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Daddy Come Lately
Priya believes her dad died before she was born—until her liar-liar-pants-on-fire mother tells her he is alive and wants to meet her.
But her dad doesn't just want to meet her, he wants to get to know her! Her ghastly beaky nose is clearly not the only thing Priya's inherited from him, he is as stubborn as she is. Suddenly, Priya's well-ordered, laid-back life is thrown into tumult with this dad person interfering with her routine, making her take maths tuitions and, even worse, getting popular with her friends, who really should have known better. And as if that wasn't enough, her mum's acting strange and giggly.
Can Priya get rid of Dad the Bad before he completely messes up her life?
But her dad doesn't just want to meet her, he wants to get to know her! Her ghastly beaky nose is clearly not the only thing Priya's inherited from him, he is as stubborn as she is. Suddenly, Priya's well-ordered, laid-back life is thrown into tumult with this dad person interfering with her routine, making her take maths tuitions and, even worse, getting popular with her friends, who really should have known better. And as if that wasn't enough, her mum's acting strange and giggly.
Can Priya get rid of Dad the Bad before he completely messes up her life?
- GenresYoung Adult
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
About the author
Rupa Gulab
11 books22 followersRupa Gulab is a columnist and the author of Girl Alone, Chip of the Old Blockhead, and The Great Depression of the 40s.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 14, 2019
I was gifted this book by a friend. We follow our main character Priya, as her life is suddenly out of order since her father - who she believed dead - is suddenly her next door neighbour and wants to get to know her. We also observe her parents slowly fall back in love with each other. I personally thought that this was an interesting take on such a situation because should I have been in her spot, I would've been elated. Like Gulab's other book (Hot Chocolate is thicker than Blood), I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. She manages to capture the essence of being a teenager - the sarcasm, the angst, the temper, the moods, the friends the interests - basically everything. Whats more, is because the characters are all Indian, I simply relate to the sheer Indian-ness of some situations. It's a very enjoyable, light read. I'd probably recommend it for a student in sixth grade or higher, or maybe for a very mature 5th grader. It's a lovely book. Give it a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2017
'Daddy comes lately' is a beautiful book by the writer Rupa Gulab. She describes the problems Priya faces due to the divorce between her parents. The writer has truly captivated the minds of the readers. Her book 'Daddy comes lately' emphasizes on the importance of a father in the world. She describes how awkward Priya felt when she suddenly was told by her mother that her dad wanted to meet her. How she felt when her friends came over to make a project and told her that her dad was cool. The sudden interference of her dad in the life of her mother and her's was not at all liked by Priya.
She describes the influence of people's verdict on our life. How Priya turned up on her friends house and heard her parents talking about the fact that priya's parents would have a new baby and would not have time for priya. Due to this she ran away from home but realized it difficult to survive alone. She returns home to find that her father is not marrying her mother again. She discusses the matter with her mother and father. She also convinces her grand parents that their parents should marry. This leads to a happy ending and a beginning of a new chapter in priyas life with her father.
She describes the influence of people's verdict on our life. How Priya turned up on her friends house and heard her parents talking about the fact that priya's parents would have a new baby and would not have time for priya. Due to this she ran away from home but realized it difficult to survive alone. She returns home to find that her father is not marrying her mother again. She discusses the matter with her mother and father. She also convinces her grand parents that their parents should marry. This leads to a happy ending and a beginning of a new chapter in priyas life with her father.
January 29, 2017
The book is an example of the YA-lit genre working well. The language is simple, but it is used effectively for characterization. Priya gets sulky lines like “Yuck! I’ve inherited his ghastly beaky nose! This man is responsible for so much of my misery.” And the grown-ups get well-etched parts, too—the mom, Tanu, is a moody artistic type who throws and breaks things in rage; her best friend, Pinkymasi, is a straight-shooter but charming all the same; and Jeet is adventurous, travelling the world and writing books for a living.
The plot, while engaging, seems to stretch a bit towards the end. After the happy reunion of the family, Priya gets spooked when someone idly mentions that her parents might now plan more children. Threatened by her non-existent siblings, and fearful of sharing her mother with still more people, she runs away from home. She returns unharmed, but the incident is a sloppy way of tying loose ends together—it’s how Tanu breaks the news to her set-in-their-ways parents that she’s back together with her ex-husband.
Daddy Come lately is a fun read. It works well for pre-teens and teens, and for parents of teens who may be at a loss to explain the realities of the modern marriage and family to their children.
By: SAJAL Nanda (MIND TREE SCHOOL, PANJOKHRA)
The plot, while engaging, seems to stretch a bit towards the end. After the happy reunion of the family, Priya gets spooked when someone idly mentions that her parents might now plan more children. Threatened by her non-existent siblings, and fearful of sharing her mother with still more people, she runs away from home. She returns unharmed, but the incident is a sloppy way of tying loose ends together—it’s how Tanu breaks the news to her set-in-their-ways parents that she’s back together with her ex-husband.
Daddy Come lately is a fun read. It works well for pre-teens and teens, and for parents of teens who may be at a loss to explain the realities of the modern marriage and family to their children.
By: SAJAL Nanda (MIND TREE SCHOOL, PANJOKHRA)
January 29, 2017
Gauri(9th-B, Mind Tree School, Ambala)
'DADDY COMES LATELY'is a well written novel by Rupa Gulab. The whole story is narrated by a teenager, Priya. I would appreciate this novel as it brings us a very nice picture of a teenager's thinking about her dad-the-bad before she is known of his goodness.
Priya, who thinks that her father is dead gets a shock when her liar-liar-pants-on-fire mother tell her about her father. She is utterly blown away and describes her father as dad-the-bad. She dislikes him believing that he is good enough. But, day by day when she gets familiar with him, she starts accepting him and living a life better than earlier . At the end, the story has an fantastic ending.
'DADDY COMES LATELY'is a well written novel by Rupa Gulab. The whole story is narrated by a teenager, Priya. I would appreciate this novel as it brings us a very nice picture of a teenager's thinking about her dad-the-bad before she is known of his goodness.
Priya, who thinks that her father is dead gets a shock when her liar-liar-pants-on-fire mother tell her about her father. She is utterly blown away and describes her father as dad-the-bad. She dislikes him believing that he is good enough. But, day by day when she gets familiar with him, she starts accepting him and living a life better than earlier . At the end, the story has an fantastic ending.
January 31, 2017
Narrated from the point of view of a teenager girl “DADDY COME LATELY” is one of the best books penned by the great author “Rupa Gulab”. It is set in contemporary India. It takes us through an emotional, turbulent journey of a protagonist as she discovers that she is a “half orphan”. As the story proceeds she meets her dad whom she refers as “DAD-THE-BAD” as he helped her to get rid of her “maths-phobia” which was difficult for her. She also thought that her dad had left her mother alone so she disliked him. At last this book leaves us with a good feeling. I strongly recommend this book to all teens!
By Krrish Madaan (Mind Tree School , Ambala)
By Krrish Madaan (Mind Tree School , Ambala)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 22, 2015Narrated from the point of view of a teenage girl, a rather nicely written book. Set in contemporary India, the book takes you thru an emotional, turbulent journey of the protagonist as she discovers that she isn't really a "half-orphan", as she had been led to believe.
The story then goes on thru several twists and turns, touching highs and lows in a heartwarming - and sometimes funny, sometimes heart-wrenching story.
All in all, a book I would recommend for its easy writing style, honest representation of the teen anguish, and a nice, cosy and entertaining storyline.
The story then goes on thru several twists and turns, touching highs and lows in a heartwarming - and sometimes funny, sometimes heart-wrenching story.
All in all, a book I would recommend for its easy writing style, honest representation of the teen anguish, and a nice, cosy and entertaining storyline.
February 1, 2017
this was a good book. it was about one of the best relations in world , of a father and daughter.
in this book is a story of girl priya, who is told that her dad is dead but one day table turn when her dad returns . then starts a story of struggle with dad bad . book has interesting characters like pinky aunt , priya best friend and her brother. book can be somewhat monotonous in the middle when dad is introduced and priya's mom acts weird the climax of the story is very well written keeping the reader on toes.
in this book is a story of girl priya, who is told that her dad is dead but one day table turn when her dad returns . then starts a story of struggle with dad bad . book has interesting characters like pinky aunt , priya best friend and her brother. book can be somewhat monotonous in the middle when dad is introduced and priya's mom acts weird the climax of the story is very well written keeping the reader on toes.
February 25, 2017
A decent and entertaining novel by Rupa Gulab, it is a congenial book with an amiable plot. But in my opinion, the story is unable to engross the reader in the initial chapters. Overall, this book is alright and apt for teens. The story revolves around the life of a teen, Priya, who is unable to interact comfortably with her "Newly Discovered" dad. The story is all about how through different experiences she bonds up the new relation with her dad. Though the storyline is good, it did not interest me much...
Ananya Goel
VIII-C
Mind Tree School
Ananya Goel
VIII-C
Mind Tree School
May 20, 2017
Ishita Gupta(10th)Mind Tree School
Rupa Gulab's "DADDY COME LATELY" is a book all the teens must read. It is a captivating novel about one of the inseparable relations that is of a daughter and father to which one can relate. It revolves around a teenager Priya, who after meeting her dad after a long time, calls him 'DAD THE BAD' as she feels that he has interfered in her cool n carefree life.The story again and again take turns and at last ends with a happy ending. It has a cozy and nice storyline.
Rupa Gulab's "DADDY COME LATELY" is a book all the teens must read. It is a captivating novel about one of the inseparable relations that is of a daughter and father to which one can relate. It revolves around a teenager Priya, who after meeting her dad after a long time, calls him 'DAD THE BAD' as she feels that he has interfered in her cool n carefree life.The story again and again take turns and at last ends with a happy ending. It has a cozy and nice storyline.
January 20, 2017
Bhavika Jain(9th)Mind Tree School
DADDY COME LATELY is one of the best books of Rupa Gulab. This book is narrated by a teenage girl, Priya who is led to believe that she is a half orphan. But as the story proceeds she discovers something really shocking .Priya refers her dad as DAD THE BAD, who wants her daughter to get rid of her Maths phobia. Her easy going life is disrupted by her own dad. Finally this, at last, leaves you feeling good.
DADDY COME LATELY is one of the best books of Rupa Gulab. This book is narrated by a teenage girl, Priya who is led to believe that she is a half orphan. But as the story proceeds she discovers something really shocking .Priya refers her dad as DAD THE BAD, who wants her daughter to get rid of her Maths phobia. Her easy going life is disrupted by her own dad. Finally this, at last, leaves you feeling good.
January 22, 2017
Ishika Goel ( Mind Tree School)
I enjoyed reading this book as it defines a teenager and her thinking about her dad-the-bad who she thought was dead but he wasn't. She disliked him not realizing that her father is not a bad man. She always tried to maintain a safe distance from him but could not. As the story proceeds with lots of twists and turns she realizes her mistake and like almost all other stories, this story of a teen girl too ends happily......
I enjoyed reading this book as it defines a teenager and her thinking about her dad-the-bad who she thought was dead but he wasn't. She disliked him not realizing that her father is not a bad man. She always tried to maintain a safe distance from him but could not. As the story proceeds with lots of twists and turns she realizes her mistake and like almost all other stories, this story of a teen girl too ends happily......
January 24, 2017
Srishti Goel ( Mind Tree School )
Rupa Gulab's DADDY COME LATELY is one of the best novel I have ever read. It is a witty novel full of small humorous talks. Its about Priya's life who thinks that she is half orphan but later she finds that she also has a father.She calls her Dad The Bad but at last she accepts him and lives a happy life with her family. This novel is best for pre-teens and teens.
Rupa Gulab's DADDY COME LATELY is one of the best novel I have ever read. It is a witty novel full of small humorous talks. Its about Priya's life who thinks that she is half orphan but later she finds that she also has a father.She calls her Dad The Bad but at last she accepts him and lives a happy life with her family. This novel is best for pre-teens and teens.
December 11, 2013
A book that is entertaining, surprises you and kicks several stereotypes out and leaves you feeling good.
July 23, 2016
the confusion and moods of a teenage girl well depicted. The mother character has been very bad..lying and too much of anger throwing the child in trauma . Emotions and actions very well described.
October 7, 2020
📚Book : Daddy come lately
Author: Rupa Gulab
Priya is the main character in this story. She is 13 and half years old. She believes that she is a posthumous child - until her liar-liar-on fire mother tells her her daddy is alive and wants to meet. And priya realised that she is not a posthumous child, she is just a post-divorce kid
* Her dad has comes to her life, totally changed her habbits and routines. Her dad doesn't just want ti meet her, he wants to get know her. Priya is avoiding her dad to her personal problems. And called him Dad the bad. But her daddy interfearing the routine, making to make her maths tuitions, getting popular to her friends etc. She is fed up his attitude....
* It is the best thrilling teenage story. Priya's monologue is very funny. Very simple language everyone to get understood. I recommend this book for everyone. Really loved it
Go and read 😊
Author: Rupa Gulab
Priya is the main character in this story. She is 13 and half years old. She believes that she is a posthumous child - until her liar-liar-on fire mother tells her her daddy is alive and wants to meet. And priya realised that she is not a posthumous child, she is just a post-divorce kid
* Her dad has comes to her life, totally changed her habbits and routines. Her dad doesn't just want ti meet her, he wants to get know her. Priya is avoiding her dad to her personal problems. And called him Dad the bad. But her daddy interfearing the routine, making to make her maths tuitions, getting popular to her friends etc. She is fed up his attitude....
* It is the best thrilling teenage story. Priya's monologue is very funny. Very simple language everyone to get understood. I recommend this book for everyone. Really loved it
Go and read 😊
December 24, 2019
well, it was really good. Priya is a girl who thinks that her father is dead and then all of a sudden she meets her father and she hates him cause she doesn't wanna share her mother with an outsider(she thinks of him as an outsider) and for some reasons, she has to accept him and she runs away from her mother and if you wanna know more you need to read the book till the very end. the writer has tried to put some romance in it to intrigue young adults like ourselves. well please read the book cause I haven't mentioned any spoiler in my review it's just the small key points. if you are a bookworm I believe you can read the whole book in just a day. it is interesting. GOOD KUCK WITH IT!
August 31, 2025
I really loved the book.. it was soo intriguing. I was so eager to complete it. The story is narrated so beautifully that I just couldn't stop reading. I just loved the way the story was narrated.. Priya, her mum was living a happy life, when her Dad entered her life, and for her, her life changed dramatically. Her mom and dad divorced before she was born, so she was never used to a man (a male person) in her life. It was a fun read, a life explained through a thirteen year old point of view.
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April 27, 2020Awesome
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2025
A best book fr - homely and funny. loved reading it !
November 9, 2021
pryia lives with her mom and does not know that he dad is alive but her mom burts out the nws that he is alive and wants to meet her.Though pyia is a man-hater and does not want to meet him .
(from the book !) (can pryia get rid of dad the bad before he completely messes up her life ?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
Hilarious and poignant. Priya is the typical Indian teenage girl. 100% recommending to eighth-graders like me.
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April 17, 2017I loved the way the story was narrated..it is one of the best books of Rupa Gulab.The little girl Priya is aware of the fact that her father is dead,but one day the tables turn and she meets dad the bad. The emotions of the little girl and her journey with dad the bad follows ahead. The story is a wonderful piece of young adult literature.Personally it is one of my favourites.
A 4.5 star book
A 4.5 star book
April 17, 2017
Daddy come lately is one of the best books of Rupa Gulab. The book revolves around a girl Priya : the protagonist. Till she becomes a teenager she grows up with the fact that her father is dead & suddenly one day her mother reveals that he is alive and wants to meet her. She didn't want to meet him as she felt hurt and thought wht did he leave her alone before she was born. The story is of hatred expressions of the girl that gradually turns into love for her father, friendship gets stronger and bonding with her friends brother.
By : Umang, 9 B, Mind tree school
By : Umang, 9 B, Mind tree school
April 20, 2017
From DAD the BAD to DAD not that BAD...........
ByTejaswini Pandwar, Mind Tree School
Rightly commented by a great one almost every man can be a father but not a DAD. Similarly it resembles in life of Priya , who is suddenly told that her father who was declared dead is alive and wants to meet her.The story revolves how DAD the BAD transforms himself to DAD not that BAD. The story continues with a mixed relationships that the daughter possess to her DAD. I recommend it to all the teens so that they learn to appreciate their valuable ,. Precious DAD'S time spent with them.
ByTejaswini Pandwar, Mind Tree School
Rightly commented by a great one almost every man can be a father but not a DAD. Similarly it resembles in life of Priya , who is suddenly told that her father who was declared dead is alive and wants to meet her.The story revolves how DAD the BAD transforms himself to DAD not that BAD. The story continues with a mixed relationships that the daughter possess to her DAD. I recommend it to all the teens so that they learn to appreciate their valuable ,. Precious DAD'S time spent with them.
May 22, 2017
Arshiya Bansal (10 B ) Mind Tree School
Daddy comes lately is a wonderful book by Rupa Gulab . This book is narrated by a girl Priya who thinks that her was dead . Unknowning the fact that he is actually alive . She considered him as Dad The Bad as per her mother's saying . But when she to know about the actual fact , she considered he as Dad The Good . At the end they were happily living in their own world.
I would suggest it to young readers because it captures teens mind.
Daddy comes lately is a wonderful book by Rupa Gulab . This book is narrated by a girl Priya who thinks that her was dead . Unknowning the fact that he is actually alive . She considered him as Dad The Bad as per her mother's saying . But when she to know about the actual fact , she considered he as Dad The Good . At the end they were happily living in their own world.
I would suggest it to young readers because it captures teens mind.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews