Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason

by Shravan Kanalli

Sometimes, in the journey of life, when everything seems happy, there is a sense of melancholy. When things are going too hard, there is often a ray of delight. If appreciation is a tag for our best efforts, the wave of disapproval keeps us drenched for the worse. In this hurdle of joy and sorrow, something we give and some that we borrow, path that optimizes our thought come across negativity that compresses it to narrow, bring about various people at various stages of life. People we love being with the most, people we wish we had never met, people who make us laugh, and those who irritate us to the point of wanting to run apart. There are people we miss and others we never want to see again. Somebody among these many individuals makes a special impact in our lives. Their entry may be unusual or very casual, but their existence will prove to be a game-changer. On the whole, their presence in our lives will certainly be for Some reason.

The story embraces the journey of three longtime friends Sujoy, Anuj and Rakesh. Sujoy an aspiring writer is stuck by the pinnacle of procrastination. Anuj is burdened with bunch of backlogs while Rakesh is on the right track to achieve his dreams. Come! let's dive deep into their journey filled with humor, anguish and accomplishment.

About the

Shravan Kanalli is a passionate storyteller, singer, and composer who is creative in multiple ways. He holds a Ph.D. from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, and works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at SDM College of Engineering and Technology, Dharwad, Karnataka. With a deep love for literature and music, he has made his mark in the Kannada film industry as a composer and lyricist, blending lyrical depth with melodic finesse. This novel marks yet another milestone in his creative journey, offering readers a compelling narrative shaped by intellect, emotion, and imagination.

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

[Kitabi Keeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that feels like laughter, chaos, and friendship all rolled into one


🏖️ INSIGHTS: Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason by Shravan Kanalli is a coming-of-age story of three friends — Sujoy, an aspiring writer caught between completing engineering and starting a corporate job; Anuj, the troublemaker still struggling with backlogs; and Rakesh, the all-rounder who knows exactly what he wants from life.
Readers follow their individual journeys of career, love, and self-discovery, while seeing how they stand by each other through everything, always with plenty of banter.

🏖️ REVIEW: The book instantly gives Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara vibes. It opens on an entertaining note, hooking you right away and reminding you of that unforgettable Goa trip with friends. As the story unfolds, their personal struggles with career, love, and identity are woven together by a strong bond of friendship that elevates the emotional core of the book. The balance of humour and emotion works well throughout.
While the premise may not feel entirely new to seasoned readers, the storytelling makes it an enjoyable experience. Overall, it’s a decent read if you’re looking for something binge-worthy or a trip down memory lane with your friends.

🏖️ STRENGTHS:
1. Humorous situations and lively banter
2. Pop culture and modern-day references that feel real
3. Fast-paced, breezy, binge-worthy read
4. Strong emotional capture and interesting characters

🏖️ WEAKNESSES:
1. Minor formatting errors
2. The female characters could have been given more depth and agency

🏖️TARGET READERS: Ages 18+

🏖️ GENRE: Contemporary Fiction, Coming-of-age

🏖️ RATING: 3.6/5

[Vivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shravan Kanalli has created an emotional yet relational story that mixes real life challenges, humor and the importance of friendships. Uncertainty, procrastination, and ambition are three ways that are portrayed by the characters: Sujoy, Anuj, and Rakesh. Their path is very natural, and their dialogues are quite funny with an emotional touch that can be felt by the majority of readers.
What is special about this book is that there are light moments and reflective passages in it. The poetic interludes provide the story depth whereas the descriptions of Bengaluru and Goa bring the readers into the picture. It is an enjoyable book with a more pleasant message that sometimes it is unexpected personalities that can make a long lasting impact in our life.

[Abhishek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody Some Reason is an interesting representation of friendship and complexity of life. In the eyes of Sujoy, the conflict between academia and pursuing interests and meeting the demands of the parents is portrayed with wit and honesty. The frustrations of Anuj and the determination of Rakesh add contrast to the trio which makes their bond real and heartwarming.
The simplicity and relatability of Shravan Kanalli in his writing is also an eye catcher. The settings are well elaborated, with coffee-fuelled contemplations, trips to temple and the beach. This book is more than a tale of three friends since it explores how the meeting with some individuals influences our development. It is a well thought out, memorable novel that will work with young adults and beyond.

[Aman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a journey of self discovery, friendship, and resilience that this book provides the reader. Kanalli represents the spirit of student life, dreams, delays and laughter, it is a search to find meaning. The voice of the narrator, Sujoy is unique, and it is sometimes funny and contains small bouts of melancholy. The narrative is rooted and motivating, which allows the readers to identify with the story.
The real power of the novel lies in its capability of combination of the commonplace moments with the inner thoughts. The poetic insertions are touching and enrich the plot. The Goa setting and the dialogues of the three characters are particularly pleasurable. A charming, endearing book, which is an unforgettable read.

[Aryu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason” by Shravan Kanalli is a touching story of friendship and ambition and contradiction of life. The narration of Sujoy, Anuj, and Rakesh brings about the three different trips which many readers, particularly, the students can identify with.
Their characters are also well developed with procrastination and creativity of Sujoy, unfinished work of Anuj, and concentration of Rakesh coming into play and creating a dynamic which does not feel artificial. Their dialogue is funny and their problems give depth.
The descriptions of places such as Bengaluru and Goa which are remarkable. These scenes are what makes the story visually appealing as well as emotionally touching. A contemplative and a well written book.

[Pratik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason by Shravan Kanalli is a wonderful presentation of the highs and lows of youth. The plot of Sujoy, Anuj, and Rakesh is that of many people, procrastination, ambition, failures, and laughter. Sujoy, who aspires to become a writer, narrates in his own inimitable style that combines wit with profundity and that is both personal and relatable. The novel not only keeps people entertained but also helps them contemplate on how valuable friendships and accompanying people are and how they can contribute to our lives without us even expecting this. The book is full of colorful settings and mixes humor with philosophy to create a poignant, and at the same time heart warming journey.

[Archi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of this novel is the ease with which the ordinary occurrences and deep thoughts are intertwined. The author provides a vivid picture whether it is the coffee at a balcony or temple rituals or a visit to the beaches of Goa. Being of an everyday nature these experiences are underlaid with meaning, making the narrative complex and engrossing. The dialogues between Sujoy, Anuj, and Rakesh are very real with a lot of bantering and ribbing, and a heart warming affection. The narrative at its essence underlines the idea of how sometimes some individuals come into our lives unintentionally but make an indelible impression. It is a subtle reminder that the presence of friends and time together can help even the most difficult problems become thoughtful experiences.

[Ayush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason” is a book touching at the heart level as well as philosophically. Shravan Kanalli writes pretty straightforward yet with quite an effect, balancing comedy and introspection and descriptive writing. The differences between the three friends Sujoy and his laziness, Anuj and his frustrations and Rakesh and his will also to succeed make the story appealing. There is lyrical quality to the reading experience, brought about by the poetic verses interwoven in the narrative. It is more than a story of friendship, but of how these encounters define character and sense of purpose. The novel makes the reader feel warm, nostalgic and grateful to the someone who makes life meaningful.

[Rashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody For Some Reason by Shravan Kanalli is a deep rooted mixture of humour, friendship and self realization. The plot consists of the story of three friends Sujoy, Anuj, and Rakesh as they struggle in the ambiguities of life with their individual characters. The book is full of life because of the witty narration of Sujoy, who balances procrastination and creativity. Anuj and Rakesh have their frustrations and determination which makes their journey more three-dimensional. Their relationship is organic and easy to identify with. The most notable features of the book are the poetic interludes and vivid settings. Coffee moments, visits to the temple, all ordinary experiences are given meaning. It is a touching and involving novel.

[Ujjawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel brings out the spirit of friendship and development in the light of daily struggles. The three characters, Sujoy, Anuj, and Rakesh are three facets of youth, ambition, confusion, and procrastination. Their dialogues present some form of humour alongside inner sentiments. The descriptive writing by the author takes the readers to Bengaluru balconies and Goa temples. Every scene is very immersive, setting the tone and atmosphere of the story. Minor things make something endearing and genuine. The style of the author combines the narration with the reflection. The message of the transformation of how someone defies our expectations about our lives touches a chord. It is a down to earth and relevant story of the students and young adults.

[Kaju · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deep Treatise of the Voyage of Life. This book beautifully crosses the contours of life joy that is mixed up with a touch of grief, pain that is sweetened with pleasure. With the artful blend of tales of love, laughter and heartbreak, Shravan Kanalli manages to show how some people have a great influence in our lives. His prose is moving and inspirational. A Self Discovery Book to Read.
Shravan Kanalli makes the readers think about their relationship and experiences by telling a story of a young couple in a colorful way. This book led me to reconsider what is really important to the people that we know and love. A thought provoking and poignant read that will not fade after the last page is read.

[Mantu · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, this novel? It’s basically a slice of real life, but way more interesting than my commute. You’ve got Sujoy, this wannabe writer, dealing with his own stuff, Anuj’s got his drama, and Rakesh is just stubborn as heck. They’re all heading different directions, but their friendship ties it all together, kinda like duct tape for the soul. The writing’s smoot —nothing pretentious, just easy going, with a splash of humor here and there. There’s coffee, temples, beaches like, you can almost taste the filter coffee. What I loved is how it hammers home that people can totally flip your world upside down in a good way obviously. If you’re in college or just trying to adult, give this one a shot.

[Shikhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason is a beautiful piece of work that brings the meaning of friendships, struggles of life and unforeseen relations. The author Shravan Kanalli balances out humor, emotions, and philosophical overtones as Sujoy, Anuj and Rakesh traverse through their journey. The language is interesting, rich descriptions where the city of Bengaluru and Goa come to life. The characters are quite relatable, and the internal struggles of a would-be writer are a highlight to Sujoy. The book is about friendship but also about finding meaning in people and moments that make our life. It is really sincere and cool.

[Prashu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The style of storytelling by Shravan Kanalli is elementary, yet philosophical. The excursion of Sujoy, Anuj and Rakesh signifies the sweet sour realities of growing up dreams, failures, and friendship. The narration is well balanced between humor and emotion and it connects with the readers without effort. The poetic reflection is what is outstanding as it adds a depth to the prose. The settings of Goa and temple description can truly make the reader feel part of the world of the characters. is a nice read that will have you thinking about that special somebody you never expected to make a difference to your life.

[Uttam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is humorous, philosophical and realistic. The narrator, Sujoy, incorporates witty remarks as well as reflective ones, which makes the storytelling interesting and subjective. His conflict between writing and academics seems quite real.
The camaraderie of the three characters has been displayed in a friendly way. Their differences in terms of ambition, laziness, confusion resemble the diversity of people in our lives. This mundane life, the banal sips of coffee, trips to temples or a visit to the ocean are transformed into a significant insight, which is memorable about the book. The author makes you reflect on those people who create an impression on us.

[Ganjani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason is not only the narrative of three friends but an insight into how people make our path. Shravan Kanalli writes simply and in an engaging way and his observations are familiar to life.
The aesthetic descriptions of the Goa setting and the temples are quite realistic and absorbing, luring the readers into the mood. In the meantime, the dialogue between Anuj, Rakesh, and Sujoy is light hearted and counterbalances the serious motives and insecurity.
The mixture of narrative, poetry and emotion gives a meaningful and yet entertaining story. A warm relatable book that makes an impact.

[Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody Some Reason is not just a story of three friends- it is about how people make indelible marks in our lives. The core of the story is the life of Sujoy as an upcoming writer. We can yearn with his struggles, as Anuj and Rakesh balance out with their own struggles. The joking between the three characters is entertaining and touching, as this humor makes the story light and emotional at the same time.
The combination of the story telling and poetry makes the book unique. Even the simplest moments of the writing by Shravan Kanalli are memorable. A heartwarming, contemplative novel that sits with you once you are done.

[Shaam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beautiful Complexity of Life revealed in this book. The writing of Shravan Kanalli is a hug for the soul. This book is about the beauty and the intricacy of life and the balance and conflict of joy and loss, love and heartbreak. He beautifully makes us aware that each of the people we encounter leaves an indelible mark.
A lovely ode to human connection. By his tales, he celebrates the beauty of relationships in changing our lives. This book made my heart warm and I started to value every moment that I spent with my loved ones. A beautiful and heartwarming story that will touch any reader who makes human connection.

[Betu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason is a masterpiece of story telling and self examination. The writing style of Shravan Kanalli is beautiful and touching, not to mention the challenging questions they make the reader think about. It is a love letter to human life, broken, delicate, and stunningly beautiful. A Celebration of precious moments in life. Through his writing, he helped me to be more mindful and to enjoy the present moment more and to maintain meaningful relationships. This book has brought me back to the fact that life is beautiful in its flaws and uncertainties. A beautiful read that will remain in me forever.

[Bhalu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel by Shravan Kanalli is interesting, yet, the plot is rather descriptive rather than dynamic. It is a beautiful piece of writing but some of the passages could have been shortened to keep the momentum. The comedy is fine but the mixture of light and philosophy is sometimes a bit unbalanced. The narration by Sujoy is prevalent and the other two characters, Anuj and Rakesh remain in the periphery. Exploring the viewpoints of the characters more deeply would have added more to the plot. Nonetheless, such a theme as friendship and unexpected connections is strong, making the book promising and one that can be refined.

[Sanju · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book manages to combine poetry, humor, and the art of telling a story, but here and there the shifts can seem sudden. The descriptive style of Shravan Kanalli is powerful and sometimes it dominates the storyline making the narrative to take a tangent. The character of Sujoy is lively, but Anuj and Rakesh could have been fleshed out a little bit further. The friendship aspect is very realistic, and the conflict or growth points could have been made more prominent. On the whole, it is a well intended effort that strikes an emotional chord, but a little work on structure and pacing would add more power to the story.

[Alankrit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel is a wonderful read as it brings out the complications of student life and what students think and feel. The character of Sujoy is a mixed one and is both a failure and a role model, he is a creative person but procrastinates. Anuj and Rakesh create contrast, showing different directions in life. The author makes an ordinary moment such as coffee break or visit to temple, through her descriptive style, alive with meaning and depth. The friendship comics are natural, and they counter the more serious emotions. In spite of the slowing in pace in certain parts, the heart of the story comes through. A moving, realistic read that is easy to relate to by both young adults and older.

[Mansi Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody Some Reason is not only about three friends but how people leave an imprint in our lives. The style in which the author Shravan Kanalli writes is simple, poetic and emotionally appealing.
The writing style with the narrative voice of Sujoy is captivating and the dialogues between the three protagonists depict the meaning of friendship. The descriptions of Goa and Bengaluru are very colourful and offer a lot of cultural depth and setting. The message of the novel remains clear despite the fact that some parts are long. It is an emotional, touching tale, which many readers will identify with.

[Adesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason by Shravan Kanalli is a thoughtfully crafted narrative that focuses on friendship, ambition and how the other figures in our lives subtly shape us. The characters reflect on a variety of struggles that young adults would relate to such as procrastination to discipline. The style of prose author uses to describe the scenes of Bengaluru and Goa is authentic and creates the image of the places with much accuracy, and his reflective tone helps to draw deeper conclusions. Though often the pacing is rather weak, the novel manages to depict the intricacies of personal evolution and friendship.

[Sujal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Shravan Kanalli sets a very balanced story that describes the mood of youthful emotions and confusion. The relationship among the three leading characters is believable and expresses both conflict and friendship. Shravan Kanalli has a descriptive style that is sometimes elaborate thus enriching the cultural and geographical settings of the novel. The use of poetry in the prose introduces a different voice thereby giving depth to the experiences of the characters.
Overall, the book provides a compelling vision of personal development, which is why it is enjoyable to people interested in the genre of thought provoking contemporary fiction.

[Anandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shravan Kanalli really knows how to dive into the weird, wonderful messiness of friendship. Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason is basically a group chat in novel form lots of laughs, a few hard truths, and those moments that hit you right in the gut. Sujoy’s the kind of narrator you want to grab a coffee with awkward, honest, and surprisingly funny. Anuj and Rakesh? Total opposites but it works. The book bounces between chill Bengaluru evenings and wild Goa adventures, and the poetry sprinkled in? Sometimes slows things down, but honestly, it gives the story some soul. Makes you think about those random people who end up changing your whole vibe.

[Manish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason hits different if you’ve ever tried juggling dreams, classes, and friendships without losing your mind. Sujoy’s narration swings from hilarious to deep in a heartbeat, and his friends ,Anuj’s got that “why isn’t life easier?” vibe, while Rakesh is pure ambition, makes a solid squad. The author’s writing writing is so immersive, you’ll swear you can feel the heat of a Bengaluru afternoon. Yeah, sometimes it gets a bit wordy, but the sincerity makes up for it. The poetry literally adds a nice punch of emotion. If you’ve ever wondered how certain people end up mattering so much, this book gets it.

[Payal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes Somebody for Some Reason just nails that whole friendship vibe. You’ve got Sujoy, Anuj, and Rakesh—each one totally different, but when they’re together? Magic. They bicker, they laugh, they have those weirdly honest chats that only real friends pull off. Seriously, I could hear their voices in my head. Felt like I was crashing their group chat.
Bengaluru and Goa get a shoutout too, and not just as some boring backdrop. You can totally picture the places. And the poems—didn’t expect those, but hey, they hit different. Okay, sometimes there’s a bit too much “let me describe every little thing,” but whatever, it’s still a chill, relatable read. Worth picking up, honestly.

[Vini Shahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta say, this book’s got a cool mix one minute you’re laughing at some silly exchange, next thing you know, you’re hit with a line of poetry that makes you pause. Sujoy’s a dreamer but also kinda lost, which honestly, who isn’t? Anuj and Rakesh balance him out, bringing in all the classic student chaos. Their convos? Top tier. Super relatable.
But it’s not just fluff. There are bits that make you stop and think like, maybe you should call that old friend. The language isn’t trying too hard it just flows. By the end, you’re left thinking, “Dang, meeting the right folks really does mess with your story, huh?”. An absolute good read.

[Sameera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book? Low key, it’s a hug in paperback form. It’s about friendship, chasing big dreams, and figuring out who you even are. Each of the three main characters is dealing with their own mess, but somehow, together, it just… works. Their connection feels real, not forced.
The way places and feelings are described? Loved that. The poems sneak up on you and suddenly everything feels deeper. Yeah, okay, some parts drag a bit, but the message. Its solid. It’s a sweet reminder that people come into your life for a reason even if that reason is just to make things a little less boring. Definitely a feel good read.