Aisle Be Damned - Review

Swaying hips, praying lips and flying tips!

A Hilarious Take on just about Everything Associated with Air Travel.

Getting seamlessly upgraded to Business Class.

The hows and whys of micromanaging the pilots.

Action plans to counter the airlines Technical Snag routine.

Sure shot strategies for winning the affections of flight attendants.

Awesome icebreakers to start conversations with attractive co-passengers.

How smart executives deal with the Walk of Shame to the economy section.

How a water bottle dramatically improves flight safety.

Breezing through immigration and customs, always making your flight connections and a whole lot more

Rest assured, your flying experience will never be the same again!

About the Author

Rishi Piparaiya is an over-worked and over-traveled corporate executive based in the skies, 38,000 feet over India.

I would have written this review last night itself, but then I thought, “Hey, why not give it another read?” And thus, ignoring the tick-tock of the clock, inviting me to sleep as per my daily routine, and ignoring the fact that I would emerge as a dumb sleepy head in the team meeting in my office the following day, I picked up the book yet again. Let time be damned; and also the aisle.

‘Aisle Be Damned’ by Rishi Piparaiya is nothing that you thought it to be, and everything that you never guessed it would be. It is fun, humorous, unique, and oh-so-different. Add to that the interesting anecdote and snippets, coupled with a narrative that’s compelling and witty, and you have a winner all the way.

‘Aisle Be Damned’ is a book about Air Travel, yes those pocket books that you see in stores, guiding you with the basics and technicalities of flying, but in a rather non-sermonic and highly interesting manner. Rishi divides the book into several chapters, dealing with different phases of Air Travel. It all starts with your arrival at the airport, and guides you hilariously on the subsequent steps. Rishi tells you about the best boarding strategy, whether to opt for the window seat or the aisle seat, how to conduct yourself (and others) in the flight, and how to land perfectly (no, you don’t have to steer the plane though).

The chapters again are subdivided into different segments, which serves deliciously, adding diverse flavors to the book. It is like a brilliant assortment of dishes that entice you, lure you into its delicacy, and the finesse with which it has been presented. Of course, you would love to taste each item in the dish separately, enjoying the unique flavors. The taste buds justify your selection, and you find the items on the plate irresistible. Same is the case with this book. Once you go through the first chapter, you cannot stop. It’s like that brilliant chocolate cake that will make you hungry for more, and more.

Rishi Piparaiya uses his vast knowledge of air travel, and he does a great job in penning everything that can be associated with flights. His funny interpretations at times drive you into fits of laughter, and at other times into a curling smile, and it does guarantee you a pleasant time.

To be honest, I was initially apprehensive about laying my hands on a copy of this book. I am not a frequent flier, and thus wasn't sure if it would do me any good. Now, to all of you reading this post, do not go by the theme of this book. Sure, it is based on air travel, but the joy you would derive from reading this is not dependent on your flying status. Even if you have never traveled to the skies, and trust me when I say this, you should pick it up for a quick and light read, perhaps after a stressful day at work, or at a time when you are in need of laughter. This book will serve the purpose, and more.

What next Rishi? Perhaps, a similarly interesting piece on Train Travel.

Title: Aisle Be Damned

Author: Rishi Piparaiya

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Humor

No. of Pages: 216

Price: Rs 250

My Rating: 4/5