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I Quit! Now What?
Nimisha is exhausted. Of endless weekdays, working weekends, making presentations, working with complicated Excel sheets, handling a boss with time-management issues and the general politics of the workplace. Sigh! After eight years of this life, her only personal insight is that she's terribly unambitious and constantly struggling to be an average performer in the competitive corporate world. When a colleague flashes the glint for a golden sabbatical she catapults into it headfirst. After all, one has to find one's calling at some point in one's life. So will the sabbatical miraculously change her life forever? Or will she go rushing back to her pocketmoney-generating job?
- GenresFiction
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 5, 2018
Mental issues of corporate work culture explained through a light storyline
This book is cool. That's it. It's nothing phenomenal or or of the blue. It's simple, it's quirky and it rightly gives a view of what happens in a corporate world to an employee. Being a corporate slave myself, I don't know if everyone has this happy ending as in this book but hey, stories have to end on a happy note, right? Unless it's horror, which this book is not. So all in all, a good read (pun intended ;))
This book is cool. That's it. It's nothing phenomenal or or of the blue. It's simple, it's quirky and it rightly gives a view of what happens in a corporate world to an employee. Being a corporate slave myself, I don't know if everyone has this happy ending as in this book but hey, stories have to end on a happy note, right? Unless it's horror, which this book is not. So all in all, a good read (pun intended ;))
November 27, 2017
Meet Nimisha, the protagonist of Zarreen Khan’s I Quit! What Now? She is a corporate drone (think Ranbir's character in Tamasha except wittier) and works so hard at her job that she hasn’t had a weekend to herself in a long time. Sounds familiar? She hates her job and the daily grind that comes with the territory. She desperately needs some time off to recharge her batteries and the idea of a sabbatical is planted in her head when her colleague takes one because of her pregnancy. She thinks a sabbatical is the answer to all her problems. But life rarely works as per our plan. She is forced to quit when she isn’t granted a few months off. So she starts off with the list of options typed in her excel sheet, ready to dive in. And we journey with her as she goes through the list, trying things, with hilarious consequences.
Nimisha, fondly called Nimi, lives with her mother and maid. With a distinct personality of her own her maid is one of my favourite characters. Nimi has an elder sister and her nieces adore her. They love the stories she tells them. She has a bunch of friends who keep in touch in spite of their busy lives. Her relationships with friends, family, and office colleagues is portrayed in a real manner and there isn’t a single false note.
Nimi is afraid to make a fool of herself like the rest of us. But she is a diligent worker who hasn’t more or less caught a break in 8 years and feels unappreciated. No wonder the burnout happened.
Nimisha is a likable protagonist but more than that she is flawed and real, like you and me. Initially I couldn’t connect with the corporate droning but I suspect most people would identify with it. After that the pace picked up and I couldn’t stop reading. I haven’t worked in a corporate set up so for me it was looking in from the outside. A fresh perspective, and a scary one at that. I cackled at her jokes in the middle of a wintry night. There was a very real chance of waking people up and making them think I was a lunatic.
A sabbatical is for doing whatever you love or just slowing down and taking it easy. But she is single and 29 on the brink of turning 30. It might as well be the edge of precipice she is throwing down herself from as far as the rest of the world is concerned except her friend Arjun. She has a hard time with everyone asking what’s the plan (the most dreadful three words on the planet if you ask me). And being told to settle down if there is no plan! Why should there be a judgement if there’s no fixed plan? And how is being clueless about where your life is headed a great time to get married. People I tell you! Some people are so accustomed to their work routines and the fat paychecks that accompany it, taking time off from work sounds like a revolting idea to them, almost an alien notion.
There is a little bit of romance but there is nothing syrupy or predictable about it. Friends falling for each other is a trope that never gets old for me. Also can’t a boy and girl be friends and stay friends. It’s the 21st century we are living in. When Harry Met Sally is wrong. There I said it.
Loneliness finds its way into her life after her friends enter into serious relationships or get married. Priorities change and without meaning to friendship does take a backseat. With friends moving on in their lives Nimi feels lost.
Gender bias and misogyny is shown well in the book when women want to take a break from work. Kudos to the author Zarreen Khan for saying it like it is. For women the leave is only approved for matrimony or for having a child. Taking time off for finding yourself is apparently not on the list.
The cover is interesting but doesn’t do justice to the spirit of the book.
The writing is good and her humour razor sharp. She spares no one and in that she makes herself endearing and not pitiable. It’s a thin line. Whoever writes humour and makes fun of themselves (and others) knows that.
I Quit! What Now? is funny but realistic. A lovely breezy read with unexpected lessons thrown in. It is about the journey not the destination. In other words a slice of life book, figuring out life as and when everything happens.
I had a huge smile on my face when the book ended in spite of the clichéd ending (or perhaps because of it?). I am already looking forward to the author Zarreen Khan’s next book. Towards the end of the book everything appears to fall into place for Nimisha and I can’t exactly call it a happy ending, but definitely a hopeful beginning. Sometimes that is all you can hope for.
Disclaimer – I received a copy of the from the publishers in exchange for a honest review.
Nimisha, fondly called Nimi, lives with her mother and maid. With a distinct personality of her own her maid is one of my favourite characters. Nimi has an elder sister and her nieces adore her. They love the stories she tells them. She has a bunch of friends who keep in touch in spite of their busy lives. Her relationships with friends, family, and office colleagues is portrayed in a real manner and there isn’t a single false note.
Nimi is afraid to make a fool of herself like the rest of us. But she is a diligent worker who hasn’t more or less caught a break in 8 years and feels unappreciated. No wonder the burnout happened.
Nimisha is a likable protagonist but more than that she is flawed and real, like you and me. Initially I couldn’t connect with the corporate droning but I suspect most people would identify with it. After that the pace picked up and I couldn’t stop reading. I haven’t worked in a corporate set up so for me it was looking in from the outside. A fresh perspective, and a scary one at that. I cackled at her jokes in the middle of a wintry night. There was a very real chance of waking people up and making them think I was a lunatic.
A sabbatical is for doing whatever you love or just slowing down and taking it easy. But she is single and 29 on the brink of turning 30. It might as well be the edge of precipice she is throwing down herself from as far as the rest of the world is concerned except her friend Arjun. She has a hard time with everyone asking what’s the plan (the most dreadful three words on the planet if you ask me). And being told to settle down if there is no plan! Why should there be a judgement if there’s no fixed plan? And how is being clueless about where your life is headed a great time to get married. People I tell you! Some people are so accustomed to their work routines and the fat paychecks that accompany it, taking time off from work sounds like a revolting idea to them, almost an alien notion.
There is a little bit of romance but there is nothing syrupy or predictable about it. Friends falling for each other is a trope that never gets old for me. Also can’t a boy and girl be friends and stay friends. It’s the 21st century we are living in. When Harry Met Sally is wrong. There I said it.
Loneliness finds its way into her life after her friends enter into serious relationships or get married. Priorities change and without meaning to friendship does take a backseat. With friends moving on in their lives Nimi feels lost.
Gender bias and misogyny is shown well in the book when women want to take a break from work. Kudos to the author Zarreen Khan for saying it like it is. For women the leave is only approved for matrimony or for having a child. Taking time off for finding yourself is apparently not on the list.
The cover is interesting but doesn’t do justice to the spirit of the book.
The writing is good and her humour razor sharp. She spares no one and in that she makes herself endearing and not pitiable. It’s a thin line. Whoever writes humour and makes fun of themselves (and others) knows that.
I Quit! What Now? is funny but realistic. A lovely breezy read with unexpected lessons thrown in. It is about the journey not the destination. In other words a slice of life book, figuring out life as and when everything happens.
I had a huge smile on my face when the book ended in spite of the clichéd ending (or perhaps because of it?). I am already looking forward to the author Zarreen Khan’s next book. Towards the end of the book everything appears to fall into place for Nimisha and I can’t exactly call it a happy ending, but definitely a hopeful beginning. Sometimes that is all you can hope for.
Disclaimer – I received a copy of the from the publishers in exchange for a honest review.
February 3, 2018
If you're bored with work, and wonder about how life would be if you walked away from it all, you need to read this book. Nimisha goes from making lists about all the things she would do while on sabbatical to having what I'd call a perfect sabbatical - doing nothing at all, and also managing to land a job, and finding her calling.
The book's easy to read (I read it in a couple of hours), and has a lot of heart. If you've ever been in a corporate, you're likely to empathize with Nimisha and her struggles, and cheer for her when she quits. It's the ultimate corporate dream, and I like that Zarreen didn't make it seem like the sabbatical was the easiest thing to do (nosey aunties asking about what you do all day, I'm looking at you)! I also liked that the focus wasn't on Nimisha's relationships, which is where most books of this nature end up veering toward, and more about finding herself. I don't know if there's going to be a sequel, but if there is, I'm rooting to read the Princess Amina series (and hopefully gift it to my nieces and nephews).
Disclaimer: I know Zarreen, and followed her blog (back when she still wrote it). This review, however, is my honest opinion of the book. I will however insist that she writes the Princess Amina series!
The book's easy to read (I read it in a couple of hours), and has a lot of heart. If you've ever been in a corporate, you're likely to empathize with Nimisha and her struggles, and cheer for her when she quits. It's the ultimate corporate dream, and I like that Zarreen didn't make it seem like the sabbatical was the easiest thing to do (nosey aunties asking about what you do all day, I'm looking at you)! I also liked that the focus wasn't on Nimisha's relationships, which is where most books of this nature end up veering toward, and more about finding herself. I don't know if there's going to be a sequel, but if there is, I'm rooting to read the Princess Amina series (and hopefully gift it to my nieces and nephews).
Disclaimer: I know Zarreen, and followed her blog (back when she still wrote it). This review, however, is my honest opinion of the book. I will however insist that she writes the Princess Amina series!
April 9, 2020
3.5 stars.
Throughout the book, I went, "Who does that? That's such a stupid thing to do!" But by the end, I was smiling like an idiot. It was a fun book to read. Recommended if you're looking for a light, easy, breezy story to read to make a lazy evening more fun!
Throughout the book, I went, "Who does that? That's such a stupid thing to do!" But by the end, I was smiling like an idiot. It was a fun book to read. Recommended if you're looking for a light, easy, breezy story to read to make a lazy evening more fun!
November 14, 2017
3.5 Stars ⭐️
This review was originally posted on The Common Shelf.
Pending projects, pending deadlines, pending bills and pending, well, life!
This book is relatable on so many different levels! A girl who is stuck in her corporate life, working for over eight years, and has no time for herself or for people around her decides to take a sabbatical. Her aim is to take time off; unwind and relax, pick up some hobbies and spend time with the people she loves. But apparently sabbaticals are meant to be taken for a reason.
Relatable emotions
Real and raw emotions are portrayed in the book; something which all of us face at some point in our life. Family love, constant friendships, pressure to get married, (boy) friend drama ( Yes, there is a boy best friend, but don’t expect the same old cliché story!). It is about a life of a regular Indian woman, trying to find herself. Taking a sabbatical for no apparent reason has its downside; no business idea, no plan to get married and no salary! Nimisha struggles with all these aspects and the reader feels every moment of it.
Good humor
There were laugh out loud moments, there were moments I just smiled reading this book and there were moments I was like ‘this is so me!’ The struggle to have a productive day and ending up just eating all day long and eventually not being able to fit in old clothes was hilarious. There were chapters named ‘fighting fat’.
“She begins by doing squats and stretches. When she squats she’s like Jane Fonda. When I squat, I look like I’m delivering a baby.”
Story line- Work front
The initial chapters were dragged. It took me a while to be interested in the life of the protagonist. The details of her job didn’t intrigue me, which I think was the point. But every detail of the workplace was realistically observed. From meeting deadlines, competition, the constant back-biting, everything was aptly included. But it took me about 100 pages to start liking this book. When she decides to quit her job, that’s when all the fun begins.
From exploring herself, her emotional side, her work preference and all the cupid confusion, Nimisha finally learns to live her life according to her own choices and rules.
Final Thoughts
Khan does a great job in writing this book. It was fluid and easy to read! I specially loved the dialogue writing. The best part was an-almost realistic ending. It was in fact a happy ending which seemed practical and not far-fetched. If you are stuck in the corporate jungle, this definitely is a must read for you. A definite recommendation for a funny and light read.
This review was originally posted on The Common Shelf.
Pending projects, pending deadlines, pending bills and pending, well, life!
This book is relatable on so many different levels! A girl who is stuck in her corporate life, working for over eight years, and has no time for herself or for people around her decides to take a sabbatical. Her aim is to take time off; unwind and relax, pick up some hobbies and spend time with the people she loves. But apparently sabbaticals are meant to be taken for a reason.
Relatable emotions
Real and raw emotions are portrayed in the book; something which all of us face at some point in our life. Family love, constant friendships, pressure to get married, (boy) friend drama ( Yes, there is a boy best friend, but don’t expect the same old cliché story!). It is about a life of a regular Indian woman, trying to find herself. Taking a sabbatical for no apparent reason has its downside; no business idea, no plan to get married and no salary! Nimisha struggles with all these aspects and the reader feels every moment of it.
Good humor
There were laugh out loud moments, there were moments I just smiled reading this book and there were moments I was like ‘this is so me!’ The struggle to have a productive day and ending up just eating all day long and eventually not being able to fit in old clothes was hilarious. There were chapters named ‘fighting fat’.
“She begins by doing squats and stretches. When she squats she’s like Jane Fonda. When I squat, I look like I’m delivering a baby.”
Story line- Work front
The initial chapters were dragged. It took me a while to be interested in the life of the protagonist. The details of her job didn’t intrigue me, which I think was the point. But every detail of the workplace was realistically observed. From meeting deadlines, competition, the constant back-biting, everything was aptly included. But it took me about 100 pages to start liking this book. When she decides to quit her job, that’s when all the fun begins.
From exploring herself, her emotional side, her work preference and all the cupid confusion, Nimisha finally learns to live her life according to her own choices and rules.
Final Thoughts
Khan does a great job in writing this book. It was fluid and easy to read! I specially loved the dialogue writing. The best part was an-almost realistic ending. It was in fact a happy ending which seemed practical and not far-fetched. If you are stuck in the corporate jungle, this definitely is a must read for you. A definite recommendation for a funny and light read.
October 21, 2017
Are you a member of the corporate jungle, juggling work and personal life, much to the amusement of your bosses who take pride in training you for the act. Have you ever thought about quitting this tiring job and just taking a break to unwind or to do something you really like?
Then this book is for you.
Summary:
If I ever quit my full-time job or take a break from it, I’ll most definitely be found reading and maybe writing shitty poems and stories or maybe quilling sometime or maybe learning something new or…well, I am yet to make the list.
Also, lists do not always work. It did not for the very funny and lovable character Nimisha in this amazing book ‘I Quit! Now What?’.
She is stuck in the daily grind of her job that leaves her exhausted after late nights, working weekends and innumerable hours of input with practically no satisfactory outcome. This and other factors around her lead her to take a break from her job. She has no grand plans for this time but has simple points on her to-do list like losing weight, learning pottery, baking and finding her true calling.
This is the story of what leads her to this sabbatical and what she makes of it. Does she achieve what she plans to or does she go back to her job at the end feeling defeated?
Connects with the Reader:
I finished this book in one day straight. I was ironically working from home, reading this book and I just couldn’t put it down. The characters are so real, so relatable, that you can spot their alikes in any corporate setup. Zarreen Khan has also done a commendable job of capturing the habits, thought process and life in general of the characters. Nimisha, the protagonist is lovely. She is witty and sassy but only in her head like we all are!! 😀 I found my own thoughts echoed at multiple places in her dialogues. I found myself asking similar questions as her and tried finding the answers in her narrative. I may not have found them but other readers may.
Real Life Observations:
Not just people but the observations about workplace, its challenges like managing cross-functional teams, the competition, the back-biting, bad managers and meeting deadlines, everything is very very realistic. Indian workplaces are not yet comfortable with the concept of sabbaticals, more so of sabbaticals with no apparent reasons. It is assumed that a female will ask for a long-term leave only if she is getting married or is planning to start a family. Even for men, if you have no plans to show, you have no right to ask for sabbaticals. And when you finally take a break or quit, there are financial issues to consider, peer and societal pressure to cope, and not to mention your own expectations to meet. Finding a job after the break is another ball game altogether. The book has tried to capture all these points and many more.
Writing Style:
The writing is fluid and I did not find a single dull moment in the book. The language is easy to follow with funny dialogues and settings. What I liked best is that even though it is a hilarious and light-hearted read, one finds truth represented in almost all situations. Bitter truth behind a funny facade.
The book also explores the emotional life of Nimisha but I think the romance took a back seat for me in this one. I also found it to be a little exaggerated at places but then one easily overlooks these with better things in the focus.
Recommendations:
I loved reading this book throughout. I will recommend it to all but it is a must-read for all the working professionals who are not so happy in their 9-5 jobs.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Then this book is for you.
Summary:
If I ever quit my full-time job or take a break from it, I’ll most definitely be found reading and maybe writing shitty poems and stories or maybe quilling sometime or maybe learning something new or…well, I am yet to make the list.
Also, lists do not always work. It did not for the very funny and lovable character Nimisha in this amazing book ‘I Quit! Now What?’.
She is stuck in the daily grind of her job that leaves her exhausted after late nights, working weekends and innumerable hours of input with practically no satisfactory outcome. This and other factors around her lead her to take a break from her job. She has no grand plans for this time but has simple points on her to-do list like losing weight, learning pottery, baking and finding her true calling.
This is the story of what leads her to this sabbatical and what she makes of it. Does she achieve what she plans to or does she go back to her job at the end feeling defeated?
Connects with the Reader:
I finished this book in one day straight. I was ironically working from home, reading this book and I just couldn’t put it down. The characters are so real, so relatable, that you can spot their alikes in any corporate setup. Zarreen Khan has also done a commendable job of capturing the habits, thought process and life in general of the characters. Nimisha, the protagonist is lovely. She is witty and sassy but only in her head like we all are!! 😀 I found my own thoughts echoed at multiple places in her dialogues. I found myself asking similar questions as her and tried finding the answers in her narrative. I may not have found them but other readers may.
Real Life Observations:
Not just people but the observations about workplace, its challenges like managing cross-functional teams, the competition, the back-biting, bad managers and meeting deadlines, everything is very very realistic. Indian workplaces are not yet comfortable with the concept of sabbaticals, more so of sabbaticals with no apparent reasons. It is assumed that a female will ask for a long-term leave only if she is getting married or is planning to start a family. Even for men, if you have no plans to show, you have no right to ask for sabbaticals. And when you finally take a break or quit, there are financial issues to consider, peer and societal pressure to cope, and not to mention your own expectations to meet. Finding a job after the break is another ball game altogether. The book has tried to capture all these points and many more.
Writing Style:
The writing is fluid and I did not find a single dull moment in the book. The language is easy to follow with funny dialogues and settings. What I liked best is that even though it is a hilarious and light-hearted read, one finds truth represented in almost all situations. Bitter truth behind a funny facade.
The book also explores the emotional life of Nimisha but I think the romance took a back seat for me in this one. I also found it to be a little exaggerated at places but then one easily overlooks these with better things in the focus.
Recommendations:
I loved reading this book throughout. I will recommend it to all but it is a must-read for all the working professionals who are not so happy in their 9-5 jobs.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
November 4, 2017
Its a clean, simple and lively narration of the things that happen upon pressure-quitting. Somewhere the person who is tired, complaints of it is not ready for a break actually. Seems, working hard and complaining is part of the word "job"; particularly a corporate one.
Zareen deftly takes through most of the aspects of the same; wonderful and nice reading!
Zareen deftly takes through most of the aspects of the same; wonderful and nice reading!
August 27, 2017
An absolutely delightful read. This is the story of each and everyone of us stuck in the madness of the corporate world. Extremely engrossing, and keeps you guessing till the very end as to what choices the protagonist will make. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 5, 2017
I remember reading a quote by John Ortberg which said, 'I have always heard that you need to give yourself a long time to unplug when you do a sabbatical. I unplugged so fast I was a little concerned that I was losing brain capacity.'
I couldn't help being reminded of his words when I started reading I Quit! Now What? by Zarreen Khan.
Having chosen a single, twenty-something female professional as the protagonist, the author speaks for all the unmarried women today who are looking to take a break after a seven-to-ten year career track.
The fact that Nimisha is inspired by a colleague who is four months pregnant, itself speaks volumes. I, for one, have never understood why it is considered normal for a married woman to take a break from work, but when a single woman decides to take this step, everyone - from her company's chief (insert name of your company's top honcho - man or woman) to the chaiwallah outside her office building - has an opinion; her own relatives included.
The first obvious question is what said single woman will survive on, without the luxury of a regular salary being credited to her account. The author tackles this in an understated way. She lands a sharp punch on the nose of all those who think a single woman sitting at home is only living off her parents money. (Hello Uninitiated! Are you familiar with the term 'Savings'? No? Look it up!)
In addition to her overt subtlety, Khan also has a definite flair for humour. This is evident from the opening scene and is carried throughout the book - Only one of the many reasons I ended up reading this through the night. It comes naturally to her and she infuses it at the right places, often coupled with eye-rolling sarcasm that makes you roll on the floor from laughing so much it hurts.
The story is told in two parts - The Corporate Life and The Sabbatical.
When she does eventually bite the Sabbatical bullet, and begins her quest to discover a new passion, Nimisha is supported by a loving family, two adorable nieces, a gang of 2:00am friends and, last but not the least, the quintessential best (boy) friend.
Wait, don't start jumping in excitement just yet. There is a (boy) friend, yes, but this is not a romance novel. So, don't pick this up if that's all you're looking for. You won't find it here.
What you will find though, is a lot of cupid confusion, which is just about the amount of romance I can handle. :)
As Nimisha soon finds out in her preparation to dive into this new phase, armed with a list of activities she has been meaning to pursue, it turns out there really is a technique to live and enjoy a sabbatical. No wonder John Ortberg said what he did about the time needed to unplug.
I Quit! Now What? is a fun read, with the perfect mix of dreams, fantasy and practicality. Zarreen Khan has definitely made her presence felt with her strong writing and should consider making this a series. I will surely be lining up to get hold of her next book.
Note – I received this review copy from the Author/Publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com.
I couldn't help being reminded of his words when I started reading I Quit! Now What? by Zarreen Khan.
Having chosen a single, twenty-something female professional as the protagonist, the author speaks for all the unmarried women today who are looking to take a break after a seven-to-ten year career track.
The fact that Nimisha is inspired by a colleague who is four months pregnant, itself speaks volumes. I, for one, have never understood why it is considered normal for a married woman to take a break from work, but when a single woman decides to take this step, everyone - from her company's chief (insert name of your company's top honcho - man or woman) to the chaiwallah outside her office building - has an opinion; her own relatives included.
The first obvious question is what said single woman will survive on, without the luxury of a regular salary being credited to her account. The author tackles this in an understated way. She lands a sharp punch on the nose of all those who think a single woman sitting at home is only living off her parents money. (Hello Uninitiated! Are you familiar with the term 'Savings'? No? Look it up!)
In addition to her overt subtlety, Khan also has a definite flair for humour. This is evident from the opening scene and is carried throughout the book - Only one of the many reasons I ended up reading this through the night. It comes naturally to her and she infuses it at the right places, often coupled with eye-rolling sarcasm that makes you roll on the floor from laughing so much it hurts.
The story is told in two parts - The Corporate Life and The Sabbatical.
When she does eventually bite the Sabbatical bullet, and begins her quest to discover a new passion, Nimisha is supported by a loving family, two adorable nieces, a gang of 2:00am friends and, last but not the least, the quintessential best (boy) friend.
Wait, don't start jumping in excitement just yet. There is a (boy) friend, yes, but this is not a romance novel. So, don't pick this up if that's all you're looking for. You won't find it here.
What you will find though, is a lot of cupid confusion, which is just about the amount of romance I can handle. :)
As Nimisha soon finds out in her preparation to dive into this new phase, armed with a list of activities she has been meaning to pursue, it turns out there really is a technique to live and enjoy a sabbatical. No wonder John Ortberg said what he did about the time needed to unplug.
I Quit! Now What? is a fun read, with the perfect mix of dreams, fantasy and practicality. Zarreen Khan has definitely made her presence felt with her strong writing and should consider making this a series. I will surely be lining up to get hold of her next book.
Note – I received this review copy from the Author/Publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com.
November 19, 2017
Much like Nimisha, the protagonist in the book, who does some 'jasoosi', I looked up Zarreen Khan on Facebook, and I found out that two of my friends have clicked 'Like' on one of Zarreen's pictures. Other than that, I don't know Zarreen at all. Except through her writing. This is for the sake of being totally transparent with my readers.
Now, for her book:
Chapter one opens with a wedding in Goa. Interesting. Me likey.
Chapter two sees Nimisha, the protagonist, heading to her office.
Loved these opening lines, "Slavery is common in the corporate world. And having committed the sin of taking a Friday off for a friend's wedding - which is as much leave a typical boss would give you even if you were hospitalised for some deadly disease - it is but natural, that several of us are dressed in formal office gear as we head for the early Monday morning flight to Delhi. It's straight to work from the airport, even though most of us have had only a few hours of sleep."
After that, the story for half the book is about how Nimisha works up the courage to go on a sabbatical, her equation with her boss and two subordinates, the people in her office, politics, and so on. I found this bit a tad too stretched out, but maybe that's just me, having worked full-time in corporate India since 2003.
I think the first half would be an eye-opener for MBA aspirants, who are interested in knowing how those who do not pass out of the Top Tier B-Schools, that is, the majority of MBAs in India end up. (I'm not trying to put down the protagonist. No. Not at all. I'm with her.) Nimisha works in Toddlerz, and from her description, it is quite a dead-end job.
What happens in the second half of the book is more interesting - Nimisha's life when she quits her job. This includes events in Toddlerz - the office she leaves behind, events at home, how she ends up lying to her friends, how that leads to other surprises, both in her personal life and in her professional life, how she finds her passion, the resolution of a romantic triangle and more.
To find out how life takes a turn for the better when Nimisha quits her job, read the book.
I must add that this is a very grounded and realistic book. A middle-class perspective, if you will. Just a story of a hard-working young girl in corporate India, following her heart, in the face of criticism from all quarters, a scene most Indian women from a similar background can relate to.
Review Copy: Amaryllis Publishing
Now, for her book:
Chapter one opens with a wedding in Goa. Interesting. Me likey.
Chapter two sees Nimisha, the protagonist, heading to her office.
Loved these opening lines, "Slavery is common in the corporate world. And having committed the sin of taking a Friday off for a friend's wedding - which is as much leave a typical boss would give you even if you were hospitalised for some deadly disease - it is but natural, that several of us are dressed in formal office gear as we head for the early Monday morning flight to Delhi. It's straight to work from the airport, even though most of us have had only a few hours of sleep."
After that, the story for half the book is about how Nimisha works up the courage to go on a sabbatical, her equation with her boss and two subordinates, the people in her office, politics, and so on. I found this bit a tad too stretched out, but maybe that's just me, having worked full-time in corporate India since 2003.
I think the first half would be an eye-opener for MBA aspirants, who are interested in knowing how those who do not pass out of the Top Tier B-Schools, that is, the majority of MBAs in India end up. (I'm not trying to put down the protagonist. No. Not at all. I'm with her.) Nimisha works in Toddlerz, and from her description, it is quite a dead-end job.
What happens in the second half of the book is more interesting - Nimisha's life when she quits her job. This includes events in Toddlerz - the office she leaves behind, events at home, how she ends up lying to her friends, how that leads to other surprises, both in her personal life and in her professional life, how she finds her passion, the resolution of a romantic triangle and more.
To find out how life takes a turn for the better when Nimisha quits her job, read the book.
I must add that this is a very grounded and realistic book. A middle-class perspective, if you will. Just a story of a hard-working young girl in corporate India, following her heart, in the face of criticism from all quarters, a scene most Indian women from a similar background can relate to.
Review Copy: Amaryllis Publishing
October 23, 2017
Product deProduct details
Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: Amaryllis (3 July 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9381506973
ISBN-13: 978-9381506974
What is this book all about?
I Quit! Now What? is the story of a marketing professional Nimisha who has been working continuously for 7 years in the same organization where she is not treated the way she deserves and is upset about the same. She is constantly burdened with too much of work, swarming office hours and routine presentations. She hardly has any time for herself at the end of the day. Even her weekends aren’t her’s to spend often taken by some official work or the other.
When a colleague flashes the glint of a golden sabbatical she hurls into it headfirst. After all, one has to find one’s calling at some point in one’s life.
So will the holiday miraculously change her life forever? Or will she go rushing back to her pocket money-generating job?
Review
This is the first time I have ever tried a chick-lit and this book was recommended to me by Sankalpita Singh from Book Geeks India. The writing is simple and easy to understand and there was no gloomy moment in this book. The characters are an lovable lot where Nimisha’s personality is an appealing character to the reader. Her close group consists of her close friends, nieces and few fun colleagues too who lit and spice up the simple story.
The best part of the book is it is hilarious and cheery read. It also showcases the reality of the corporate world and the pro’s and con’s of taking a break.
What I did not like about this book?
The cover did not appeal me much. The cover of the book was a disappointment and it made me feel like a business read. The posters on the book just made me think how to grow up the ladder in the corporate world or how to be an entrepreneur.
My Verdict
It is a pleasant read where you would laugh reading this book and an apt book in terms of entertainment quotient and I would recommend this book to all chick-lit lovers.
Rating: 4.5/5*
Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: Amaryllis (3 July 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9381506973
ISBN-13: 978-9381506974
What is this book all about?
I Quit! Now What? is the story of a marketing professional Nimisha who has been working continuously for 7 years in the same organization where she is not treated the way she deserves and is upset about the same. She is constantly burdened with too much of work, swarming office hours and routine presentations. She hardly has any time for herself at the end of the day. Even her weekends aren’t her’s to spend often taken by some official work or the other.
When a colleague flashes the glint of a golden sabbatical she hurls into it headfirst. After all, one has to find one’s calling at some point in one’s life.
So will the holiday miraculously change her life forever? Or will she go rushing back to her pocket money-generating job?
Review
This is the first time I have ever tried a chick-lit and this book was recommended to me by Sankalpita Singh from Book Geeks India. The writing is simple and easy to understand and there was no gloomy moment in this book. The characters are an lovable lot where Nimisha’s personality is an appealing character to the reader. Her close group consists of her close friends, nieces and few fun colleagues too who lit and spice up the simple story.
The best part of the book is it is hilarious and cheery read. It also showcases the reality of the corporate world and the pro’s and con’s of taking a break.
What I did not like about this book?
The cover did not appeal me much. The cover of the book was a disappointment and it made me feel like a business read. The posters on the book just made me think how to grow up the ladder in the corporate world or how to be an entrepreneur.
My Verdict
It is a pleasant read where you would laugh reading this book and an apt book in terms of entertainment quotient and I would recommend this book to all chick-lit lovers.
Rating: 4.5/5*
September 26, 2017
I quit Now what is a story of a girl who is tired of her job, upset with the work profile & pay package. And one fine day she decide to take a sabbatical for six months . She makes a list of things which she plans to do during that course of period. In the beginning it was little difficult for her to imagine life without office however as the time passes she started enjoying the phase, the time she spends with her niece telling them bedtime stories, bakery, yoga & pottery. During this time she also started writing those stories which she used to tell to her niece & came to the conclusion that this is what she is best in it. At the end she take up a job in the same field storytelling.
It is very difficult to take a sabbatical from your current job, to let go that source of monthly income but as they say sometime it is important to leave the present so that you will able to see the future or to hear your calling. Let see if I can take one.
It is very difficult to take a sabbatical from your current job, to let go that source of monthly income but as they say sometime it is important to leave the present so that you will able to see the future or to hear your calling. Let see if I can take one.
August 11, 2020
Week 33 Book 42
I quit! Now what? By Zarreen Khan
Rating: 3/5
We all have imagined taking a sabbatical from being a corporate slave, to learning new things, pursuing our dormant hobbies, and travel the world. To get refreshed, ready to face the world anew.
But how many of us take that chance? And are we able to fulfil everything we want to? Nimisha takes that challenge, and finds out what a sabbatical means to her. This is a well written, relatable and funny book. My only grouse is its too long and slow at times. A crisper version would have been even better. Nevertheless, worth reading.
I quit! Now what? By Zarreen Khan
Rating: 3/5
We all have imagined taking a sabbatical from being a corporate slave, to learning new things, pursuing our dormant hobbies, and travel the world. To get refreshed, ready to face the world anew.
But how many of us take that chance? And are we able to fulfil everything we want to? Nimisha takes that challenge, and finds out what a sabbatical means to her. This is a well written, relatable and funny book. My only grouse is its too long and slow at times. A crisper version would have been even better. Nevertheless, worth reading.
July 21, 2017
Super light and breezy read but that whose characters stay with you. You can relate to each one since you may have met or seen similar characters at some point in your corporate life in any of the metros in India. Book has a sense of warmth across the pages which you wish stayed with you longer . The read is fairly simple , took me a couple of hours only. But certainly worth it. I am usually wary of Indian chic lit authors but this one was gold!
December 16, 2017
I thought this book was going to turn out to be another cheap fictions of "bhagat" genre. But i was surprised with the maturity of the writer. Not only is her lead character relate able to us, she keeps her real too. While i am thinking, the book is going to follow the same old melodramatic ways, it suddenly breaks out of the cocoon and follows a slightly different path. It is highly recommended for a good quality quick read.
August 31, 2017
I got this book when i was stuck in the cobweb of corporate life...i could relate to each and every word of this book...sometimes felt that this is my story...amazing and a very light read..this is the first time i realised i need not have to be a perfectionist...i just need to be " MYSELF "...i wish the book reaches to each and everyone who are stuck with their professional lives...even i am giving this book to my colleagues to read.. Would really like to read the Part two of this book..
August 20, 2017
I loved it!! Just like Nimisha's nieces I could imagine each and every scene in my mind....really really loved the book... i could totally relate to Nimisha and her mental turmoil.... I received the book as a goodreads giveaway and i could not keep it down until i finished reading it.....My favorite book of 2017 so far... Three cheers to the author and to her publishing team :D :D :D
February 23, 2018
Saba Imtiaz meets Bridget Jones in this rather contemporary Bollywood themed story. It reminded me a lot of Karachi you’re killing me in many ways (Also known as the Bollywood film ‘Noor’) minus the typical cliched ending which was a nice surprise.
November 30, 2020
I got to this book after reading koi good news.
It isn't that great as the other book. But it's a simple read.
Do not expect anything much here.
There are alot of loose ends that doesn't make sense. And alot of funny things. Too.
Overall light read.
It isn't that great as the other book. But it's a simple read.
Do not expect anything much here.
There are alot of loose ends that doesn't make sense. And alot of funny things. Too.
Overall light read.
March 21, 2022
The emotions are raw and the story line is very relatable. Nimisha's attempts to make her sabbatical meaningful are hilarious and I can attest that the reactions of people around her are realistic having gone through the same myself. But the ending feels forced, not quite believable.
February 19, 2018
An easy breezy read but a fun one too.
Detailed review @
https://medium.com/@kiranmayi.g/book-...
Detailed review @
https://medium.com/@kiranmayi.g/book-...
March 11, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who is or was stuck in the corporate rut. Hilarious, relatable, and hugely entertaining. Definitely recommend.
April 21, 2019
A light read, which depicts the current situation all working women.
August 25, 2017
Detailed review on my blog - https://www.bookgeeks.in/i-quit-now-w...
November 18, 2017
More than 90% corporate slaves dream of it but hardly 10% are divinely lucky or extremely stupid to say, “I QUIT!” .I absolutely loved this novel and here are my reasons why one should read it:
1. It’s not another love story or historical fiction: I love Indian authors shelling out relatable books, based on Indian youth or Indian history but let’s admit it; there are too many titles even hard to differentiate one from another. This book is fresh and deals with a major issue of young generation facing an early burnout in their career.
2. The writing style will give you moments where you would switch places with the protagonist: I did it all the time. Whether it’s Nimisha dreading the Monday after an eventful weekend or Nimisha checking her mobile every now and then to escape the boring office environment, the feelings and the thought process is built in a very easy going and natural way.
3. Though the protagonist is a woman, men would also relate with it: I know many would argue that it’s easier for women to quit; I still hold this opinion that this novel would be enjoyed by all the genders equally. In fact the novel also deals with the usual cliché that a woman can take a break when getting married or having kid but it’s a crime for an unmarried woman or a man to think about taking a career break.
4. It’s not as rosy as a fairy tale: I have seen two types of people- One who advocate leaving 9 to 5 jobs and discovering ones true calling and find it brave and another who think quitting means escaping and foolishly venture into uncertainty. This book maintains a balance on both the aspects. On one side Nimisha does get all the time in the world for herself but at the same time she has to face questions from everyone, rejections from potential employers, office politics and rumours.
5. It brings out the human nature in the best possible ways: I can feel the honesty with which the book is written when I see Nimisha dreaming about quitting a job but at the same time, dreading the idea of being unemployed. Despite of a long to-do list, she does nothing for almost one month. She feels insecure when job consultancies turn down her candidature due to her break and finally, how she makes peace with herself.
6. Last but not the least: This has been my personal discovery too. Before quitting, Nimisha hated the likes of Akanksha and those house wives who used to hang out in a mall during weekdays but by the end of the book, she stopped judging other women. This is the best part because one of the major let downs for feminism is one woman looking down upon another woman’s choices.
In the end, I hoped Nimisha would finally become an entrepreneur or self -employed professional but the end did surprise me a bit and I like it. All in all, it was a wonderful read.
1. It’s not another love story or historical fiction: I love Indian authors shelling out relatable books, based on Indian youth or Indian history but let’s admit it; there are too many titles even hard to differentiate one from another. This book is fresh and deals with a major issue of young generation facing an early burnout in their career.
2. The writing style will give you moments where you would switch places with the protagonist: I did it all the time. Whether it’s Nimisha dreading the Monday after an eventful weekend or Nimisha checking her mobile every now and then to escape the boring office environment, the feelings and the thought process is built in a very easy going and natural way.
3. Though the protagonist is a woman, men would also relate with it: I know many would argue that it’s easier for women to quit; I still hold this opinion that this novel would be enjoyed by all the genders equally. In fact the novel also deals with the usual cliché that a woman can take a break when getting married or having kid but it’s a crime for an unmarried woman or a man to think about taking a career break.
4. It’s not as rosy as a fairy tale: I have seen two types of people- One who advocate leaving 9 to 5 jobs and discovering ones true calling and find it brave and another who think quitting means escaping and foolishly venture into uncertainty. This book maintains a balance on both the aspects. On one side Nimisha does get all the time in the world for herself but at the same time she has to face questions from everyone, rejections from potential employers, office politics and rumours.
5. It brings out the human nature in the best possible ways: I can feel the honesty with which the book is written when I see Nimisha dreaming about quitting a job but at the same time, dreading the idea of being unemployed. Despite of a long to-do list, she does nothing for almost one month. She feels insecure when job consultancies turn down her candidature due to her break and finally, how she makes peace with herself.
6. Last but not the least: This has been my personal discovery too. Before quitting, Nimisha hated the likes of Akanksha and those house wives who used to hang out in a mall during weekdays but by the end of the book, she stopped judging other women. This is the best part because one of the major let downs for feminism is one woman looking down upon another woman’s choices.
In the end, I hoped Nimisha would finally become an entrepreneur or self -employed professional but the end did surprise me a bit and I like it. All in all, it was a wonderful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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