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Sticks and Stones (Another Almost Love Story): A feel-good, contemporary romance
To what extent will you let your imperfections dictate your life?
...
Vanya is a typical, next-door Indian girl except for her darker-than-average skin tone. After bearing a lifetime of hurtful skin-shaming, her spirits have crumbled.
But when sinfully handsome, Kabir storms into her life, she discovers a yearning to fight for her beauty and more importantly, respect. The only problem is, she might have to step over her own sister's chances at happiness. The sister who has stood by her through every tribulation in life.
Will Vanya fight for a possibility of love or sit it out for the sake of her sister?
Will Kabir's presence stimulate her to appreciate the unique exquisiteness of her own life?
Will she learn to live to the fullest?
...
Vanya is a typical, next-door Indian girl except for her darker-than-average skin tone. After bearing a lifetime of hurtful skin-shaming, her spirits have crumbled.
But when sinfully handsome, Kabir storms into her life, she discovers a yearning to fight for her beauty and more importantly, respect. The only problem is, she might have to step over her own sister's chances at happiness. The sister who has stood by her through every tribulation in life.
Will Vanya fight for a possibility of love or sit it out for the sake of her sister?
Will Kabir's presence stimulate her to appreciate the unique exquisiteness of her own life?
Will she learn to live to the fullest?
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
9 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 12, 2019
~Sticks and Stones - @happilyrubina ~
🌸 After having read her first novel, an almost love story, I was excited for this one. The story is of two sisters living in Jaipur (another reason why I picked this one, I live in Jaipur). 🌸
🌸 So, the story revolves around Ananya who is fair and Vanya Sharma who has a darker complexion. Now, you may think what's new in this as it's very common in our society but it's not a Cinderella story. Both the siblings love each other to death. Even their parents support them but the villain is their bua residing in their house. 🌸
🌸 She constantly tortures Vanya for her skin color and shatters her confidence. Vanya is intelligent and talented, she wants to be a designer but all her qualities are overshadowed by her color. She has no self confidence due to constant bickering by her aunt. Then, enters Kabir, a prospective groom from foreign who might pick Ananya or Vanya for marriage. 🌸
🌸 To know what happens next, whom does Kabir picks and about Vanya's confidence, you need to read this story. What I liked about this book is that it's a very normal story but the love between both the sisters is heart touching. They stand by each other through thick and thin. 🌸
🌸 The flow is smooth and language simple which makes it easier to read. I completed this book in one go. Also, what goes through a person's mind when they are blamed for such a petty thing as color is described very well. Some things which seem normal for us like choosing what to wear is not normal for Vanya, as she is not allowed to wear certain colors (it would make her look more dark), she can't go out in the sun. 🌸
🌸 She had to bear the brunt of being a dark skinned girl which wasn't her fault. To her bua, she was a burden on the family because according to her, nobody would marry Vanya. We constantly hear such things but we choose to ignore them. I think it's high time when we stop judging people on the basis of their color, height, weight etc and start accepting them. My rating 4.5/5 🌸
🌸 After having read her first novel, an almost love story, I was excited for this one. The story is of two sisters living in Jaipur (another reason why I picked this one, I live in Jaipur). 🌸
🌸 So, the story revolves around Ananya who is fair and Vanya Sharma who has a darker complexion. Now, you may think what's new in this as it's very common in our society but it's not a Cinderella story. Both the siblings love each other to death. Even their parents support them but the villain is their bua residing in their house. 🌸
🌸 She constantly tortures Vanya for her skin color and shatters her confidence. Vanya is intelligent and talented, she wants to be a designer but all her qualities are overshadowed by her color. She has no self confidence due to constant bickering by her aunt. Then, enters Kabir, a prospective groom from foreign who might pick Ananya or Vanya for marriage. 🌸
🌸 To know what happens next, whom does Kabir picks and about Vanya's confidence, you need to read this story. What I liked about this book is that it's a very normal story but the love between both the sisters is heart touching. They stand by each other through thick and thin. 🌸
🌸 The flow is smooth and language simple which makes it easier to read. I completed this book in one go. Also, what goes through a person's mind when they are blamed for such a petty thing as color is described very well. Some things which seem normal for us like choosing what to wear is not normal for Vanya, as she is not allowed to wear certain colors (it would make her look more dark), she can't go out in the sun. 🌸
🌸 She had to bear the brunt of being a dark skinned girl which wasn't her fault. To her bua, she was a burden on the family because according to her, nobody would marry Vanya. We constantly hear such things but we choose to ignore them. I think it's high time when we stop judging people on the basis of their color, height, weight etc and start accepting them. My rating 4.5/5 🌸
December 3, 2019
Sorry but you cannot blame a girl for wanting her own share of romances every now and then :) and what better than to read a romance with and Indian rep.
Having previously read and adored LOST and FOUND by RUBINA KOCHAR, i was indeed excited to read STICKS and STONES and went into the book with high expectations. And my oh my did it make my heart flutter♥️😭 The author tackles a very fragile and important theme in her story STICKS AND STONES i.e the misconception and judgements regarding one's skin color. We have two sisters Vanya and Ananya both very strong headed and independent but where Ananya is straightforward, Vanya lacks in confidence due to her complexion and finds herself craving for validation from society and friends. Vanya however tries to put up a brave face and tackle all her hurdles without backing down but as it always is Life is not a bed of roses and Vanya has to deal with a lot of comments especially from her aunt.
What happens when a guy from Chicago comes to their house in prospect of marriage? Will he choose Vanya or Ananya? Will the competition to become the bride create a riff between the inseparable sisters?
Rubina, with her no useless drama brings out the best in both the girls in the story. Both the characters are opinionated and given a strong voice that would definitely resonate with the target audience. The best thing about Rubina's writing is that none of it feels forced. It feels like yes that's exactly what I wanted to hear! No extra philosophical advices, no spicy irrelevant drama just a beautiful story that I am sure would tug at your heartstrings.
Also, need to admit that I loved STICKS AND STONES more than her previous work LOST AND FOUND and it definitely would be my favorite romance by an Indian author.
Having previously read and adored LOST and FOUND by RUBINA KOCHAR, i was indeed excited to read STICKS and STONES and went into the book with high expectations. And my oh my did it make my heart flutter♥️😭 The author tackles a very fragile and important theme in her story STICKS AND STONES i.e the misconception and judgements regarding one's skin color. We have two sisters Vanya and Ananya both very strong headed and independent but where Ananya is straightforward, Vanya lacks in confidence due to her complexion and finds herself craving for validation from society and friends. Vanya however tries to put up a brave face and tackle all her hurdles without backing down but as it always is Life is not a bed of roses and Vanya has to deal with a lot of comments especially from her aunt.
What happens when a guy from Chicago comes to their house in prospect of marriage? Will he choose Vanya or Ananya? Will the competition to become the bride create a riff between the inseparable sisters?
Rubina, with her no useless drama brings out the best in both the girls in the story. Both the characters are opinionated and given a strong voice that would definitely resonate with the target audience. The best thing about Rubina's writing is that none of it feels forced. It feels like yes that's exactly what I wanted to hear! No extra philosophical advices, no spicy irrelevant drama just a beautiful story that I am sure would tug at your heartstrings.
Also, need to admit that I loved STICKS AND STONES more than her previous work LOST AND FOUND and it definitely would be my favorite romance by an Indian author.
December 27, 2019
" A diamond with imperfections is a worth more than a pebble without imperfections . "
___________________
Vanya is a typical, next-door Indian girl except for her darker-than-average skin tone. After bearing a lifetime of hurtful skin-shaming, her spirits have crumbled. But when sinfully handsome, Kabir storms into her life, she discovers a yearning to fight for her beauty and more importantly, respect. The only problem is, she might have to step over her own sister's chances at happiness. The sister who has stood by her through every tribulation in life. Will Vanya fight for a possibility of love or sit it out for the sake of her sister? Will Kabir's presence stimulate her to appreciate the unique exquisiteness of her own life? Will she learn to live to the fullest?
___________________
The cover of the book is good . The language is easy . The writing style is good . Narration is lucid . The title is justified . The book deals with serious issues like the mindset of people regarding skin colour . However , judgement , misconception and flaunting the flaws being the essence of the book makes it a must read .
_____________________
5 out of :- ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠🌠(4.7 )
___________________
Vanya is a typical, next-door Indian girl except for her darker-than-average skin tone. After bearing a lifetime of hurtful skin-shaming, her spirits have crumbled. But when sinfully handsome, Kabir storms into her life, she discovers a yearning to fight for her beauty and more importantly, respect. The only problem is, she might have to step over her own sister's chances at happiness. The sister who has stood by her through every tribulation in life. Will Vanya fight for a possibility of love or sit it out for the sake of her sister? Will Kabir's presence stimulate her to appreciate the unique exquisiteness of her own life? Will she learn to live to the fullest?
___________________
The cover of the book is good . The language is easy . The writing style is good . Narration is lucid . The title is justified . The book deals with serious issues like the mindset of people regarding skin colour . However , judgement , misconception and flaunting the flaws being the essence of the book makes it a must read .
_____________________
5 out of :- ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌠🌠(4.7 )
January 12, 2020
Very peppy writing.
A very beautiful story tacking some severe issues that many Indian girls face. A dark skin. Ours is the only county where dark and a lighter skin person reside side by side even after belonging to the same ethnicity. Comparisons are bound to happen. I loved the way Rubina has brought out the issue while keeping the tone light and humorous. And those er... recipes made my day :)
A very beautiful story tacking some severe issues that many Indian girls face. A dark skin. Ours is the only county where dark and a lighter skin person reside side by side even after belonging to the same ethnicity. Comparisons are bound to happen. I loved the way Rubina has brought out the issue while keeping the tone light and humorous. And those er... recipes made my day :)
December 21, 2020
Enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews