It seems like the author, Hemadpant, was a terrible person. Why would Sai Baba choose someone so arrogant, critical, and logic-driven to write his life story?

Chapter 2 does indeed describe the author's initial state as being "mischievous, talkative, cynical, and critical," with a mind prone to argumentation. However, the narrative presents this not as a final judgment but as a starting point for a profound transformation. Sai Baba's choice highlights a key theme: His grace is powerful enough to transform anyone. The process of writing the story was itself a spiritual practice for the author, requiring him to dissolve his ego and surrender completely to Sai, who stated in Chapter 2, "I myself shall enter with 'I-ness' and write with my own hand."