More Than a Percentage

Synopsis

In the high-stakes world of Indian Class 10 board exams, where a single percentage can feel like a life sentence, 'More Than a Percentage' plunges readers into the turbulent first-person narrative of an academically gifted but socially adrift narrator. Praised by teachers and parents alike, his identity is inextricably tied to his marks, a fragile construct that crumbles under the relentless pressure of India's hyper-competitive education system. This book lays bare the suffocating reality of parental expectations, the worship of ranks, the fear culture of coaching classes, and the constant interrogation by relatives, all set against the backdrop of a system that often values rote learning over true intelligence. Amidst this pressure cooker, the narrator's salvation and constant source of savage, hilarious torment comes in the form of his best friend – a stark contrast. While academically average and often underestimated, this friend possesses an uncanny street smarts, confidence, and a talent for life skills that the narrator desperately lacks. Their dynamic is a brutal, honest dance of roasting and mutual dependence: the friend’s sharp wit exposes the narrator's insecurities, yet his loyalty remains an unshakable anchor during breakdowns. In return, the narrator offers academic support, a lifeline against being labeled a failure. 'More Than a Percentage' is a coming-of-age story that peels back the layers of academic ambition to reveal the true meaning of strength, intelligence, and friendship, ultimately questioning whether marks truly define who we are.