To H-1B or Not to Be is a coming of age story of a young ambitious Indian student and must read for youth who have a dream to go to United States for education or work. The next goal for any student is to get an H-1B visa and permanent residency to stay there forever. But the path is not easy and it often comes with a price and the author makes a successful attempt of telling an intriguing tale which is based on real characters, situations around author's life in the United States. The protagonist in this book has to go through a lot including losing the lives of his loved ones in his pursuit for H-1B and Green Card. This is a dilemma faced by a lot of professionals whether H-1B visa and permanent residency are worth the pain and a life away from your loved ones. Also their entire youth is spent waiting for the permanent residency which in some cases is as long as their lifetime. The author of this book grew up in Indore and went to United States in 2000 as a student. Currently, he works for a large Defense Contractor in United States as an Information Technology Executive.
“To H-1B or Not to Be” by Hitesh Dev is a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with young, ambitious Indian students and professionals who dream of making it big in the United States. The novel dives into the emotional and practical challenges of securing an H-1B visa and permanent residency while shedding light on the personal sacrifices these aspirations often entail.
The protagonist, Amit, embodies the struggles many face, navigating a complex immigration system while grappling with the loss of loved ones back home. Dev weaves a gripping tale based on real-life experiences, offering a heartfelt exploration of the price of professional ambition and the emotional toll it takes on those pursuing the American dream. The novel goes beyond the logistics of immigration and dives into the deeper dilemmas:
With fast-paced storytelling and insightful reflections, “To H-1B or Not to Be” provides a valuable perspective for anyone considering a move to the U.S. A must-read for immigrants, professionals, and students alike, this book serves as a reminder that every dream has its price.
This book offers a raw and reflective look at the pursuit of the American Dream, blending ambition with the emotional weight of personal sacrifice. Through the lens of a young Indian student chasing the coveted H-1B visa, the story uncovers the realities of life far from home—where the drive for success is often shadowed by the heartbreak of loss. It’s a thoughtful exploration of the cost of ambition, revealing how dreams can shape—and sometimes fracture—our lives. A must-read for anyone navigating the complex journey of immigration and self-discovery.
Hitesh Dev's "To H-1B or Not to Be" represents both a heartrending and a terrifying story, as it beautifully illustrates the dreams, trials, and emotional turmoil experienced by young Indian professionals as they pursue the convoluted path to H-1B visa and permanent residency in the United States. The novel rises above the conventional coming-of-age story by examining the complex relationship between personal ambition and emotional sacrifice making it a recognizable story reflecting the real-life challenges faced by many immigrants.
The protagonist, Amit, represents the stereotpyically Indian student who is full of determination and ambition to follow his path to the United States. His story represents the immigrant experience, documenting not only the professional challenges of getting an H-1B visa, but also the personal sacrifice involved in many of these journeys. Amit's pathway to success and stability is often laced with devastating personal losses, sorrow, and disappointment.
His skill in using narrative fiction is apparent in his careful representation of the protagonist's internal and external struggles. Amit’s relationship with Lisa becomes a significant sub-plot that highlights the emotional cost of chasing the so-called “American Dream.” Their relationship's end, due to a tragic event, illustrates the human cost of pursuing professional ambitions. He skillfully interrogates themes of love and longing against the context and realities of the U.S. Immigration system, making Amit’s conflict resonant and deeply transformative.
One of the text's strongest features is the author's fearless rendering of the grim realities and systemic challenges faced by immigrants. The author’s depiction of the bureaucratic dilemma confronting immigration under the H-1B visa process is illuminating and sobering as it provides readers with a layered understandings of the legal and logistical difficulties associated with the American immigration process. Throughout the narrative, Amit continuously negotiates the space between professional aspirations and identity, serving to complicate the decision-making process, a process that occurs at emotional and human costs to the immigrant's mental health and familial bonds.
In conclusion, it is a raw representation of the immigrant experience that is a powerful and expertly-written book. It is a clarion call to reflect on the real cost of ambition and, in particular, the cost of oft-ignored emotional burden associated with achieving professional success in an unfamiliar context. His story is not always simply a tale of one man's personal journey; it is a universal story of aspirations, dilemmas, and an indomitable human spirit. A must-read for anyone wanting to grasp the difficulty of the H-1B visa process, the complexity of immigrant life, or the personal sacrifice that purposely goes into attempting to achieve the American Dream.
-When you travel across oceans- Review of 'To H-1B or Not To Be'
To H-1B or Not To Be is a story of dreams and the price a dreamer pays for their dreams. It's a story of not only about soaring ambition but also about a crashing loss and shattered confidence. It's a story of not only about daring to cross the oceans to see your dream come alive but also about isolation and finding a home away from home. It's dipped in equal measures of happiness and sadness.
Amit leaves India and lands in US. He finds an accommodation through people he finds on airport. I found this part a bit weird as Amit landed in US without a secure accommodation. But since the story happens before the World Trade tower attack, maybe this is how the things were worked out then.
The author has peppered the story with funny and sad incidents. Amit takes his friends to a strip club to celebrate the job he has managed to find out and there he finds Lisa who studies with him in the class of computer programming.
In order to get H-1B visa, Amit goes through many challenges. He is even fired from his job. But what is H-1B visa? The H-1B is a visa in the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 101(a)(15)(H) which allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. If a foreign worker in H.1B status quits of is dismissed from the sponsoring employer, the worker must either apply for and be granted a change of status, find another employer (subject to application for adjustment of status and/or change of visa), or leave the United States. The regulations define a "specialy occupation" as one requiring theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in a field of human endeavor including but not limited to biotechnology, chemistry, computing, architecture and so on.
This is a story of ambition, love and loss. A quick and fulfilling story.
Book : To H-1B or not to be Author: Hitesh Dev Review: To H-1B or Not to Be is a deeply engaging coming-of-age story that captures the trials of an ambitious young Indian student striving to make a life in the United States. The narrative follows the protagonist’s arduous journey from pursuing education in the U.S. to navigating the complexities of securing an H-1B visa and, eventually, permanent residency. The story highlights the significant personal sacrifices involved, including the heart-wrenching loss of loved ones, in the relentless pursuit of the American dream.
The author skillfully intertwines real-life experiences with the fictional narrative, offering a poignant exploration of the emotional and psychological toll of this journey. The protagonist’s struggle with the bureaucratic maze of immigration, coupled with the loneliness and separation from family, resonates with many who face similar dilemmas. The narrative doesn’t shy away from depicting the high cost of professional ambition, questioning whether the pursuit of an H-1B visa and green card justifies the sacrifice of personal and familial ties.
The author’s own background enriches the story’s authenticity. Growing up in Indore and moving to the U.S. as a student in 2000, the author now works as an Information Technology Executive for a major defense contractor. This personal insight lends credibility and depth to the story, making it not just a fictional account but a reflection of real-life experiences.
Overall, To H-1B or Not to Be is an evocative read that delves into the sacrifices and challenges of pursuing a career in the U.S. for many international students and professionals. It serves as a thought-provoking examination of the cost of chasing dreams across borders. 4/5 #bookphotography #bookworm #usaimmigration #h1bvisa #travelgram
Success doesn’t come easy! Many teens study abroad, making their parents proud, but life there isn’t as simple as it looks. Adjusting to a new world without loved ones is tough. It makes me wonder—are the sacrifices we make for ambition truly worth it?
Amit, full of dreams, embarks on his journey to the U.S., facing numerous hurdles and working small jobs to get by. He falls for Lisa, but a tragic event alters their relationship. While trying to land a permanent job, Amit comes across an ad from an agency that helps students secure jobs and H1B visas. His life briefly takes a turn for the better, but the happiness doesn’t last long. What happens next that changes Amit’s life? Will he and Lisa cross paths again? Will his dreams ever come true? Read the story to uncover the answers.
This coming-of-age story highlights the struggles that students face and the tough realities of chasing a H-1B visa and permanent residency. Through Amit’s journey, we see that success often comes at the expense of personal happiness. The story takes you on an emotional journey through happiness, love, loss, grief, depression, and family bonds. It feels incredibly realistic, with precise depictions of cultural differences, racism, and the work environment faced by Indian American students.
The narration is highly engaging, with a compelling plot and richly developed characters. I found myself empathizing with Amit's struggles throughout the story. The author's detailed insights into when and how H-1B and PR questions arise are highly enlightening.
Overall, it's a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking read.
Amit and his family's joy knew no bounds when he got into George Washington (GW) University. After a tearful farewell, he landed in the USA where he met Manoj, Cheng, Brian, Min Ho waiting for the shuttle to the university. With them, he got to explore first hand experiences. His world topples during 9/11 attacks when the father of Lisa (His love interest) and Brian's brother were killed. There was an uncertainty associated with immigrants.
The writing is casual, one that will immediately grab the reader's attention. The humour induced in the narrative lands smoothly. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 were described vividly, one that still sends shivers down my spine.
“These numbers were burned into Amit’s skull and every time he closed his eyes he was presented with the images of those limp bodies and charred remains he had seen on TV.”
Apart from that the focal point of that particular narrative was how Americans felt numbed by the attack and treated people of colour with suspicion. The details of H1-B Visa is given in a systematic way. Through Sandeep's character, Hitesh articulates how immigrants scout for jobs leaving their wife & kids in their country of residence. It would have been better if the timeline was clearly specified so that there's coherence in the plot. The narrative turns informative at some phases to streamline the immigration process to the readers.
‘To H-1B or Not to Be’ is rooted in Indianness eventhough it's set in a university in the states. The pace moves at a breakneck speed with interesting plot points that keep the reader guessing.
"Chasing the American Dream: A Journey of Sacrifices"
Imagine leaving your family and friends behind, moving to a new country, and starting from scratch. Sounds tough, right? That's exactly what the protagonist in "To H-1B or Not to Be" did.
Hitesh Dev's book is a real-life story about a young Indian student who dares to dream big. He wants to study and work in the United States, but the journey is not easy. He faces many challenges, loses loved ones, and struggles to balance his career and personal life.
Have you ever felt like you're stuck between two worlds? That's what the protagonist goes through. He's torn between his ambition and his relationships. He asks himself, "Is the American dream worth the price I'm paying?"
This book is not just a story; it's a reflection of many people's lives. It's about the sacrifices we make for our dreams and the struggles we face along the way. It's about finding our true purpose and learning to balance our personal and professional lives.
So, if you're someone who's chasing their dreams, no matter how tough it gets, this book is for you. It's a reminder that you're not alone in this journey. Let's explore this journey together and find out what it really means to chase the American dream.
Will you take the leap and follow your dreams, or will you stay in your comfort zone? The choice is yours. But remember, every great achievement requires sacrifice and hard work. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey today!
"To H-1B or Not to Be" by Hitesh Dev is a poignant coming-of-age novel that captures the struggles of a young Indian student navigating the challenging path to an H-1B visa and permanent residency in the United States. The book explores the emotional and practical hurdles faced by many international students and professionals as they strive for their American dream. Through the protagonist Amit's experiences, including personal losses and sacrifices, Dev offers a deeply personal narrative based on real-life events and characters.
Why You Should Read It: - Insightful Perspective: Provides a real and honest look at the challenges of pursuing a visa and residency in the U.S. - Relatable Story: Connects with anyone who has faced similar struggles in chasing their dreams. - Emotional Depth: Shows the personal cost of professional ambition and the impact on relationships. - Engaging Narrative: Combines personal anecdotes with broader themes, making it a compelling read.
The book falls into the genre of contemporary fiction and memoir. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of immigration and the personal sacrifices involved in chasing dreams abroad.
The story of Amit is a coming of age story of a young ambitious Indian student who dreams of going to the United States and get an H1B visa. Having a dream of staying there as a permanent resident he goes through a lot of issues. And once when he reached his goals in life, he lost connection with what was his back in his country. And towards the end of the novel when he return is back to his place, he realizes what has been actually lost. If you seek to read what actually happens, you must grab this book.
Reading a a book that shouts ambition is something that I have never read before. The themes of ambition and courage and encapsulate the entire book. The character build up is thought provoking and I believe the characters are quite real and one needs to learn more from them. It is a fast paced narrative.
I believe it is a book that you can read on the days when you need encouragement and motivation. Also the title of the book remains me of the indicisiveness of Hamlet. And so I was able to relate with the character Amit more closely.
'Would they stop me from entering the country if I don't have the right documents? Would they expect me to answer questions in an American accent? Would they ask me about money or the mango aachar' I am carrying in my black bag'?
As an immigrant who went to the US the first time, I had the same doubts, just like Amit, the main character in the book. America is undoubtedly the land of opportunities and a dream of millions not just in India but across the globe. Every year, the H1B applicant count is increasing enormously. However, we need to keep in mind that the American dream isn't a cakewalk.
The author has done a fabulous job in combining the cultures of two Nations, the dreams of youngsters, and their mindsets. As I've seen a lot of immigrants first-hand, I could relate to a lot of scenarios in the book.
This book explores the dreams and struggles faced by young Indian students aiming to settle in the United States. Through the journey of Amit, the novel captures the complexities faced while getting the H-1B visa.
The author effectively illustrates the joy and hope that come with opportunity, heartache of life-changing events, such as the 9/11 attacks which impact Amit's life and relationships.
The story runs at fast pace that keeps readers engaged. The plot is quite intriguing and the author skillfully sheds light on the sacrifices and hurdles involved when one chases dreams of foreign land.
The book serves as both an enlightening guide and an emotional rollercoaster. This is a must read for aspiring immigrants and those curious about the immigrant experience.
This book can be eye opener for a lot of people who are struggling to decide whether To H-1B or no…a lot of youngsters of our country or any other country at least once thinks of settling in the US but we should always consider both the consequences that we might have to face. The author has beautifully explained about the struggles, challenges and obstacles that one might have to face while thinking about green card. How the life will be away from home and your family and loved ones.. how the immigration situation works…. Do you have to face the difference because of the nationality… How the 9/11 incident changed the complete immigrant system in the US…the life from the other side looks amazing but when we have to face these situations will we be able to handle it…book is beautifully written captivating a reader and helping them to choose whether To H-1b or not
This book tells the story of an Indian student trying to start a new life in the U.S. It explains the hard process of getting an H-1B visa and a Green Card and shows the personal sacrifices and emotional struggles involved.
Through the protagonist’s trials, the book describes the challenges of being away from family and dealing with a complicated immigration system.
Based on the author’s own experiences since 2000, the book offers a personal and relatable look at the cost of following professional dreams in another country. It’s a valuable read for anyone thinking about or dealing with immigration.
To H-1B Or Not To Be by Hitesh Dev is a captivating tale that delves into the themes of dreams, determination and emotional sacrifice. The protagonist Amit, leaves India and lands to the United States, to find his life. But he was profoundly impacted by the attack of 9/11. The narrative expertly portrays the myriad challenges faced by immigrants, encompassing professional hurdles, the complexities of obtaining an H-1B visa, disillusionment, and poignant personal losses. Amit's inner turmoil, interpersonal relationships, and the anguish of losing his job add layers of emotional depth to the story. This book is an essential read for anyone contemplating a move to a different country.