Engineering a Life: A Memoir - Softcover

Bedi, Krishan K.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1943006431 ISBN 13: 9781943006434

Publisher: SparkPress, 2018

Synopsis

Included on BookBub’s "The Most Exciting Memoirs Coming Out in 2018” list
Krishan Bedi came to the United States in December of 1961 at the tender age of twenty. He had only $300 in his pocket, and he had made it out of his small village in India on sheer faith, determined to get education in the US. For him, there was no option but to succeed―so he began his new life in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he had to adapt to the culture shock not only of being in the US but a Punjabi man in the South in the 1960s.
Engineering a Life is an examination of Bedi’s life, and how he has handled the plethora of curve balls thrown his way with determination, humor, and an unwavering faith that everything would work out. This is a book about values and faith and the importance of friendship, family, and hard work. It’s a story about achieving the American Dream, proving that no matter how thoroughly you map out your life’s journey, no matter how many blueprints you draw up, when you veer off the course you’ve plotted―as we all do, somehow, in the end―you end up where you’re supposed to be.

About this title

About the Author

Krishan Bedi came to the US by boat with only $300 in his pocket in December 1961. A twenty-year-old from the tiny village of Punjab, India, he had big dreams and ideas of what he wanted to do with his life. He eventually earned a master’s degree in industrial engineering at the University of Tennessee. After nine years in the US, he returned to India to have an arranged marriage; together, he and his wife returned to the States, where Bedi developed a career as a healthcare executive. He’s since served as member of several healthcare professional organizations, and is currently a member of the board of Indo-American Society of Peoria. Bedi is a contributing author to The Magic of Memoir, edited by Linda Joy Myers and Brooke Warner. He now lives with his wife in Peoria. They have three successful sons and five grandchildren.

Review

Included on BookBub’s "The Most Exciting Memoirs Coming Out in 2018” list
Featured on PARADE's "20 Must-Have Books for Your Spring Reading List" * India Post * Culturalist's "Top 10 Books About Creating the American Dream" * Buzzfeed's "5 Memoirs to Inspire You This Spring" * San Francisco Book Review (5 stars) * Little India * LitCelebrasion * Good Day Central Illinois * SheReads.com * FunAsia * IndiaWest * a more!
“Engineering a Life is a story not only of determination and grit but also of hope. Bedi’s indomitable spirit, positive attitude, and work ethic are a joy to read about.”

―Foreword Reviews
“A remarkable memoir about a young immigrant who becomes a successful engineer in the U.S. after years of hardship . . . Throughout his vivid account, Bedi shows amazing resolve and determination in achieving his dreams. Readers will likely applaud the author as he skillfully narrates his many trials on the road to forging a stable life in his new home. This engrossing and timely book should appeal to anyone wishing to learn more about the immigrant experience in America.”

―Kirkus Reviews
"Engineering a Life is so many thing: a touching and humorous coming of age story; a starkly honest and revealing chronicle of colliding cultures; a testament to faith, humanity, and The American Dream. But most of all, it's a compelling reminder that no matter who you are or what your provenance, life is not a straight path, but a labyrinthine maze―and that it isn't the detours or even the final destination that define us, but how we meet the obstacles and challenges along the way."

―Grant Jarrett, award-winning author of Ways of Leaving, The House That Made Me, and The Half-Life of Remorse
“In Engineering a Life, Krishan Bedi describes what will be very familiar to many immigrant families in the United States today: a twisting and turning journey that was never predictable but always rewarding, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. Navigating a course that has left him straddling two cultures, he manages to find his way home with humor, pride, and a deep appreciation for both cultures. Readers will leave this book with a better understanding of both the indignities and triumphs of a life bravely reimagined in another land.”

―Rana Lee Adawi Awdish, MD, FCCP
"Engineering a Life is heartwarming and humorous."

―Paperback Paris
“This is the story of a man from a village in India who didn’t know how to drive a car and could barely speak or understand English but was determined to make a career in America as an industrial engineer. It’s a brutally honest voice of the hardships he overcame to attain the American dream. A detailed account of the immigrant experience, this memoir is an inspiration for those who are searching for a chance at a better life and a lesson in perseverance to become American.”

―Anoop Ahuja Judge, award-winning author, blogger, and TV anchor
"Engineering A Life is a feel-good autobiography about working hard to realize your dream. Krishan Bedi’s life was not without misfortune and failure, but he would take each bump in the road in stride. His “can do” attitude and drive make the story enjoyable and heart-warming. This is a family story, from Krishan’s family in India to the one he makes in the US. This is an excellent read for anyone to enjoy."

―San Francisco Book Review, 5 out of 5 stars

About this edition

• Publisher: SparkPress
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1943006431
• ISBN 13: 9781943006434
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312