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Anu & Isha

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Written in the form of letters, ‘Anu & Isha’ is a coming-of-age story about finding your way in life with a little support from your friends even when they may be far away. Thirteen year old Anu and Isha have been best friends since forever. When her parents suddenly move to the United States, Isha’s life is suddenly turned upside down. She is forced to adjust to a new school and a new way of life. To make matters more difficult, her new hometown has been marred by a recent tragedy which everyone is still coping with. Things start looking up when she makes a few new friends, and develops an interest in skateboarding. But her parents strictly forbid her from pursuing it, insisting she should concentrate on 'mundane' things such as studies. Recklessly Isha goes behind their back to do just what she wants. She must now learn to accept the consequences of her actions, before she can find a way to use her newfound talents to a better cause. Left behind in India, Anu is dealing with her own challenges. Her beloved older brother has recently left their home after a terrible fight with their parents. And she isn’t sure she likes being her mother’s ‘little brown muffin’. An activist at heart, she would love to make a difference in this world. Also she wants to somehow bring her family together once more. But first she must learn to accept herself for just who she is. Interwoven in these letters, is a subtle mystery which gets revealed in the end, leaving the readers with a smile on their face when they close on the last page of the book.

108 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2020

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B Sharvari

1 book

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for mithi._.reads.
229 reviews6 followers
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May 9, 2026
It was a nice and a very short story about two friends Anu and Isha, who used to live together in the same city, but then they get separated because Isha and her parents are moved to a different country
Both Anu and Isha used to write emails daily to each other telling about what day did the entire day how their day was what is happening in their life, like they used to share every small details of their life to each other, and that was so cute and so wholesome because being in different countries and still managing to write emails daily is really commendable and I loved the fact that they saved and cherished their friendship in that way. This is a very short like very, very short, and I took me less than 24 hours to complete this book and it was very cute and entertaining throughout. I loved how Anu and Isha were always there for each other through emails
I loved their friendship, their Bond and the rawness of the book because the book showed what real friendship is and what real life struggle is when you move to a different country, and that is really very good to read
Profile Image for Priyasha Dureja.
38 reviews
June 4, 2026
It is a simple yet impactful book, written entirely in the form of letters, that beautifully captures the emotions, struggles, and life journeys of these two girls. It doesn't rely on twists, drama, or unnecessary add-ons, which helps preserve its simplicity and emotional depth. If you are looking for a gentle and emotional read, you should definitely pick this one up.
Profile Image for Aparna Prabhu.
668 reviews48 followers
May 2, 2026
”Really bad things have happened in the world, with the wars and stuff.”

- Anu and Isha, Sharvari B and Rummana A

Anu and Isha are divided by continents and are trying to bridge the gap by writing emails to each other. The themes explored in the book range from new friends to immigrant problems and a missing brother to even relationship dynamics.

”Kids our age don’t die only because of wars or diseases anymore”

The epistolary format adds a layer of nostalgia and depth. There was a hint of mystery in the letters. For instance, the case of Anu's missing brother, Aman piqued my curiosity and I was keen to solve the mystery with the clues strewn over the letters. The authors have focused on pertinent issues plaguing a particular country by conducting rigorous research. Sustainability which is the need of the hour was one of the pressing matters. The book cover that emanates the vibes of two separated friends catching up on their routines is more sophisticated can it get. The letters are woven together carefully with sensitivity.
The relatability factor is high as primary school-going children often miss their friends after changing places, making it easy for young readers to connect emotionally with the character’s experience of loneliness, adjustment, and the hope of new friendships.

”I'd always imagined immigrants as people who sailed on ships to land at the Statue of Liberty.”

The dry humour infused in the letters manages to diffuse the tension in a way. I have read classics like - ’Daddy Long Legs’ and J.Alchem's work - ’I'm home to butterflies’, but both were light reads. Initially, there was a confusion between Anu's and Isha's place of residence and that's when I started making notes of my own.

’Anu and Isha’ by Sharvari B and Rummana A transcends borders and instills a ray of hope that familial equations and relationships are meant to thrive in a world that knows no remorse.
532 reviews9 followers
May 29, 2026
In a digital world dominated by fleeting text messages, there is a rare, almost sacred beauty in sitting down to deliberately pour your thoughts out for someone who truly matters. Writing letters is the ultimate act of affection, which is why this book caught my heart right from the first page. Spanning just 108 pages, this book doesn't rely on massive plots or loud dramatics; instead, it anchors itself entirely on the raw, unfiltered emails exchanged between two teenage best friends separated by oceans.

Told in a brilliant epistolary format, the story bridges the gap between Anu in India and Isha in the United States. What makes this read so compelling is how the authors capture the authentic voices of these young girls. They aren't written with childish superficiality; they are deeply thoughtful, sensitive, and incredibly relatable. As they navigate different cultures, immigrant struggles, and changing family dynamics, their shared bond remains a constant, comforting safe haven.

Beyond the warmth of their routine updates, a subtle hint of mystery keeps you turning the pages, particularly the haunting question surrounding Anu’s missing brother, Aman. The book expertly balances lighthearted childhood nostalgia, like the girls playfully ranting about their mothers or bonding over books, with heavy, poignant realities. Lines like, "Kids our age don’t die only because of wars or diseases anymore," sting with a quiet, unexpected maturity.

Ultimately, this book is a masterclass in how distance effortlessly evaporates when two people are willing to put in the effort. It is an emotional, comforting, and fast-paced one-sitting read that leaves a lasting impression on your heart. If you are looking for a beautiful reminder of the friendships that silently shape who we are, this gentle treasure is an absolute must-read.
566 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2026
There is something incredibly nostalgic about stories told through letters, and Anu & Isha captures that charm beautifully. What begins as a correspondence between two best friends gradually unfolds into a thoughtful coming-of-age story about friendship, family, identity, and growing up.

I enjoyed how both girls have distinct voices and face very different challenges. While one is trying to adjust to an unfamiliar environment and discover her place in a new world, the other is navigating changes within her own family and trying to understand herself better. Their letters create an intimate window into their fears, hopes, mistakes, and small victories.

One of the strengths of the book is how authentically it portrays adolescence. The emotions feel genuine, whether it's the excitement of discovering a new passion, the frustration of being misunderstood, or the desire to make a difference in the lives of people around you. The story also touches on themes of belonging, cultural adjustment, self-acceptance, and the importance of having people who believe in you.

I particularly appreciated the warmth that runs throughout the narrative. Even when the characters face setbacks, there is an underlying sense of hope and resilience. The friendships, family dynamics, and personal growth all come together in a way that feels both relatable and uplifting.

The subtle thread running beneath the letters adds an extra layer of intrigue, and I found myself eager to see how everything would connect. By the end, the story leaves you with a sense of satisfaction and a smile.

A heartfelt and engaging read for middle-grade and young adult readers, as well as anyone who enjoys stories about friendship, growing up, and finding your place in the world.
Profile Image for Prajkta Lad.
53 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2026
I have always believed that writing letters is one of the purest forms of trust and affection. After all, you only sit down to pour your thoughts onto paper for someone who truly matters to you. So when I came across Anu and Isha by Sharvari B and Rummana A, I was immediately drawn to it. The idea of two friends staying connected through letters while living across continents felt deeply personal and nostalgic.

Told entirely through exchanged letters, the epistolary format becomes the heart of the story. It adds a beautiful emotional intimacy to the narrative, allowing readers to witness not just events, but also the thoughts, vulnerabilities, and quiet moments that shape Anu and Isha’s friendship.

What I loved most about this book is how authentic the friendship feels. Even though Anu in India and Isha in the US are living vastly different lives and experiencing different realities, their bond remains a constant source of comfort and understanding. Their friendship remains a space they can always return to.

Their experiences growing up feel incredibly relatable. The writing is simple, heartfelt, and emotionally warm, making the story feel less like fiction and more like reading real letters exchanged between two people who genuinely care for one another.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a comforting, nostalgic, and emotionally sincere read about friendship, growing up, and the people who remain part of our lives no matter where life takes us.
Profile Image for Anandarupa Chakrabarti.
Author 6 books16 followers
June 8, 2026
I appreciate books that are steady, relatable, and utterly imaginable. "Anu & Isha" by B. Sharvari and B. Rummana is such a book. It depicts heartfelt conversations, innocence, and caring for each other, rather than dramatic friendship.

Told through letters and emails, the story feels intimate and authentic. It follows thirteen-year-old Anu and Isha, whose lives diverge when Isha moves to the U.S., while Anu stays in India. Their correspondence explores friendship, family, identity, growth, and adolescence.

Separated by miles, their bond remains strong through honest conversations. Their letters show the excitement, confusion, frustrations, and hopes of growing up. Reading them evokes nostalgia, and even as adults, those teenage exchanges feel relevant.
The book has strong character sketches; it doesn’t feel fictional. Despite their different struggles, seeing through their eyes highlights how growing up involves lessons about responsibility, acceptance, and self-discovery.

What I loved was the simplicity of the writing. The clear, conversational language makes it easy to connect with the characters. The story develops emotional depth and meaningful arcs. The letter format adds a nostalgic charm rare in modern fiction.

Overall, "Anu & Isha" is a warm coming-of-age novel that shows friendship's resilience across distances. It reminds us that genuine connections can inspire, support, and guide us, even when life separates us.
Profile Image for Saumya Vasdev.
124 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2026
There’s something about stories told through letters that feels so personal, like you’re reading someone’s diary and cheering them on at the same time. 💌

Anu & Isha follows two best friends whose lives suddenly take very different paths when Isha moves to the United States. Through their letters, you get to watch them grow up, make mistakes, navigate family struggles, chase dreams, and figure out who they want to be.

What I loved most was how authentic their friendship felt. Even when they're miles apart, they're still each other's safe space. The kind of friendship where you want to share every good thing, every bad thing, and every confusing thing that happens in between.

Some lines that really stayed with me:

✨ “Kids our age don’t die only because of wars or diseases anymore.”

✨ “I wish I was there with you! Maybe, just maybe, you might not have gone through all this. It’s weird how what we think to be good is not necessarily good"

The story touches on identity, belonging, family expectations, and friendship in a way that feels both heartfelt and relatable. And the little mystery woven through the letters makes the ending all the more satisfying.

💭When was the last time you talked to your oldest friend?
385 reviews9 followers
March 30, 2023
This book is based on the conversations of two best friends. Because they live far apart, these two best friends for life mail each other letters. Their chat made me understand that we should each have a special someone with whom we can share our daily routines. Our minds relaxed when we shared our thoughts with someone close to us.
Best friends Anu and Isha write daily letters to one another about their days. They used to reside in the same country and neighbourhood, but Isha and her family moved abroad, while Anu remained in India. Isha finds moving to a new nation challenging. She was compelled to adapt to both a new school and way of life. Her parents made her concentrate on mundane things. Isha acts rashly by following behind to accomplish her goals. Anu is also coping with her own difficulties. After a violent argument with their parents, her adored brother recently departed their home.Anu desires to reunite her family in any way. Although both girls' lives are challenging, it is clear from reading their chat that their friendship, love, and support are still strong. The enigma disclosed at the conclusion of the girls' talk makes the reader grin.
Profile Image for Ishi Mukherjee.
545 reviews15 followers
April 7, 2023
A friend of mine recommended this beautiful book and I am really thankful for this recommendation.
Authors Sharvari B and Rummana A have done an excellent job in writing this book.

'Anu and Isha' —this book is all about friendship.

Two teenagers girl Anu and Isha are best of friends. This book is all about them and the way their study is presented is really amazing.
It's written in letter form which I find really wonderful.

Isha's parents had to move to USA and that is the time when these two best friends got separated.

Anu was dealing with her own problems in India while Isha is adjusting her life in abroad.

We got to know about all the things that are going on in their lives and how they are dealing with it through the letters of this book.

I really loved the whole book but the ending specifically won my heart.

The language of the book is very lucid and easily understandable. It is a great book for beginners also.

It's a highly recommended book. Happy reading!
127 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2026
Anu & Isha is a heartwarming coming of age story told through letters and emails between two best friends living continents apart. What starts as simple catch ups slowly unfolds into a beautiful story about friendship, family, identity and growing up.
While Isha adjusts to a new life in the US and discovers her love for skateboarding, Anu is back in India navigating family struggles and missing her brother. Their journeys feel honest, relatable and deeply emotional.
"And it felt awesome! Walking the streets of US by myself!"
The letter format made the story feel personal and nostalgic, almost like reading someone's diary. Add a subtle mystery in the background and this becomes an even more engaging read.
"And yes, 'whatever' is the new word of the week, now that 'super' is getting too offensive for you"
A warm and comforting read that beautifully reminds us that true friendship can survive any distance
121 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2026
Friendship is a bond that is always cherished, especially a long-distance one. And Anu & Isha is a perfect reflection of this bond.

The authors had perfectly captured the genuine, dramatic, yet deeply loyal voice of 13-year-old girls.

The narrative is written entirely as daily letters exchanged between two best friends who are forced apart. Isha, whose life turns upside down when her family moves from India to the United States. And Anu, who was left behind in India, struggles with her own identity and family dynamics.

The transition from light-hearted childhood banter to mature, heavy disclosures was what I loved the most.

"And it felt awesome! Walking the streets of US - by myself!"

"And yes, ‘whatever’ is the new word of the week, now that ‘super’ is getting too offensive for you ;) not to mention old."

I would recommend this for fans of middle-grade and young-adult contemporary fiction, particularly those who love immigrant stories and tales of sisterhood.
Profile Image for Rheaa Noor.
Author 9 books2 followers
June 13, 2026
There is something incredibly special about a story that trusts its characters enough to let them simply talk to one another.

Anu & Isha is written entirely through letters exchanged between two friends separated by distance, and the result is both charming and emotionally engaging. The authors have created two distinct voices that feel authentic from the very first page.

The story beautifully captures childhood friendships, cultural transitions, family dynamics, loneliness, humour, and the small details that become treasured memories. I found myself smiling at the playful exchanges and feeling unexpectedly emotional during quieter moments.

What makes this book stand out is its sincerity. It never tries too hard to be dramatic. Instead, it gently explores connection, belonging, and the ways people remain important to us even when life pulls us in different directions.

A warm, nostalgic, and memorable read that celebrates friendship with honesty and heart.
77 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2023
"Anu and Isha" by Sharvari B and Rummana A is a coming of age story. It revolves around thirteen year old anu and Isha . Who are best friends forever. The book is a light-hearted read with a conventional storyline and intriguing characters.

Best friends, anu and isha are always there for each other in their thick and thin times. But, everything changes in their lives when isha's parents suddenly move to the united states, her life takes a 360-degree turn and she is forced to adjust in new environment. On the other hand, Anu has her own struggles and fair share of obstacles on her path.Do grab your copy now to explore this beautiful story.

Author's writing style is smooth with crispy and gripping narrative . Cover of the book is unique. Overall, I must recommend this book to all the lovely readers.

Must read❤❤
Profile Image for Maryam Rehman.
213 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2023
ANU & ISHA by SHARVARI B & RUMMANA A is a beautiful story of two best friends who were apart but still together in each other's heart. Isha got shifted to USA with her parents whereas Anu were left alone. The story mainly discussed the struggles they both faced. Isha faced a new phase of life and Anu struggled about her family issues. Her brother, Aman left the house to follow his passion, the passion for which his mother wasn't in favour. The both friends discussed such happenings through the mails. What happens next... Will she find her brother?? Will they both reunite?? What's the mystery that blow-up the mind... Will it be a happy ending??? Grab your copies to know more....

I loved the plot. The story of the two best friends is interesting as well as heart touching. The way author managed the creativity throughout is appreciating. Overall it was a good read for me.



RECOMMENDED
Profile Image for Nupur.
616 reviews18 followers
May 17, 2026
A book that is not just about story, plot, and timeline, but about emotions, pain and letters. Letters that get engraved in your heart. Sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation, and you understand the person in a deeper level. This book gives you that. The bond between Any and Isha was honest, comforting and real. So real that it was painfully beautiful.
This book in itself stood out by the way it was written but something else stood out too, it's simplicity. The way it carried itself with any twists, drama or extra add ons, was just a plus.
The emotional depth of this book made me pause and think even after I completed reading it. This is the kind of book that sticks with you forever at some level. A gentle, emotional read that felt personal from start to end.
Profile Image for Silent Night.
157 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2026
Anu & Isha is a heartwarming coming-of-age story told through letters between two best friends separated by distance when Isha moves to the United States. While Isha struggles with a new life, strict parents, and her passion for skateboarding, Anu in India faces family conflicts and her own journey of self-acceptance.


The book beautifully captures friendship, identity, growing up, and emotional support through simple yet meaningful conversations. What makes it special is how real and comforting the letters feel, almost like reading someone’s personal diary.

Softly emotional and relatable, this story reminds us that true friendships continue to survive, even across oceans.
Profile Image for Riya.
193 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2026
it took me all but one go to finish this book and I absolutely love it.

Emails sent to and fro between two best friends miles apart, and somehow still connected in more than one ways? Sounds so simple yet so beautiful. It truly is.

The book talks about the difference in cultures, and how the perceptions differ from place to place. It talks about friendship, the bond between parents and their kids, of loss, of grief and of bad moments. This book is an amalgamation of it all.

Just 108 pages but every single page is worth it.
53 reviews5 followers
May 4, 2026
It's written in form of emails between 2friends, one of whom had to shift to USA at a mere age of 11. Both have their own struggles and somehow they seem so relatable
It was easy to read
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews