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A Boy Called Dustbin
Ashwin Subramaniam's world is turned upside down when his family is forced to relocate...In the span of a year, the teenage drama queen navigates life in the 90s, forges new friendships in Kalpavriksha Colony, and deals with his louse of a cousin, Chuppu. From comical mishaps to unexpected adventures, Ashwin's journey is a delightful and light-hearted ride as he learns the true meaning of friendship and family.
164 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 19, 2023
Ashwini isn’t actually called Dustbin but that’s the result of his first encounter with the boys in Kalpavriksha Colony. He’s moved house for a year with his family opposite his aunt’s place and is feeling like a wet rag at being uprooted from his friends. The book covers the 12 months of Dustbin’s new experiences, with each month bringing something new to the table. With Vi and Stee his new friends and the ever constant presence of his cousin and aunt, Dustbin goes the steps of fitting in and growing up.
The events are those parents with teens will recognise: forging report cards, discovering girls despite a pledge to abstain from them, sneaking adult videos into the house when the parents are away and a host of other absurdities that are part and parcel of growing up. Dustbin has kind parents who deal with forged report cards with compassion, a nosy aunt and a brother who lives in the US. There are issues but of the normal kind, fights with bullying cricket teams, a tussle over a cricket bat called Ball Breaker and other such happy every day things that seem to matter at the time but in the end are never that important.
Krishnakumar’s characters are those you might find in any colony – Beverley aunty who makes potent punch and has a cat that goes missing, an ‘uncle’ who likes tapes brought from abroad, a doctor determined to sort out chakras and straighten necks. It is a time of tape decks and videocassettes way before today’s world of CDs, OTT and social media. For most readers it will be a peaceful travel back to the past, a revisiting of a more innocent space when life was possibly less complicated and the news less depressing though the lessons taught were the same.
Seen through Dustbin’s eyes, life remains in the colony and its buildings without disruptive politics or the heartbreak of disillusionment – the one incident that veers on seriousness is sorted out and new friends become friends forever, the whole told in Krishnakumar’s engaging style with illustrations to match.
The events are those parents with teens will recognise: forging report cards, discovering girls despite a pledge to abstain from them, sneaking adult videos into the house when the parents are away and a host of other absurdities that are part and parcel of growing up. Dustbin has kind parents who deal with forged report cards with compassion, a nosy aunt and a brother who lives in the US. There are issues but of the normal kind, fights with bullying cricket teams, a tussle over a cricket bat called Ball Breaker and other such happy every day things that seem to matter at the time but in the end are never that important.
Krishnakumar’s characters are those you might find in any colony – Beverley aunty who makes potent punch and has a cat that goes missing, an ‘uncle’ who likes tapes brought from abroad, a doctor determined to sort out chakras and straighten necks. It is a time of tape decks and videocassettes way before today’s world of CDs, OTT and social media. For most readers it will be a peaceful travel back to the past, a revisiting of a more innocent space when life was possibly less complicated and the news less depressing though the lessons taught were the same.
Seen through Dustbin’s eyes, life remains in the colony and its buildings without disruptive politics or the heartbreak of disillusionment – the one incident that veers on seriousness is sorted out and new friends become friends forever, the whole told in Krishnakumar’s engaging style with illustrations to match.
February 19, 2024
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Ashwini finds himself transplanted to a new home across from his aunt's for a year. A change and upheaval that leaves him feeling like a soggy rag, torn from his familiar friends and environment. While he is looking for acceptance at the new locale and downing his sorrow in Chitti s dosai s, he is nicknamed Dustbin by his peers in Kalpavriksha Colony following a memorable encounter - a name that will reverbrate all through.
.
Akin to 12 months in a year, the book has twelve chapters depicting each month related to some significant event or the other! If you are a 90 s kid like me, these pages will take you on a straight nostalgic ride! Be it the tape recorder, the 'pups' ( the delectable puff), forged report cards, grappling with the allure of girls despite solemn pledges, and sneaking adult content into the house during parental absences and having one favourite cricket bat nicknamed something super ambitious, which every other kid has their heart set upon.
.
With Vi and Stee as his newfound companions, and his intolerable cousin and aunt serving as constants in his life, Dustbin grapples with turning the challenges of assimilating into his new surroundings into grand successes of sorts. The neighbourhood of the colony is so so reminiscent as well, populated with characters like the bumbling secretary, punch-making Beverley aunty, the tape-loving 'uncle' with a penchant for foreign imports, and the chiropractor keen on aligning chakras who intends to align dustbin s chakras to cure his neck pain!
.
The other plus point in the storyline is the display of family bonding that is depicted. With a foreign residing elder brother, coming home after long with a little baby to have it made up with a miffed father over life choices Dustbin learns invaluable lessons about family, friendship and the complexities of life.
.
Krishnakumar's engaging narrative style, complemented by illustrations, captures the essence of coming of age in an era where life's lessons, though universal, seemed less convoluted and more straightforward.
Ashwini finds himself transplanted to a new home across from his aunt's for a year. A change and upheaval that leaves him feeling like a soggy rag, torn from his familiar friends and environment. While he is looking for acceptance at the new locale and downing his sorrow in Chitti s dosai s, he is nicknamed Dustbin by his peers in Kalpavriksha Colony following a memorable encounter - a name that will reverbrate all through.
.
Akin to 12 months in a year, the book has twelve chapters depicting each month related to some significant event or the other! If you are a 90 s kid like me, these pages will take you on a straight nostalgic ride! Be it the tape recorder, the 'pups' ( the delectable puff), forged report cards, grappling with the allure of girls despite solemn pledges, and sneaking adult content into the house during parental absences and having one favourite cricket bat nicknamed something super ambitious, which every other kid has their heart set upon.
.
With Vi and Stee as his newfound companions, and his intolerable cousin and aunt serving as constants in his life, Dustbin grapples with turning the challenges of assimilating into his new surroundings into grand successes of sorts. The neighbourhood of the colony is so so reminiscent as well, populated with characters like the bumbling secretary, punch-making Beverley aunty, the tape-loving 'uncle' with a penchant for foreign imports, and the chiropractor keen on aligning chakras who intends to align dustbin s chakras to cure his neck pain!
.
The other plus point in the storyline is the display of family bonding that is depicted. With a foreign residing elder brother, coming home after long with a little baby to have it made up with a miffed father over life choices Dustbin learns invaluable lessons about family, friendship and the complexities of life.
.
Krishnakumar's engaging narrative style, complemented by illustrations, captures the essence of coming of age in an era where life's lessons, though universal, seemed less convoluted and more straightforward.
January 9, 2024
“A Boy Called Dustbin is a must read for anyone seeking a nostalgic escape into their own childhood” – After reading this line I immediately knew I have to read this book. And boy oh boy.. was I riding on a nostalgic wave.. yes I sure was.
Ashwin, a teenager, has to relocate to another colony due to renovation. There he meets 2 guys Stee and Vic and thus begins a journey of many adventures.. or rather misadventures. Along the way new friendships are formed and tested, meaning of family is learnt. Why is he called “Dustbin”? For this you have to read this hilarious book.
This story is based in 90s and a year in a teenager’s life is explored. Chapters are month wise and each one with a new adventure. Throughout story there were numerous 90s references, which ofcourse I easily understood. It surely took me to my own childhood. Big sigh!!!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was such a refreshing and down the memory lane story. All characters were so relatable. You have to read it to know the story of unusual names. Ball Breaker, it can break all kinds of balls.. Curls, an almost girlfriend/future wife.. Idly, a cat.. Tallulah, a heartbreaking scooty.
Overall a fun and light read. I devoured it in almost one sitting. Writing and pace is great. No dull moment. I was laughing all the way. Because of it I once again listened to Everybodyyy ha.. rock your body ha… Backstreets Bacckkk.. all rightttt!!
And one more – Hundred Taker has seven lives, dyude!! Oh boyyyy!! And I thought I learned some wrong names and song lyrics.
Highly recommend!! A perfect enjoyable read for a weekend or in between your heavy reads. Go for it!!
Ashwin, a teenager, has to relocate to another colony due to renovation. There he meets 2 guys Stee and Vic and thus begins a journey of many adventures.. or rather misadventures. Along the way new friendships are formed and tested, meaning of family is learnt. Why is he called “Dustbin”? For this you have to read this hilarious book.
This story is based in 90s and a year in a teenager’s life is explored. Chapters are month wise and each one with a new adventure. Throughout story there were numerous 90s references, which ofcourse I easily understood. It surely took me to my own childhood. Big sigh!!!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was such a refreshing and down the memory lane story. All characters were so relatable. You have to read it to know the story of unusual names. Ball Breaker, it can break all kinds of balls.. Curls, an almost girlfriend/future wife.. Idly, a cat.. Tallulah, a heartbreaking scooty.
Overall a fun and light read. I devoured it in almost one sitting. Writing and pace is great. No dull moment. I was laughing all the way. Because of it I once again listened to Everybodyyy ha.. rock your body ha… Backstreets Bacckkk.. all rightttt!!
And one more – Hundred Taker has seven lives, dyude!! Oh boyyyy!! And I thought I learned some wrong names and song lyrics.
Highly recommend!! A perfect enjoyable read for a weekend or in between your heavy reads. Go for it!!
August 5, 2024
Change can be challenging, but minimal if one has supportive and delightful friends and family in their life. "A Boy Called Dustbin" tells the story of Ashwin's "change," which he had to go through when he and his family had to relocate to Kalpvriksha Colony. It tells the story of how he made mistakes and experienced setbacks, but that he always had the support of his loved ones. The book has 12 chapters, each named after a month in a year, and chronicles 12 different stories from Ashwin's life; like, the time when his results were out and he had to get one of his parents' signature, but his "dear" friends had another plan to save him from "parental wrath;" or the time when he was forced to visit a chiropractor; or the time he met "Curls."
Each one was funnier than the last, and they were all entertaining to read. Nearly every scenario was not difficult enough because of the imagery. The words of Arjun Krishnakumar flowed like pure river water, leaving a lasting impression on every page. As the book's synopsis claimed, I was taken back in time by a few of Ashwin's blunders.
Trials and catastrophes are an inevitable component of life. They arrive and depart. But these events become easier to overlook if you are around friends and family. I hope that everyone has peers and circumstances similar to Ashwin, a.k.a. Dustbin. Although the book's title may suggest otherwise, reading it will reveal how much positivity and excitement it may bring on a gloomy, rainy day.
Finally, I just wanted to say how much I would love to have this book gatekept. Definitely one of my top readings of 2024.
Each one was funnier than the last, and they were all entertaining to read. Nearly every scenario was not difficult enough because of the imagery. The words of Arjun Krishnakumar flowed like pure river water, leaving a lasting impression on every page. As the book's synopsis claimed, I was taken back in time by a few of Ashwin's blunders.
Trials and catastrophes are an inevitable component of life. They arrive and depart. But these events become easier to overlook if you are around friends and family. I hope that everyone has peers and circumstances similar to Ashwin, a.k.a. Dustbin. Although the book's title may suggest otherwise, reading it will reveal how much positivity and excitement it may bring on a gloomy, rainy day.
Finally, I just wanted to say how much I would love to have this book gatekept. Definitely one of my top readings of 2024.
June 4, 2024
Ashwin, a teen, moves to a new colony, and now he has to adjust and familiarize himself.
This captivating book is divided into 12 chapters, with each chapter highlighting fond memories of that month for Ashwin from January to December.
This book is like opening that old album that had all your childhood pictures, and hence, nostalgia hits like a force to be reckoned with.
The summer holidays, visits to favorite bakery and having veg puffs, gleeful moments, and on whole just simply hanging out with friends.
Or horror stories, dread for marksheet signatures, colony celebrations, mixing of tape, and other chapters helped me revisit my childhood memories with a smile throughout the book.
Smiles, silly chatter, and enough mischief with your gang of friends totally summarize this book, and if this is your vibe, be sure to check it out.
A definite recommendation for all 80s-90s readers for a visit down memory lane.
This captivating book is divided into 12 chapters, with each chapter highlighting fond memories of that month for Ashwin from January to December.
This book is like opening that old album that had all your childhood pictures, and hence, nostalgia hits like a force to be reckoned with.
The summer holidays, visits to favorite bakery and having veg puffs, gleeful moments, and on whole just simply hanging out with friends.
Or horror stories, dread for marksheet signatures, colony celebrations, mixing of tape, and other chapters helped me revisit my childhood memories with a smile throughout the book.
Smiles, silly chatter, and enough mischief with your gang of friends totally summarize this book, and if this is your vibe, be sure to check it out.
A definite recommendation for all 80s-90s readers for a visit down memory lane.
March 15, 2024
A BOY CALLED DUSTBIN - ARJUN KRISHNAKUMAR
Ashwin Subramanian's life is turned upside down when his family is forced to relocate to a new place called Kalpavriksha colony where he has to make new friends which leads to comical mishaps and unexpected adventures.
MY THOUGHTS
Reading this book was sheer nostalgia for me and any 80s born kid will relate to it . Very cleverly divided into chapters which coincide with a new month for Ashwin in his new place the first month itself being named Dustbin owing to a hilarious incident .
A lot of events like forging report cards, watching video cassette mainly adult stuff in absense of family, obsession with songs of BSB, first encounter with girls, Fanta craze, gully cricket, ISD phone called to the epic culmination of a society's New Year Eves Party brought back so many memories for me.
With all the adventure and humour filled situation there is a bond between Ashwin and his parents along with this new friends which was heartwarming to read and the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter sums up the essence of the situation quite well too!
Ashwin Subramanian's life is turned upside down when his family is forced to relocate to a new place called Kalpavriksha colony where he has to make new friends which leads to comical mishaps and unexpected adventures.
MY THOUGHTS
Reading this book was sheer nostalgia for me and any 80s born kid will relate to it . Very cleverly divided into chapters which coincide with a new month for Ashwin in his new place the first month itself being named Dustbin owing to a hilarious incident .
A lot of events like forging report cards, watching video cassette mainly adult stuff in absense of family, obsession with songs of BSB, first encounter with girls, Fanta craze, gully cricket, ISD phone called to the epic culmination of a society's New Year Eves Party brought back so many memories for me.
With all the adventure and humour filled situation there is a bond between Ashwin and his parents along with this new friends which was heartwarming to read and the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter sums up the essence of the situation quite well too!
December 28, 2025
Such a trip down to memory lane! Loved it
May 25, 2024
The book tells the narrative of Ashwini, a teenage boy who moves to a new colony with his family for a year and struggles to adjust to his new surroundings.
He was given the nickname ''DUSTBIN'' in an attempt to make new friends and appear as a hip kid, which resulted in a humorous incidence.
If you were born in the 1990s, you will like this book.
The plot is simple and touching, taking you on a rollercoaster ride through your childhood memories.
The tale is divided into 12 parts, one for each month of the year, and includes some intriguing episodes from his young adulthood, such as forging signatures, impressing crush, sneaking and trying to watch adult films, rivalry matches with youngsters from the nearby colony, and much more.
The author also discussed his pleasant and joyous experience of being a 'KIDULT' and discovering the value of family and friendship. I, too, appreciated Ashwini's bond with his parents, especially his warm and heartfelt conversation with his father on the terrace.
I was smiling throughout the novel, and when I finished the last page, I was disappointed that it had come to an end because the story was so pleasant and nicely written.
Kudos to the author for penning this sweet and loving story and providing us with a nostalgic hit from our youth, and this fiction will serve as my anchor on my bad days.
It was a worthwhile read and should be given a chance at least once.
i thoroughly enjoyed it.
[Debut novel, new authors, underrated authors, 90's setup, childhood memories, love, friendship, family]
He was given the nickname ''DUSTBIN'' in an attempt to make new friends and appear as a hip kid, which resulted in a humorous incidence.
If you were born in the 1990s, you will like this book.
The plot is simple and touching, taking you on a rollercoaster ride through your childhood memories.
The tale is divided into 12 parts, one for each month of the year, and includes some intriguing episodes from his young adulthood, such as forging signatures, impressing crush, sneaking and trying to watch adult films, rivalry matches with youngsters from the nearby colony, and much more.
The author also discussed his pleasant and joyous experience of being a 'KIDULT' and discovering the value of family and friendship. I, too, appreciated Ashwini's bond with his parents, especially his warm and heartfelt conversation with his father on the terrace.
I was smiling throughout the novel, and when I finished the last page, I was disappointed that it had come to an end because the story was so pleasant and nicely written.
Kudos to the author for penning this sweet and loving story and providing us with a nostalgic hit from our youth, and this fiction will serve as my anchor on my bad days.
It was a worthwhile read and should be given a chance at least once.
i thoroughly enjoyed it.
[Debut novel, new authors, underrated authors, 90's setup, childhood memories, love, friendship, family]
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