Rating: 
Summary: Highly Informative!
Review: Although this is the first book I've read on Indian culture, I think it would be difficult to find another book written with such detail about so many aspects of Indian culture as Kolanad's does. Her insight into how Westerners think is invaluable as she herself grew up in a Western society for part of her life. Being Indian, she gives authority to what she writes. I truly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Indian customs and etiquette.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Informative!
Review: Although this is the first book I've read on Indian culture, I think it would be difficult to find another book written with such detail about so many aspects of Indian culture as Kolanad's does. Her insight into how Westerners think is invaluable as she herself grew up in a Western society for part of her life. Being Indian, she gives authority to what she writes. I truly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Indian customs and etiquette.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best...
Review: For business travel in India and general cultrual acclimation, this is the most helpful guide that I was able to find. I lived in India for the better part of the year, and of all the books I found, this one is the best "preparation" for the experience.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best...
Review: I had ordered this book in an attempt to get a better understanding of the perspectives of a large group of Indian fellows that I work with. I think the book fit the bill very well. It was also an overall interesting and entertaining book to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Fit the Bill
Review: I had ordered this book in an attempt to get a better understanding of the perspectives of a large group of Indian fellows that I work with. I think the book fit the bill very well. It was also an overall interesting and entertaining book to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Decent Background Information - But Too Topical
Review: I read this book approximately a month before going to India on business. Although this added to my already growing excitement, I found that this book was really geared more toward one who was either going to be casually traveling or living there on a permanent basis.I found that I was not at all prepared for what India had to offer - now, that wasn't because I hadn't done enough research, rather because of the random and chaotic nature of where I was located. Pros: The first few chapters go into topics such as political history, represented religions, holidays, festivals, and other good things to know. The author then takes us through setting up a household, to having servants, how dinner parties are organized and executed, and other feasibly useful information. Cons: Although this is written by an Indian person, the information within is simply given without explanation. I didn't learn why some of the comments made in the book were true until I had been there for a while, and I didn't realize how classist some of the situations presented were until I had experienced the situation myself. If you are looking to learn of practical things to do, ways to get around, and what to probably really expect once you step off of the plane on your first visit, I would suggest a travel book such as Lonely Planet, or Fodors. This book is worth reading, but don't expect this to be your only guide.
Rating:
Summary: Decent Background Information - But Too Topical
Review: I read this book approximately a month before going to India on business. Although this added to my already growing excitement, I found that this book was really geared more toward one who was either going to be casually traveling or living there on a permanent basis. I found that I was not at all prepared for what India had to offer - now, that wasn't because I hadn't done enough research, rather because of the random and chaotic nature of where I was located. Pros: The first few chapters go into topics such as political history, represented religions, holidays, festivals, and other good things to know. The author then takes us through setting up a household, to having servants, how dinner parties are organized and executed, and other feasibly useful information. Cons: Although this is written by an Indian person, the information within is simply given without explanation. I didn't learn why some of the comments made in the book were true until I had been there for a while, and I didn't realize how classist some of the situations presented were until I had experienced the situation myself. If you are looking to learn of practical things to do, ways to get around, and what to probably really expect once you step off of the plane on your first visit, I would suggest a travel book such as Lonely Planet, or Fodors. This book is worth reading, but don't expect this to be your only guide.
Rating:
Summary: All Should Read Before Travelling...
Review: I read this book before my first visit to India, and found it to be fascinating. I also found it to be extremely helpful. India's culture is "shockingly" different from my own, and it is essential for any traveller to prepare. I read the book again before my second trip to India, and will before any future trips. It's simply invaluable. I regularly recommend the entire series, although I didn't find the book about Mexico to be quite as wonderful as this...
Rating:
Summary: Great for those planning more than a short tour
Review: I'll be brief, so as not to echo others' comments. Preparing for a six month stint in India for business, I was unsatisfied after reading other "guide" books. Looking for something more than a history lesson and hot spot list, I reached for Culture Shock!. This book details subtle nuances that exist between US and Indian cultures. Great read and highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Great for those planning more than a short tour
Review: I'll be brief, so as not to echo others' comments. Preparing for a six month stint in India for business, I was unsatisfied after reading other "guide" books. Looking for something more than a history lesson and hot spot list, I reached for Culture Shock!. This book details subtle nuances that exist between US and Indian cultures. Great read and highly recommended!
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