happiness and food

Yes, I know what you are  thinking. The name of the book confused me as well but flipping it open and reading a couple of pages clarified all doubts. I have known Santosh, one of the authors of the book for over four years now and hence when he sent this book over I knew that I will not attempt the usual kind of “book review” for this one.

“A Social Adult Book” as this one, is a 122 page book and sets expectations with the readers right at the start. It calls out that the chapters in the book are a blend of fiction and facts and the intent is to talk of social evils prevalent in Indian society. To name a few, the authors have not shied away from talking about sexual fantasies, marital rape, domestic violence, high suicides among men, injustice by the hands of those who should protect law, groom abduction and prostitution. Getting such an honest book published when people all around are focusing on stories, thrillers and a fiction overdose, in my mind, this was a commendable effort.

There are eleven chapters in the book and each one deals with one specific social issue. The stats with all credits given to the source of information add truth to the tale that you are reading. Of course, the names have been changed to protect identities but the situations men and women go through remain intact. Every chapter leaves you thinking and reflecting about  a ton of things that still need to be done for the betterment of our country.

The writing style of the authors is simple and every story is conversational. There are a lot of dialogues and use of dialects in each story. The good thing is that if you are not familiar with certain words in a particular language, the authors have explained it out there in English. So, readers from any country should not have a problem understanding. Usage of quotes seems to be a style and it’s good.

Talking about the aesthetics, the font is good sized to read comfortably and the cover page is designed creatively. The quality of the pages is also worth mentioning and a effort gone into the book is pretty visible. The back cover has some good reviews that should make you pick the book. The authors Santosh, Kundan and Raghunath’s profile in the book are convincing enough to show that they do have the level of maturity required to pen a novel of this kind. Subjective to the readers’ mind and kindling the hope for a better India. This is not a book to read and put it back on your shelves but to open your mind and do something about what’s not right. It’s about bringing the necessary change by doing your bit.

A couple of grammatical and spelling errors are not a turn off as such things happen when the book goes through multiple hands for editing and publishing. On speaking with Santosh, I was made aware that a new batch is being printed and it would take care of this mini stuff. Talking off track, I feel glad that I am mentioned a motivator on the acknowledgements section of the book and I feel proud that Santosh accepted the challenge. I know that for the purpose of this book, the authors had to get out of their comfort zone and talk to victims of such social abuses and that is the thought that makes me think really high of them.

I am not going to give a rating to the book as this would be unfair but if you believe in following and listening to your heart just like I do, know that this book is a result of such an act.

This is not a paid review and views expressed are my own.

I am participating in National Blog Posting Month – NaBloPoMo, and this is Post #23. A pledge to write daily during November to hone my skills, challenge myself, and taking this blog to the next level. Wish me luck and share ideas that you would want to read!