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Wise Enough to be Foolish
Wise Enough to Be Foolish is a fictionalized memoir that traces the journey of an Indian girl’s life, with all its challenges and delightful surprises, as she blossoms from an insecure child into a confident young woman. This roller-coaster ride of adventure, laughter and heartache, as she balances her love life with her struggle for independence, will keep you guessing – What rules will she break next? How far will she go to find herself?
205 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
28 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Gauri Jayaram
2 books26 followersMother of two girls, amateur athlete, part-time writer, management school drop-put, entrepreneur, in full time
employment with the world’s largest escorted touring company and the woman behind the Active Holiday Company, Gauri Jayaram is a little bit of many things and still not satisfied. She frequently combines her love for long
distance running with rock music.
employment with the world’s largest escorted touring company and the woman behind the Active Holiday Company, Gauri Jayaram is a little bit of many things and still not satisfied. She frequently combines her love for long
distance running with rock music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 17, 2017
I recently lived Ms.Gauri Jayaram’s life through her debut novel ‘Wise Enough to be Foolish’ and when I say that I am still reeling from the hangover of it, I mean that as a compliment.
A partly fictionalised memoir (done so to protect the identity of couple of characters), this book basically tells us about the life and choices of a woman in our ‘developing’ nation. The novel traces the journey of the author as child in an army family to a rebellious and attention seeking teenager to an extrovert college goer to a mature woman finding her soul mate. She touches upon various aspects of her life… From the nomad lifestyle of army personnel to the influence of a good teacher in one’s life to the independence and unwanted attention during her college and hostel life – everything is reflected as it is in real life. The trials, the mistakes made, the choices and forks in life that are portrayed in this book are all something that each of us can relate to. She has expertly outlined the issues and the reaction of our society to them by bringing up her experiences with parental expectations, sex discrimination, inter-caste marriage, divorce, eve-teasing and stereotyping.
It was such an elevating experience to be able to read about a strong willed, independent woman who made so many unconventional (as some would say) choices and taking on each and every challenge head-on. She clearly has showed us by example that it is possible to thrive and be happy without bowing down to the societal pressure – that it is okay to want to live life by your own rules without sparing a thought to general norms of our society. It is okay if you do not agree with Gauri in each step of her life, as long as you realise that you always have a choice – either to bow down to norms and pressure or curve out a path for yourself.
This book turned out to be highly inspiring and motivating without making it a drag to read. I would recommend every woman to pick this book up because it has something that we can all identify with – our reality!
A partly fictionalised memoir (done so to protect the identity of couple of characters), this book basically tells us about the life and choices of a woman in our ‘developing’ nation. The novel traces the journey of the author as child in an army family to a rebellious and attention seeking teenager to an extrovert college goer to a mature woman finding her soul mate. She touches upon various aspects of her life… From the nomad lifestyle of army personnel to the influence of a good teacher in one’s life to the independence and unwanted attention during her college and hostel life – everything is reflected as it is in real life. The trials, the mistakes made, the choices and forks in life that are portrayed in this book are all something that each of us can relate to. She has expertly outlined the issues and the reaction of our society to them by bringing up her experiences with parental expectations, sex discrimination, inter-caste marriage, divorce, eve-teasing and stereotyping.
It was such an elevating experience to be able to read about a strong willed, independent woman who made so many unconventional (as some would say) choices and taking on each and every challenge head-on. She clearly has showed us by example that it is possible to thrive and be happy without bowing down to the societal pressure – that it is okay to want to live life by your own rules without sparing a thought to general norms of our society. It is okay if you do not agree with Gauri in each step of her life, as long as you realise that you always have a choice – either to bow down to norms and pressure or curve out a path for yourself.
This book turned out to be highly inspiring and motivating without making it a drag to read. I would recommend every woman to pick this book up because it has something that we can all identify with – our reality!
August 19, 2013
I’m a sucker for an attractive cover and I liked ‘Wise Enough To Be Foolish’ by Gauri Jayaram on sight. Another soft spot of mine is a well-written acknowledgement section, since I get a glimpse into an author’s world by the people she thanks and the words she uses. Gauri Jayaram kept me happy in this area too and I was in a mellow mood when I started reading this book. The blurb on the back cover described this as a ‘fictionalized memoir’ and the author also has said that the story has been more or less drawn from her life with a few names and events which have been fictionalized. I would say that this is the first coming of age book from an Indian woman’s perspective. I identify a lot with this because Gauri and I grew up in the same time period. A time when the mobile phone was seen only in stylish English movies, when the computer had not established itself as a family member, when divorce was seen as worse than murder.
WIse Enough To Be Foolish traces the journey of the protagonist Gauri, from her childhood spent in army cantonments, through her college days in Bombay and right upto the time in her twenties when she finds her soulmate.Being the middle child is never easy and Gauri is no exception to this rule. Her unfulfilled expectations for unconditional love from her parents, shapes Gauris character. We see her frittering away her school life until timely intervention by a well meaning teacher and a friend shows her a new facet of herself, a desire to face challenges and excel. School girl crushes, foes turned friends and teenage angst is showcased brilliantly by the author.
A turning point in her life occurs when she moves to Bombay to attend college. Life in the hostel without the safety net of her parents’ presence is a roller coaster ride of emotions . Gauri explores her independence and gets to know her strengths and vulnerabilities. Friends accept Gauri as she is and this is a tremendous boost for her confidence. Opting to work rather than continue her studies, she enters the next phase, a working woman’s with all the responsibilities which comes with becoming an earning member. This phase sweeps us along with Gauri as she goes through all the uncertainties and agonies of a newbie in the career world.
Gauri is unconventional, strong and very vocal in all that she does. This makes the book an engrossing read. We’ve had countless stories of the growing –up years and the quest for adulthood. This book stands out with its fast pace and beautiful narration. I felt like I’d just listened to a good friend telling me the story of her very colourful, eventful life.
Gauri is a spirited, vivacious girl and her pursuit of her goals is an engrossing read.
WIse Enough To Be Foolish traces the journey of the protagonist Gauri, from her childhood spent in army cantonments, through her college days in Bombay and right upto the time in her twenties when she finds her soulmate.Being the middle child is never easy and Gauri is no exception to this rule. Her unfulfilled expectations for unconditional love from her parents, shapes Gauris character. We see her frittering away her school life until timely intervention by a well meaning teacher and a friend shows her a new facet of herself, a desire to face challenges and excel. School girl crushes, foes turned friends and teenage angst is showcased brilliantly by the author.
A turning point in her life occurs when she moves to Bombay to attend college. Life in the hostel without the safety net of her parents’ presence is a roller coaster ride of emotions . Gauri explores her independence and gets to know her strengths and vulnerabilities. Friends accept Gauri as she is and this is a tremendous boost for her confidence. Opting to work rather than continue her studies, she enters the next phase, a working woman’s with all the responsibilities which comes with becoming an earning member. This phase sweeps us along with Gauri as she goes through all the uncertainties and agonies of a newbie in the career world.
Gauri is unconventional, strong and very vocal in all that she does. This makes the book an engrossing read. We’ve had countless stories of the growing –up years and the quest for adulthood. This book stands out with its fast pace and beautiful narration. I felt like I’d just listened to a good friend telling me the story of her very colourful, eventful life.
Gauri is a spirited, vivacious girl and her pursuit of her goals is an engrossing read.
September 11, 2013
A little over 200 pages, this book from Jaico Publications by Gauri Jayaram did not disappoint. It deals with topics that most women have lived through - some more than others. It deals with topics that one is not comfortable discussing, even with one's own conscience.
The cover shows a girl with a packed bag (or 'baggage' maybe), not letting too much out in one go. Travel does play an important part of the protagonist's life, but that is not all there is. There is quite a lot of 'baggage' that the protagonist carries, which may have been symbolized here, but then, that's not all there is, either.
Much of the plot is autobiographical, the narrative beginning with the protagonist waiting for her husband to get back home. It then traces her growing up years in a Fauji family, where subtle biases to the male child brings in rebellion in her. The book then covers her travails at attempting to make peace with her parents, while also finding love herself. Through mentors in her life, she discovers two passions - travel and sports. The book would certainly strike a chord with most women, having faced at least a few of the situations faced by the rebellious Gauri. But the risk here is that most readers may end up reading through the pages thinking, "Been there, done that, what next?"
Jayaram is honest; sometimes making you flinch. Whether it s virginity, or the unfairness of being a girl child in India, or live in relationships, or even child abuse, Jayaram manages a fine job of being sincere, yet not get defensive - a difficult task when you are talking about intimate relations such as parents, siblings and lovers. It is like being able to read a good friends diary (without the guilt ofcourse!).
This is a book that makes you smile sometimes, shift uneasily in your seat sometimes, and gasp yet other times. An emotional roller coaster, but one that makes you feel warm inside at the end
The cover shows a girl with a packed bag (or 'baggage' maybe), not letting too much out in one go. Travel does play an important part of the protagonist's life, but that is not all there is. There is quite a lot of 'baggage' that the protagonist carries, which may have been symbolized here, but then, that's not all there is, either.
Much of the plot is autobiographical, the narrative beginning with the protagonist waiting for her husband to get back home. It then traces her growing up years in a Fauji family, where subtle biases to the male child brings in rebellion in her. The book then covers her travails at attempting to make peace with her parents, while also finding love herself. Through mentors in her life, she discovers two passions - travel and sports. The book would certainly strike a chord with most women, having faced at least a few of the situations faced by the rebellious Gauri. But the risk here is that most readers may end up reading through the pages thinking, "Been there, done that, what next?"
Jayaram is honest; sometimes making you flinch. Whether it s virginity, or the unfairness of being a girl child in India, or live in relationships, or even child abuse, Jayaram manages a fine job of being sincere, yet not get defensive - a difficult task when you are talking about intimate relations such as parents, siblings and lovers. It is like being able to read a good friends diary (without the guilt ofcourse!).
This is a book that makes you smile sometimes, shift uneasily in your seat sometimes, and gasp yet other times. An emotional roller coaster, but one that makes you feel warm inside at the end
September 20, 2013
Foreword:
This is one of two books I have received first from Jaico Publishers. It didn't take much time for the other three books to add up to the list, too. So by the time I started reading this book, I had to make a choice between five books. How I settled upon this book? Well, honestly, this seemed to be most appealing among the five books. I wasn't yet ready for the Sherlock Holmes.
Before I get on with the review, I would like to thank Marina Fernandes for contacting me, in the first place, and especially, for sending this book over (even though I was one who requested to review the book).
For more details of Jaico Publishers and out relation with them, go here: BR with Jaico.
Plot (from the jacket):
Wise Enough to Be Foolish is a fictionalized memoir that traces the journey of an Indian girl’s life, with all its challenges and delightful surprises, as she blossoms from an insecure child into a confident young woman. This roller-coaster ride of adventure, laughter and heartache, as she balances her love life with her struggle for independence, will keep you guessing – What rules will she break next? How far will she go to find herself?
About the author (from the jacket):
Mother of two girls, amateur athlete, part-time writer, management school drop-put, entrepreneur, in full time employment with the world’s largest escorted touring company and the woman behind the Active Holiday Company, Gauri Jayaram is a little bit of many things and still not satisfied. She frequently combines her love for long distance running with rock music.
Our review:
Cover design:
The cover design of this book isn't flashy. It isn't dull, either. It is just sweet and simple. Just like the story enveloped between the covers. The cover pic pretty much depicts the basic idea of the story...............
To read the whole review, click here...
October 2, 2013
Never read this type of books before.Found it to be a refreshing read.Thanks to my friend who recommended it.
September 29, 2013
By now, its common knowledge that I am wary of books by Indian authors. My dislike for Chetan Bhagat is well documented, I could not finish Jhumpa Lahiri's last book, I have read only one book by Aravind Adiga and have never even read Amitav Ghosh. Vikram Seth is different, he doesn't get into this league of writers at all!
So when I picked up this book, I was sceptical. I had attended the book launch and heard some great things about the book by people there, I saw the author speak, I also read the quotes behind the book cover. But the book snob in me was still a bit sceptic. Then, I read the booklet that came along with the book, something like a sort of introduction to the book and the author's style, and noticed myself getting excited.
And once I started the book, I was pleasantly surprised. As I got more into the book, I noticed myself getting interested more and more in the story. And by the time I was midway into the book I knew I liked the book. I was engrossed in the plot , completely and finished it in one go, cover to cover in 3 hours!
This is a fictionalized memoir of the author's life, with her drawing inspiration from various incidents in her life to put in the story. The style is narrative and its apparent that the author is the narrator. But when you start reading the book, you forget that this is a novel because it doesn't feel like fiction or that it is a memoir because it is not boring, self-indulgent or preachy.
What I liked best about this book is the flow of the story. It starts at a logical point in the author's life, and ends at another logical point. The writing is breezy, almost as if a friend is narrating her story to you, but it doesn't really have the conversational style, which is a welcome change.
There is humour in parts without the author sound funny because she has to but because the incident is funny, and the English is something you and I would use in our regular conversation, not some flowery language.
Its also an incredibly honest book, touching various serious issues that a regular Indian girl will see around her or happen to her. The author touches a bit upon the expectations the society sets for an Indian girl as she is growing up, the boy-girl child discrimination that most girls see in their houses and the child molestation issues, and yet makes sure that this is not a serious book. The tone of writing is not pat-me-on-the-back-I've-done-so-good-in-spite-of-having-so-many-issues , but is very as a matter of fact look-here-is-my-life-there-are-the-people-that-touched-it.
It is also very difficult to write a memoir and ensure that the reader does not get to know too much about the author's life, because when you are writing a memoir, you do not know how much information is too much. For example, one minute you are talking about having boyfriends and your views on sex and another minute you could put in a little too much detail for the reader's liking. I did not notice that in this book, which again talks a lot about the author's ability to tell a good story.
The treatment of all the various characters in the book is also very pleasant, even when the author talks about the not-so-good people in her life. You cannot help but applaud the maturity of the person if most of these incidents have actually happened in her life for real. And the relationships the author has had with each of these characters evolves as the book progresses and you can feel it in the words used.
At the book launch, I heard the author say that she didnt intend this to be a Booker prize standard book, and she wrote it because she had a story to tell. I liked the honesty behind that statement. All of us have a story to tell, its how you tell it that matters. And I think this is a very well told story, something that might not win awards but will win hearts.
Also don't let the booklet judge you the book. In my honest opinion, the author did not chose the best passages to be in the booklet, the ones in there are just ordinary if you compare it with the rest of the book!
Yes, the book is much much better than the booklet will you think it is.
I will not call this a story of a rebel or a revolutionary tale of an Indian girl. To me, this is a story of a regular Indian girl who has lived her life the way she wants to without getting bogged down by the expectations that she has to live upto and worrying about judgement.
If you are a girl reading this book, you will identify with a lot of aspects in this book. At many parts it feels like the author is talking about your life, at other parts, you might feel that you should've behaved like the author has. It will also appeal to the feminist in you, not the bra-burning one, but the am-equal-to-a-man-in-every-respect and I-have-a-right-to-live-my-life-the-way-I-want-to one.
If you are a man reading this book, depending on how evolved you are, you will feel various degrees of surprise at the honesty in this book, and also get a peek into the mind of most modern Indian girls of this day.
October 7, 2013
A book that keeps you hooked with a story which in parts will make a lot of us identify with it, right till the end. Even though I am not into light reading and prefer non-fiction or fiction very close to reality this is one of those books that I truly enjoyed or rather couldn't put down till I reached the end. As you read Gauri's life story you keep wondering where does she get all the strength to make all the choices that she makes and still keep her head high. Ofcourse that makes me question if she has revealed all her dark times in life to the fullest extent. I assume no and imagine that being as open as she has been is probably a lot for being in India. The biggest proof of how she has lead her life is in being able to write this book without hiding that its her true story. Every man and woman in India probably needs to take a small little inspiration from her life and seed it in theirs. Leading life by the heart and not the brain which forces us to conform and compare, listening to your heart doesn't come easy and Gauri has definitely achieved, what is challenging.
A delight to read and a recommended read for any one who likes to follow their heart and everyone who want to but cannot gather enough courage to defy the society and follow their instincts.
A delight to read and a recommended read for any one who likes to follow their heart and everyone who want to but cannot gather enough courage to defy the society and follow their instincts.
August 20, 2013
The name and the cover got my attention at the airport. A thoroughly enjoyable read that reminds you of those sweet good ole days but in the end, without being preachy, does more than just that by bringing you face to face with some questions that we all ought to sometimes ask and answer. With a chatty narrative from a girls perspective and an engaging plot you want to go on because you want to know how its going to end. Never a dull moment - great 'pick-me-up' read!
September 1, 2013
By Gauri Jayaram. Grade A.
Wise enough to be foolish is a real-life inspired story that tells the growing up tale of a gutsy Punjabi girl who sets out to discover the big bad world all by herself and in the process, discovers herself.
I thought hard and long about how to summarize and write an honest review about this book. It is like nothing that I have read before. It’s a no-holds barred deep dive into the tangled depths of a gutsy girl who lives by her rules alone and beats every other challenge that life throws at her.
It’s intensely personal and you go to places deep within this girl’s psyche that you never imagined existed for a person, from where she harvests not just courage but shows enough cojones to prove the world wrong- time and again. It’s a blast from the start till the end where you get wrapped up in the myriad travails, the joys and tears of a girl living it up in world that by parts, is unjust and cruel and in parts, sweet and incredibly nice.
I tried hard to keep this impersonal but it’s hard as the novel deals with probably actual incidents and people that shaped the life of the author. That said, the tone that oscillates from irreverent and absolute tongue-in-cheek digs at real people and events, to serious and down right poignant, brings out beautifully the pangs of growing up, falling in love and discovering the truth about one’s soul.
It’s an easy read and Gauri (the fact that the narrator retains her name as well in the story made it difficult to dissociate!) draws up an engaging narrative that flows without ebbing much throughout the narrative. I absolutely loved the first half of the book – purely for the joy of rediscovering the blissful childhood we all have had: The silly sibling rivalries, the school fights, the pressures of academics sports and extra-curriculars, the hormonal rage and innumerable crushes. The essential delightful ingredients are all there. But have to admit, the girl’s side of things was definitely more colorful that I would have imagined. The girl-boy discrimination and the resulting heart-aches are nicely drawn up and keeps the story bouncing along.
So the headstrong determined stormy little package grows up into a willful opinionated pretty young woman who steps out into the world from the confines of sleepy Bangalore into the maddening crowd of Bombay and life throws curveballs one after the other at her. She dodges all of them artfully – has crushes on boys like lilies on the roadside, makes bonds with like a hundred or more friends for life and cruises into the travel industry. The usual sufferings of a little girl lost in the big bad world are actally side-stage drama compared to her trouble to establish herself in this career where men are big red wolves leering at her and women are
just pretty packages to adorn office spaces. She trumps all this and in the meanwhile, makes the most horriblest (pardon the choice of words, I just couldn’t resist!) of mistakes in falling in love (the true kinds!) with a close friend – breaks his heart by not falling into the trap and happily traipses into a trap herself by marrying the smarter office colleague who wants to keep things hush-hush. These parts of the story – while pretty poignant and moving – were the parts where I started to get dis-enchanted..
But the fact that this isn’t fiction and it actually happened to a girl –kept me hooked onto the pages to find out what other hurdle is she going toface and how is she going to be able to sail through. the latter half of the book deals with Gauri’s mishaps with marriage, hitting the rock bottom and bouncing back in search of the perfect guy again. It did feel a bit like “How I Met Your Mother” Ted Mosby female version’s narrating the story here and it did drag a bit. The Internet search and US cross-country and
the gazillion friends who kept flitting in and out of her life. In fact, I was constantly amazed by the rock solid camaraderie she shared with countless friends who would stand by her. It’s a difficult thing in real life and I salute her for having been able to cultivate these gems and hang on to them. Not to give away spoilers, how Gauri finally finds the man of her dreams, fully realizes and is living her dream of traveling the world over and inspiring quite a few women is what the rest of the book is about.
It’s a well-rounded book and well-written at that and never does it get boring. There’s one or the other curve-ball that hits you and makes you sit up and think. It’s not preachy, it’s just an incredibly honest rollercoaster ride, full of experiences from which all of us could learn a thing or two. It’s an amazing caricature of a champion of the true Joie De Vivre – an intensely personal experience that makes you grin, cry and cheer for this gutsy lady who embodies the true spirit of life. Bravo!
Originally reviewed at Vaultofbooks.com, a close-knit community of fanatical readers. We are looking for perceptive readers who can write well, and we are eager to provide lots of free books in exchange for reviews. Shoot us a mail at contact@vaultofbooks.com
Wise enough to be foolish is a real-life inspired story that tells the growing up tale of a gutsy Punjabi girl who sets out to discover the big bad world all by herself and in the process, discovers herself.
I thought hard and long about how to summarize and write an honest review about this book. It is like nothing that I have read before. It’s a no-holds barred deep dive into the tangled depths of a gutsy girl who lives by her rules alone and beats every other challenge that life throws at her.
It’s intensely personal and you go to places deep within this girl’s psyche that you never imagined existed for a person, from where she harvests not just courage but shows enough cojones to prove the world wrong- time and again. It’s a blast from the start till the end where you get wrapped up in the myriad travails, the joys and tears of a girl living it up in world that by parts, is unjust and cruel and in parts, sweet and incredibly nice.
I tried hard to keep this impersonal but it’s hard as the novel deals with probably actual incidents and people that shaped the life of the author. That said, the tone that oscillates from irreverent and absolute tongue-in-cheek digs at real people and events, to serious and down right poignant, brings out beautifully the pangs of growing up, falling in love and discovering the truth about one’s soul.
It’s an easy read and Gauri (the fact that the narrator retains her name as well in the story made it difficult to dissociate!) draws up an engaging narrative that flows without ebbing much throughout the narrative. I absolutely loved the first half of the book – purely for the joy of rediscovering the blissful childhood we all have had: The silly sibling rivalries, the school fights, the pressures of academics sports and extra-curriculars, the hormonal rage and innumerable crushes. The essential delightful ingredients are all there. But have to admit, the girl’s side of things was definitely more colorful that I would have imagined. The girl-boy discrimination and the resulting heart-aches are nicely drawn up and keeps the story bouncing along.
So the headstrong determined stormy little package grows up into a willful opinionated pretty young woman who steps out into the world from the confines of sleepy Bangalore into the maddening crowd of Bombay and life throws curveballs one after the other at her. She dodges all of them artfully – has crushes on boys like lilies on the roadside, makes bonds with like a hundred or more friends for life and cruises into the travel industry. The usual sufferings of a little girl lost in the big bad world are actally side-stage drama compared to her trouble to establish herself in this career where men are big red wolves leering at her and women are
just pretty packages to adorn office spaces. She trumps all this and in the meanwhile, makes the most horriblest (pardon the choice of words, I just couldn’t resist!) of mistakes in falling in love (the true kinds!) with a close friend – breaks his heart by not falling into the trap and happily traipses into a trap herself by marrying the smarter office colleague who wants to keep things hush-hush. These parts of the story – while pretty poignant and moving – were the parts where I started to get dis-enchanted..
But the fact that this isn’t fiction and it actually happened to a girl –kept me hooked onto the pages to find out what other hurdle is she going toface and how is she going to be able to sail through. the latter half of the book deals with Gauri’s mishaps with marriage, hitting the rock bottom and bouncing back in search of the perfect guy again. It did feel a bit like “How I Met Your Mother” Ted Mosby female version’s narrating the story here and it did drag a bit. The Internet search and US cross-country and
the gazillion friends who kept flitting in and out of her life. In fact, I was constantly amazed by the rock solid camaraderie she shared with countless friends who would stand by her. It’s a difficult thing in real life and I salute her for having been able to cultivate these gems and hang on to them. Not to give away spoilers, how Gauri finally finds the man of her dreams, fully realizes and is living her dream of traveling the world over and inspiring quite a few women is what the rest of the book is about.
It’s a well-rounded book and well-written at that and never does it get boring. There’s one or the other curve-ball that hits you and makes you sit up and think. It’s not preachy, it’s just an incredibly honest rollercoaster ride, full of experiences from which all of us could learn a thing or two. It’s an amazing caricature of a champion of the true Joie De Vivre – an intensely personal experience that makes you grin, cry and cheer for this gutsy lady who embodies the true spirit of life. Bravo!
Originally reviewed at Vaultofbooks.com, a close-knit community of fanatical readers. We are looking for perceptive readers who can write well, and we are eager to provide lots of free books in exchange for reviews. Shoot us a mail at contact@vaultofbooks.com
February 2, 2016
Wise Enough To Be Foolish is a fictionalized account of the author Gauri Jayaram's life. Born into a fauji family with a typical Punjabi background, it's the story of a girl who constantly strives to be different. It's a story that offers nothing new. What's different is the matter-of-fact way of narration. The excellent clarity of thought portrayed by the protagonist, the way the characters have been shaped, the amazing narration that compels you to put yourself in the shoes of Gauri & think...all go into making this book a page-turner.
In India parents are given a place well above that given to God Himself. Gauri Jayaram has challenged that notion in her book quite vehemently & I find myself agreeing with her. Parents are but human, and while some seek solace in their guidance & find happiness in obeying their every wish no matter how illogical it seems, people like Gauri (and I) beg to differ.
Gauri Jayaram has touched the nerve by writing on the everyday life of a woman. The often found discrimination between a son & a daughter, the eve-teasing that's rampant on the streets of India, not to mention the social taboos on getting married outside one's caste/religion or worse-getting divorced, all find a place in this book. And they are not thrown in haphazardly to preach the reader. Little incidents in Gauri's life show how very regular these occurrences are & how we are all used to it.
The story itself revolves around Gauri's transformation, from a tomboy who plays bad football to a woman who marries, gets divorced & finally finds 'magic'! Gauri makes you understand that every person who comes into your life comes for a reason. The reason may not be what you have planned it to be, but it is nevertheless important. even those who break your heart and your trust, did so because maybe you needed a rough jolt to grow stronger.
And though am rather skeptical with the whole 'love' thing & the happy ending, I'd let the reader pick on that for themselves. If you're romantic at heart, then this book will reconfirm your faith in love. If you're the pragmatic no-nonsense chap, then Wise Enough To Be Foolish will teach you how it's okay to be foolish at times.
On the whole Gauri Jayaram has done a good job. She makes you think, makes you question, she will probably help you make a choice. I know she helped me.
It doesn't matter if you're a guy or a girl. Wise Enough To Be Foolish is a book for everyone. I'd gladly give it a 4/5.
In India parents are given a place well above that given to God Himself. Gauri Jayaram has challenged that notion in her book quite vehemently & I find myself agreeing with her. Parents are but human, and while some seek solace in their guidance & find happiness in obeying their every wish no matter how illogical it seems, people like Gauri (and I) beg to differ.
Gauri Jayaram has touched the nerve by writing on the everyday life of a woman. The often found discrimination between a son & a daughter, the eve-teasing that's rampant on the streets of India, not to mention the social taboos on getting married outside one's caste/religion or worse-getting divorced, all find a place in this book. And they are not thrown in haphazardly to preach the reader. Little incidents in Gauri's life show how very regular these occurrences are & how we are all used to it.
The story itself revolves around Gauri's transformation, from a tomboy who plays bad football to a woman who marries, gets divorced & finally finds 'magic'! Gauri makes you understand that every person who comes into your life comes for a reason. The reason may not be what you have planned it to be, but it is nevertheless important. even those who break your heart and your trust, did so because maybe you needed a rough jolt to grow stronger.
And though am rather skeptical with the whole 'love' thing & the happy ending, I'd let the reader pick on that for themselves. If you're romantic at heart, then this book will reconfirm your faith in love. If you're the pragmatic no-nonsense chap, then Wise Enough To Be Foolish will teach you how it's okay to be foolish at times.
On the whole Gauri Jayaram has done a good job. She makes you think, makes you question, she will probably help you make a choice. I know she helped me.
It doesn't matter if you're a guy or a girl. Wise Enough To Be Foolish is a book for everyone. I'd gladly give it a 4/5.
November 8, 2013
I have some real mixed feelings about this book...this one feels like a real honest write-up about one's self, and that's tough...it's tough to accept our flaws (and even Gauri doesn't do it much, she more often than not, tries coming up as the right and the bigger person, but that's what any one of us would do, lest we are using pseudonym)...but still, to accept so much of your life, and to write it publicly takes courage, she has shown some real good...
And then it comes to relating with a true honest sort of non-fictional but fictionalized story...I again am lost on it...I completed this one in less than 24 hours, and I will accept that parts of it were really engrossing and built in interest, but then there were parts, where you come and feel like, common, this doesn't happen...life isn't that good, or at least it doesn't give that many chances...or maybe, we don't take as many risks as Gauri took...
Then in all honesty, I was reading this book with a lot of things going in the back of my mind...I was trying to interpret so many things in so many actions (something I hardly do with novels penned by Indian Author)...and maybe I was looking for something that the novel did not give me...but then, this book never promised to be a solution provider, we all have our lives, we fight our battle...this book, would just give you a kind of hope...that things do get right...one fine day, all mistake, all stupidities, everything that went right or wrong...would make sense...and if it doesn't, well, you can write a book about it and let others make a sense out of it...love it, condemn it, or criticize it...
Which makes me wonder on the last point...why was this novel written...Gauri for one, doesn't look like someone who would like to have a career in writing...nor does she seem to be a person who would like to sit and write an autobiography...but she does come out as an inspiration, for things both good and bad...but then, who decides what's what...
And then it comes to relating with a true honest sort of non-fictional but fictionalized story...I again am lost on it...I completed this one in less than 24 hours, and I will accept that parts of it were really engrossing and built in interest, but then there were parts, where you come and feel like, common, this doesn't happen...life isn't that good, or at least it doesn't give that many chances...or maybe, we don't take as many risks as Gauri took...
Then in all honesty, I was reading this book with a lot of things going in the back of my mind...I was trying to interpret so many things in so many actions (something I hardly do with novels penned by Indian Author)...and maybe I was looking for something that the novel did not give me...but then, this book never promised to be a solution provider, we all have our lives, we fight our battle...this book, would just give you a kind of hope...that things do get right...one fine day, all mistake, all stupidities, everything that went right or wrong...would make sense...and if it doesn't, well, you can write a book about it and let others make a sense out of it...love it, condemn it, or criticize it...
Which makes me wonder on the last point...why was this novel written...Gauri for one, doesn't look like someone who would like to have a career in writing...nor does she seem to be a person who would like to sit and write an autobiography...but she does come out as an inspiration, for things both good and bad...but then, who decides what's what...
November 15, 2014
When this came as a freebie from amazon, I made a mental note of skimming through it someday because.. erm.. well, the cover seemed "cool" :P (which could have been cooler though if the trunk was from Nappa Dori). Also, somehow it tickled my wanderlust bone. Two nights back, to feed my late night emotional vacuum and resisting the urge to start Fountainhead (shouldn't read thought provoking fiction right before exam, my philosophy that is), I started Wise Enough to be Foolish, expecting it to be a no brainer quick read. Two chapters down, and I was sold. I will not say that the narration was what captivated me, but it was the protagonist and her innumerable traits which are so similar to mine that I could not stop reading after I had started it. I do not know which are the parts that might have been fictionalized, but I loved the author and her rebellious, nonconformist ways. In Nora Ephron's words, "Above all be the heroine of your life, not the victim" , and how much I respect women who customize life on their own terms instead of accepting being victimized! Hopefully, I will grow up into such sort. Lastly, though I have finished reading it on kindle, I am buying the paperback for my shelf. That pretty much explains everything.
August 13, 2013
A Must Read for every Wise Guy and Gal!
A story so true - it can be termed fictional!!
Can so much really happen in the life of a 28 year old? While it seems like a fast paced movie; Gauri's narration makes it flow fluently. Reading the book one can only wonder about how strong a girl can get; right from the age of 15. And why did all these event's happen in her life? But as she points out - maybe it was God's way of showing her true self to herself.
We may be knowing many Gauri's in our neighbourhood or in our lives as well - but it takes tremendous courage to open one's life to others in your 30s. And Gauri did that - totally in line with how her character is; as seen in the book.
This book is bound to make every man think differently about women. And every woman to think differently about themselves (in a stronger way).
This is one flight that Gauri has not missed! (Those who read this book will understand what I mean)
A story so true - it can be termed fictional!!
Can so much really happen in the life of a 28 year old? While it seems like a fast paced movie; Gauri's narration makes it flow fluently. Reading the book one can only wonder about how strong a girl can get; right from the age of 15. And why did all these event's happen in her life? But as she points out - maybe it was God's way of showing her true self to herself.
We may be knowing many Gauri's in our neighbourhood or in our lives as well - but it takes tremendous courage to open one's life to others in your 30s. And Gauri did that - totally in line with how her character is; as seen in the book.
This book is bound to make every man think differently about women. And every woman to think differently about themselves (in a stronger way).
This is one flight that Gauri has not missed! (Those who read this book will understand what I mean)
August 19, 2013
Plenty of similarities between Elizabeth Gilbert's hit and Wise Enough to be Foolish - both trace journeys of heart breaks and search for oneself, there's plenty of humour and food for thought and both are first attempts from both authors. The common factors perhaps end there with many other challenges and situations in Wise Enough to be Foolish (what a long but interesting title) probably being unique in the indian context, that many will identify with. Both trace real life journeys and adventures of heartbreak, the authors love for travel and search for herself. The journey too is of a larger span of time as compared to eat pray love - in this case the first 28 years of the author. the protagonist too is a fiery creature, somewhat cheeky survivor but you can't help liking her! A quick, simple and easy read that entertains - I highly recommend. Thumbs up from me for this one.
August 31, 2013
A woman is so difficult to understand and Gauri just affirms this fact by her tale with a bit of fiction in it. I swear to God if anyone would deny falling in love with Gauri and not only her, she has narrated a tale in such a way that you will get connected to every character in a way and love every bit of the story; live along side and enjoy the ride. Last time I had felt so good reading someone's story about their own life was when I read F!@K Knows by Shailendra Singh :D
September 10, 2013
the book is definitely one that makes you finish it as soon as you can . anyways this book makes for a good weekend read.
beautiful tale of a modern Indian girl who wants to and succeeds in living on her own terms. the author also highlights some bad beliefs and practices of our society that are up for a revision now.
beautiful tale of a modern Indian girl who wants to and succeeds in living on her own terms. the author also highlights some bad beliefs and practices of our society that are up for a revision now.
September 11, 2013
Free download from kindle and what a lovely weekend gift! Writing the review a couple of days after but still savoring the taste. I HAD to finish it till I had finished. Surprised happily to see so many men have read and reviewed because it is a strong woman's story but maybe men today are equally liberated. Kudos! Loved the book :)
September 22, 2013
The Review:
Positives: A good story, written in a simple language with a good message. The first half is brilliant.
Negatives: Looses its charm in the later half. However, if you love reading about human thought and behavior you will enjoy this part too.
The Verdict: A delightful read. Read it for the first half, for a debutant I would say Gauri has been brilliant and honest. 3.5 stars on 5.
Positives: A good story, written in a simple language with a good message. The first half is brilliant.
Negatives: Looses its charm in the later half. However, if you love reading about human thought and behavior you will enjoy this part too.
The Verdict: A delightful read. Read it for the first half, for a debutant I would say Gauri has been brilliant and honest. 3.5 stars on 5.
Read
July 23, 2018Its a totally nonsensical, yet awesome book. Very light read. one that you just want to read. LIke a gossip. It hardly adds anything, but it is fun. There are so many instances that you would relate.
Recommended for some one looking for a quick stress-buster.
Recommended for some one looking for a quick stress-buster.
September 26, 2013
Its an awesome book no doubt. She has given insight into a maze that is a Women. Realistically funny and a must read for all
November 5, 2013
You know that feeling you get when you cuddle up to sweet memories under your blanket, your eyes closed, the honey-dewed fragrance melting your senses, fragmenting the weary body, thus revitalizing it all over again, and soothing your tired nerves. You earn a smile, of sincerity, going with the flow, savoring the delights that life have to offer, and thanking the almighty for all and everything. You find solace, and peace, and your troubles cease to exist.
‘Wise Enough To Be Foolish’ by Gauri Jayaram serves exactly the same purpose. It’s pleasant, soft as a silk, and at times cleverly straightforward and blatant, and is a perfect interpretation of life, for who knows where life would lead to in the future. It’s best to live in the present, learn from the past, and dream for the future.
That’s what Gauri, the author, and the protagonist does. Born and brought up in a family of three, she often felt aloof. Her parents love and affection were showered towards her elder and younger siblings, and she, gradually turned out to be the black sheep in the family. She was different, and she took pride on that. Often her behavior appeared rebellious to her parents, but that’s what she was, and that’s what life had taught her to be.
Gauri found love, and lost it, umpteen times, always looking for that perfect soul mate, someone who would understand her, support her, be her guide and her pillar of strength, always forever. However, things didn't work out as expected, and relationships she valued came falling down in no time. This continued till she met her Mr. Perfect, and as they say, all’s well that ends well.
Gauri, rightly quips at a certain portion in the book – “From someone ungettable, to one who went to jail, to a Parsee priest, all the way to the one I will always love, to the man I eloped and married – it was a wild journey. And, finally, I had found love – in a man who was very like me in some ways.”
That’s the path she had traveled, and we, as a reader, should be glad that she made us a part of it.
This is not just about Gauri’s quest for love, freedom and identity. Rather, this book is about each one of us, who, stuck in the busy humdrum of our lives, often choose to ignore our wishes and have learnt to wade along with the flow. This book teaches you to fight, not for anyone else, but for yourself. This is a book about chasing your dreams, listening to your heart, and living the way that makes you the happy in your own world.
Gauri’s narration is flawless, the words cleverly poised,and punctuated, that makes the story all the more realistic. We feel as if the author is right there with us, narrating the events, one page at a time, dictating from her diary. Story telling is an art, and Gauri perfects it to the T.
This book must be read, re-read and re-re-read, when you feel low, or even when you are basking in excitement. This story is for everyone, for everytime, ‘cause it is not only the author’s tale, but it is a story about all of us.
‘Wise Enough To Be Foolish’ by Gauri Jayaram serves exactly the same purpose. It’s pleasant, soft as a silk, and at times cleverly straightforward and blatant, and is a perfect interpretation of life, for who knows where life would lead to in the future. It’s best to live in the present, learn from the past, and dream for the future.
That’s what Gauri, the author, and the protagonist does. Born and brought up in a family of three, she often felt aloof. Her parents love and affection were showered towards her elder and younger siblings, and she, gradually turned out to be the black sheep in the family. She was different, and she took pride on that. Often her behavior appeared rebellious to her parents, but that’s what she was, and that’s what life had taught her to be.
Gauri found love, and lost it, umpteen times, always looking for that perfect soul mate, someone who would understand her, support her, be her guide and her pillar of strength, always forever. However, things didn't work out as expected, and relationships she valued came falling down in no time. This continued till she met her Mr. Perfect, and as they say, all’s well that ends well.
Gauri, rightly quips at a certain portion in the book – “From someone ungettable, to one who went to jail, to a Parsee priest, all the way to the one I will always love, to the man I eloped and married – it was a wild journey. And, finally, I had found love – in a man who was very like me in some ways.”
That’s the path she had traveled, and we, as a reader, should be glad that she made us a part of it.
This is not just about Gauri’s quest for love, freedom and identity. Rather, this book is about each one of us, who, stuck in the busy humdrum of our lives, often choose to ignore our wishes and have learnt to wade along with the flow. This book teaches you to fight, not for anyone else, but for yourself. This is a book about chasing your dreams, listening to your heart, and living the way that makes you the happy in your own world.
Gauri’s narration is flawless, the words cleverly poised,and punctuated, that makes the story all the more realistic. We feel as if the author is right there with us, narrating the events, one page at a time, dictating from her diary. Story telling is an art, and Gauri perfects it to the T.
This book must be read, re-read and re-re-read, when you feel low, or even when you are basking in excitement. This story is for everyone, for everytime, ‘cause it is not only the author’s tale, but it is a story about all of us.
February 8, 2014
Gauri, the protagonist. She is bold, independent and a rebel. She is flamboyant and a good student who learns the lessons of life. She takes life as it comes and always strives hard to move on.
All other characters like her parents, siblings, Nicky, Riya, Suraj, Zaid, Shiv, Uday and many-many others comes into the picture with the sole purpose of letting Gauri learn and unlearn the lessons that life teaches her.
After all, the book is nothing but a (auto)biography of Gauri, the author herself!
What I think
The cover-page of the book is interesting. It is well-thought out and gives you an idea of what can be expected – A few pages from a girl’s life!
The story spans from the birth to the first twenty-eight years of the protagonist, Gauri. It is almost like a memoir. It is a feel-good book because I bet that there will be a smile in your face when you complete the book.
The narrative is lucid and very descriptive. I also observed that when the writer has captured the thought-flow of a child to a teenager to an adult’s beautifully. I felt as if the writer also grows up and evolves with Gauri.
The book is motivating and empowering as well. It throws light on the sad fact that gender based discrimination still exists in families regardless of how educated and socially forward they are!
I appreciate the fact that the author, in her own subtle way, mentioned about child molestation and public molestation in our capital city – New Delhi. She has emphasized on the fact that nobody can choose their parents, gender, religion or economic status. These are some factors with which we are born with and discrimination on this basis are pointless; shameful rather.
I liked her take on Hinduism – How it is male dominated and how badly women are treated. There is an entire paragraph on the same and it was thought provoking.
I really started enjoying the book when Suraj comes into her life. It suddenly becomes interesting and complicated.
The book oozes with optimism and hope. It is nothing but the transformation of a girl to woman to a lady!
But...
The book blurb is concise and I wish it was more descriptive. After all, I saw a lot of sentences which could have been quoted. It would help in attracting readers towards the book!
The first fifty pages of the book seemed like the random scribbling from a kid’s/young-adult’s personal journal. It is very descriptive and seems to go on forever. It might make the reader wonder why I should read this; why I should know this.
In the process of explaining boyfriends, break-ups and exes, the story loses its track of delivering what was promised. It could have been so much. But it chose to elaborate about attempts to find Mr.Love!
Should you read it?
This may be slow and descriptive.
It could even bore you at times.
But, it will leave you with positivity.
In short, read it if you have patience!
Remember, patience always pays!
All other characters like her parents, siblings, Nicky, Riya, Suraj, Zaid, Shiv, Uday and many-many others comes into the picture with the sole purpose of letting Gauri learn and unlearn the lessons that life teaches her.
After all, the book is nothing but a (auto)biography of Gauri, the author herself!
What I think
The cover-page of the book is interesting. It is well-thought out and gives you an idea of what can be expected – A few pages from a girl’s life!
The story spans from the birth to the first twenty-eight years of the protagonist, Gauri. It is almost like a memoir. It is a feel-good book because I bet that there will be a smile in your face when you complete the book.
The narrative is lucid and very descriptive. I also observed that when the writer has captured the thought-flow of a child to a teenager to an adult’s beautifully. I felt as if the writer also grows up and evolves with Gauri.
The book is motivating and empowering as well. It throws light on the sad fact that gender based discrimination still exists in families regardless of how educated and socially forward they are!
I appreciate the fact that the author, in her own subtle way, mentioned about child molestation and public molestation in our capital city – New Delhi. She has emphasized on the fact that nobody can choose their parents, gender, religion or economic status. These are some factors with which we are born with and discrimination on this basis are pointless; shameful rather.
I liked her take on Hinduism – How it is male dominated and how badly women are treated. There is an entire paragraph on the same and it was thought provoking.
I really started enjoying the book when Suraj comes into her life. It suddenly becomes interesting and complicated.
The book oozes with optimism and hope. It is nothing but the transformation of a girl to woman to a lady!
But...
The book blurb is concise and I wish it was more descriptive. After all, I saw a lot of sentences which could have been quoted. It would help in attracting readers towards the book!
The first fifty pages of the book seemed like the random scribbling from a kid’s/young-adult’s personal journal. It is very descriptive and seems to go on forever. It might make the reader wonder why I should read this; why I should know this.
In the process of explaining boyfriends, break-ups and exes, the story loses its track of delivering what was promised. It could have been so much. But it chose to elaborate about attempts to find Mr.Love!
Should you read it?
This may be slow and descriptive.
It could even bore you at times.
But, it will leave you with positivity.
In short, read it if you have patience!
Remember, patience always pays!
September 22, 2013
When it comes to chick literature, I'll be honest - I'm quite fond of the genre! But as far as stories written by Indian authors are concerned, I do approach each read with some amount of wariness. They tend to fall a little bit short in the charm or humour department because they're often made to resemble their western counterparts (read: Meg Cabot, Sophie Kinsella) therefore proving difficult to relate to, becoming predictable and losing their originality in the process.
But why must I ruin your read with my judgments beforehand? Jayaram's debut book is basically a truthful encounter (most of it, anyway), told in first person. The story doesn't have a USP as such, it merely serves as a memoir for people to read, relate to and learn from. Essentially the book is about Jayaram; it begins with her years spent growing up in a Punjabi family idolising her brother and protecting her younger sister and much later, you learn that the book is actually about the author trying to find herself through life’s happenings, her mistakes and relationships (with her family, friends, boyfriends and lovers).
While I found that the novel began in a fashion that didn't make me feel like I could relate in the least to Jayaram or her anecdotes, the jumping around nature of her narrating style did come across as refreshing, and somewhat appealing. There aren't too many characters to grow close to, of course there are a few that did stand out in Jayaram’s long narrative. She, herself being one of the story’s main protagonists; there’s Nicky (her best friend), her family members (her sister for the most part), some hostel and work friends and yes, a few of the said boyfriends and men in her life (but I won’t reveal anything here, it's part of the read).
As an author, Jayaram certainly comes across as someone with a warm nature, trying to fill her book with stories that she hopes that someone of a similar nature would understand or relate to (but then, it’s asking for a bit too much from the reader). Personally, I would have loved it if there was some more depth given to the important people in her life, and if she explained her troubles at home in a continuing chapter stretch (it was difficult to focus on the different mini-stories within the book) - and it would certainly make one like and appreciate her story better.
P.S. I will say that the hostel stories were really nice; they reminded of my own days when I first came to live and study in Bombay.
But why must I ruin your read with my judgments beforehand? Jayaram's debut book is basically a truthful encounter (most of it, anyway), told in first person. The story doesn't have a USP as such, it merely serves as a memoir for people to read, relate to and learn from. Essentially the book is about Jayaram; it begins with her years spent growing up in a Punjabi family idolising her brother and protecting her younger sister and much later, you learn that the book is actually about the author trying to find herself through life’s happenings, her mistakes and relationships (with her family, friends, boyfriends and lovers).
While I found that the novel began in a fashion that didn't make me feel like I could relate in the least to Jayaram or her anecdotes, the jumping around nature of her narrating style did come across as refreshing, and somewhat appealing. There aren't too many characters to grow close to, of course there are a few that did stand out in Jayaram’s long narrative. She, herself being one of the story’s main protagonists; there’s Nicky (her best friend), her family members (her sister for the most part), some hostel and work friends and yes, a few of the said boyfriends and men in her life (but I won’t reveal anything here, it's part of the read).
As an author, Jayaram certainly comes across as someone with a warm nature, trying to fill her book with stories that she hopes that someone of a similar nature would understand or relate to (but then, it’s asking for a bit too much from the reader). Personally, I would have loved it if there was some more depth given to the important people in her life, and if she explained her troubles at home in a continuing chapter stretch (it was difficult to focus on the different mini-stories within the book) - and it would certainly make one like and appreciate her story better.
P.S. I will say that the hostel stories were really nice; they reminded of my own days when I first came to live and study in Bombay.
June 15, 2015
Wise Enough to be Foolish is a fictionalized memoir of Gauri Jayaram that traces the journey of an Indian girl's life, with all its challenges and surprises, as she blossoms from an insecure child into a confident young woman. This roller-coaster ride is filled with adventure, laughter and heartache, as she balances her love life with her struggle for independence.
Gauri Jayaram is behind the world's largest escorted touring company for adventure trips across the continents - The Active Holiday company [Correction : The author is employed with the company, not founded as was my initial impression]. With due respect to the author, i found the story neither extra ordinary nor engrossing. The narrative is brisk and editing by Divya Dubey of Gyaana books is exceptional, but it does not have the zing one would expect in a memoir like this.
One very basic flaw is that it hardly provides point of view of various people in her life. Jayaram nails it when it comes to telling about her own life, citing every small and minute detail but does not do the same when it comes to other characters. So her journey remains unclear, unmotivated and in the end, simply quite boring. I was also disappointed that her actual escalation of founding The Active Holiday Company hardly get any mention which I was most interested in knowing. [Correction : The company was founded in 2013 only]
Even if you disregard the one-tone nature of this story, it is difficult not to cringe at the overwritten lines and trite dialogues. How such an happening life can be converted into a boring novel is a mystery i have no answer to. One the plausible reason is that Jayaram takes pride in leading an independent life in the early 90s which may be difficult, but not impossible. If you have decided on a particular lifestyle and you are hell bent on following it, then you take the pinch with the salt. You cannot complain about it later on seeing/facing the repercussions of your actions.
I am going with 2.5/5 for Gauri Jayaram's 'Wise Enough to be foolish'. It is well written, neatly edited and nicely packaged. But somehow it just fails to touch chord owing to flat tone narrative and bland dialogues. An wasted opportunity!
Gauri Jayaram is behind the world's largest escorted touring company for adventure trips across the continents - The Active Holiday company [Correction : The author is employed with the company, not founded as was my initial impression]. With due respect to the author, i found the story neither extra ordinary nor engrossing. The narrative is brisk and editing by Divya Dubey of Gyaana books is exceptional, but it does not have the zing one would expect in a memoir like this.
One very basic flaw is that it hardly provides point of view of various people in her life. Jayaram nails it when it comes to telling about her own life, citing every small and minute detail but does not do the same when it comes to other characters. So her journey remains unclear, unmotivated and in the end, simply quite boring. I was also disappointed that her actual escalation of founding The Active Holiday Company hardly get any mention which I was most interested in knowing. [Correction : The company was founded in 2013 only]
Even if you disregard the one-tone nature of this story, it is difficult not to cringe at the overwritten lines and trite dialogues. How such an happening life can be converted into a boring novel is a mystery i have no answer to. One the plausible reason is that Jayaram takes pride in leading an independent life in the early 90s which may be difficult, but not impossible. If you have decided on a particular lifestyle and you are hell bent on following it, then you take the pinch with the salt. You cannot complain about it later on seeing/facing the repercussions of your actions.
I am going with 2.5/5 for Gauri Jayaram's 'Wise Enough to be foolish'. It is well written, neatly edited and nicely packaged. But somehow it just fails to touch chord owing to flat tone narrative and bland dialogues. An wasted opportunity!
Read
September 12, 2013Well, after a long time I was reading a book written in first person. Author herself takes you to a journey which is worth reading. The acknowledgement section is a clear ‘intervention’ into Jayaram’s life. This section speaks loud and clear about author’s life which later helps to read book in a better manner. This book is all about author’s life and the choices she made.
Wise Enough To Be Foolish is about a peregrinate that protagonist of this book takes. It starts from childhood and moves to her college and lasts till she falls in love, once, another time and till she gets married. Jayaram has written this book with most sincere details possible. She has managed to share each details of her life in most elegant manner possible.
The book’s cover connotes her life very literally. If I can describe the cover page I would say it is Gauri herself on the page. With just one suitcase. A title defining her life. Reading the book makes this cover page more appropriate. The character of Gauri is just what it is on the cover page. She is outrageous, she is bold and she takes you on a ride with you.
What is most likeable about this book is how an individual can face and run through different phases of life. The protagonist here makes mistakes and move over them quickly, The character portrayed is likeable.
One thing that disliked about this book was number of characters. They were MANY. Though hardly few of them lasted more than few lines. At one point I felt as if my memory test is been done in terms of how many character names I can remember. And in the last when we reach epilogue, one seems to forget most of the characters.
I surely suggest reading this book. It takes you through a journey which you always wish you had.
Wise Enough To Be Foolish is about a peregrinate that protagonist of this book takes. It starts from childhood and moves to her college and lasts till she falls in love, once, another time and till she gets married. Jayaram has written this book with most sincere details possible. She has managed to share each details of her life in most elegant manner possible.
The book’s cover connotes her life very literally. If I can describe the cover page I would say it is Gauri herself on the page. With just one suitcase. A title defining her life. Reading the book makes this cover page more appropriate. The character of Gauri is just what it is on the cover page. She is outrageous, she is bold and she takes you on a ride with you.
What is most likeable about this book is how an individual can face and run through different phases of life. The protagonist here makes mistakes and move over them quickly, The character portrayed is likeable.
One thing that disliked about this book was number of characters. They were MANY. Though hardly few of them lasted more than few lines. At one point I felt as if my memory test is been done in terms of how many character names I can remember. And in the last when we reach epilogue, one seems to forget most of the characters.
I surely suggest reading this book. It takes you through a journey which you always wish you had.
December 9, 2013
hmmm well so here is a book which has very frankly and directly told you how and what a girl has been through, through the various stages of her life. she has no inhibitions, follows no stereotypes, no planned paths; instead she charts out her journey according to her whims, according to er heart, completely and sincerely. she has no bound, she's a free soul, struggling to save her tumultuous relationship with her parents and is in a quest for the one man who would stay true to her forever, who would take care of her forever, to whom she would lose her virginity and whom she would love truly, deeply and madly. ultimately she does find her man, after a rocky marriage, a divorce and numerous boyfriends! she finds what love does to a person and how people love her and care for her. she classifies her pillars of strength and she makes her ex-husband pay for her adventures in the US. the book goes smoothly, transitioning from one day to another, from one year to another and never at any point, you find a disconnect. in fact i found the book so engaging because, firstly, i am a girl and i could connect that way with the protagonist and understand what she is going through and second, she has no confines to be kept within, she very easily tells her tale which would find a echo from every girl at one juncture or another! this is a good book all in all which was meant to be among the bestsellers. :) great work Gauri mam. looking forward to more of your books :)
PS:the fuaji connection really got me connected! once a fauji, always a fauji :) :D
PS:the fuaji connection really got me connected! once a fauji, always a fauji :) :D
August 12, 2014
I opened this book with NONE Expectations and it happened to be a Page turner and finished in 3 straight hours.
Am ain't sure if whole part of the book is True but I want to believe it so. Although she had her up's & down's her life is so good but only because she maintained her relationships of every kind despite any despise on others. Also because of the mind-set she moulded from her childhood regardless of criticism she got.
I loved Gauruu 's Forwardness towards life instead of musing on her troubles. Had she been musing would have never travelled (as much she mentioned in her book), would have not Found her Soul-mate; her better half Mr. Uday and Half the happenings of her's would be in a different direction.
There're things I want to put in words but then I don't want to bore the readers or uninterest the New readers.
Gauruu you lived the chapter's of your life exceptionally well (with respect to what I read in the is book) and I'm sure you knew this already.
I wish I could have a Date with you. Just for a chat though :P ;)
Am ain't sure if whole part of the book is True but I want to believe it so. Although she had her up's & down's her life is so good but only because she maintained her relationships of every kind despite any despise on others. Also because of the mind-set she moulded from her childhood regardless of criticism she got.
I loved Gauruu 's Forwardness towards life instead of musing on her troubles. Had she been musing would have never travelled (as much she mentioned in her book), would have not Found her Soul-mate; her better half Mr. Uday and Half the happenings of her's would be in a different direction.
There're things I want to put in words but then I don't want to bore the readers or uninterest the New readers.
Gauruu you lived the chapter's of your life exceptionally well (with respect to what I read in the is book) and I'm sure you knew this already.
I wish I could have a Date with you. Just for a chat though :P ;)
September 8, 2013
The thing about a good autobiography is that, for the length of the book, you are more interested in the story of the author than your own. The food and glass of wine on the dinner table is not as exciting as the next chapter of the book. Your curiosity, at times, makes you wonder if you should just flip over the pages to the end to find out how the story ends. But then you also want to live the story as it unfolds. Gauri Jayram's Wise Enough To Be Foolish is one such autobiography.
The fast and breezy narrative gives you a roller-coaster ride to her life. Dotted with witty lines and sharp observations, this honest and unapologetic description of her life turns out as well as her life. Read it and let her take you to her incredible journey.
The fast and breezy narrative gives you a roller-coaster ride to her life. Dotted with witty lines and sharp observations, this honest and unapologetic description of her life turns out as well as her life. Read it and let her take you to her incredible journey.
October 2, 2013
The book is a total ‘chic book’ and I was wrong on picking it up. Now I can’t pass judgement as to how good or bad this was as compared to other chic books as I have rarely read them but as a book it was a total failure for me.
I saw no reason, none at all why someone would write (forget about reading) such a book which had nothing for a story and read like a girl’s personal journal (and that too pretty boring).
Even the writing was below par in the sense that I wasn’t sure what the writer wanted to convey, characters were confused, protagonist was confused, so much of unnecessary details and unnecessary events cloud the book that on turning every page you might ask yourself why are you reading it.
Complete review on my blog: http://bit.ly/18NrAoM
I saw no reason, none at all why someone would write (forget about reading) such a book which had nothing for a story and read like a girl’s personal journal (and that too pretty boring).
Even the writing was below par in the sense that I wasn’t sure what the writer wanted to convey, characters were confused, protagonist was confused, so much of unnecessary details and unnecessary events cloud the book that on turning every page you might ask yourself why are you reading it.
Complete review on my blog: http://bit.ly/18NrAoM
October 15, 2013
This book is as good as any work of fiction. It races you through the narrative. You get a tad bogged by the early childhood part, which, is the Indianness we were all ingrained with "Always begin at the beginning."
Once Gauri is in high school the story captures you and takes you beyond your box. If Gauri's life is the excitement about tomorrow, its a life truly and well lived.
The ending is as realistic as the beginning, and leaves a nice taste longer then most good reads do, in fact, this kept feeling good even after the ensuing Jeffrey Archer.
Would definitely want to hear "What Gauri DId Next."
Once Gauri is in high school the story captures you and takes you beyond your box. If Gauri's life is the excitement about tomorrow, its a life truly and well lived.
The ending is as realistic as the beginning, and leaves a nice taste longer then most good reads do, in fact, this kept feeling good even after the ensuing Jeffrey Archer.
Would definitely want to hear "What Gauri DId Next."
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