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Keeping Up with Kaneda
Canada – the land of beautiful lakes, opportunities and umm... scores of desis (aren't we just everywhere?). What happens when a young man gets a one-way ticket to the hallowed country? When you're saat samundar paar, even a modest course at a community college becomes a gateway for merriment and learning... of a totally different kind. And so it did, with Gaurav. An Australian flatmate, fellow students from Nigeria and Bangladesh and an employer from Kazakhstan lead him on a journey of epic escapades and much self-discovery. And when you're looking to earn some pocket money, odd jobs just have to do. From a curious DJing gig that turns out slightly different than expected to becoming a walking salesman clad in a sandwich board, there's no dearth of drama. Jump right in, for Keeping Up With Kaneda is an adventure in itself.
- GenresFiction
136 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2017
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3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 4, 2018
"Keeping up with Kaneda" is a book which narrates the soul-searching experience of the debutante author Gaurav Kumar on foreign soil.
When you see the cover of the book you will find some random unrelated things like a bear, a girl in short dress with a snake around her neck, a moose, a stud etc. After reading the book, I found that they are one of the many important characters of the story.
Gaurav Kumar has described his real-life experiences during his stay at Canada in very astute manner. Pursuing his MBA in Canada, he has gone through a lot of part-time jobs for earning his living expenses there. He has written his experience which came across during that period and which have changed his life.
In each chapter, the author would find a new job and narrates the experience of the job. You will find stories like a funny gay DJ night to a memorable outing with a friend on a long drive in Dodge Charger, from a rich girl with a big green snake to Nat Geo people filming giant bear. At the end, he has shared his real-life experience about resigning from his job and his startup journey. I personally liked the conversation with a Pakistani driver in one of the story.
So overall all its a good book to read. The flow of storyline and easy language made me finish the book in a single sitting.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2018/02...
When you see the cover of the book you will find some random unrelated things like a bear, a girl in short dress with a snake around her neck, a moose, a stud etc. After reading the book, I found that they are one of the many important characters of the story.
Gaurav Kumar has described his real-life experiences during his stay at Canada in very astute manner. Pursuing his MBA in Canada, he has gone through a lot of part-time jobs for earning his living expenses there. He has written his experience which came across during that period and which have changed his life.
In each chapter, the author would find a new job and narrates the experience of the job. You will find stories like a funny gay DJ night to a memorable outing with a friend on a long drive in Dodge Charger, from a rich girl with a big green snake to Nat Geo people filming giant bear. At the end, he has shared his real-life experience about resigning from his job and his startup journey. I personally liked the conversation with a Pakistani driver in one of the story.
So overall all its a good book to read. The flow of storyline and easy language made me finish the book in a single sitting.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2018/02...
June 9, 2018
After reading back to back thrillers I picked up this book, "Keeping up with Kaneda" written by a debutante Gaurav Kumar. This 126pgs book is surely a light-read and can finish it in a one sit reading. The classes cover page and the fascinating line in the blurb, thought wouldn't disappoint my choice.
The number of Indian students going abroad to study is growing at a faster pace than ever before. And the main Protagonist Gaurav is one among them. Flying all the way to Canada to fulfill his dreams, being a strategic Management student at a Canadian university.
The plot is simple, but the narrative makes the reader to hook up with the book. The story has too many characters doing a cameo role, but also they are an integral part of the story. Carlos is one such character who still sits inside my head. It's all because of the author's descriptive style of the characters.
Vishal and Gaurav together make a stupendous combination. Their adventurous saga really makes the reader to enjoy the story with some laughter.
The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once told "If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm." In one of the episodes you will witness this. And must say this episode is really chucklesome. Not to forget plenty of encounters of "No one can pronounce my name properly."
Overall Keeping up with Kaneda is really fun reading.
Actual Rating : 4.5/5
Favorite Quote :
In life, always remember; chase your hopes and dreams, but make sure you also chase a well-rounded life with plenty of friends and loved ones, who will give it a meaning beyond material desires.
The number of Indian students going abroad to study is growing at a faster pace than ever before. And the main Protagonist Gaurav is one among them. Flying all the way to Canada to fulfill his dreams, being a strategic Management student at a Canadian university.
The plot is simple, but the narrative makes the reader to hook up with the book. The story has too many characters doing a cameo role, but also they are an integral part of the story. Carlos is one such character who still sits inside my head. It's all because of the author's descriptive style of the characters.
Vishal and Gaurav together make a stupendous combination. Their adventurous saga really makes the reader to enjoy the story with some laughter.
The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once told "If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm." In one of the episodes you will witness this. And must say this episode is really chucklesome. Not to forget plenty of encounters of "No one can pronounce my name properly."
Overall Keeping up with Kaneda is really fun reading.
Actual Rating : 4.5/5
Favorite Quote :
In life, always remember; chase your hopes and dreams, but make sure you also chase a well-rounded life with plenty of friends and loved ones, who will give it a meaning beyond material desires.
November 18, 2018
Book Name: Keeping up with Kaneda
Author: Gaurav Kumar
Genre: Drama, fiction
Publisher: Srishti Publisher
Plot: Canada – the land of beautiful lakes, opportunities and umm... scores of desis (aren't we just everywhere?). What happens when a young man gets a one-way ticket to the hallowed country? When you're saat samundar paar, even a modest course at a community college becomes a gateway for merriment and learning... of a totally different kind. And so it did, with Gaurav. An Australian flatmate, fellow students from Nigeria and Bangladesh and an employer from Kazakhstan lead him on a journey of epic escapades and much self-discovery. And when you're looking to earn some pocket money, odd jobs just have to do. From a curious DJing gig that turns out slightly different than expected to becoming a walking salesman clad in a sandwich board, there's no dearth of drama. Jump right in, for Keeping Up With Kaneda is an adventure in itself.
My opinion: Canada is called "Kaneda" in desi language, it's a fresh of tale a desi boy in a new land, new place and alot of new adjustments. I loved the concept used the book because it's unique and fresh.
Pros: First thing is the humor and language was just amazing, full of laughter and drama. This was an entertaining read so that the reader is never bored while reading. Character description is in depth and things felt realistic rather than cheesy, so if you are non-reader then feel free to pick this. This is very short-sweet & a funny read. Will consume no time to be completed. Highly recommend, go for it.
Cons: Basically, I expected much in sense of portraying sub plots, they are good but could be more creative. Cover is funny but could be more creative.
Rating: 4.25🌟
Author: Gaurav Kumar
Genre: Drama, fiction
Publisher: Srishti Publisher
Plot: Canada – the land of beautiful lakes, opportunities and umm... scores of desis (aren't we just everywhere?). What happens when a young man gets a one-way ticket to the hallowed country? When you're saat samundar paar, even a modest course at a community college becomes a gateway for merriment and learning... of a totally different kind. And so it did, with Gaurav. An Australian flatmate, fellow students from Nigeria and Bangladesh and an employer from Kazakhstan lead him on a journey of epic escapades and much self-discovery. And when you're looking to earn some pocket money, odd jobs just have to do. From a curious DJing gig that turns out slightly different than expected to becoming a walking salesman clad in a sandwich board, there's no dearth of drama. Jump right in, for Keeping Up With Kaneda is an adventure in itself.
My opinion: Canada is called "Kaneda" in desi language, it's a fresh of tale a desi boy in a new land, new place and alot of new adjustments. I loved the concept used the book because it's unique and fresh.
Pros: First thing is the humor and language was just amazing, full of laughter and drama. This was an entertaining read so that the reader is never bored while reading. Character description is in depth and things felt realistic rather than cheesy, so if you are non-reader then feel free to pick this. This is very short-sweet & a funny read. Will consume no time to be completed. Highly recommend, go for it.
Cons: Basically, I expected much in sense of portraying sub plots, they are good but could be more creative. Cover is funny but could be more creative.
Rating: 4.25🌟
January 24, 2018
It is the dreams of almost every Indian teenager and youth to go abroad and study. Western countries are a paradise when we look from here but dreaming and living the dream are two different facts. Gaurav kumar through his book Keeping up with Kaneda. Author reaches canada during winter when the cold climate will bite you with the frost. While seeing snow reminds us of a romantic movie scene living with the snow is not what we dream like. Author through the book reveals different layers of prejudice and discrimination.
Author has laid bare the practice of acquiring clients through hook and crook and outsourcing the job to an Indian firm at lower rates. Why Indian outsourcing firms are sprouting like mushrooms is depicted with finesse. Several instances of crisis management acts as a pointer for many aspiring management students. Author tells us how the people outside toil during the weekdays and enjoy during the weekends.
While the books entertains and educates on one side, it misleads on the other side. All through the book I was left wondering if the sole purpose of a man is to ogle at women. I was literally dumbstruck to see that a girl's short dress might incite this level of dirty thoughts in men, which in turn was disheartening. The epilogue is the highlight of the book. How the idea of florist.com germinated to the present business is highly motivating and inspiring. This left me wondering why author did not chose this exemplary journey for his first book. It had everything. Idea, love, marriage, business, success, failure, again success, which left me wanting more and more.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
Author has laid bare the practice of acquiring clients through hook and crook and outsourcing the job to an Indian firm at lower rates. Why Indian outsourcing firms are sprouting like mushrooms is depicted with finesse. Several instances of crisis management acts as a pointer for many aspiring management students. Author tells us how the people outside toil during the weekdays and enjoy during the weekends.
While the books entertains and educates on one side, it misleads on the other side. All through the book I was left wondering if the sole purpose of a man is to ogle at women. I was literally dumbstruck to see that a girl's short dress might incite this level of dirty thoughts in men, which in turn was disheartening. The epilogue is the highlight of the book. How the idea of florist.com germinated to the present business is highly motivating and inspiring. This left me wondering why author did not chose this exemplary journey for his first book. It had everything. Idea, love, marriage, business, success, failure, again success, which left me wanting more and more.
This review is in return of a free book from the publisher
July 19, 2018
Keeping up with Kaneda is Gaurav Sharma's debut in the world of fiction. It is a short novella, the published work being only 130 pages long.
The plot is about the author's experience in Canada where he went as a student. Living in a different country that is not your native land can be an amazing experience but it does come with some hardships. These hardships are not speaking the native language, finding work, expenses and money, food, etc. To overcome various these the narrator of the story picks on various part-time jobs in the process of residing there. Thus, the story tries to explore a deeper meaning in all these, a theme that few writers try to do in Indian literature.
The theme of the book comes with occasional humor. It is written in first person narrative style and uses a simple, curt language. I did not like the occasional "Hinglish", not why it is there, but the context it has been put in. The reason I mentioned curtly is the in between the author shifts from narrating the story to a dialogue formation between two or three characters. This is rare to be seen in present-day fiction.
Speaking of characters, I think they are all well-formed. There is not much into that I can tell you without spoiling the rest of the novel. After reading it, I did realize that there are different layers to this novella, and if only it could have been written from a bit different perspective.
Recommended only for those who are looking for short fiction, novellas, or humor.
3 out of 5!
The plot is about the author's experience in Canada where he went as a student. Living in a different country that is not your native land can be an amazing experience but it does come with some hardships. These hardships are not speaking the native language, finding work, expenses and money, food, etc. To overcome various these the narrator of the story picks on various part-time jobs in the process of residing there. Thus, the story tries to explore a deeper meaning in all these, a theme that few writers try to do in Indian literature.
The theme of the book comes with occasional humor. It is written in first person narrative style and uses a simple, curt language. I did not like the occasional "Hinglish", not why it is there, but the context it has been put in. The reason I mentioned curtly is the in between the author shifts from narrating the story to a dialogue formation between two or three characters. This is rare to be seen in present-day fiction.
Speaking of characters, I think they are all well-formed. There is not much into that I can tell you without spoiling the rest of the novel. After reading it, I did realize that there are different layers to this novella, and if only it could have been written from a bit different perspective.
Recommended only for those who are looking for short fiction, novellas, or humor.
3 out of 5!
July 3, 2022
Keeping up with Kaneda is Gaurav Sharma's debut in the world of fiction. It is a short novella, the published work being only 130 pages long.
The plot is about the author's experience in Canada where he went as a student. Living in a different country that is not your native land can be an amazing experience but it does come with some hardships. These hardships are not speaking the native language, finding work, expenses and money, food, etc. To overcome various these the narrator of the story picks on various part-time jobs in the process of residing there. Thus, the story tries to explore a deeper meaning in all these, a theme that few writers try to do in Indian literature.
The theme of the book comes with occasional humor. It is written in first person narrative style and uses a simple, curt language. I did not like the occasional "Hinglish", not why it is there, but the context it has been put in. The reason I mentioned curtly is the in between the author shifts from narrating the story to a dialogue formation between two or three characters. This is rare to be seen in present-day fiction.
Speaking of characters, I think they are all well-formed. There is not much into that I can tell you without spoiling the rest of the novel. After reading it, I did realize that there are different layers to this novella, and if only it could have been written from a bit different perspective.
Recommended only for those who are looking for short fiction, novellas, or humor.
3 out of 5!
The plot is about the author's experience in Canada where he went as a student. Living in a different country that is not your native land can be an amazing experience but it does come with some hardships. These hardships are not speaking the native language, finding work, expenses and money, food, etc. To overcome various these the narrator of the story picks on various part-time jobs in the process of residing there. Thus, the story tries to explore a deeper meaning in all these, a theme that few writers try to do in Indian literature.
The theme of the book comes with occasional humor. It is written in first person narrative style and uses a simple, curt language. I did not like the occasional "Hinglish", not why it is there, but the context it has been put in. The reason I mentioned curtly is the in between the author shifts from narrating the story to a dialogue formation between two or three characters. This is rare to be seen in present-day fiction.
Speaking of characters, I think they are all well-formed. There is not much into that I can tell you without spoiling the rest of the novel. After reading it, I did realize that there are different layers to this novella, and if only it could have been written from a bit different perspective.
Recommended only for those who are looking for short fiction, novellas, or humor.
3 out of 5!
July 25, 2018
Every Indian student dreams of studying in abroad. Do all the woes end after securing an admission? Definitely not. He/she should be familiar with the rules imposed by a particular country on its migrants. But all is not lost. One can always find solace with other compatriots living in the states.
'Keeping up with Kaneda' is sort of like a journal documenting a life of Indian expat living in Canada. It is a story that dwells on the different moods of the country and its cultural diversity.
The language was simple, though I object the use of hindi slangs in an English novel. The story is breezy and the plot, fast-paced. The humour keeps you engaged. You will come across a multitude of characters in all sorts of oddities. It was wonderful to witness the whole of Canada coming to life and also see it curling to sleep amidst winters. Some incidents were a revelation of all sorts.There were some unfamiliar terms which the author has painstakingly explained. It was necessary for a smooth reading experience. The pages were had a zing of Punjabi flavour. The author ends the book on a philosophical note. I was in awe of his entrepreneurial spirit and his way of life.
I suggest the author to work on his narration as I felt it was shabby at places. The sequence of events that followed could have been arranged coherently. There were some minor mistakes that can be rectified by thorough editing.
'Keeping up with Kaneda' is sort of like a journal documenting a life of Indian expat living in Canada. It is a story that dwells on the different moods of the country and its cultural diversity.
The language was simple, though I object the use of hindi slangs in an English novel. The story is breezy and the plot, fast-paced. The humour keeps you engaged. You will come across a multitude of characters in all sorts of oddities. It was wonderful to witness the whole of Canada coming to life and also see it curling to sleep amidst winters. Some incidents were a revelation of all sorts.There were some unfamiliar terms which the author has painstakingly explained. It was necessary for a smooth reading experience. The pages were had a zing of Punjabi flavour. The author ends the book on a philosophical note. I was in awe of his entrepreneurial spirit and his way of life.
I suggest the author to work on his narration as I felt it was shabby at places. The sequence of events that followed could have been arranged coherently. There were some minor mistakes that can be rectified by thorough editing.
November 25, 2017
Gaurav, the protagonist of the story is a college student who gets a one-way ticket to the hallowed country. Pretty obvious, he does some odd jobs as a freelancer to source his paychecks. Now this is something, pretty much known to us. Every Indian, or foreigner that goes to the land of opportunities, naturally has to meet his own expenses flipping through available freelancing gigs. But not many storytellers are capable of mirroring that exact scenario in front of our eyes, in such a clear, vivid form. Moreover, the book truly hooks readers inside its chapters filled with funny yet earnest efforts of ‘Gaurav’ for survival. There have been various films reflecting similar settings, but the small little elements like the “Punjabis” that kept guiding the protagonist as if giving him a tutorial as to living in Canada, or the borderline racism, (not upfront though), the fact that you don’t have much of domestic help or your ‘ma’ waking you up and preparing your morning breakfast and assisting you with all your stuff at your fingertips; were all very tactfully presented. That’s what, made the book stand out. It could have easily been a sad story of a young boy in a foreign land, but that isn’t the case with this book. Humor has been used as an integral part of the protagonist’s everyday interactions, just like the best humor pieces of all times do.
December 8, 2017
I loved the cover of the book, it's full of life. The story is about all those who go abroad for studies. It's about their life, about Gaurav who studies in Canada and do a parttime job too. With every chapter, we discover a new job that he does for his survival, how he makes new friends and have many adventures during this journey.The characters described by the author are so connecting. The narration is simple and it easily makes you visualize the whole story. Life of Gaurav in Canada. What happens after he returns India. I loved the ending of the book.The plot that author has set is light and wonderful. You can connect with book instantly. The pace of the book is also good and makes the reader laugh at various point. The tempo of the book is also good as the author didn't fail to add suspense as well as a fun element in the book. Use of simple language made this story more connecting. The elements like no one can pronounce my name properly and various others moments gives laughter. Overall It's a sweet, light read full of fun.
Read more reviews at: http://inmydiarybyvidhi.blogspot.in
Read more reviews at: http://inmydiarybyvidhi.blogspot.in
November 20, 2017
Starting off with the cover it is really colourful, vibrant and full of life. The title is really funny and apt just in the ways punjabis call canada. The blurb just tells a little about the book.This book is really an amazing read during coffee or travelling. How gaurav has trouble being called properly by his name and all the jobs he had to survive through to become who he is now. The novel is a light read which will definitely cheer you throughout the each chapter which brings in a new person/job in his life. How everyday is an adventure for gaurav in canada ranging from food-friends-job and everyday drama. The book is really witty and full of humour. Provides you with a fresh perspective of an Indian in a foriegn land. This book really keeps you hooked and by the time you realize it is already over. This book feels like a journey. It feels like the author is along with you and all of the fun is happening right in front of you. The pace gets a little slow in the end. would definitely read this author again.
overall - 4/5
overall - 4/5
June 16, 2018
Gaurav, in his first book has written about his experience in Canada as a student who is always on the lookout various part time jobs to support his studies and keep himself occupied. During this balancing act of being a student and an employee, his life takes him on a roller coaster ride of varied experiences and adventures in a foreign land.
The only things that saves the book, Keeping up with Kaneda, are the wit and humor in this simple straight forward write up, else as a reader there is very little to take away from the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a quick fun read, nothing profound to keep with you. However, looking forward to his next release.
To read the complete review of the book. please visit Book Review : Keeping Up with Kaneda - Gaurav Kumar
The only things that saves the book, Keeping up with Kaneda, are the wit and humor in this simple straight forward write up, else as a reader there is very little to take away from the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a quick fun read, nothing profound to keep with you. However, looking forward to his next release.
To read the complete review of the book. please visit Book Review : Keeping Up with Kaneda - Gaurav Kumar
May 4, 2018
Book is all about a Boy's experiences and challenges he faced when he went to Canada for his studies. The book is written in a very simple language and fun to read.If you have just started to read and want to start with really simple & light books, you can surely give this a try. It is an entertaining yet sensible book!
Read full review here: http://www.myhappychance.com/2017/12/...
Read full review here: http://www.myhappychance.com/2017/12/...
June 14, 2021
It went like a breeze. Simple, light and effective. Though, I feel that it's end is over dramatic and sudden. It's a story which will keep entertaining you very well but without any directions and without any conclusion at end. I liked due to it's simplicity and fresh story.
Inshort : Really nice read but nothing to loose if you miss it. It's a book to complete on one lazy Sunday.
Inshort : Really nice read but nothing to loose if you miss it. It's a book to complete on one lazy Sunday.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews