message "Ordinary is the Father of Extraordinary" struck my heart and brought me much peace and acceptance that sometimes great things come from the most ordinary of all places.
One of the most powerful thrusts of this book comes from the power of resilience. It has been hard to find motivation again these last months. I had fire in the preparation for the exam. I had passion in the preparation for the exam. From the time I got to college, I never again felt like a living zombie going through motions, without passion such as I once had. The author's words helped me, because he told me about his living struggles, moments of despair, and his refusal to give up despite the hardships. If this guy, who lived through much tougher hardships than those I experienced, could get over them, then why should I? This rekindled in me the flame that I had concluded I had lost.
The book has made me rethink my way ahead. After reading it, I am now thinking of re-attempting a competitive examination in 2025, but this time for sure without the mistakes I made the first time. I do know that I still have it in me to do so much better-not for a better college, but myself and my future. Ranjan's narrative reminded me that failure is not the end of the road; it's just a stepping stone to growth.
Final thanks go to Ashish Ranjan for his efforts in writing this book, and to Ashwin Taksh- whose experiences in this book renewed my own ambition. You have given me reason to keep going and to continue on my journey in life with a new focus and purpose.
In one word, *The Boy Who Did Not Sign* speaks not only to the students who have been struggling with entrance exams but to anybody who has been struck down and tested with life's slips and encounters. It is a tale of strength, hope, and the solidity never to give up on themselves when the situations are really tough. I highly recommend reading it for those who feel lost, as this book will surely give you the light you need to rise above.
Images in this review - Reviewed in India on 21 December 2023Verified PurchaseHe does what he says and says what he does! Hard to find such people. I now understand why he took 5 years to write this book... story telling is an art and it takes considerable time to attain this mastery. This book itself is rare and also unique of its kind. It's a nice blend of reality ( his own life) woven into a wonderful story that is engaging, entertaining, inspiring as you go through chapter to chapter. Very well written by this boy with excellent analytical and problem solving skills and a visionary mind even at such a young age. Yeah..it's worth your time, whoever wants to read ...can go ahead and I'm 100% sure you'll not regret it. Each and everyone of us has a story and when time is right it becomes worth sharing so that others can either learn & get inspired from our own experience. Nice job Ashish aka Ashwin, your story is worth sharing to the world !! Turn your dreams into reality and share even more stories as you journey through your life. All the best for your future. Keep rocking as ALWAYS! :)
- Reviewed in India on 11 September 2024Verified Purchase*"The Boy Who Did Not Sign" is an engaging read with a compelling narrative that keeps you intrigued. The writing is sharp, and the plot unfolds in an unexpected yet satisfying way.
- Reviewed in India on 20 June 2024Verified PurchaseOne of the best books I've read till now. The story is amazing and realistic. I like the writing style of the author. This story motivated me alot and gave me the strength to fight for my passion. Overall I would recommend this book to people who are passionate for something and are fighting hard for it, this story really helps in keep going on.
One of the best books I've read till now. The story is amazing and realistic. I like the writing style of the author. This story motivated me alot and gave me the strength to fight for my passion. Overall I would recommend this book to people who are passionate for something and are fighting hard for it, this story really helps in keep going on.
Images in this review - Reviewed in India on 23 August 2024Verified PurchaseIt ain't a book , it's a masterpiece✨ full of struggles , hardships, comebacks and a bit of romance. I bet that this purchase would be worth it❗ It will teach you a life lesson. And the title is absolutely perfect for this book
5.0 out of 5 stars Man is best when he is put to the worst!!!!!It ain't a book , it's a masterpiece✨ full of struggles , hardships, comebacks and a bit of romance. I bet that this purchase would be worth it❗ It will teach you a life lesson. And the title is absolutely perfect for this book
Reviewed in India on 23 August 2024
Images in this review - Reviewed in India on 23 August 2024Verified PurchaseIts just the perfect book to give you motivation and entertain you in your monotonous life prepping for some exam,or not. Finished it in 2 days it kept me on the edge of my seat for the most of it. I was literally rooting for him in the last chapters for him to get into his desired institution. Loved it. A must read for anyone and everyone
- Reviewed in India on 8 October 2024Verified PurchaseVery intresting to read. Every aspirant should read this book. It will give you Goosebumps like rollers coaster. And also teach to believe in your self and take the decision based on your own circumstances.
- Reviewed in India on 22 July 2024Verified Purchase"The Boy Who Did Not Sign" by Ashish Ranjan is a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of identity, courage, and the power of individuality. Set against the backdrop of a small, rural town, the story follows the journey of young Alex, who grapples with the societal pressure to conform while discovering his own path.
The author's prose is beautifully evocative, painting vivid scenes that immerse the reader in Alex's world. Each character is meticulously crafted, adding depth and authenticity to the story's emotional core. Alex's internal struggle to reconcile his true self with societal expectations is portrayed with sensitivity and insight, making his journey of self-discovery both relatable and inspiring.
What sets this book apart is its poignant exploration of the importance of authenticity and the bravery required to stay true to oneself in the face of adversity. Through Alex's eyes, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own identities and the pressures they may face to conform.
"The Boy Who Did Not Sign" is a thought-provoking and uplifting read that resonates long after the final page. It's a testament to the author's skill in storytelling and their ability to capture the universal challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world. Highly recommended for readers of all ages who appreciate a heartfelt and meaningful story.
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Feel free to adjust the details such as Ashish and specific plot points based on the actual content of the book!
"The Boy Who Did Not Sign" by Ashish Ranjan is a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of identity, courage, and the power of individuality. Set against the backdrop of a small, rural town, the story follows the journey of young Alex, who grapples with the societal pressure to conform while discovering his own path.
The author's prose is beautifully evocative, painting vivid scenes that immerse the reader in Alex's world. Each character is meticulously crafted, adding depth and authenticity to the story's emotional core. Alex's internal struggle to reconcile his true self with societal expectations is portrayed with sensitivity and insight, making his journey of self-discovery both relatable and inspiring.
What sets this book apart is its poignant exploration of the importance of authenticity and the bravery required to stay true to oneself in the face of adversity. Through Alex's eyes, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own identities and the pressures they may face to conform.
"The Boy Who Did Not Sign" is a thought-provoking and uplifting read that resonates long after the final page. It's a testament to the author's skill in storytelling and their ability to capture the universal challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world. Highly recommended for readers of all ages who appreciate a heartfelt and meaningful story.
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Feel free to adjust the details such as Ashish and specific plot points based on the actual content of the book!
Images in this review