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Never Gone
Siddharth and Veera have a connection they refuse to acknowledge. There is more to Kavya than her snooty social-butterfly act. Mahir is the heartbroken heartbreaker.
Aslesha has built all her friendships on a foundation of lies. Nikhil has spent his entire life learning how to shut people out.
All Aakash wants is a second chance. And then there's Ananya. The one who was born to raise hell and change the world.
Aslesha has built all her friendships on a foundation of lies. Nikhil has spent his entire life learning how to shut people out.
All Aakash wants is a second chance. And then there's Ananya. The one who was born to raise hell and change the world.
264 pages, Paperback
Published September 7, 2016
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116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 29, 2016
A very modestly well written young adult book, that revolves around the high school life. Took me back to the time of class 11th and 12th and unlike my expectations of it being cheesy, it was subtle in its approach towards love, and emphasized on the very strong base of friendship. Friendship that really never goes away, that stays in the heart and warms you from within, becoming your strength, with every step forward you take in your life. but overall I enjoyed it quite a lot, go back to the carefree innocence of late teens, and a feel good, read. Also, great for coming out of a reading slump. Worked like a charm for me :)
May 18, 2021
I have lost the number of times I have reread this book. Last year, was my 5th read I guess?
I don't rate a book 5 stars easily nor do I write reviews, but never gone? All words elude me, when I sit to write down about how much it made me feel.
This book is more like an emotion to me, written down in sophisticated ink.
It's like a roller coaster of emotions and I found myself weirdly attached to Ananya and Veera.
Maybe because, I guess I am like them. I try to find myself in the book characters when I read and this was the closest any book came, in which I could see my reflection in.
I remember it clear as sky, the emotions I felt reading the book. The breathtaking characters and scenes, it was like I was right there with Ananya, watching this beautiful story unfurl in its simple yet beautiful colours.
And boy do I wish all of it were real? The characters, every single one of them, felt as real to me, like me. I can't ever forget this, it's like my secret book which I don't wanna share with anyone and just swim in it whenever I feel unhappy.
Many thanks, to the author, for giving me a book I could cherish and love forever.
If I had to say which book feels like home to you? This would be the closest to it. My sweet little secret haven.
I don't rate a book 5 stars easily nor do I write reviews, but never gone? All words elude me, when I sit to write down about how much it made me feel.
This book is more like an emotion to me, written down in sophisticated ink.
It's like a roller coaster of emotions and I found myself weirdly attached to Ananya and Veera.
Maybe because, I guess I am like them. I try to find myself in the book characters when I read and this was the closest any book came, in which I could see my reflection in.
I remember it clear as sky, the emotions I felt reading the book. The breathtaking characters and scenes, it was like I was right there with Ananya, watching this beautiful story unfurl in its simple yet beautiful colours.
And boy do I wish all of it were real? The characters, every single one of them, felt as real to me, like me. I can't ever forget this, it's like my secret book which I don't wanna share with anyone and just swim in it whenever I feel unhappy.
Many thanks, to the author, for giving me a book I could cherish and love forever.
If I had to say which book feels like home to you? This would be the closest to it. My sweet little secret haven.
February 22, 2017
Never Gone is a story of a group of young adult friends dealing with their adolescent life. From education to relationships, this group of friends tends to take on everything head on and live life to the fullest. Like in any group, each person has their individual identity and role to play. They hold each other up, make fun of each other, fight and make up. For young adult readers it would be like seeing their own friendships and issues being talked about in the book. For readers of my age, who has already outgrown that period of their life, this book is certain to make them feel nostalgic about their own lives.
Anusha has written a book that brings several characters alive through the pages. The nuances of each character and their camaraderie really liven up the story. Each relationship explored in the book is different from the other as are the individuals involved in it. The characters and situations feel pretty real and easy to relate to. The plot line is pretty straightforward and there are no twists that will take you by surprise. The narrative is kept light and fun keeping in tune with the story.
My only problem with the book lies in its ending. Books of this genre usually deals with reality more than anything else. While every other aspect of the book was kept real, the author has given this book more of a fairy tale ending. In life there are broken hearts and unresolved issues that people need to deal with. In this book however, everyone seem to find their happily ever after which felt very clichéd and spoiled the ending for me.
http://www.ddsreviews.in/2016/12/neve...
Anusha has written a book that brings several characters alive through the pages. The nuances of each character and their camaraderie really liven up the story. Each relationship explored in the book is different from the other as are the individuals involved in it. The characters and situations feel pretty real and easy to relate to. The plot line is pretty straightforward and there are no twists that will take you by surprise. The narrative is kept light and fun keeping in tune with the story.
My only problem with the book lies in its ending. Books of this genre usually deals with reality more than anything else. While every other aspect of the book was kept real, the author has given this book more of a fairy tale ending. In life there are broken hearts and unresolved issues that people need to deal with. In this book however, everyone seem to find their happily ever after which felt very clichéd and spoiled the ending for me.
http://www.ddsreviews.in/2016/12/neve...
February 9, 2017
Never Gone is the best Young Adult novel I have read after The Fault in Our Star by John Green. It's a brilliantly written novel portraying the life of eight high school friends. The book depicts the real essence of friendship.
It is not like most of the books in this genre where characters are boozing and sleeping around. But it is all about friends and companionship, make-ups and break-ups, supporting and understanding.
While school life is all about friendship, in high school friendship enters a next level when one of your friends becomes the most special person among other which could be called first crush. Through her characters, Anusha has beautifully portrayed this transition.
There are so many characters in the book and their stories running in parallel it could have turned out to be a very complicated plot. But Anusha has managed it well. The plot was uncluttered and every character find their space and deserved importance in the plot.
It is a must read novel. It will make you nostalgic about your own school days and one will definitely recall his or her first crush.
Follow the link to read the full review
http://thebookworld.org/never-gone-an...
It is not like most of the books in this genre where characters are boozing and sleeping around. But it is all about friends and companionship, make-ups and break-ups, supporting and understanding.
While school life is all about friendship, in high school friendship enters a next level when one of your friends becomes the most special person among other which could be called first crush. Through her characters, Anusha has beautifully portrayed this transition.
There are so many characters in the book and their stories running in parallel it could have turned out to be a very complicated plot. But Anusha has managed it well. The plot was uncluttered and every character find their space and deserved importance in the plot.
It is a must read novel. It will make you nostalgic about your own school days and one will definitely recall his or her first crush.
Follow the link to read the full review
http://thebookworld.org/never-gone-an...
October 15, 2016
A solid four "Can't we rebel within the limits of the school regulations ?" stars !
and AAKASH , honey that defeats the purpose of rebelling ..
I know it would sound naive to say that this book was absolutely what you are looking for in a read. I never even expected my participation in this task for the sole reason that I tend to stay away from the YA's. But it happened and man... I am happy that it did.
"Never gone " is not perfect and the characters may seem a bit mature for their age but not even in the least far fetched !
The beauty of the book is that although the circumstances differ drastically , it is somehow to its very core, relatable.
I paused for about a hundred times to flash back to my days as a school student and dayummmmnnn ....to see those emotions penned down so wisely !
I don't do spoilers so only thing I am going to reveal is that it is journey not only for the characters but for the reader. You will find yourself in the deep epiphanies of recognition and a well woven nexus of friendship which will develop to be more !
You will laugh at the things that you wish you also could have done ...
You will hide your face at the things that you may have done...
In the end,
you will find peace !
and AAKASH , honey that defeats the purpose of rebelling ..
I know it would sound naive to say that this book was absolutely what you are looking for in a read. I never even expected my participation in this task for the sole reason that I tend to stay away from the YA's. But it happened and man... I am happy that it did.
"Never gone " is not perfect and the characters may seem a bit mature for their age but not even in the least far fetched !
The beauty of the book is that although the circumstances differ drastically , it is somehow to its very core, relatable.
I paused for about a hundred times to flash back to my days as a school student and dayummmmnnn ....to see those emotions penned down so wisely !
I don't do spoilers so only thing I am going to reveal is that it is journey not only for the characters but for the reader. You will find yourself in the deep epiphanies of recognition and a well woven nexus of friendship which will develop to be more !
You will laugh at the things that you wish you also could have done ...
You will hide your face at the things that you may have done...
In the end,
you will find peace !
November 19, 2016
Review - Never Gone: Nostalgic…Back To ‘Bachchpan’
Do you remember that feeling, when you had your first crush back in good old school days? Or, the days you spent trying to impress your love interest? This book will transport you back to those wonderful days – school days. At least this is what it did to me. It took me back to the days of learning and comprehending emotions such as feelings, emotions, love, friendship, companionship, sympathy, empathy, trust, happiness, sorrow, jealousy, hatred, revenge and the list is endless.
I have completed my education in co-ed school and college and very closely witnessed love stories bloom and relationship break. I could completely identify with the story, plot, the setup and the characters. I loved the way the characterization has been done and the flash backs described.
Never Gone is about eight friends studying in class XIth. One of them Ananya, who is sort of a binding vine for all the other seven, succumbs to a fatal disease. The loss is terrible for all, as they all had individual memories and experiences of life time with Ananya. Even after her death, Ananya doesn’t leave her friends alone… no it’s not a spooky or a horror story… but in form of letters she had written for her friends, she helps them overcome their personal struggles and become better people.
And believe me, in those 7 letters, there is definitely one for you. (I found the one for me ;) )
The author, barely a 16 year of Anusha, has delivered a masterpiece which will connect with readers of every age. The phase and events and challenges described in the book -you are probably experiencing it at present or have already been though it in the past or your future will certainly make you live it.
It’s a beautiful read and you wouldn’t want to not re-live the beautiful school days, by not reading this book.
I received this book for an unbiased review.
Do you remember that feeling, when you had your first crush back in good old school days? Or, the days you spent trying to impress your love interest? This book will transport you back to those wonderful days – school days. At least this is what it did to me. It took me back to the days of learning and comprehending emotions such as feelings, emotions, love, friendship, companionship, sympathy, empathy, trust, happiness, sorrow, jealousy, hatred, revenge and the list is endless.
I have completed my education in co-ed school and college and very closely witnessed love stories bloom and relationship break. I could completely identify with the story, plot, the setup and the characters. I loved the way the characterization has been done and the flash backs described.
Never Gone is about eight friends studying in class XIth. One of them Ananya, who is sort of a binding vine for all the other seven, succumbs to a fatal disease. The loss is terrible for all, as they all had individual memories and experiences of life time with Ananya. Even after her death, Ananya doesn’t leave her friends alone… no it’s not a spooky or a horror story… but in form of letters she had written for her friends, she helps them overcome their personal struggles and become better people.
And believe me, in those 7 letters, there is definitely one for you. (I found the one for me ;) )
The author, barely a 16 year of Anusha, has delivered a masterpiece which will connect with readers of every age. The phase and events and challenges described in the book -you are probably experiencing it at present or have already been though it in the past or your future will certainly make you live it.
It’s a beautiful read and you wouldn’t want to not re-live the beautiful school days, by not reading this book.
I received this book for an unbiased review.
November 9, 2016
This novel is based on the life of a bunch of teenagers who grew up together.This story accurately describes how friends grow closer together or grow apart with time.Each character with their positive qualities and flaws is going to touch you deeply with each passing page. Although I am not much in young adult novels specially written by Indian authors because of their incorrect portrayal of today's generation but I liked this one. It struck me as a western story in an Indian setup and characters. I have never seen teenagers acting that maturely or speaking with that much humor and wit as depicted in this novel. Ananya's death makes a profound impact on every single one of her friends.Even after her death Ananya remains in her friend's lives and with her letters which weren't meant to be read by anyone, changed their lives and brought them all close again. Filled with nostalgia, longing for their dead friend ,this story will wreck your heart. Very skillfully written heart touching novel.
October 30, 2017
Good writing. Its a story of friends,relationships, how teenagers deal with situations, love, loss of dear ones. We all have that one friend who balances all the other friends and is a common favorite. This one is for that one friend. Here the friend dies but she has written down something for each of her friends. How her friends read, learn and react forms the crux of the story.
I liked the way she does justice to all the characters and none of them look out of place.
Their trials and turbulence's are showcased by the author well without overdoing it. I would recommend the new youth to read and learn. Perfect for teenagers who coming of age would instantly connect to this story. Very subtle yet strong and yes, something that talks other than drinking and sleeping around.
A very mature read. Keep up the great work author. Looking for more good work from you.
I liked the way she does justice to all the characters and none of them look out of place.
Their trials and turbulence's are showcased by the author well without overdoing it. I would recommend the new youth to read and learn. Perfect for teenagers who coming of age would instantly connect to this story. Very subtle yet strong and yes, something that talks other than drinking and sleeping around.
A very mature read. Keep up the great work author. Looking for more good work from you.
Read
August 7, 2019This book is so different from other romantic novels and truly showcases the reality of love, friendship and being the best and truest version of yourself. This book really means a lot to me and Veera is genuinely my spirit animal.
November 3, 2017
an awesome book.....just love it <3
September 4, 2018
For young writer its 5 star n for her effort...
December 30, 2016
Name of the book: Never Gone
Name of the Author: Anusha Subramanian
Publisher: Penguin Books by Penguin Random House India 2016
ISBN: 9780143424963
Price: Rs.299
Pages: 268
Before writing about the book, it is important to mention here that the author is one of the youngest published authors in India. She was 15 while penning this tale. Also, she happens to be the daughter of banker-turned-writer Ravi Subramanian, who at 36 wrote his first book ‘If God was a banker’ and more recently, ‘The Bestseller She Wrote’.
Coming to the book, considering the author’s age and experiences till now, it’s a reflection of new-age school kids on the cusp of being adults – their friendships, relations with parents, their fears for the future and so much more. For elders, reading the book would be like revisiting the school days with its own share of fun and frolic tinged with board exam stress.
For young adults, this could be an intense ‘thought synthesiser’ thanks to the ways of dealing with certain circumstances by the characters of the story.
Teenage can be a very delicate time of life with hormones raging and with that we find ourselves raging at the drop of a hat. On top of that, consider losing a friend overnight, without goodbyes. It’s not a fight but a death that claims that friend. This is a tale of eight school friends with their fair share of fights, face-offs, jealousy and that strange thing called friendship, which surprisingly soothes the spasm caused by all three.
Losing a dear one at any point of life can turn one’s life upside down. Here, it shows how these friends cope up with such a tragedy amidst simmering tensions in the atmosphere thanks to that so-called life threatening, life-changing, approaching phenomenon called “the board examination”. Considering that the author herself is in the midst of such an atmosphere, she has deftly recreated such a situation, of course with her imagination doing further justice to the plot.
Finding letters written by a dead person for each friend -- thinking it would not be discovered -- can be like holding on to the last breathing piece that carries a part of the person when life was in full bloom for that one and when death seemed like a distant acquaintance who might not think of coming anytime soon.
Even though the characters seemed too many in the beginning and their issues frivolous at times, the author has managed to equally treat all her characters effectively to bring back some memories of school life where friendships ruled supreme and apprehensions about the future -- no matter how many -- seemed subliminal as compared to the now “trivial” matters that swirled all around then.
Also, the plot which does seem too fairytale-like during some instances, is grounded and full of charms of teenage – replete with humour and drama.
Considering the author’s way of thinking, i.e. ‘why wait for someone else to do it when you can write your own fairy tale?’ it definitely is a good attempt at one.
Overall, it’s an entertaining book for young adults that could also serve as a bible to put certain traits formed while growing up into a better perspective for all. Adults might find it frivolous at times but it promises to ruffle some pages from one’s past for sure and bring back fuzzy, warm memories from an era preserved in the recesses of one’s mind.
-Divya Nambiar
Name of the Author: Anusha Subramanian
Publisher: Penguin Books by Penguin Random House India 2016
ISBN: 9780143424963
Price: Rs.299
Pages: 268
Before writing about the book, it is important to mention here that the author is one of the youngest published authors in India. She was 15 while penning this tale. Also, she happens to be the daughter of banker-turned-writer Ravi Subramanian, who at 36 wrote his first book ‘If God was a banker’ and more recently, ‘The Bestseller She Wrote’.
Coming to the book, considering the author’s age and experiences till now, it’s a reflection of new-age school kids on the cusp of being adults – their friendships, relations with parents, their fears for the future and so much more. For elders, reading the book would be like revisiting the school days with its own share of fun and frolic tinged with board exam stress.
For young adults, this could be an intense ‘thought synthesiser’ thanks to the ways of dealing with certain circumstances by the characters of the story.
Teenage can be a very delicate time of life with hormones raging and with that we find ourselves raging at the drop of a hat. On top of that, consider losing a friend overnight, without goodbyes. It’s not a fight but a death that claims that friend. This is a tale of eight school friends with their fair share of fights, face-offs, jealousy and that strange thing called friendship, which surprisingly soothes the spasm caused by all three.
Losing a dear one at any point of life can turn one’s life upside down. Here, it shows how these friends cope up with such a tragedy amidst simmering tensions in the atmosphere thanks to that so-called life threatening, life-changing, approaching phenomenon called “the board examination”. Considering that the author herself is in the midst of such an atmosphere, she has deftly recreated such a situation, of course with her imagination doing further justice to the plot.
Finding letters written by a dead person for each friend -- thinking it would not be discovered -- can be like holding on to the last breathing piece that carries a part of the person when life was in full bloom for that one and when death seemed like a distant acquaintance who might not think of coming anytime soon.
Even though the characters seemed too many in the beginning and their issues frivolous at times, the author has managed to equally treat all her characters effectively to bring back some memories of school life where friendships ruled supreme and apprehensions about the future -- no matter how many -- seemed subliminal as compared to the now “trivial” matters that swirled all around then.
Also, the plot which does seem too fairytale-like during some instances, is grounded and full of charms of teenage – replete with humour and drama.
Considering the author’s way of thinking, i.e. ‘why wait for someone else to do it when you can write your own fairy tale?’ it definitely is a good attempt at one.
Overall, it’s an entertaining book for young adults that could also serve as a bible to put certain traits formed while growing up into a better perspective for all. Adults might find it frivolous at times but it promises to ruffle some pages from one’s past for sure and bring back fuzzy, warm memories from an era preserved in the recesses of one’s mind.
-Divya Nambiar
February 16, 2017
Cliché, but amusing nevertheless.
October 14, 2016
I sincerely thank Penguin publications for sending me this amazing book. They say never judge a book by it's cover,but most of the time we do judge it. The cover was so cool and it was one of the features which pulled me into reading it. The others being the name and the short description on the back.I spent wee hours in the morning reading this book as I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to discover what goes on and that's what left me awake.Never gone is a fantastic read and it gives us serious gang goals too... Gave me a crazy idea of putting up some letters for my friends too :D I simply loved it.. Thanks again
October 21, 2016
Never Gone's whole story revolves around seven school friends. It has reminded me of my schooldays, how we used to tease and irritate each other. Author also used a lot of schooltime dialogues, the dialogue which amused me a lot is "Can't we rebel within the limits of the school regulations ?" (LOL)
The storybis perfect blend of emotions. Also I liked the way of narration.
This somehow explains the values to live life happily such as being oneself(don't try to be differemt with different people), hear voice of your conscience, be confident, be optimistic and find your love.
All in all a great book to read.
The storybis perfect blend of emotions. Also I liked the way of narration.
This somehow explains the values to live life happily such as being oneself(don't try to be differemt with different people), hear voice of your conscience, be confident, be optimistic and find your love.
All in all a great book to read.
December 31, 2016
Never Gone, a novel of young friends Anusha, Ananya, Nikhil, Mahir, Siddharth, Veera, Kavya and Aslesha who deal with love, break – ups, disappointments, dreams, friendship etc.
The various characters in the book have their point of views with a tragic event that takes place. It impact it has on their friendships and how the group decides to cope and move ahead. All in all the book is about friendship and moving ahead.
Young adults would enjoy this book. The author being young (only 16) has well for her debut book. I won this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway. Thanks to the author and Goodreads.
The various characters in the book have their point of views with a tragic event that takes place. It impact it has on their friendships and how the group decides to cope and move ahead. All in all the book is about friendship and moving ahead.
Young adults would enjoy this book. The author being young (only 16) has well for her debut book. I won this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway. Thanks to the author and Goodreads.
December 27, 2016
One of the good debut by an Indian author I have read this year. It is a story of a group of friends in junior college. They've been togehter since school and have shared life experiences; it is how they cope and go through life after loosing one of the group members. Full review on the Blog: http://wp.me/p6THg1-dx
October 12, 2017
Beautifully written. The author writes in a way that enables the reader to visualise each scene of the book. The story and concept of the book is also very interesting. A light, fun read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews