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Buffering Love
Could you go through a day without accessing a single mobile app? Or without dishing a comment here and a swipe there?
These are some of the questions that the 15 short stories in Buffering Love explore through the escapades of its protagonists on myriad mobile apps.
Whether it's the tinsel town diva who accidentally tweets an intimate personal account, or the aspiring writer who opens a dating app in an office reception just before her interview, the characters from the world of Buffering Love cling on to their mobile phones, sometimes to crush reality and sometimes to embellish it.
Set in urban India and replete with surprising turns, Buffering Love will delight and devastate its readers in equal measure.
These are some of the questions that the 15 short stories in Buffering Love explore through the escapades of its protagonists on myriad mobile apps.
Whether it's the tinsel town diva who accidentally tweets an intimate personal account, or the aspiring writer who opens a dating app in an office reception just before her interview, the characters from the world of Buffering Love cling on to their mobile phones, sometimes to crush reality and sometimes to embellish it.
Set in urban India and replete with surprising turns, Buffering Love will delight and devastate its readers in equal measure.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
210 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2017
About the author
Issac John
2 books9 followersI am a consumer marketing professional turned author this year.
Late 2015, I took a break from a decade-old (perhaps) successful marketing career to devote more time to the craft of writing.
During this break, I graduated from the Screenwriting Program of the New York Film Academy in New York. my first book, 'Buffering Love' was my 4th attempt in 12 months to write something that I feel, could have a breathing life in the world, instead of it gathering rust on my machine.
The stories are inspired by my personal experiences with apps and saw the light of day thanks to Penguin Random House.
Prior to taking up the (near suicidal) decision to pursue writing, I was the Marketing Head for PUMA India for 4 years.
My interests revolve around sports, films and storytelling. I often look up to O’Henry, Woody Allen, Raymond Chandler, Jeffrey Archer and Herge for inspiration.
I often contribute to Mint Lounge, Maxim and FilterCopy as a columnist and I currently lead Marketing for two of Discovery India's channels - Discovery JEET and D Kids.
Late 2015, I took a break from a decade-old (perhaps) successful marketing career to devote more time to the craft of writing.
During this break, I graduated from the Screenwriting Program of the New York Film Academy in New York. my first book, 'Buffering Love' was my 4th attempt in 12 months to write something that I feel, could have a breathing life in the world, instead of it gathering rust on my machine.
The stories are inspired by my personal experiences with apps and saw the light of day thanks to Penguin Random House.
Prior to taking up the (near suicidal) decision to pursue writing, I was the Marketing Head for PUMA India for 4 years.
My interests revolve around sports, films and storytelling. I often look up to O’Henry, Woody Allen, Raymond Chandler, Jeffrey Archer and Herge for inspiration.
I often contribute to Mint Lounge, Maxim and FilterCopy as a columnist and I currently lead Marketing for two of Discovery India's channels - Discovery JEET and D Kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 5, 2018
The first book of the year! Yaay!! And what a start!!
Buffering Love is a tale of contemporary world softly woven. The stories are simple, the characters are simple and feel one amongst us. The concept is new, unique and decently presented.
We live in a world of apps. All seems so close, yet so far!
Buffering Love is a tale of contemporary world softly woven. The stories are simple, the characters are simple and feel one amongst us. The concept is new, unique and decently presented.
We live in a world of apps. All seems so close, yet so far!
November 26, 2017
Lovely read. The book covers every aspect which a dog lover, theatre lover, tech geek and curious marketeer can relate to. Its contemporary storytelling makes it very engaging for us. As technology forms a major part of our lives, so Buffering Love is a phenomenona we have have been through. I love to read but could not prioritise reading over other important things happening in life. This book got me glued and brought back my focus and I am back to reading and I think I can manage to read other incomplete books which were there. Recommended for anyone with shorter attention spans, who love storytelling.
November 25, 2017
Tired of reading the same kind of book? Want a nice, refreshing read? Then pick up a copy of Buffering Love.
Buffering Love is not the usual kind of book that I would pick up at the bookstore. I'm more of a thrillers/mystery genre reader. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Issac John's debut book is filled with endearing short stories, which are all connected to one another in some way (à la six degrees of separation). Each story flows into the next, smoothly. And each one has its little twist that you never see coming (and what twists they are!). It is very easy to connect with the characters in the story, as they could be one of us. A quick, light-hearted read. Keep it up, Issac!
Buffering Love is not the usual kind of book that I would pick up at the bookstore. I'm more of a thrillers/mystery genre reader. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Issac John's debut book is filled with endearing short stories, which are all connected to one another in some way (à la six degrees of separation). Each story flows into the next, smoothly. And each one has its little twist that you never see coming (and what twists they are!). It is very easy to connect with the characters in the story, as they could be one of us. A quick, light-hearted read. Keep it up, Issac!
March 15, 2026
What a start of my reading journey for this year, with this book!!!
As the book name suggests, it is about love. But just not the way we, in the first instance think of it. It's beautifully crafted about so many dimensions and layers of Love. Being an admirer of romantic books or novels or any writing piece, this particular book felt like a fresh sea breeze.
As the book name suggests, it is about love. But just not the way we, in the first instance think of it. It's beautifully crafted about so many dimensions and layers of Love. Being an admirer of romantic books or novels or any writing piece, this particular book felt like a fresh sea breeze.
November 17, 2017
For someone whose attention span lasts no longer than 1.75 paragraphs at one go, that I consumed Buffering Love in a matter of hours is a record. And a testimony to the book.
I've never been one for short reads. Or long ones, for that matter. But I'm a sucker for technology, good stories, wit, twists and cheap thrills. Buffering Love is all of that (and more) packed into one killer book. Killer because it either leaves you stunned, awed or in pain at the end of every story. The characters are drawn really well and stick with you for long after each story. The creativity in ensuring each story leaves you gasping, and in finding a way to link characters across stories is commendable!
Long story short (see what I did there?), Buffering Love is very engaging and I definitely recommend it!
I've never been one for short reads. Or long ones, for that matter. But I'm a sucker for technology, good stories, wit, twists and cheap thrills. Buffering Love is all of that (and more) packed into one killer book. Killer because it either leaves you stunned, awed or in pain at the end of every story. The characters are drawn really well and stick with you for long after each story. The creativity in ensuring each story leaves you gasping, and in finding a way to link characters across stories is commendable!
Long story short (see what I did there?), Buffering Love is very engaging and I definitely recommend it!
April 15, 2022
I completed this book in a day, it caught my attention right from the beginning, the author described how can technology affect the relationships of people these days.
~
It's not a novel which preaches you about the negatives effect of technology. It shows how it is out there in the practical world after the advent of technology. How we are using things and how we end up ignoring the things which are of same value.
~
The author, aptly used personification as his literary device throughout the novel and showed POV of non living beings
A dog who longed for love, A smart watch which detests the classic wrist watch, A single mother who gets lashed on twitter for being open, How we end up playing the game of last seen "the battle of egos" who should text first and constant desperation for receiving the notification, even more beautiful stories with different kinds.
You will thoroughly enjoy reading the book.
~
You will get to know, so many real life stories that are attached with technology, how it ended up making someone's life and how it ended up ending someone's life.
~
Technology, is often treated as threat. I don't understand, why we end up blaming technology when the actual culprit is our lack of self control and mindset. It's not your phone that's controlling you, it's you who are immersing yourself in your phone.
Passing on blame is quite easy, let's own it up. It's our lack of self control that's making things worse not the technology. It's boon or bane it depends on the person using it, not the Technology.
~
Let's start appreciating the things around, technology is part of our life just like the way nature, family, friends and work life are, it helps us to stay connected, learn about things, makes life easier and clicks amazing memories. Prioritising time for every thing, and don't let anyone or anything control you.
~
Let the world not define you as a popular person/likeable person based on the number of followers or no. of likes or no. of views or no. of text messages you receive in a day. You are more than that. Embrace yourself and love yourself just like the way you love the gadget you are using.
Cheers to Technology.
~
It's not a novel which preaches you about the negatives effect of technology. It shows how it is out there in the practical world after the advent of technology. How we are using things and how we end up ignoring the things which are of same value.
~
The author, aptly used personification as his literary device throughout the novel and showed POV of non living beings
A dog who longed for love, A smart watch which detests the classic wrist watch, A single mother who gets lashed on twitter for being open, How we end up playing the game of last seen "the battle of egos" who should text first and constant desperation for receiving the notification, even more beautiful stories with different kinds.
You will thoroughly enjoy reading the book.
~
You will get to know, so many real life stories that are attached with technology, how it ended up making someone's life and how it ended up ending someone's life.
~
Technology, is often treated as threat. I don't understand, why we end up blaming technology when the actual culprit is our lack of self control and mindset. It's not your phone that's controlling you, it's you who are immersing yourself in your phone.
Passing on blame is quite easy, let's own it up. It's our lack of self control that's making things worse not the technology. It's boon or bane it depends on the person using it, not the Technology.
~
Let's start appreciating the things around, technology is part of our life just like the way nature, family, friends and work life are, it helps us to stay connected, learn about things, makes life easier and clicks amazing memories. Prioritising time for every thing, and don't let anyone or anything control you.
~
Let the world not define you as a popular person/likeable person based on the number of followers or no. of likes or no. of views or no. of text messages you receive in a day. You are more than that. Embrace yourself and love yourself just like the way you love the gadget you are using.
Cheers to Technology.
January 29, 2021
Do you ever caught under affection through the apps called WHATSAPP, FACEBOOK, some other CHATTING SOCIAL MEDIA APPS?
DO you ever felt about that relationship's importance or worth?
Do you think that relationship is true or mutual bond?
Language is not a barrier of a sense of Emotions. So, do you think that bond of a relationship would be successful in life?
There are so many opportunities to divert your attention from the moral to immoral. They are not successful path in life. Do you think to slip in this with knowledge?
Let's give it a read to taste these experience through this book. BUFFERING LOVE.
"Buffering Love" title aptly suits for every 15 Short-stories in this book. All the 15 Short-stories has connected each other in different different continuous situations. In every Short-story there is one 'Buffering Love' , which is the impact of ' Mobile Apps '. But no one has suffered by this embarrassing situation. This book not only deals with the myriad mobile apps but also includes some technology aspects, writing skills, foods concept, modern quest ect.,
In every story there is one 'Buffering love', which remains passive at the end. While reading this book, it gives the feel of the story about a family members' continuous experience story. Even though this book is about the devastates of mobile apps but no one suffered or trapped in any hard situations.
Theme: Escapades of Myriad Mobile Apps
Through this book BUFFERING LOVE we can learn ' technologies are only for the development not for the devastates.'
DO you ever felt about that relationship's importance or worth?
Do you think that relationship is true or mutual bond?
Language is not a barrier of a sense of Emotions. So, do you think that bond of a relationship would be successful in life?
There are so many opportunities to divert your attention from the moral to immoral. They are not successful path in life. Do you think to slip in this with knowledge?
Let's give it a read to taste these experience through this book. BUFFERING LOVE.
"Buffering Love" title aptly suits for every 15 Short-stories in this book. All the 15 Short-stories has connected each other in different different continuous situations. In every Short-story there is one 'Buffering Love' , which is the impact of ' Mobile Apps '. But no one has suffered by this embarrassing situation. This book not only deals with the myriad mobile apps but also includes some technology aspects, writing skills, foods concept, modern quest ect.,
In every story there is one 'Buffering love', which remains passive at the end. While reading this book, it gives the feel of the story about a family members' continuous experience story. Even though this book is about the devastates of mobile apps but no one suffered or trapped in any hard situations.
Theme: Escapades of Myriad Mobile Apps
Through this book BUFFERING LOVE we can learn ' technologies are only for the development not for the devastates.'
November 21, 2017
Imaginative literature is a fine medium to reflect the concerns of the times it is written. The stories in the book dwell into the type of the society where information technology has invaded daily life and captures the various aspects touched by it. We see how technology offers opportunities to make a fast buck ignoring the relationships, we see how to fashion self-image to larger society gains an upper hand than to be a companion to the people around, to prefer living in a virtual world rather than a real world and how the nature of crimes and businesses have changed, how it has become a fit medium for the loners.
The structure is precise and proportionate, follows the artistic principles of harmony. The language is simple, racy and poetic. The writer writes from his experiences and the characters are clearly outlined. The final test according to Henry James is that stories represent life and are interesting and that is what all stories are. The subtle irony of each story hooks the reader till the end. The deft craftsmanship shown by a marketing professional in his first foray into writing stories is commendable.
The structure is precise and proportionate, follows the artistic principles of harmony. The language is simple, racy and poetic. The writer writes from his experiences and the characters are clearly outlined. The final test according to Henry James is that stories represent life and are interesting and that is what all stories are. The subtle irony of each story hooks the reader till the end. The deft craftsmanship shown by a marketing professional in his first foray into writing stories is commendable.
November 20, 2017
Buffering Love, a collection of short stories by Isaac John is addictive in general, surprising at the end of every chapter and yet, totally believable. All main ideas in the book centre on an app or some aspects of technology that have, unfortunately, grown to influence modern day relationships and most often than not, in a damaging way.
Every story has a charisma, every story is captivating. You cannot put down the book once you pick it up. A lot of characters are very relatable. If you cannot see yourself in a certain story, you will probably know someone who has been in a similar situation. While each story is smooth and engaging, there is also a mysterious turn right at the end of it.
The first story ‘Launched’ left me fuming at the end. I really did want to meet the male protagonist in the story and yell at him ‘How dare you’!!! And that’s what I love so much about this book. It evokes an emotion inside you. There are also footnotes at the end of some chapters, where the author talks about how the story was drawn from real life inspiration. Sometimes, that made me smile.
There is also a smooth and nonchalant flow within stories and across the book as such. The author’s style itself is informal. Language is clean, concise and clear.
Pick up the book, because you will love it. Pick up the book, because…. You never know….. you may be in it!
Every story has a charisma, every story is captivating. You cannot put down the book once you pick it up. A lot of characters are very relatable. If you cannot see yourself in a certain story, you will probably know someone who has been in a similar situation. While each story is smooth and engaging, there is also a mysterious turn right at the end of it.
The first story ‘Launched’ left me fuming at the end. I really did want to meet the male protagonist in the story and yell at him ‘How dare you’!!! And that’s what I love so much about this book. It evokes an emotion inside you. There are also footnotes at the end of some chapters, where the author talks about how the story was drawn from real life inspiration. Sometimes, that made me smile.
There is also a smooth and nonchalant flow within stories and across the book as such. The author’s style itself is informal. Language is clean, concise and clear.
Pick up the book, because you will love it. Pick up the book, because…. You never know….. you may be in it!
November 6, 2017
'Buffering Love' is a collection of short stories, each of which deals with an app. As someone who uses most of these apps, I loved the concept of the book. Issac's writing makes this a very easy read, as each story flows into the next. I personally enjoyed the fact that many of the character arcs stretch across multiple stories. My personal favorites were 'Launched' (the very first story in the book), and 'Table for One.'
As for cons, there aren't very many, but I didn't enjoy the story with anthromorphic characters. That's more because I don't enjoy that trend in general, though!
If you're looking for some short, fun reads, I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I know Issac, but this review reflects my personal views about the book.
As for cons, there aren't very many, but I didn't enjoy the story with anthromorphic characters. That's more because I don't enjoy that trend in general, though!
If you're looking for some short, fun reads, I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I know Issac, but this review reflects my personal views about the book.
December 5, 2020
4/5 🌟
I really liked this book. The author has brought to us such relatable and real incidents that sucked me into the narration of each and every story.
All the chapters had a main lead which was like the second lead in the previous story. And the way each of the events were woven was so good. The author has referred to all types of online modes of communication one person can think of. From whatsapp to mail to Twitter to dating apps to gaming apps to delivery apps and much more. I myself was surprised by how many ways people communicate and meet new people. These tales were very interesting. The writing style was also engaging and simple. All in all, a good read.
I really liked this book. The author has brought to us such relatable and real incidents that sucked me into the narration of each and every story.
All the chapters had a main lead which was like the second lead in the previous story. And the way each of the events were woven was so good. The author has referred to all types of online modes of communication one person can think of. From whatsapp to mail to Twitter to dating apps to gaming apps to delivery apps and much more. I myself was surprised by how many ways people communicate and meet new people. These tales were very interesting. The writing style was also engaging and simple. All in all, a good read.
November 10, 2017
Buffering Love has been a refreshing read! The stories are riveting, charming yet sometimes agonising. There are instances in the book that you relate to while there are times when you are left gasping at the way your favourite character pans out by the end of the story...Consumed and Confounded is how you feel going through the book as you connect the dots and see this cosmic universe of apps within which the stories are bound and how each story is connected to the other.
My favourite story is definitely 'Launched'.
My favourite story is definitely 'Launched'.
November 12, 2017
A breezy collection of short stories that you can finish in a lazy afternoon, sprawled on the sofa and munching on a snack.
Modern love has changed quite radically due to the apps that connect our lives - Whatsapp, Twitter, Tripadvisor, YouTube, Tinder - and the stories weave these in smoothly, with a twist or two nestled here and there. We know the characters in the stories. They talk like us and do similarly silly (or clever) things.
In short, read it. And mute the Whatsapp notifications while you're at it!
Modern love has changed quite radically due to the apps that connect our lives - Whatsapp, Twitter, Tripadvisor, YouTube, Tinder - and the stories weave these in smoothly, with a twist or two nestled here and there. We know the characters in the stories. They talk like us and do similarly silly (or clever) things.
In short, read it. And mute the Whatsapp notifications while you're at it!
November 26, 2017
Buffering Love is a book that I recommend you read, even if you’re not a short stories person... simply because the stories are simultaneously simple and complex, linear and looped, cold & emotive
When Issac writes he paints a picture with his words and makes you feel like a silent observer watching everything unfold in 3D.
These stories are stuck in my head and images from the stories crop up I use one of the apps he writes about !
When Issac writes he paints a picture with his words and makes you feel like a silent observer watching everything unfold in 3D.
These stories are stuck in my head and images from the stories crop up I use one of the apps he writes about !
February 15, 2021
I have started reading short stories because of my dwindling attention span. Buffering Love was just the book to start if you're trying to get back to reading again, or otherwise just looking for your next quick yet endearing read. A collection of very well written, quick and crisp stories that will definitely resonate with most. It is a quick read but the kind that will stay with you for a while.
February 5, 2024
"Buffering Love Stories from the App Store" by Issac John is a captivating journey through the intricacies of modern relationships. With a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, the book explores the impact of technology on realationships. The characters are relatable, and the story offers a refreshing take on navigating relationships in the digital era. A light, enjoyable read for those interested in the intersection of love and technology.
February 24, 2018
Its a good book. A very light read. Long plane journey? Pick it up.
Its pleasantly different than most books out there. The short stories in themselves are interesting. But what I liked the most was the interconnection between various stories where a small character in a previous story would become the center in the next.
Its pleasantly different than most books out there. The short stories in themselves are interesting. But what I liked the most was the interconnection between various stories where a small character in a previous story would become the center in the next.
October 15, 2023
Exceptionally good book. Absolutely love the short stories. Just the kind of book I always want to read but rarely can be found.
I am so proud 👏 of the author :) I hope he reads this and knows that a sister in another part of the world is very happy for his success 🙌
Love ❤️
-Sabreen
I am so proud 👏 of the author :) I hope he reads this and knows that a sister in another part of the world is very happy for his success 🙌
Love ❤️
-Sabreen
November 20, 2017
Loved spotting the small connecting dots and the seamless narrative with nice unassuming twists along the way. Looking forward for the next one!!
January 14, 2018
A very different kind of read garnered towards this generation of people addicted to technology. Worth a read. Some of the stories will remind you of real characters out there. Some of the stories are kind of okayish, but overall they fit well. Oh and some of those characters flowing from one story to the other, that's kind of sweet.
March 7, 2019
This was a surprisingly good read. The stories are short and fun.
Issac John is now in my top 2-3 choices for best Indian writer for fiction, alongside Arnab Ray.
Issac John is now in my top 2-3 choices for best Indian writer for fiction, alongside Arnab Ray.
September 26, 2020
Loved this one. All the short stories are connected with internet. Loved the concept and writing.
September 14, 2025
Modern stories with unique twists.
Teaches us the importance of having a life outside our phones.
Teaches us the importance of having a life outside our phones.
October 26, 2025
Gave up after 2 stories.
February 18, 2023
Interesting title which piqued my interest in reading it. I being a complete romantic was a bit taken aback as i read the short stories only to understand what 'buffering' actually stands for
December 31, 2019
The novel is a collection of stories of today's technological world. Its small novel with few stories. The stories are short, simple and quite relate-able. But I found that the stories are not so gripping and engaging which doesn't kept me anticipating the climax and excite me to read the next chapter.
Author has tried to link characters of one story with the characters of previous one, which I found a failed attempt and quite useless. I would say,every story is meaningful without the repeating the characters name and relations.
Overall the book is a okay. This book came to me with high recommendation, however it it failed to meet the expectation.
Author has tried to link characters of one story with the characters of previous one, which I found a failed attempt and quite useless. I would say,every story is meaningful without the repeating the characters name and relations.
Overall the book is a okay. This book came to me with high recommendation, however it it failed to meet the expectation.
October 12, 2018
I really like the concept this book revolves around and the way it has been executed. Some stories were astounding and shocking with their sudden dark twists. But both sides of social media and the way people use it, perceive it is captured by those stories.
April 7, 2018
this book came on high recommendation so I was really looking forward to it. but I was disapointed. I would give it half star because i like the way the stories are interlinked in the beginning but otherwise this was one boring read and I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
March 21, 2019
Buffering love - Stories from the App Store
Author : Issac John
Publisher : Rupa Publishers
Pages : 210
The book contains 15 short stories. Right now from first story titled 'launched' I could not keep the book down. Each story has an interlinking through characters which keeps the readers hooked. I specially loved the part of narration by dog and watches. You don't even have read the persceptives of young ,old but also non living objects and animals. The concept of a few stories like 'Table for one's, 'home delivered' and 'Run, Zelda, Run' etc truly depict the current scenario of today's world. Readers could actually relate to the
The style of writing is very well. There won't a single page which would bore you. The language used is simple. The twists in each story keeps the readers engrossed.
The title is very appropriate. The cover is simple yet nice. Do pick this book on a leisure trip. This book would definitely refresh you.Highly recommended.
Content : 4.5
Cover : 3.5/5
Narration : 4/5
Characters : 4.5/5
Title : 5/5
Overall : 5/5
Author : Issac John
Publisher : Rupa Publishers
Pages : 210
The book contains 15 short stories. Right now from first story titled 'launched' I could not keep the book down. Each story has an interlinking through characters which keeps the readers hooked. I specially loved the part of narration by dog and watches. You don't even have read the persceptives of young ,old but also non living objects and animals. The concept of a few stories like 'Table for one's, 'home delivered' and 'Run, Zelda, Run' etc truly depict the current scenario of today's world. Readers could actually relate to the
The style of writing is very well. There won't a single page which would bore you. The language used is simple. The twists in each story keeps the readers engrossed.
The title is very appropriate. The cover is simple yet nice. Do pick this book on a leisure trip. This book would definitely refresh you.Highly recommended.
Content : 4.5
Cover : 3.5/5
Narration : 4/5
Characters : 4.5/5
Title : 5/5
Overall : 5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews