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Teenage Diaries The Days That Were
"How about bunking the next class and rushing to the cricket field and while you are at it, planting a bomb in the toilet?" Wait, what the hell am I asking you to do with deadlines to catch on!? But allow me to take you down the forgotten memory lanes and remind you of the times when...
You had a fit of breathlessness in front of your crush,
When FLAMES said marriage, you couldn't help but blush.
Blank calls played Morse codes,
Two meant - you missed her loads.
You were clumsy as shit, because her presence was sublime,
But after your break-up, crying became your favorite pastime.
You bunked the classes and said - 'Let the studies rot!'
But you never missed Kiran ma'am's class, 'coz she was pretty hot!;)
Cricket brought you glory,
And planting a bomb in school changed your story.
Life screwed you over and killed your spirit,
But you're glad that you anyway did it.
Told from the eyes of an Indian middle-class teenager, this story will make you wonder what you would have done if you were named Ghanshyam and were born a pessimistic nerd, while your optimistic best friend believed in unicorns and utopia! And to add to your woes, what if you fell in love with the most beautiful girl of your school? Wouldn't you then wait for a miracle to happen?
Well, what if that miracle happened?
You had a fit of breathlessness in front of your crush,
When FLAMES said marriage, you couldn't help but blush.
Blank calls played Morse codes,
Two meant - you missed her loads.
You were clumsy as shit, because her presence was sublime,
But after your break-up, crying became your favorite pastime.
You bunked the classes and said - 'Let the studies rot!'
But you never missed Kiran ma'am's class, 'coz she was pretty hot!;)
Cricket brought you glory,
And planting a bomb in school changed your story.
Life screwed you over and killed your spirit,
But you're glad that you anyway did it.
Told from the eyes of an Indian middle-class teenager, this story will make you wonder what you would have done if you were named Ghanshyam and were born a pessimistic nerd, while your optimistic best friend believed in unicorns and utopia! And to add to your woes, what if you fell in love with the most beautiful girl of your school? Wouldn't you then wait for a miracle to happen?
Well, what if that miracle happened?
- GenresIndian Literature
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2016
13 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Saurabh Sharma
1 book13 followersBeing born in a middle class family has its own perks and limitations. The biggest perk is that one will be able to complete his engineering and MBA and the biggest limitation is that one will have to complete his engineering and MBA. Saurabh sharma, being a middle-class boy from Baroda, did his engineering from NIT, Allahabad and MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Currently an Associate Director at Flipkart, in his free time, he loves to write, play tennis and strum guitar. His debut novel is a tribute to some of the truly amazing friendships that he has developed over the years. His penchant for storytelling has led to his witty writing style, which has got rave reviews from across. He is currently staying in Bangalore with his wife and is giving finishing touches to his 2nd novel, which will be a sequel to Teenage diaries. You can reach out to him on Facebook, via mail at storytellersaurabh@gmail.com or via twitter @Storybazsaurabh
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 28, 2018
Exactly one month back we reviewed a book Blemishing the Odds, which was based on school life of Raghav. "Teenage Diaries - The Days That Were" was another nostalgic story of young boys in their teenage. Story made me feel that it's a Chetan Bhagat version for school going kids.
Book covers story of Ghanshyam aka GK, a boy from middle class family. His childhood was bullied by kids of his age due to his old fashioned name Ghanshyam. His friend Vikram was only life line he had. A girl named Aneya entered in his life in 8th std. They had feelings for each other, but due to some guys they got separated. Separation was very stressful for Ghanshyam. He barely passed 9th in the shock. To get girl out of his mind he took study as mission, and topped state board.
He entered in 11th with heavy hope. He met new friends in 11th standard. Arman and Sabu (I am not able to recall his name) had changed GK and Vikram's life completely. With high class lifestyle, Armaan had brought many changes in the duo's life. They did all misadventure possible during school. Duo was able to stand against bullies with help of new friends. Though they might have learnt many philosophical concept during this period, they fell for wrong habits possible for the age. But a shocking loss they incurred after six-seven months was too high for them. It has changed them for good.
Things that I liked about book
1) Nostalgic mentions of FLAMES, bunks, bullies
2) Hindi Poems & Shayaris
The only thing that I didn't like is too much smoking & drinking sequences(considering genre I found it too much)
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.com/2017/0...
Book covers story of Ghanshyam aka GK, a boy from middle class family. His childhood was bullied by kids of his age due to his old fashioned name Ghanshyam. His friend Vikram was only life line he had. A girl named Aneya entered in his life in 8th std. They had feelings for each other, but due to some guys they got separated. Separation was very stressful for Ghanshyam. He barely passed 9th in the shock. To get girl out of his mind he took study as mission, and topped state board.
He entered in 11th with heavy hope. He met new friends in 11th standard. Arman and Sabu (I am not able to recall his name) had changed GK and Vikram's life completely. With high class lifestyle, Armaan had brought many changes in the duo's life. They did all misadventure possible during school. Duo was able to stand against bullies with help of new friends. Though they might have learnt many philosophical concept during this period, they fell for wrong habits possible for the age. But a shocking loss they incurred after six-seven months was too high for them. It has changed them for good.
Things that I liked about book
1) Nostalgic mentions of FLAMES, bunks, bullies
2) Hindi Poems & Shayaris
The only thing that I didn't like is too much smoking & drinking sequences(considering genre I found it too much)
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.com/2017/0...
April 10, 2017
What is so special about teen age? Why do we recall this period of life more than any other time of our life? Will I cherish my teen age memories with same fervor when I will turn sixty?
All these questions were emanating from within me when I was reading this first person narration of Ghanshyam, the narrator of this "Teenage Diaries: The days that were."
While reading this I contemplated two virtues that are usually carried forward from our childhood to our adolescence; first, 'dreams unfilled with fear ' and second, 'Ignorance filled with innocence'. Somehow during those very fragile and flimsy years of teenage, our dreams get elements of fear, probably for the first time, facing the scratchy surface of reality and the wisdom of new born adult fantasies perhaps smashes our innocent ignorance. We move to an obscured slippery path, stumble there, slide there, fall badly some time, come out strongly some other time. This way, on completing this period, on the verge of teenage, we become more wise ….Or probably we remain foolish !...Yes?….No?….I really don’t know !
This book portrays the same thing. Nothing new !
It's about the teenage crushes, breakups, fun fairs, school friendship, fights, study, board exams, first kisses, first physical intimacies,family expectations and everything that happens in the life of a teenager everywhere. What else can you find in teenage diaries? ...but it also includes a little glamour and sadness towards the end which is not usually common in all such teenage lives.
Ghanshyam born and brought up in Baroda will take you to his teenage world with all the possible silliness and fantasies. He hates his stereotype name, Ghanshyam and, when one day, a group of four inebriated retards, try to barge into his friend’s group, he becomes heroic for the first time by thrashing them away. This begins his transformation from Ghanshyam to GK, from a nerd to a stud, from a shy and diffident guy to a bold and confident one. Then story moves most of the time, on a predictable path.
But there is something here to talk about…And that something is an exquisite first person narration opted by the author. For me, as a reader, this was an ameliorating part of this book that kept me engaged to a simple story line. This narration style creates a smooth and floating base for the high rising melodrama-building of those adolescent fantasies.
With this opening, Ghanshyam (a small tad clung to his dad here) begins his story...
"Olle, Olle! What are you doingg ??" My neighbor's screeching voice bombarded my eardrums.
Snuggled up in my dad's lap, I opened my droopy eyes. It was difficult not to fall asleep with dad's mind numbing humming in the backdrop. Though my dad's humming was a lazy indianize lullaby that I had grown to dread, I was vexed at being jolted out of my sixth slumber of the day.
'I'm sleeping, you moron! And why the fuck are you making this monkey face?' I thought.
And throughout the book, this narrator has been able to converse with the reader and that is the most important part. His story telling does not become dull and wearisome. Chapters are well connected. Conversation and expository segments in the book are nicely written. For such nice writing and for beautiful sentence formation at many places, I will truly appreciate this young author. Author definitely deserves high rating for his debut novel for writing such a captivating prose.
The other thing, I noticed are those ‘inner dialogues’ written by author. Narrator speaks to himself. He hears it and the reader hears it, but other characters of book have no idea what’s going on in his head. Those moments make your reading experience even more palpable and engaging.
So,
It’s a well presented teenage diary by a talented young author!
"Achieving something that we have worked hard for, makes us feel rewarded, but the dampener is that after a momentary realization of our awesomeness, it demands us to work hard again. On the contrary, happy accidents invariably make us feel ceaselessly ecstatic. Though we establish a causal relationship for that serendipity berry that has fallen from the heaven and landed in our lap by calling it karma and what not, deep inside we know that we just got bloody lucky."
All these questions were emanating from within me when I was reading this first person narration of Ghanshyam, the narrator of this "Teenage Diaries: The days that were."
While reading this I contemplated two virtues that are usually carried forward from our childhood to our adolescence; first, 'dreams unfilled with fear ' and second, 'Ignorance filled with innocence'. Somehow during those very fragile and flimsy years of teenage, our dreams get elements of fear, probably for the first time, facing the scratchy surface of reality and the wisdom of new born adult fantasies perhaps smashes our innocent ignorance. We move to an obscured slippery path, stumble there, slide there, fall badly some time, come out strongly some other time. This way, on completing this period, on the verge of teenage, we become more wise ….Or probably we remain foolish !...Yes?….No?….I really don’t know !
This book portrays the same thing. Nothing new !
It's about the teenage crushes, breakups, fun fairs, school friendship, fights, study, board exams, first kisses, first physical intimacies,family expectations and everything that happens in the life of a teenager everywhere. What else can you find in teenage diaries? ...but it also includes a little glamour and sadness towards the end which is not usually common in all such teenage lives.
Ghanshyam born and brought up in Baroda will take you to his teenage world with all the possible silliness and fantasies. He hates his stereotype name, Ghanshyam and, when one day, a group of four inebriated retards, try to barge into his friend’s group, he becomes heroic for the first time by thrashing them away. This begins his transformation from Ghanshyam to GK, from a nerd to a stud, from a shy and diffident guy to a bold and confident one. Then story moves most of the time, on a predictable path.
But there is something here to talk about…And that something is an exquisite first person narration opted by the author. For me, as a reader, this was an ameliorating part of this book that kept me engaged to a simple story line. This narration style creates a smooth and floating base for the high rising melodrama-building of those adolescent fantasies.
With this opening, Ghanshyam (a small tad clung to his dad here) begins his story...
"Olle, Olle! What are you doingg ??" My neighbor's screeching voice bombarded my eardrums.
Snuggled up in my dad's lap, I opened my droopy eyes. It was difficult not to fall asleep with dad's mind numbing humming in the backdrop. Though my dad's humming was a lazy indianize lullaby that I had grown to dread, I was vexed at being jolted out of my sixth slumber of the day.
'I'm sleeping, you moron! And why the fuck are you making this monkey face?' I thought.
And throughout the book, this narrator has been able to converse with the reader and that is the most important part. His story telling does not become dull and wearisome. Chapters are well connected. Conversation and expository segments in the book are nicely written. For such nice writing and for beautiful sentence formation at many places, I will truly appreciate this young author. Author definitely deserves high rating for his debut novel for writing such a captivating prose.
The other thing, I noticed are those ‘inner dialogues’ written by author. Narrator speaks to himself. He hears it and the reader hears it, but other characters of book have no idea what’s going on in his head. Those moments make your reading experience even more palpable and engaging.
So,
It’s a well presented teenage diary by a talented young author!
"Achieving something that we have worked hard for, makes us feel rewarded, but the dampener is that after a momentary realization of our awesomeness, it demands us to work hard again. On the contrary, happy accidents invariably make us feel ceaselessly ecstatic. Though we establish a causal relationship for that serendipity berry that has fallen from the heaven and landed in our lap by calling it karma and what not, deep inside we know that we just got bloody lucky."
February 26, 2017
It's rare when a book becomes a person and starts talking to you. It's even rarer when you start heeding this 'book-person' more than you do real people! For most part, it was like a conversation; like GK and I were friends forever and he was telling me one of his crazy stories yet again. I'm glad I came across this book.
For me, being able to say that is really refreshing in a way that it's not my genre. I generally don't go for YA. I started reading itself with this in the first place, but was soon perpetuated with the same ideas and notions being hurled in my face in the same predictable fashion. The problem with the contemporary Indian authors of this genre is that they try too hard to impress. As a reader, I feel like calling them out and yell, "Back off! I get it...I get it, damn it!" (I am offending so many people right now!) But hey, that's just my opinion.
So, what did Saurabh do different? Was the story one in a million? Probably not. Was the idea out of the box? Definitely not. What was it then? Well, the story-telling was one in a million. The approach was out of the box. The characters living the story were very likable and the circumstances were unique. A book becomes great not so much for the story as for the unraveling of it. Tell me if you don't agree!
I was apprehensive though, in the beginning. To be very honest, I read the first two words of the very first chapter and closed the book, not to touch it again for days. I was expecting the same mushy drama. I have been so overwrought with 'these kinds of stories' that I could not imagine a way this one could redeem itself. I was wrong. This book certainly gave me something to look forward to everyday. As the pages started to dwindle, I did not want it to end. Why would I? I was living ludicrous misadventures with GK and his goofy crew, 'bromancing', crushing, falling in love, falling out, 'sexcapading', sneaking out, dueling and always finding myself in some or the other scrapes. But, it was not just a pointless madness conjured up by some stoner after a couple of joints. It was friendship, love, respect and ambitions infused in each and every word. The book in itself was something to get high on.
It is an easy read, kind of a mental spa! You would be smiling guiltily for most part of it. From the entry of Armaan in the tale, I knew he was going to die. He did die apparently. But, then, he squeezes GK's hands. And, I'm like, "Cool! We are not doing it. We are past killing favourite characters, (how bollywood-ish! You just pray & Viola, 'deathbound' people spring to life, Tch! But, I'm so happy!(Harps playing))" And then, out of nowhere, he dies. And, I'm like, "I knew it, I told you as soon as the rich kid walked in. (Why did you kill him, Saurabh? You could have killed me instead! Swears. Sobfest. (Violins playing.)) Well, I learnt to give my 'involuntarily perpetual judging' a break, that's for sure. You got me, Author! Hands down.
Also, a quick shout out to the designers! Nice cover.
So, finally, why should you read this book? Because, why not! Why should you not read this book? Because your taste sucks, that's why! Just read it already. ;)
For me, being able to say that is really refreshing in a way that it's not my genre. I generally don't go for YA. I started reading itself with this in the first place, but was soon perpetuated with the same ideas and notions being hurled in my face in the same predictable fashion. The problem with the contemporary Indian authors of this genre is that they try too hard to impress. As a reader, I feel like calling them out and yell, "Back off! I get it...I get it, damn it!" (I am offending so many people right now!) But hey, that's just my opinion.
So, what did Saurabh do different? Was the story one in a million? Probably not. Was the idea out of the box? Definitely not. What was it then? Well, the story-telling was one in a million. The approach was out of the box. The characters living the story were very likable and the circumstances were unique. A book becomes great not so much for the story as for the unraveling of it. Tell me if you don't agree!
I was apprehensive though, in the beginning. To be very honest, I read the first two words of the very first chapter and closed the book, not to touch it again for days. I was expecting the same mushy drama. I have been so overwrought with 'these kinds of stories' that I could not imagine a way this one could redeem itself. I was wrong. This book certainly gave me something to look forward to everyday. As the pages started to dwindle, I did not want it to end. Why would I? I was living ludicrous misadventures with GK and his goofy crew, 'bromancing', crushing, falling in love, falling out, 'sexcapading', sneaking out, dueling and always finding myself in some or the other scrapes. But, it was not just a pointless madness conjured up by some stoner after a couple of joints. It was friendship, love, respect and ambitions infused in each and every word. The book in itself was something to get high on.
It is an easy read, kind of a mental spa! You would be smiling guiltily for most part of it. From the entry of Armaan in the tale, I knew he was going to die. He did die apparently. But, then, he squeezes GK's hands. And, I'm like, "Cool! We are not doing it. We are past killing favourite characters, (how bollywood-ish! You just pray & Viola, 'deathbound' people spring to life, Tch! But, I'm so happy!(Harps playing))" And then, out of nowhere, he dies. And, I'm like, "I knew it, I told you as soon as the rich kid walked in. (Why did you kill him, Saurabh? You could have killed me instead! Swears. Sobfest. (Violins playing.)) Well, I learnt to give my 'involuntarily perpetual judging' a break, that's for sure. You got me, Author! Hands down.
Also, a quick shout out to the designers! Nice cover.
So, finally, why should you read this book? Because, why not! Why should you not read this book? Because your taste sucks, that's why! Just read it already. ;)
July 6, 2017
No way that I couldn't call it a Best Read.
Its not just the book of words, its a reliving of Time that we already lived once and can never come back to us in any form, else memories.
Its TOO GOOD for any debut I had ever read in this genre of 'Friendship' and 'Romance'. I just didn't read it but I re-lived my school days again. However, I already guessed every twist in the story which makes me thought for what if the twist would have been something else but even then it had been put very well. At some points there is bit of mistake that I found which must have to be keep in mind while writing the events in regard of when they happened. Like, the time Gk told to Aneya was more than 2 years of their separation, however they only met at their 11th std.'s starting, and they, till then (the time he told her) didn't even passed their final exams of the same standard.
The most hurting part was of Armaan's accident which in some sort I faced three months back for one of my very close friend (same name, unfortunately). Same situations, same disastrous outcome and the world felt apart. I literally had tears in my eyes while I was reading that part and gather so much strength while writing this review here.
The way friendship and Love been explained, I would say that Its much-much better than CB's and Durjoy's. Specially what they are offering right now.
I don't know how to explain for what I feel while reading such an amazing story. I laughed a lot at most of the places along with the tears I got in the end. Seriously, If you have really had that strength to face the outcome of what has been written as a part of this story in the last of its 50 pages; go ahead. Else be prepare to weep or even cry because this wondrous novel is going to give you a heart throbbing touch.
Its just Marvellous.
*Note: I got this book via Goodreads' Giveaway.
For me its 4.8/5.0
Its not just the book of words, its a reliving of Time that we already lived once and can never come back to us in any form, else memories.
Its TOO GOOD for any debut I had ever read in this genre of 'Friendship' and 'Romance'. I just didn't read it but I re-lived my school days again. However, I already guessed every twist in the story which makes me thought for what if the twist would have been something else but even then it had been put very well. At some points there is bit of mistake that I found which must have to be keep in mind while writing the events in regard of when they happened. Like, the time Gk told to Aneya was more than 2 years of their separation, however they only met at their 11th std.'s starting, and they, till then (the time he told her) didn't even passed their final exams of the same standard.
The most hurting part was of Armaan's accident which in some sort I faced three months back for one of my very close friend (same name, unfortunately). Same situations, same disastrous outcome and the world felt apart. I literally had tears in my eyes while I was reading that part and gather so much strength while writing this review here.
The way friendship and Love been explained, I would say that Its much-much better than CB's and Durjoy's. Specially what they are offering right now.
I don't know how to explain for what I feel while reading such an amazing story. I laughed a lot at most of the places along with the tears I got in the end. Seriously, If you have really had that strength to face the outcome of what has been written as a part of this story in the last of its 50 pages; go ahead. Else be prepare to weep or even cry because this wondrous novel is going to give you a heart throbbing touch.
Its just Marvellous.
*Note: I got this book via Goodreads' Giveaway.
For me its 4.8/5.0
February 1, 2017
The best days of life of any being are its school days. Teenage Diaries is an account of a life of a boy from his childhood till he is eligible to cast a vote. He belongs to a middle class family and middle class family has its own bias and customs which they follow by heart.
The author accounts the days, when the protagonist was given a name based on his sun sign which made him a joke, the day of his first interaction with the flock of other boys of his age; first day of school, the day of his first fight with goons of his school, the day his heart started beating for a girl; his first crush. In midst of all he; Ghanshyam is not alone; he is accompanied by his best buddy Vikram. Will he be able to get the girl he has always loved – Aneya? What if Aneya turned him down or will she accept his love?
Are you missing the days, when you were a carefree soul? Do you think you left the best days of your life behind and miss them terribly? Come! Take a ride in the memory lane with author Saurabh Sharma and if you are in that phase of school days then it’s a perfect book for you to learn some more mischievous tricks from Ghanshyam aka Ghanshu and his partner in crime Vikram aka Vik.
https://thereviewauthor.wordpress.com/
The author accounts the days, when the protagonist was given a name based on his sun sign which made him a joke, the day of his first interaction with the flock of other boys of his age; first day of school, the day of his first fight with goons of his school, the day his heart started beating for a girl; his first crush. In midst of all he; Ghanshyam is not alone; he is accompanied by his best buddy Vikram. Will he be able to get the girl he has always loved – Aneya? What if Aneya turned him down or will she accept his love?
Are you missing the days, when you were a carefree soul? Do you think you left the best days of your life behind and miss them terribly? Come! Take a ride in the memory lane with author Saurabh Sharma and if you are in that phase of school days then it’s a perfect book for you to learn some more mischievous tricks from Ghanshyam aka Ghanshu and his partner in crime Vikram aka Vik.
https://thereviewauthor.wordpress.com/
February 1, 2017
Teenage Diaries - The days that were by Saurabh Sharma. A novel of school life, teenage life, class bunking, last bench, first love, ever last friendship, fun-fair, blank calls, fights, board exams, races, cricket matches, parties,. Yet many more you can't express it simply. Once in a life you can't live back that memories. This one of a book which gives you a detailed description and gives a film to your eyes.
The novel is about Ghanshyam aka GK, the protagonist says total life story of his from the birth in Baroda to his complete school life. All have different memories when one say about school life, indeed this one gives you the memories back to cherish. With the beautiful narration and the words, vocabularies author had chosen made the 319 pages to finish it in full flow.
Ghanshyam, an under confident nerd who leads a normal life with his best friend Vikram until he met his first love of his life Aneya, even before he proposed to her things changed. How it happens? How this turned his life?
After two years in 10th boards he topped the states. But still distraught. When he enters 11th Again things changed but in the different ways. Armaan, a street racer & rich guy. Sandy his best friend, both becomes friends with GK & Vikram. This changed their life again differently gives the best year of his life. Soon some sort of events again played a vital role in GK's life. What an 17year old would face? Will this friendship sustained? What happens further? Will he gets his love of life? Read Teenage Diaries for further.
To add the spice to story the school events, parking lot funs, tuition bunking, midnight parties without parents knowing, betting on street races, first smoke to first drink to first kiss all makes your memory a rewind.
No mistakes, given out what is required. The poems added were also an extra delight. I hope you to enjoy this as I had :)
Give a read of the ordinary teenager life which turns into extra ordinary to makes you Goosebumps. I must mention truly after reading so many stories in this genre, I'll never forget this for its emotional, gripping, joyous read.
My rating on "Teenage Diaries" is 5/5.
The novel is about Ghanshyam aka GK, the protagonist says total life story of his from the birth in Baroda to his complete school life. All have different memories when one say about school life, indeed this one gives you the memories back to cherish. With the beautiful narration and the words, vocabularies author had chosen made the 319 pages to finish it in full flow.
Ghanshyam, an under confident nerd who leads a normal life with his best friend Vikram until he met his first love of his life Aneya, even before he proposed to her things changed. How it happens? How this turned his life?
After two years in 10th boards he topped the states. But still distraught. When he enters 11th Again things changed but in the different ways. Armaan, a street racer & rich guy. Sandy his best friend, both becomes friends with GK & Vikram. This changed their life again differently gives the best year of his life. Soon some sort of events again played a vital role in GK's life. What an 17year old would face? Will this friendship sustained? What happens further? Will he gets his love of life? Read Teenage Diaries for further.
To add the spice to story the school events, parking lot funs, tuition bunking, midnight parties without parents knowing, betting on street races, first smoke to first drink to first kiss all makes your memory a rewind.
No mistakes, given out what is required. The poems added were also an extra delight. I hope you to enjoy this as I had :)
Give a read of the ordinary teenager life which turns into extra ordinary to makes you Goosebumps. I must mention truly after reading so many stories in this genre, I'll never forget this for its emotional, gripping, joyous read.
My rating on "Teenage Diaries" is 5/5.
February 6, 2017
I have read a few novels on adolescence, but none of them has been able to capture their challenges, their fears and how they conquer them, their apprehensions, their ability to find fun in the most trivial situations - as well as this novel has. And the fact that it has been written by an Indian author makes me proud as well as full of anticipation!
If this is where indian literary scene has reached, I have to admit, we have come very far!!
Positives - I have never read a novel that has made me literally laugh out loud! Ghanshyam has conversations with himself at times, which are so frickin hilarious!! The characters have been so beautifully etched out that I could almost see them in front of me!! The first 15 chapters are a breezy read and as the meek nerd starts transforming into an intrepid stud - wow! that transformation is so subtle and it has been so beautifully portrayed!! The last 5 chapters, though, were my favorites. Reminded me of the movie - Udaan, somehow!
Negatives - I had come to believe that I am a cynic, trying to find negatives in every novel I read. I cant stop myself, lol! I think the negative here was that there should have been more of it! I wanted to read more of what happened in their lives!
Overall - DO NOT MISS THIS ONE FOR THE WORLD!! It's beautiful and it will change the way you perceive indian writing! It sure changed my perceptions!!
If this is where indian literary scene has reached, I have to admit, we have come very far!!
Positives - I have never read a novel that has made me literally laugh out loud! Ghanshyam has conversations with himself at times, which are so frickin hilarious!! The characters have been so beautifully etched out that I could almost see them in front of me!! The first 15 chapters are a breezy read and as the meek nerd starts transforming into an intrepid stud - wow! that transformation is so subtle and it has been so beautifully portrayed!! The last 5 chapters, though, were my favorites. Reminded me of the movie - Udaan, somehow!
Negatives - I had come to believe that I am a cynic, trying to find negatives in every novel I read. I cant stop myself, lol! I think the negative here was that there should have been more of it! I wanted to read more of what happened in their lives!
Overall - DO NOT MISS THIS ONE FOR THE WORLD!! It's beautiful and it will change the way you perceive indian writing! It sure changed my perceptions!!
February 14, 2017
As always you can read this review and others along with it on my blog at - https://ablogaboutbook.wordpress.com/...
As is the case with Advanced Review Copies (ARC) I'd like to state that I was approached by the author of the book to read and review his book and a copy of the book in paperback format was provided to me by the author. I'd also like to state that, My review has in no way been influenced by this generosity by the author.
What I Liked:
As far as coming of age stories are concerned , the plot is not very new but the execution is . The usual trend of sequence in a coming of age story is filled with humorous details and narration by the author that makes for a fast paced and pleasing read .
The authors writing itself is one of the best I have read in recent times , it's admirable and his writing really bought the scenarios in the book to life , making the readers truly experience the varied emotions and thrills of the book .
There's a slow and steady character development that bore really good results at the end , as we saw the lead character go from a Bullied nerd to a stud and a jerk and the final result that was really well planned , The author managed to make me feel sympathy , hatred , enthusiastic and all sorts of emotion for the protagonist throughout the book which was really fun .
All said and done for me the best feature of the book were the philosophical outlook that the author provided on matter such as friendship , love , relationship , family and life as a whole . These were delivered at various stages as monologues of GK's thought and at times they were quite lengthy but I read all through them feeling fascinated instead of being dulled by it .
What I didn't like :
This was truly a wonderful book , but it was a book that was out of my comfort zone of reading material . I consider myself to be more of a fantasy reader more than anything else , but I have never shied away from a good book , regardless of what kind of genre it belongs to. That said Poetry is simply not my taste at all . Poems have a habit of appearing alien dialect to me and I never really grasp or appreciate them and this book had a lot of poetry and shayari and it often made me roll my eyes and I'd be honest after the first few pages I did skip a lot of those .
I am also not a fan of books where author uses big words , it sort of obstructs my reading as I have to search the meaning of the words and make sense of the scenario . This I feel intrusive to my reading experience and this the author was guilty of , of course this is just somewhat a problem of mine only and this may not bug many people like it did to me.
The book also turned a bit predictable towards the end and I was almost expecting the final result with the Armaan - JK relationship , Similarly the whole "BIG ISSUE" between Aneya and JK also turned out to be a bit anti-climatic for me . Finally There were quite a few far-fetched and unrealistic over-the-top scenarios through out the book.
Few Things I like to point:
I'd also like to point a few things out , which i don't necessarily consider flaws
- 1- there were a few flaws as per me in the story , chiefly how did the Characters get so much booze in a Booze-prohibited state ?
-2- The book used quite a few local language dialogues and slang, that instantly makes it impossible for readers outside India to read and I think the author maybe could have written a few lines explaining those slangs and maybe would have tried reaching to audiences outside the demographics of India , Because I really think this is a brilliant book and deserved more audience .
Conclusions:
One of the finest Advanced review copies I have received in last 2 years and with a superb writing , well paced plot and brilliant character development this is one of the best coming of age stories I have read . But of course as per me the book also has a few flaws and not to mention this isn't a genre that I read too often so that said I do recommend this book to people who like reading this type of book.
As is the case with Advanced Review Copies (ARC) I'd like to state that I was approached by the author of the book to read and review his book and a copy of the book in paperback format was provided to me by the author. I'd also like to state that, My review has in no way been influenced by this generosity by the author.
What I Liked:
As far as coming of age stories are concerned , the plot is not very new but the execution is . The usual trend of sequence in a coming of age story is filled with humorous details and narration by the author that makes for a fast paced and pleasing read .
The authors writing itself is one of the best I have read in recent times , it's admirable and his writing really bought the scenarios in the book to life , making the readers truly experience the varied emotions and thrills of the book .
There's a slow and steady character development that bore really good results at the end , as we saw the lead character go from a Bullied nerd to a stud and a jerk and the final result that was really well planned , The author managed to make me feel sympathy , hatred , enthusiastic and all sorts of emotion for the protagonist throughout the book which was really fun .
All said and done for me the best feature of the book were the philosophical outlook that the author provided on matter such as friendship , love , relationship , family and life as a whole . These were delivered at various stages as monologues of GK's thought and at times they were quite lengthy but I read all through them feeling fascinated instead of being dulled by it .
What I didn't like :
This was truly a wonderful book , but it was a book that was out of my comfort zone of reading material . I consider myself to be more of a fantasy reader more than anything else , but I have never shied away from a good book , regardless of what kind of genre it belongs to. That said Poetry is simply not my taste at all . Poems have a habit of appearing alien dialect to me and I never really grasp or appreciate them and this book had a lot of poetry and shayari and it often made me roll my eyes and I'd be honest after the first few pages I did skip a lot of those .
I am also not a fan of books where author uses big words , it sort of obstructs my reading as I have to search the meaning of the words and make sense of the scenario . This I feel intrusive to my reading experience and this the author was guilty of , of course this is just somewhat a problem of mine only and this may not bug many people like it did to me.
The book also turned a bit predictable towards the end and I was almost expecting the final result with the Armaan - JK relationship , Similarly the whole "BIG ISSUE" between Aneya and JK also turned out to be a bit anti-climatic for me . Finally There were quite a few far-fetched and unrealistic over-the-top scenarios through out the book.
Few Things I like to point:
I'd also like to point a few things out , which i don't necessarily consider flaws
- 1- there were a few flaws as per me in the story , chiefly how did the Characters get so much booze in a Booze-prohibited state ?
-2- The book used quite a few local language dialogues and slang, that instantly makes it impossible for readers outside India to read and I think the author maybe could have written a few lines explaining those slangs and maybe would have tried reaching to audiences outside the demographics of India , Because I really think this is a brilliant book and deserved more audience .
Conclusions:
One of the finest Advanced review copies I have received in last 2 years and with a superb writing , well paced plot and brilliant character development this is one of the best coming of age stories I have read . But of course as per me the book also has a few flaws and not to mention this isn't a genre that I read too often so that said I do recommend this book to people who like reading this type of book.
April 21, 2017
My Rating 3.5
It's all about relating. If you can relate with a school and college life, when students are caught having a drink or taking a puff, when students bunk classes and roam around, play flames to know the future of the relationship and many more silly things, you will love this book. Though set in an overworked formula of a best seller- love , friendship, sex and life,- author has given a different reading experience with a quirky narration.
The protagonist, Ghanshyam, represent the guys who are nerds in school and under the influence of friends become freaky jerk. Like every protagonist in the formula based book, Ghanshyam too has a friend who is like a Siamese twin, a girlfriends who takes his breath away, a share of misunderstandings, heart breaks and life changing moments. The book touches a chord with every person who had a normal teenage life irrespective of the nationality. With his poems, author has tried to bring a twist in the tale.
As mentioned before the plot is cosmopolitan but the narration, even though outstanding, fails to appeal to everyone due to the overuse of dialects. For someone who is not well versed with these slangs, this will affect the flow. However, an average Indian would not find it difficult to relate the same.
What pinched me is the overindulgence of booze and unnecessary squeezing in of intimate sequences. A little more focused perspective could have been involved. Considering the fact that the target audience is in the Teens, all these could be overlooked.
This review is in return of a free book from the author
It's all about relating. If you can relate with a school and college life, when students are caught having a drink or taking a puff, when students bunk classes and roam around, play flames to know the future of the relationship and many more silly things, you will love this book. Though set in an overworked formula of a best seller- love , friendship, sex and life,- author has given a different reading experience with a quirky narration.
The protagonist, Ghanshyam, represent the guys who are nerds in school and under the influence of friends become freaky jerk. Like every protagonist in the formula based book, Ghanshyam too has a friend who is like a Siamese twin, a girlfriends who takes his breath away, a share of misunderstandings, heart breaks and life changing moments. The book touches a chord with every person who had a normal teenage life irrespective of the nationality. With his poems, author has tried to bring a twist in the tale.
As mentioned before the plot is cosmopolitan but the narration, even though outstanding, fails to appeal to everyone due to the overuse of dialects. For someone who is not well versed with these slangs, this will affect the flow. However, an average Indian would not find it difficult to relate the same.
What pinched me is the overindulgence of booze and unnecessary squeezing in of intimate sequences. A little more focused perspective could have been involved. Considering the fact that the target audience is in the Teens, all these could be overlooked.
This review is in return of a free book from the author
May 12, 2017
Teenage Diaries, a novel by Saurabh Sharma, is published by Leadstart Publishing Pvt. Ltd. The cover is a glimpse into the life of all teenagers; what they think and how they function. Thus, it is not only impressive but quite apt at the same time. The tagline – the days that were – gives it a tinge of nostalgia and at once, the readers will be reminded of their own days as a teenager.
Teenage Diaries is a beautiful story that would take you all back to your teenage days; the days when only ‘fun’ was the motive and we had no such thing as ‘responsibility’ to think about!
Ghanshyam, who is the protagonist of the novel is a simple Indian middle-class teenager. He is the one who takes us along in this journey of life as a teenager. Some other characters are Tanya, Vikram, Rahul, Aneya, Rishabh, Aakash, Armaan, Sneha, Sandy and Pallavi. Together, they all become an integral part of this story. Many of the readers would be able to relate with these characters or would be reminded of their friends who might have been similar of them.
Read the complete review here: http://www.ilagarg.com/2017/04/teenag...
Teenage Diaries is a beautiful story that would take you all back to your teenage days; the days when only ‘fun’ was the motive and we had no such thing as ‘responsibility’ to think about!
Ghanshyam, who is the protagonist of the novel is a simple Indian middle-class teenager. He is the one who takes us along in this journey of life as a teenager. Some other characters are Tanya, Vikram, Rahul, Aneya, Rishabh, Aakash, Armaan, Sneha, Sandy and Pallavi. Together, they all become an integral part of this story. Many of the readers would be able to relate with these characters or would be reminded of their friends who might have been similar of them.
Read the complete review here: http://www.ilagarg.com/2017/04/teenag...
December 26, 2016
The story revolves around the protagonist - Ghanshyam who is a school student
As usual he was like all other boys .
Vikram was his best friend . He was a dreamer and thinker.
He loved playing cricket .Cricket was his favorite sports.
He joined tution classes with the aim to spend time away from home.
In eight class when he was excited as girls are going to join the school.
Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years.The average age of onset of puberty,there are many changes in the body.
When everyone wants to have freedom , try first kiss , to drink , partying ,enjoying life ,
to play prank with friends .
The story is blend of emotions - love, friendship,anger, loss, Grief, Passion, Betrayal, Innocence, Trust, learning lessons.
There are many funny elements in it.
I like the character of Ghanshyam - cool, and naughty type (a spoiled brat) .
Very well written with excellent character development. I couldn't put it down and read it cover to cover in just a day.
I WILL RATE THIS BOOK 4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS. I will recommend this book to all.
As usual he was like all other boys .
Vikram was his best friend . He was a dreamer and thinker.
He loved playing cricket .Cricket was his favorite sports.
He joined tution classes with the aim to spend time away from home.
In eight class when he was excited as girls are going to join the school.
Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years.The average age of onset of puberty,there are many changes in the body.
When everyone wants to have freedom , try first kiss , to drink , partying ,enjoying life ,
to play prank with friends .
The story is blend of emotions - love, friendship,anger, loss, Grief, Passion, Betrayal, Innocence, Trust, learning lessons.
There are many funny elements in it.
I like the character of Ghanshyam - cool, and naughty type (a spoiled brat) .
Very well written with excellent character development. I couldn't put it down and read it cover to cover in just a day.
I WILL RATE THIS BOOK 4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS. I will recommend this book to all.
March 25, 2017
Have you ever felt like missing your schooling days? Would you want to relive those memories? If your answer is YES to any one or both, your search ends here.
With Teenage Diaries, Saurabh has created a beautiful story with few characters. The protagonist Ghanshyam along with other main characters like Vikram,Tanya, Rishabh, Rahul, Aneya, Sneha, Sandy, Armaan, Pallavi, Aakash among others.
What I liked the most about the story is the simplicity and the way it was narrated. The story has essentially covered all that we all would have witnessed or experienced in our schooling life including the likes of playing book cricket, FLAME among others.
It talked in detail about the first drink, smoke, love, kiss, friendship, being adventurous in school apart from bunking, fights, confusion, excitement etc which has added more value to the story. It may not be a typical reflection of all of us but for sure the story has some traces of us in it.
Initially I felt what would be there in this 319 page book and was bit bored but as I sat and started reading it, I could not stop reading them until I completed it. The story has melancholy and tragedy but it has a positive ending.
Buy the book and re-live your school memories.
With Teenage Diaries, Saurabh has created a beautiful story with few characters. The protagonist Ghanshyam along with other main characters like Vikram,Tanya, Rishabh, Rahul, Aneya, Sneha, Sandy, Armaan, Pallavi, Aakash among others.
What I liked the most about the story is the simplicity and the way it was narrated. The story has essentially covered all that we all would have witnessed or experienced in our schooling life including the likes of playing book cricket, FLAME among others.
It talked in detail about the first drink, smoke, love, kiss, friendship, being adventurous in school apart from bunking, fights, confusion, excitement etc which has added more value to the story. It may not be a typical reflection of all of us but for sure the story has some traces of us in it.
Initially I felt what would be there in this 319 page book and was bit bored but as I sat and started reading it, I could not stop reading them until I completed it. The story has melancholy and tragedy but it has a positive ending.
Buy the book and re-live your school memories.
April 3, 2017
Thanks to the author and Goodreads for a free copy of the book.
I finished the entire book in just two sittings. An engaging read. The pace is slow for the first few chapters but slowly picks up from the middle. A great effort for a debut novel.
Great writing,Mr.Saurabh!
I finished the entire book in just two sittings. An engaging read. The pace is slow for the first few chapters but slowly picks up from the middle. A great effort for a debut novel.
Great writing,Mr.Saurabh!
August 28, 2017
A fun interesting and Nostalgic read.
ഈ ബുക്കിനെ രണ്ടായി തിരിക്കാം. ഹ്യൂമറസ് ആയ ആദ്യ ഭാഗവും. സെന്റിമെൻസ് നിറഞ്ഞ രണ്ടാമത്തെ ഭാഗവും. ആദ്യ ഭാഗം വായിക്കുമ്പോൾ നിങ്ങളുടെ സ്കൂൾ കോളേജ് കാലഘട്ടത്തിൽ അനുഭവിച്ച ഒത്തിരിയധികം സംഭവവികാസങ്ങളിലൂടെയായിരിക്കും കടന്നു പോകുന്നത്. ഇന്നത്തെ കാലത്തെ 'so called' best സെല്ലിങ് നോവലുകളെക്കാൾ(ചവർ) ഒരുപടി മുന്നിലാണ് ഈ നോവൽ എന്ന് തോന്നിപ്പോകും. ചിരി സമ്മാനിക്കുന്ന ഒത്തിരിയധികം നർമ മുഹൂർത്തങ്ങൾ ടീനേജ് ഡയറീസ് സമ്മാനിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്.
പക്ഷെ രണ്ടാമത്തെ ഭാഗത്തേക്ക് എത്തുമ്പോൾ ചെതൻ ഭഗത് നോവലിന്റെ ലെവലിലേക്ക് കഥ താഴുകയാണ്.(no offence meant) പ്രെഡിക്റ്റബിളും അത്ര ടച്ചിങ്ങും അല്ലാത്ത സെന്റിമെൻസ് രംഗങ്ങളാണ് രണ്ടാം ഭാഗത്ത് വായനക്കാരനെ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നത്.
ചുരുക്കത്തിൽ ആദ്യഭാഗം Diary of a Wimpy Kidഡിനെ ഓർമിപ്പിച്ചെങ്കിൽ രണ്ടാം ഭാഗം ചെതൻ ഭഗത് നോവൽ വായിക്കുന്ന അവസ്ഥയായിരുന്നു. എന്നിരുന്നാലും ബോറടിപ്പിക്കാതെ കഥ അവതരിപ്പിക്കുന്നതിൽ എഴുത്തുകാരൻ വിജയിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.
ഈ ബുക്കിനെ രണ്ടായി തിരിക്കാം. ഹ്യൂമറസ് ആയ ആദ്യ ഭാഗവും. സെന്റിമെൻസ് നിറഞ്ഞ രണ്ടാമത്തെ ഭാഗവും. ആദ്യ ഭാഗം വായിക്കുമ്പോൾ നിങ്ങളുടെ സ്കൂൾ കോളേജ് കാലഘട്ടത്തിൽ അനുഭവിച്ച ഒത്തിരിയധികം സംഭവവികാസങ്ങളിലൂടെയായിരിക്കും കടന്നു പോകുന്നത്. ഇന്നത്തെ കാലത്തെ 'so called' best സെല്ലിങ് നോവലുകളെക്കാൾ(ചവർ) ഒരുപടി മുന്നിലാണ് ഈ നോവൽ എന്ന് തോന്നിപ്പോകും. ചിരി സമ്മാനിക്കുന്ന ഒത്തിരിയധികം നർമ മുഹൂർത്തങ്ങൾ ടീനേജ് ഡയറീസ് സമ്മാനിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്.
പക്ഷെ രണ്ടാമത്തെ ഭാഗത്തേക്ക് എത്തുമ്പോൾ ചെതൻ ഭഗത് നോവലിന്റെ ലെവലിലേക്ക് കഥ താഴുകയാണ്.(no offence meant) പ്രെഡിക്റ്റബിളും അത്ര ടച്ചിങ്ങും അല്ലാത്ത സെന്റിമെൻസ് രംഗങ്ങളാണ് രണ്ടാം ഭാഗത്ത് വായനക്കാരനെ കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നത്.
ചുരുക്കത്തിൽ ആദ്യഭാഗം Diary of a Wimpy Kidഡിനെ ഓർമിപ്പിച്ചെങ്കിൽ രണ്ടാം ഭാഗം ചെതൻ ഭഗത് നോവൽ വായിക്കുന്ന അവസ്ഥയായിരുന്നു. എന്നിരുന്നാലും ബോറടിപ്പിക്കാതെ കഥ അവതരിപ്പിക്കുന്നതിൽ എഴുത്തുകാരൻ വിജയിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.
January 28, 2017
Teenage Diaries is a young adult novel and anyone who loves reading this genre might enjoy reading the book as it is a well written book.
I personally failed to relate to the book as the kind of teenager's life depicted by the author I never lived such a life. I don't remember anyone in my school or high school was caught or seen smoking or drinking, betting or racing. Yes, infatuation and flirtation was there but no sleeping around. Dreams about career and life partner was the hot topics of discussions.
It could be a decent one time read but have to keep your brains aside.
Follow the link to read the full review
http://thebookworld.org/teenage-diari...
I personally failed to relate to the book as the kind of teenager's life depicted by the author I never lived such a life. I don't remember anyone in my school or high school was caught or seen smoking or drinking, betting or racing. Yes, infatuation and flirtation was there but no sleeping around. Dreams about career and life partner was the hot topics of discussions.
It could be a decent one time read but have to keep your brains aside.
Follow the link to read the full review
http://thebookworld.org/teenage-diari...
May 13, 2017
About author:-
Being born in a middle-class family has its own perks and limitations. The biggest perk is that one will be able to complete his engineering and MBA and the biggest limitation is that one will have to complete his engineering and MBA. Saurabh Sharma, being a middle-class boy from Baroda, did his engineering from NIT, Allahabad, and MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Currently an Associate Director at Flipkart, in his free time, he loves to write, play tennis and strum guitar. His debut novel is a tribute to some of the truly amazing friendships that he has developed over the years. His penchant for storytelling has led to his witty writing style, which has got rave reviews from across. He is currently staying in Bangalore with his wife. He is currently giving finishing touches to his 2nd novel, which will be a sequel to Teenage diaries. You can reach out to him on Facebook, via mail at storytellersaurabh@gmail.com or via twitter @Storybazsaurabh.
Product details
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Leadstart Publishing Private Limited; First edition (13 December 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9352017269
• ISBN-13: 978-9352017263
• Product Dimensions: 14 x 2 x 21.6 cm
Blurb:-
"How about bunk the next class and rushing to the cricket field and while you are at it, planting a bomb in the toilet?" Wait, what the hell am I asking you to do with deadlines to catch on!? But allow me to take you down the forgotten memory lanes and remind you of the times when…
You had a fit of breathlessness in front of your crush,
When FLAMES said marriage, you couldn’t help but blush.
Blank calls played Morse codes,
Two meant – you missed her loads.
You were clumsy as shit because her presence was sublime,
But after your break-up, crying became your favorite pastime.
You bunked the classes and said - 'Let the studies rot!'
But you never missed Kiran ma'am's class, ‘coz she was pretty hot! ;)
Cricket brought you glory,
And planting a bomb in school changed your story.
Life screwed you over and killed your spirit,
But you’re glad that you anyway did it.
Told through the eyes of an Indian middle-class teenager, this story will make you wonder what you would have done if you were named Ghanshyam and were born a pessimistic nerd, while your optimistic best friend believed in unicorns and utopia! And to add to your woes, what if you fell in love with the most beautiful girl in your school? Wouldn't you then wait for a miracle to happen?
MY VERDICTS:-
Teenage is the most memorable and lovable days of our life. We grow up, achieve whatever we want from life but we still can't bring back those days of our life. We missed our school days. We missed our class bunk, fraud excuse to bunk the class and homework also. When we sit on a chair and think about those days, tears rolled down from our eyes. Here author tried to narrate all emotion of some teenage student like Ghanashyam, Vikram, Tanya, Rishabh, Rahul, Aneya, Sneha, sandy, Armaan and many more characters.
On my reviews, I don't want to narrate a small thing about it just because I want all readers to go through personally and refresh their old some happy and sad memories. Story narration is too good and the author did a wonderful work here.
Ratings: 4 Stars
Cover: 3.5 Stars
Narration: 3 Stars
Story plot: 3.5 Stars
Being born in a middle-class family has its own perks and limitations. The biggest perk is that one will be able to complete his engineering and MBA and the biggest limitation is that one will have to complete his engineering and MBA. Saurabh Sharma, being a middle-class boy from Baroda, did his engineering from NIT, Allahabad, and MBA from NMIMS, Mumbai. Currently an Associate Director at Flipkart, in his free time, he loves to write, play tennis and strum guitar. His debut novel is a tribute to some of the truly amazing friendships that he has developed over the years. His penchant for storytelling has led to his witty writing style, which has got rave reviews from across. He is currently staying in Bangalore with his wife. He is currently giving finishing touches to his 2nd novel, which will be a sequel to Teenage diaries. You can reach out to him on Facebook, via mail at storytellersaurabh@gmail.com or via twitter @Storybazsaurabh.
Product details
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Leadstart Publishing Private Limited; First edition (13 December 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9352017269
• ISBN-13: 978-9352017263
• Product Dimensions: 14 x 2 x 21.6 cm
Blurb:-
"How about bunk the next class and rushing to the cricket field and while you are at it, planting a bomb in the toilet?" Wait, what the hell am I asking you to do with deadlines to catch on!? But allow me to take you down the forgotten memory lanes and remind you of the times when…
You had a fit of breathlessness in front of your crush,
When FLAMES said marriage, you couldn’t help but blush.
Blank calls played Morse codes,
Two meant – you missed her loads.
You were clumsy as shit because her presence was sublime,
But after your break-up, crying became your favorite pastime.
You bunked the classes and said - 'Let the studies rot!'
But you never missed Kiran ma'am's class, ‘coz she was pretty hot! ;)
Cricket brought you glory,
And planting a bomb in school changed your story.
Life screwed you over and killed your spirit,
But you’re glad that you anyway did it.
Told through the eyes of an Indian middle-class teenager, this story will make you wonder what you would have done if you were named Ghanshyam and were born a pessimistic nerd, while your optimistic best friend believed in unicorns and utopia! And to add to your woes, what if you fell in love with the most beautiful girl in your school? Wouldn't you then wait for a miracle to happen?
MY VERDICTS:-
Teenage is the most memorable and lovable days of our life. We grow up, achieve whatever we want from life but we still can't bring back those days of our life. We missed our school days. We missed our class bunk, fraud excuse to bunk the class and homework also. When we sit on a chair and think about those days, tears rolled down from our eyes. Here author tried to narrate all emotion of some teenage student like Ghanashyam, Vikram, Tanya, Rishabh, Rahul, Aneya, Sneha, sandy, Armaan and many more characters.
On my reviews, I don't want to narrate a small thing about it just because I want all readers to go through personally and refresh their old some happy and sad memories. Story narration is too good and the author did a wonderful work here.
Ratings: 4 Stars
Cover: 3.5 Stars
Narration: 3 Stars
Story plot: 3.5 Stars
May 21, 2017
Overall - 4.5*
Let me say upfront, that I am not a regular reader of this genre. While I would still try YA fantasy, this was more in the fiction genre. However, a recommendation from a friend (who also happens to be the author's wife) convinced me to read the teaser to this book on facebook though I never knew that the plans were to publish this soon. I really loved the teaser as it was highly nostalgic and after a few months, I was happily surprised to discover that the book had indeed been published by the author.
The story revolves around our chief protagonist Ghanshyam aka GK who is your typical middle class nerd who falls for who else - the most coveted girl on campus, Aneya. The setting doesn't really sound any different than probably a million other books out there but what stands out is the treatment given to this topic by the author. The deft touch to ensure that the character's emotional changes don't seem sudden and hence artificial, the pacing which is just about perfect and more than anything else, the million emotions that one lives through while reading this book. I think that very few books manage to touch a chord with the reader on the personal level and at least for me, this is what distinguishes a 5* book from a 4*.
While it took me a really long time to actually pick-up the book from the time I purchased it due to various other commitments, it didn't take me much time to finish it. I started it early morning (read 12 am) today and finished it early morning as well (read 4:30 am). It was riveting to say the least. I don't think that any normal millennial in India would go through this without having identified with at least one incident and a million emotions. And speaking of nostalgia - I literally saw my entire teenage life pass me by while reading this book (right from the khadoos teacher, first crush, FLAMES, weak knees & tongue-tied ramblings, mindless studying to become a school topper, confusion, anger, friendship, betrayal, the sneaking, lying to your parents, did I mention FLAMES? - the list is endless).
I think Saurabh would have probably benefited with a better publisher though. This book deserves much better marketing and a little editing (to reduce grammatical errors and improve sentence construction). This is the only reason for having deducted half a star there. I hope and pray that this is taken care of by the time Saurabh publishes his next work.
I would heartily recommend it to anyone in the 15 - 45 age group who has grown up in India. I am sure that they would identify with at least one character in the book and can vividly remember similar instances having come to pass in their own lives. If you are looking for a light-hearted nostalgia inducing book, then this is definitely for you.
NOTE: This review is in no way affected by me knowing the author personally. Having studied at the same institute as the author and being in the same batch, I seriously regret not having interacted with him more often though.
Let me say upfront, that I am not a regular reader of this genre. While I would still try YA fantasy, this was more in the fiction genre. However, a recommendation from a friend (who also happens to be the author's wife) convinced me to read the teaser to this book on facebook though I never knew that the plans were to publish this soon. I really loved the teaser as it was highly nostalgic and after a few months, I was happily surprised to discover that the book had indeed been published by the author.
The story revolves around our chief protagonist Ghanshyam aka GK who is your typical middle class nerd who falls for who else - the most coveted girl on campus, Aneya. The setting doesn't really sound any different than probably a million other books out there but what stands out is the treatment given to this topic by the author. The deft touch to ensure that the character's emotional changes don't seem sudden and hence artificial, the pacing which is just about perfect and more than anything else, the million emotions that one lives through while reading this book. I think that very few books manage to touch a chord with the reader on the personal level and at least for me, this is what distinguishes a 5* book from a 4*.
While it took me a really long time to actually pick-up the book from the time I purchased it due to various other commitments, it didn't take me much time to finish it. I started it early morning (read 12 am) today and finished it early morning as well (read 4:30 am). It was riveting to say the least. I don't think that any normal millennial in India would go through this without having identified with at least one incident and a million emotions. And speaking of nostalgia - I literally saw my entire teenage life pass me by while reading this book (right from the khadoos teacher, first crush, FLAMES, weak knees & tongue-tied ramblings, mindless studying to become a school topper, confusion, anger, friendship, betrayal, the sneaking, lying to your parents, did I mention FLAMES? - the list is endless).
I think Saurabh would have probably benefited with a better publisher though. This book deserves much better marketing and a little editing (to reduce grammatical errors and improve sentence construction). This is the only reason for having deducted half a star there. I hope and pray that this is taken care of by the time Saurabh publishes his next work.
I would heartily recommend it to anyone in the 15 - 45 age group who has grown up in India. I am sure that they would identify with at least one character in the book and can vividly remember similar instances having come to pass in their own lives. If you are looking for a light-hearted nostalgia inducing book, then this is definitely for you.
NOTE: This review is in no way affected by me knowing the author personally. Having studied at the same institute as the author and being in the same batch, I seriously regret not having interacted with him more often though.
September 30, 2017
Original Rating - 3.5/5
Time is something that never comes back once it is gone and one’s teenage years play a very important part in shaping up a person. The experiences that we have during this time and the relationships that we forge teach us many important lessons which we carry throughout our entire lives. Now, personally, my teenage years are almost over and this book made me nostalgic about the days that were gone.
The book follows the story of Ghanshyam, who was born in a typical middle-class Indian family. He had an elder brother named Roshan and since he was born, he was expected to follow his footsteps. Right from Ghanshyam’s childhood, he was bullied because of his name or his lanky figure. In the initial years, Vikram was the only true friend that he had. Then, a girl called Aneya comes into his school in 8th grade and for him - it was a case of love at first sight. The feeling was reciprocated but because of the occurrence of some events, they stopped talking to each other. To get over the pain of this heartbreak, Ghanshyam turned to studies and became one of the toppers in his board exams. After all these events, the real transformation of his comes into play. Two “cool” boys named Armaan and Sandy join his school and befriend Ghanshyam and Vikram. They completely change their lifestyles - with high-end parties and a high-class lifestyle.
They begin taking a lot of decisions and partaking in a lot of activities that made me raise my eyebrows. At the end, these events were important to portray the fickle mind of the young and the so-called “high” point of their life. Towards the end of this book, a few events happen which help Ghanshyam to put things into perspective and get a hold of his life.
I am always a little skeptical when I sit down to read contemporary novels by Indian authors (past experiences, you know). But, this book has been written quite well for a debut author. Yes, the plot is not exactly refreshing and is a lot like a Bollywood movie. But it is powerful enough to make you feel nostalgic about your teenage years and will definitely bring back memories.
Time is something that never comes back once it is gone and one’s teenage years play a very important part in shaping up a person. The experiences that we have during this time and the relationships that we forge teach us many important lessons which we carry throughout our entire lives. Now, personally, my teenage years are almost over and this book made me nostalgic about the days that were gone.
The book follows the story of Ghanshyam, who was born in a typical middle-class Indian family. He had an elder brother named Roshan and since he was born, he was expected to follow his footsteps. Right from Ghanshyam’s childhood, he was bullied because of his name or his lanky figure. In the initial years, Vikram was the only true friend that he had. Then, a girl called Aneya comes into his school in 8th grade and for him - it was a case of love at first sight. The feeling was reciprocated but because of the occurrence of some events, they stopped talking to each other. To get over the pain of this heartbreak, Ghanshyam turned to studies and became one of the toppers in his board exams. After all these events, the real transformation of his comes into play. Two “cool” boys named Armaan and Sandy join his school and befriend Ghanshyam and Vikram. They completely change their lifestyles - with high-end parties and a high-class lifestyle.
They begin taking a lot of decisions and partaking in a lot of activities that made me raise my eyebrows. At the end, these events were important to portray the fickle mind of the young and the so-called “high” point of their life. Towards the end of this book, a few events happen which help Ghanshyam to put things into perspective and get a hold of his life.
I am always a little skeptical when I sit down to read contemporary novels by Indian authors (past experiences, you know). But, this book has been written quite well for a debut author. Yes, the plot is not exactly refreshing and is a lot like a Bollywood movie. But it is powerful enough to make you feel nostalgic about your teenage years and will definitely bring back memories.
May 17, 2017
Teenage diaries
Teenage diaries - The days that were is a teen fiction written in the simplest way as possible. The best part of the book was its plot, simple yet elegant and intriguing. Author has included many poems in the novel both in Hindi and English which were written so beautifully that I got engrossed in them. Throughout the book, I didn't feel bored for even a second just because the book had kept me hooked till the end.
This is the story of the protagonist Ghanshyam along with other main characters like Vikram, manyTanya, Rishabh, Rahul, Aneya, Sneha, Sandy, Armaan, Pallavi, Aakash among others. This story describes everything which we had experienced at least once in our school life like bunking classes, discovering secret places in our school where no one else goes, falling in love and then break - up, playing FLAMES much more. The main character Ghanshyam falls in love with his classmate Aneya and before even confessing his love for her thing take a turn and he was left broken and alone with his only friend Vikram. He tries to overcome his grief and started studying hard for the board's exams. He passed it with good marks and when promoted to eleventh class two guys enter the story and in the life of Ghanshyam namely Armaan and Sandy and soon they became best of friends. They enjoyed a lot in the passing year and experienced everything from smoking and drinking to betting in the car race. Everything was going smoothly and again events took a turn.
Will the friends be able to adapt the new change in their lives? Will Ghanshyam get the love of his life? Will the gang get into some trouble or even worse?
This novel is a kind of novel in which everything is explained in detail and you can feel that you are watching a movie. If this novel is turned into a movie it might attract many enthusiastic teenagers. The language was kept simple and it can keep you hooked till the end. The narration was really good throughout the novel. Author has done a commendable job while writing this novel.
Teenage diaries - The days that were is a teen fiction written in the simplest way as possible. The best part of the book was its plot, simple yet elegant and intriguing. Author has included many poems in the novel both in Hindi and English which were written so beautifully that I got engrossed in them. Throughout the book, I didn't feel bored for even a second just because the book had kept me hooked till the end.
This is the story of the protagonist Ghanshyam along with other main characters like Vikram, manyTanya, Rishabh, Rahul, Aneya, Sneha, Sandy, Armaan, Pallavi, Aakash among others. This story describes everything which we had experienced at least once in our school life like bunking classes, discovering secret places in our school where no one else goes, falling in love and then break - up, playing FLAMES much more. The main character Ghanshyam falls in love with his classmate Aneya and before even confessing his love for her thing take a turn and he was left broken and alone with his only friend Vikram. He tries to overcome his grief and started studying hard for the board's exams. He passed it with good marks and when promoted to eleventh class two guys enter the story and in the life of Ghanshyam namely Armaan and Sandy and soon they became best of friends. They enjoyed a lot in the passing year and experienced everything from smoking and drinking to betting in the car race. Everything was going smoothly and again events took a turn.
Will the friends be able to adapt the new change in their lives? Will Ghanshyam get the love of his life? Will the gang get into some trouble or even worse?
This novel is a kind of novel in which everything is explained in detail and you can feel that you are watching a movie. If this novel is turned into a movie it might attract many enthusiastic teenagers. The language was kept simple and it can keep you hooked till the end. The narration was really good throughout the novel. Author has done a commendable job while writing this novel.
October 4, 2017
Teenage Diaries: The days that were… fun, crazy, refreshing, neoglastic
From the title of the book, you would have already guessed that the story of the book revolves around the teenage life and The cover is a glimpse into the life of all teenagers; what they think and how they function.
This is not a novel, this is an experience, an experience we all can relate to .. I Believe school days are the best days of our life; something we understand only when life get us.
This is a story of Ghanshyam, Born into a middle class family, the boy has troubles accepting his name which was constantly a source of jokes, his story has essentially covered all that we all would have witnessed or experienced in our schooling life including the likes of playing book cricket, FLAME among others
The language of Teenage Diaries is interesting mix of humor and wit, emotions and indifference, hope and adventure enough to keep the reader engrossed in the story. Throughout the book, I didn’t feel bored for even a second just because the book had kept me hooked till the end. Each and every page has got something to offer . Don't think that the length of the book will make it boring. Once to catch the flow , you will complete it in a single flow
'Teenage Diaries' has all the necessary elements of a Bollywood Drama- love, relationship, friendship, betrayal, death, disappointment. It is, indeed, a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Have you ever felt like missing your schooling days? Would you want to relive those memories? I recommend this book as a chance to relive those days
From the title of the book, you would have already guessed that the story of the book revolves around the teenage life and The cover is a glimpse into the life of all teenagers; what they think and how they function.
This is not a novel, this is an experience, an experience we all can relate to .. I Believe school days are the best days of our life; something we understand only when life get us.
This is a story of Ghanshyam, Born into a middle class family, the boy has troubles accepting his name which was constantly a source of jokes, his story has essentially covered all that we all would have witnessed or experienced in our schooling life including the likes of playing book cricket, FLAME among others
The language of Teenage Diaries is interesting mix of humor and wit, emotions and indifference, hope and adventure enough to keep the reader engrossed in the story. Throughout the book, I didn’t feel bored for even a second just because the book had kept me hooked till the end. Each and every page has got something to offer . Don't think that the length of the book will make it boring. Once to catch the flow , you will complete it in a single flow
'Teenage Diaries' has all the necessary elements of a Bollywood Drama- love, relationship, friendship, betrayal, death, disappointment. It is, indeed, a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Have you ever felt like missing your schooling days? Would you want to relive those memories? I recommend this book as a chance to relive those days
December 31, 2016
This is a book with a great theme of adolescence with absolute transparency of the feelings perceived by the protagonist Ghanshyam, who ventures to tell spirited episodes of his life that is like opening a door that looks out on the immense landscapes of insecurities, anxieties, dreams, illusions and disappointments, of which this bizarre season of life, adolescence, is disseminated.
This book will make you step into the depth of feelings, with a guy who loves life and wants to live it fully. This is a book that everyone can read and which ensures great fun and be ready to dive into the mare magnum of thoughts, with those high rate fairytale rides, which with the waves and the foam, carry within them the echo of a story, that of a teenager, who, continue to harbour within us, hidden in a corner of the heart's memory.
The protagonist, increasingly, become a bed of a river full of emotions. Enchanting is the author's inherent invitation to the reflection on a loving union and immersion in social waters that gives birth to friendships, enmities, associations and love, when dreams look eternal, although they are, at the time, only palpitations in the grass.
Ghanshyam is extravagant and lively, and, like many others, strives to find solutions to little problems in his life. To conclude, the book is lively, bubbly, colourful and eye-catching.
This book will make you step into the depth of feelings, with a guy who loves life and wants to live it fully. This is a book that everyone can read and which ensures great fun and be ready to dive into the mare magnum of thoughts, with those high rate fairytale rides, which with the waves and the foam, carry within them the echo of a story, that of a teenager, who, continue to harbour within us, hidden in a corner of the heart's memory.
The protagonist, increasingly, become a bed of a river full of emotions. Enchanting is the author's inherent invitation to the reflection on a loving union and immersion in social waters that gives birth to friendships, enmities, associations and love, when dreams look eternal, although they are, at the time, only palpitations in the grass.
Ghanshyam is extravagant and lively, and, like many others, strives to find solutions to little problems in his life. To conclude, the book is lively, bubbly, colourful and eye-catching.
August 15, 2017
I had picked up this book with bit of apprehension , considering the sorry state of our Indian young adult fiction. But this book was a pleasant surprise.
The book starts with a boy named "Ghanshyam" born and brought up in a middle class family in Baroda. His adventures begins with his best pal Vikram, where their fav past time is to check out girls of the school opposite them-St.Marys. Their doors to heaven open in high school, when during high school, girls join them. There are heart flutters, temperatures rising, love notes being passed, heart break & a healthy dose of life long friendships.
Ghanshyam & Vikram go through all these. Their adventures are penned well in the 30 chapters of the book. The book is an honest attempt to revisit our childhood days, without any mobile phones and any other distraction.
There is a healthy dose of humour through out the book. One cant help laugh at few situations and the languages used by the friends, especially the nicknames, swear words and the hindi shayari.
Do read this book,its a quick read and for a detailed review of the book, please do check out my blog post- http://sylviavsshweta.blogspot.in/201...
The book starts with a boy named "Ghanshyam" born and brought up in a middle class family in Baroda. His adventures begins with his best pal Vikram, where their fav past time is to check out girls of the school opposite them-St.Marys. Their doors to heaven open in high school, when during high school, girls join them. There are heart flutters, temperatures rising, love notes being passed, heart break & a healthy dose of life long friendships.
Ghanshyam & Vikram go through all these. Their adventures are penned well in the 30 chapters of the book. The book is an honest attempt to revisit our childhood days, without any mobile phones and any other distraction.
There is a healthy dose of humour through out the book. One cant help laugh at few situations and the languages used by the friends, especially the nicknames, swear words and the hindi shayari.
Do read this book,its a quick read and for a detailed review of the book, please do check out my blog post- http://sylviavsshweta.blogspot.in/201...
September 20, 2017
When I felt that I had left my teenage behind and was living a full on adult life, someone reminded me of that phase again. I stumbled upon a wonderful book by the name Teenage Diaries by Saurabh Sharma. Set in the pretext of Baroda of Gujarat, this book is a story about a guy by the name Ghanshyam. Yes, middle class guy with middle class name. The story starts with birth and rapidly takes you teenage. The pace slows down there. And it is necessary. Some places I felt I was sitting there witnessing things happening in front of my eyes, thanks to a good narration. A thing I love about fiction I that it takes you to a superficial world and gives you an opportunity to live with that character or even be that character.
Anyway, coming back to the book, story has more than one turning point. Right from an under-confident Ghanshyam falling for a girl to receiving reciprocation and then pushed away by the same girl for reasons best known to her, it keeps your interest glued to the book. Second turning point comes when Ghanshaym tops the boards and meets new friends who go on to become his lifeline and create a GK out of Ghanshyam. Incidents that change his life completely and dramatically are narrated very well.
Anyway, coming back to the book, story has more than one turning point. Right from an under-confident Ghanshyam falling for a girl to receiving reciprocation and then pushed away by the same girl for reasons best known to her, it keeps your interest glued to the book. Second turning point comes when Ghanshaym tops the boards and meets new friends who go on to become his lifeline and create a GK out of Ghanshyam. Incidents that change his life completely and dramatically are narrated very well.
May 13, 2017
This question is for all the teenagers out there- Have you ever felt nostalgic about your school days?
If yes, then this book is perfect for you. This book will revive all the childhood memories, and all the special and mischievous moments that you had while being a scholar.
The title is apt as the book completely revolves around a teenager named Ghanshyam and his best friend Vikram. Various phases of childhood or more precisely teenage have been effectively described in the novel.
The only thing that I disliked was , there were some incidents which were meaninglessly exaggerated. The description of having a sex, smoking a cigarette more often than not, gulping liquor , dating multiple girls, and luxurious life of some characters portrays their image of a college student rather than a school student.
Overall the book is good. Most of the teenagers would love reading it because it will revive all their memories of past. The wonderful one liners and short poems add additional spice to the book. Although the length of the book is long, it has the tendency to keep you hooked to it till the end.
Grab your copy of teenage diaries and revive the memories of your good old days!!
If yes, then this book is perfect for you. This book will revive all the childhood memories, and all the special and mischievous moments that you had while being a scholar.
The title is apt as the book completely revolves around a teenager named Ghanshyam and his best friend Vikram. Various phases of childhood or more precisely teenage have been effectively described in the novel.
The only thing that I disliked was , there were some incidents which were meaninglessly exaggerated. The description of having a sex, smoking a cigarette more often than not, gulping liquor , dating multiple girls, and luxurious life of some characters portrays their image of a college student rather than a school student.
Overall the book is good. Most of the teenagers would love reading it because it will revive all their memories of past. The wonderful one liners and short poems add additional spice to the book. Although the length of the book is long, it has the tendency to keep you hooked to it till the end.
Grab your copy of teenage diaries and revive the memories of your good old days!!
May 10, 2017
It is said"Teenager is that age when you are too young for half the things and too old to do the other half".We all admire those golden years of life and cherish that feeling of being teenager.
The cover of the book is designed superbly as well as eye-catching title and lucid language by Mr.Saurabh Sharma is it's speciality.
This book talks about the teenage life of Ghanshyam who belongs to the middle class family and having elder brother,Roshan who is apple pie of his parents.Ghanshyam is always compared with his elder brother.Ghanshyam has only 1 best friend Vikram with whom he discusses everything.Though Ghanshyam possessed low self confidence he developed feelings towards Aneya, beautiful classmate.
To solve the problem of self confidence there entered "Madiha" in Ghanshyam's life"Armaan" who helped him in getting the confidence.
So,how will Armaan bring twist in Ghanshyam's black and white story?To get the answers you will have to read the book grab your copies fast!!!!
The cover of the book is designed superbly as well as eye-catching title and lucid language by Mr.Saurabh Sharma is it's speciality.
This book talks about the teenage life of Ghanshyam who belongs to the middle class family and having elder brother,Roshan who is apple pie of his parents.Ghanshyam is always compared with his elder brother.Ghanshyam has only 1 best friend Vikram with whom he discusses everything.Though Ghanshyam possessed low self confidence he developed feelings towards Aneya, beautiful classmate.
To solve the problem of self confidence there entered "Madiha" in Ghanshyam's life"Armaan" who helped him in getting the confidence.
So,how will Armaan bring twist in Ghanshyam's black and white story?To get the answers you will have to read the book grab your copies fast!!!!
January 28, 2017
Please visit http://www.guptakaushal.in/2017/01/bo... to read the complete review of the book.
Teenage, those seven years of an individual's life where they go through extremes of emotions, expectations, realizations, recognition and awareness. In the teenage, let's accept the fact, we make mistakes more out of inexperience than the determination, during those days what one needs the most is not guidance, but confidence to sail through.
The story of Teenage Diaries - The Days That Were is narrated in first person and is more like a conversation that the protagonist, Ghanshyam, is having with you as a reader and it starts right from the time Ghanshyam is about to be born.
I would recommend this 320 page long Teenage Diaries - The Days That Were to anyone interested in reading a fiction that revolves around teenage beyond love.
Teenage, those seven years of an individual's life where they go through extremes of emotions, expectations, realizations, recognition and awareness. In the teenage, let's accept the fact, we make mistakes more out of inexperience than the determination, during those days what one needs the most is not guidance, but confidence to sail through.
The story of Teenage Diaries - The Days That Were is narrated in first person and is more like a conversation that the protagonist, Ghanshyam, is having with you as a reader and it starts right from the time Ghanshyam is about to be born.
I would recommend this 320 page long Teenage Diaries - The Days That Were to anyone interested in reading a fiction that revolves around teenage beyond love.
August 27, 2017
To start with, I was impressed at the Author's poetic introduction to the book. It was the introduction that pushed me into reading it
Even Though the book is named as - "Teenage" Diaries , I feel reading it can be enjoyed by all age groups.
It kept me gripped to the end of the story so much so that I'm already looking forward to the second part.
The outstanding story writing made me feel as if I'm a part of the story. While the Armaan Racing incident made me doleful , the little jokes neatly placed in between the story managed to stimulate a giggle or two
So all in all it's a pleasant read. if you're not really in the mood to read a profound self help book or a lengthy murder mystery, this has to be the book for you to read. While it's a short read, it successfully takes you to a different world, rather, Ghanshyam's world. And you won't regret being there!
Even Though the book is named as - "Teenage" Diaries , I feel reading it can be enjoyed by all age groups.
It kept me gripped to the end of the story so much so that I'm already looking forward to the second part.
The outstanding story writing made me feel as if I'm a part of the story. While the Armaan Racing incident made me doleful , the little jokes neatly placed in between the story managed to stimulate a giggle or two
So all in all it's a pleasant read. if you're not really in the mood to read a profound self help book or a lengthy murder mystery, this has to be the book for you to read. While it's a short read, it successfully takes you to a different world, rather, Ghanshyam's world. And you won't regret being there!
September 11, 2017
Teenage is the time that we cherish the most and dont really miss out on the details. The beauty of the stupid things keeps us cherished all our lives. This book did so with me.
Teenage Diaries: The days that were is a brilliantly weaved story with all the details and smart moves that you don't really know would happen in a debut novel. The writer has developed the character 'Ghanshyam' so well that he feels like a friend sharing his stories with you. From first kisses, teen age blunders to super crazy episodes of stupid things the tales keep you laughing and wondering while also reminding of your own time.
Read it in a go and the 320 pages kept me intrigued. The climax though is well understood and known.
A good light read for all the people who want to revisit their teen age stories and bring it up as conversation starters.
Teenage Diaries: The days that were is a brilliantly weaved story with all the details and smart moves that you don't really know would happen in a debut novel. The writer has developed the character 'Ghanshyam' so well that he feels like a friend sharing his stories with you. From first kisses, teen age blunders to super crazy episodes of stupid things the tales keep you laughing and wondering while also reminding of your own time.
Read it in a go and the 320 pages kept me intrigued. The climax though is well understood and known.
A good light read for all the people who want to revisit their teen age stories and bring it up as conversation starters.
October 14, 2017
A simple book about teenage days - filled with love, friendship, disappointments, adventure - everything we go through in our teenage. All spread on platter sprinkled with humour.
The story chronicles journey of Ghanshyam(Protagonist) and his friend Vikram through their teenage.
The narration is interesting and it keeps you engaged with wit and humour. Good part is the author doesn't try to look intelligent by putting heavy words and keeps things really simple. This will help in connecting with lot of readers.
I have read many such Indian authors in recent times who are targeting young Indian readers. This is one of the few books in the genre that I liked.
Good job Saurabh Sharma. Impressive debut. I am sure your next books will be even better.
Didn't like the book cover though - very childish.
The story chronicles journey of Ghanshyam(Protagonist) and his friend Vikram through their teenage.
The narration is interesting and it keeps you engaged with wit and humour. Good part is the author doesn't try to look intelligent by putting heavy words and keeps things really simple. This will help in connecting with lot of readers.
I have read many such Indian authors in recent times who are targeting young Indian readers. This is one of the few books in the genre that I liked.
Good job Saurabh Sharma. Impressive debut. I am sure your next books will be even better.
Didn't like the book cover though - very childish.
December 28, 2016
The best parts : the poetries and the thoughts the male protagonist wants to voice out, be it the cheesy lines or witty comments, makes you laugh out loud because those were actually the teenage days.
The first chapter itself makes you love GK who is made to go through the ridiculousness of growing up in a middle class family, but the best chapter for me was chap 5 which is sooo so relatable and the transition that takes place when ghanshyam enters the higher-secondary-bossy-no f**k-given-attitude is quite nostalgic.
The last part is heart wrenching and overwhelming as Armaan is a friend to whom we can all relate in real life and this unexpected turn in Ghanshyam's life is what makes me await for the sequel with lots of eagerness.
We want more Saurabh Sharma :) keep it up :)
The first chapter itself makes you love GK who is made to go through the ridiculousness of growing up in a middle class family, but the best chapter for me was chap 5 which is sooo so relatable and the transition that takes place when ghanshyam enters the higher-secondary-bossy-no f**k-given-attitude is quite nostalgic.
The last part is heart wrenching and overwhelming as Armaan is a friend to whom we can all relate in real life and this unexpected turn in Ghanshyam's life is what makes me await for the sequel with lots of eagerness.
We want more Saurabh Sharma :) keep it up :)
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