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The Hangover of Choices
"Nidhi Verma, finds herself having an extraordinary experience, whilst she is on her death bed under unexpected circumstances. As the doctors work furiously to identify the underlying causes that led to her sudden collapse, her mind starts to take a walk down memory lane, to find its own reasons. With each increasing dosage of medication, she slips deeper and deeper into the storehouse of her memories, many of which she had kept carefully buried. She desperately tries to shut them out, but one unwanted scene continues to play after another. She is forced to now watch the movie of her entire life, only this time, as a viewer and not the actor. Each vision raises uncomfortable questions and reveals aspects of her personality that she had denied. Forced to now confront issues related to her forgotten sexuality, jealously and the complicated relationships with her best friend, Ziya and husband, Kumar, Nidhi begins to see herself in a new light. As illusions start to fade, she is keen to live a more authentic life and become a better version of herself, while equally embracing her flaws and vulnerabilities, knowing none of these define her. The question remains- Will she make it alive to life differently? The Hangover of Choices is an engaging story, which will surely make the readers ask- If I was on my deathbed, what would I see? "
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2021
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 24, 2021
What an engaging read this book has been. The first paragraph just sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book. The story starts off with our main character Nidhi, as she is being moved to a hospital after being in an accident.
Although details prior to the accident is not explicitly entertained, we get to experience Nidhi's life's journey with her through flashbacks as she lies in her hospital bed.
As Nidhi, reminisces the events of her past and how every occurrence that subconsciously lead to decisions she took in her subsequent life. She rethinks them, re-evaluates them and tries to figure out where she went wrong. Even how the tiniest of advice, a nod of approval or a shrug of rejection has made her what she is today- awaiting for validation rather than living life unapologetically.
From the books I read, I usually takeaway lessons that I try to embed in my life and 'THE HANGOVER OF CHOICES' definitely gave me a lot to ponder upon. And as the author rightly says, this book is one which after reading the readers will ask themselves-❝ If I was on my deathbed, what would I see?❞
Would it be filled with missed chances or will it be me approving myself for 'living in the moment' ??
Although details prior to the accident is not explicitly entertained, we get to experience Nidhi's life's journey with her through flashbacks as she lies in her hospital bed.
As Nidhi, reminisces the events of her past and how every occurrence that subconsciously lead to decisions she took in her subsequent life. She rethinks them, re-evaluates them and tries to figure out where she went wrong. Even how the tiniest of advice, a nod of approval or a shrug of rejection has made her what she is today- awaiting for validation rather than living life unapologetically.
From the books I read, I usually takeaway lessons that I try to embed in my life and 'THE HANGOVER OF CHOICES' definitely gave me a lot to ponder upon. And as the author rightly says, this book is one which after reading the readers will ask themselves-❝ If I was on my deathbed, what would I see?❞
Would it be filled with missed chances or will it be me approving myself for 'living in the moment' ??
September 16, 2021
Our temporary lives and their fleeting nature gets to us. We wonder how to make the most of one life given to us. In the race to do everything, we rarely pay attention to what our heart truly wants.
How often do we live our lives on our terms? How often do we do things in line with our heart's feeble voice? How often do we lend ear to ourselves and not the world? How often do we make the choices that reflect us?
The Hangover of Choices by Deepa Agarwal is an intriguing story of Nidhi Verma who is leading her life on autopilot, trying to be perfect and top-notch in everything she does. However, the catch is that none of it makes her happy. Her own choices haunt her in an unusual fashion. So much so that it takes one death to unravel and understand the mystery of life. She finds her life lying in shambles and is mostly found envying her best friend, Ziya, who lives a carefree life. One unfortunate incident changes everything forever. Fortunately, Nidhi gets a chance to witness her life and contemplate her choices.
The book has a refreshing plotline and fantastic writing that pulls the readers in and keep them going. Although the book starts on a vague note and pretty drowsily, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it as the story progressed. Through the fictional account of Nidhi, the author manages to deliver some power-packed lessons on living life while addressing taboo topics smoothly. Yes, infidelity crops up in the book but that aspect only goes to delve deeper into an individual's psyche and explains the reality of a human heart and mind.
Each character in the book has a crucial role to play that comes out wonderfully. While the entire story had me hooked, the ending left me in displeasure. Despite Nidhi finding her answers, I couldn't get around Ziya's life which heightened my curiosity at one point. Nevertheless, I loved how the author has pulled off a lovely show with this book. Not only it picks on critical topics such as sexual desires, it subtly puts forth the lesson of living life for ourselves and not the world and shed one's insecurities.
Certainly recommended to lovers of contemporary fiction.
How often do we live our lives on our terms? How often do we do things in line with our heart's feeble voice? How often do we lend ear to ourselves and not the world? How often do we make the choices that reflect us?
The Hangover of Choices by Deepa Agarwal is an intriguing story of Nidhi Verma who is leading her life on autopilot, trying to be perfect and top-notch in everything she does. However, the catch is that none of it makes her happy. Her own choices haunt her in an unusual fashion. So much so that it takes one death to unravel and understand the mystery of life. She finds her life lying in shambles and is mostly found envying her best friend, Ziya, who lives a carefree life. One unfortunate incident changes everything forever. Fortunately, Nidhi gets a chance to witness her life and contemplate her choices.
The book has a refreshing plotline and fantastic writing that pulls the readers in and keep them going. Although the book starts on a vague note and pretty drowsily, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it as the story progressed. Through the fictional account of Nidhi, the author manages to deliver some power-packed lessons on living life while addressing taboo topics smoothly. Yes, infidelity crops up in the book but that aspect only goes to delve deeper into an individual's psyche and explains the reality of a human heart and mind.
Each character in the book has a crucial role to play that comes out wonderfully. While the entire story had me hooked, the ending left me in displeasure. Despite Nidhi finding her answers, I couldn't get around Ziya's life which heightened my curiosity at one point. Nevertheless, I loved how the author has pulled off a lovely show with this book. Not only it picks on critical topics such as sexual desires, it subtly puts forth the lesson of living life for ourselves and not the world and shed one's insecurities.
Certainly recommended to lovers of contemporary fiction.
May 22, 2021
A book that will literally give you a hangover.
It's a surprising read, a roller-coaster journey of love, loss, friendships and decisions.
What i loved most is the storyline of the book. It's amazing. From the plot to The way the author narrated, everything is commendable.
It's Deep, dark and different book that you'll definitely enjoy. A bit heavy read but worth a read.
It's a surprising read, a roller-coaster journey of love, loss, friendships and decisions.
What i loved most is the storyline of the book. It's amazing. From the plot to The way the author narrated, everything is commendable.
It's Deep, dark and different book that you'll definitely enjoy. A bit heavy read but worth a read.
May 4, 2021
The Hangover of Choices
Deepa Agarwal
Everything was smooth ,you were really happy with your choices but suddenly something devastating happens and you are the hoapital bed unconscious, unable to move but the amazing fact is you are able to hear and able to think and at that moment you realize that what you did in the past was only to please others but your innerself was readily not happy.
Same is the story of the Protagonist Nidhi, the author Deepa Agarwal wrote the story so beautiful and message from the story is vivid and clear.
Writer wants to emphasise that rather than living our life for others and fulfilling others demand ,we just forget about ourselves, our inner feelings ,our meantal and emotional health.
I guarantee you will love and enjoy reading this lovely book.Grab your copy if you want to know What happens to Nidhi at the end ,will she be able to survive.
I was emotional and some moments while reading it .This book is really the best one.
Deepa Agarwal
Everything was smooth ,you were really happy with your choices but suddenly something devastating happens and you are the hoapital bed unconscious, unable to move but the amazing fact is you are able to hear and able to think and at that moment you realize that what you did in the past was only to please others but your innerself was readily not happy.
Same is the story of the Protagonist Nidhi, the author Deepa Agarwal wrote the story so beautiful and message from the story is vivid and clear.
Writer wants to emphasise that rather than living our life for others and fulfilling others demand ,we just forget about ourselves, our inner feelings ,our meantal and emotional health.
I guarantee you will love and enjoy reading this lovely book.Grab your copy if you want to know What happens to Nidhi at the end ,will she be able to survive.
I was emotional and some moments while reading it .This book is really the best one.
July 14, 2021
"The Hangover of choices” by Deepa Agarwal is a harmonious blend of fiction and philosophy.As a reader, you just can’t help but look into your own life as you turn through the last page.I loved the simplicity with which the story was captured and the various turmoils and mental blocks which impacted Nidhi's life.
It's a surprising read, a roller-coaster journey of love, loss, friendships and decisions.
This book made me pause and forced me to ponder over my own choices. It’s incredible to see how a book can make one to falter in their steps and render them speechless.
After reading this book, the readers will be forced to ask themselves-❝ If I was on my deathbed, what would I see?❞
Would it be filled with missed chances or will it be me approving myself for 'living in the moment' ??
It's a surprising read, a roller-coaster journey of love, loss, friendships and decisions.
This book made me pause and forced me to ponder over my own choices. It’s incredible to see how a book can make one to falter in their steps and render them speechless.
After reading this book, the readers will be forced to ask themselves-❝ If I was on my deathbed, what would I see?❞
Would it be filled with missed chances or will it be me approving myself for 'living in the moment' ??
May 5, 2021
Crying never feels good until and unless it is for a book. We book lovers love that burning sensation in our eyes when it’s for a character from the book or an emotional story, don’t we? People think we are crazy, but who cares?!
I have found the perfect book for you to cry over. The Hangover of Choices by Deepa Agrawal is such a heart-wrenching and beautiful story; I am in love with it. It is somewhat similar to If I Stay by Gayle Forman, in the concept.
The story starts with our protagonist and and her friend on the way to a party. There’s a car crash and the MC is whisked to the hospital. She is in coma; doctors are baffled because there does not seem to be any major injury. And here’s the twist: she becomes a third person and becomes witness to everything that’s going around her. She also revisits her past, again, as a third person and wonders how the choices she made were meant for her or were made to appease someone else.
This book made me pause and forced me to ponder over my own choices. It’s incredible to see how a book can one to falter in their steps. Render them speechless.
This journey of realisation and self-actualisation is heart breaking and amazing at the same time. The new perspective, her determination afterwards was not easy to read. I won’t spoil anything for you, but the end, it shattered me in to millions of pieces.
The language and the narrative of the book is top-notch. I couldn’t stop reading it until I was halfway through. The book is not much long but it grips you so hard, you can’t leave until you are done. Kudos to the author for writing this story, it was wonderful.
Believe me or not, The Hangover of Choices by Deepa Agarwal is a must read.
I have found the perfect book for you to cry over. The Hangover of Choices by Deepa Agrawal is such a heart-wrenching and beautiful story; I am in love with it. It is somewhat similar to If I Stay by Gayle Forman, in the concept.
The story starts with our protagonist and and her friend on the way to a party. There’s a car crash and the MC is whisked to the hospital. She is in coma; doctors are baffled because there does not seem to be any major injury. And here’s the twist: she becomes a third person and becomes witness to everything that’s going around her. She also revisits her past, again, as a third person and wonders how the choices she made were meant for her or were made to appease someone else.
This book made me pause and forced me to ponder over my own choices. It’s incredible to see how a book can one to falter in their steps. Render them speechless.
This journey of realisation and self-actualisation is heart breaking and amazing at the same time. The new perspective, her determination afterwards was not easy to read. I won’t spoil anything for you, but the end, it shattered me in to millions of pieces.
The language and the narrative of the book is top-notch. I couldn’t stop reading it until I was halfway through. The book is not much long but it grips you so hard, you can’t leave until you are done. Kudos to the author for writing this story, it was wonderful.
Believe me or not, The Hangover of Choices by Deepa Agarwal is a must read.
April 29, 2021
The Hangover of Choices by Deepa Agarwal.
This book is somewhat extraordinary and unique and the title The Hangover of Choices is the best one for this book.
The story is about the Protagonist Nidhi Verma ,about the choices she made throughout her life ,But when she was in her deathbed struggling to live life during that time she was realizing every second that she never made the choices thinking of her inner self,rather she was more conscious about the external recognition, about the fear of rejection.
Nidhi realized that the discipline and self control that she prided the most were not to improve herself ,nor were they about living a better life ,rather they were just sheilds to protect herself from a future emotional fall.
I really liked the book and how well it is written so cordially step by step.
After reading this book one will surely realise about the many choices one made for external recognition. Through Nidhi Verma, Author wants to convey the message to the readers that we should focus on our inner consciousness rather than getting affected by the outer world and living in fear of losing others.
The need for external recognition should not matter to us.We must control our emotions.
I really want each and everyone to read this masterpiece and realize that in this 21st century only the most important point that matter to us is our mental and emotional health.
You will really be occupy reading this book until the end and surely there will be changes in your thought.
So grab your copy and be happy .
This book is somewhat extraordinary and unique and the title The Hangover of Choices is the best one for this book.
The story is about the Protagonist Nidhi Verma ,about the choices she made throughout her life ,But when she was in her deathbed struggling to live life during that time she was realizing every second that she never made the choices thinking of her inner self,rather she was more conscious about the external recognition, about the fear of rejection.
Nidhi realized that the discipline and self control that she prided the most were not to improve herself ,nor were they about living a better life ,rather they were just sheilds to protect herself from a future emotional fall.
I really liked the book and how well it is written so cordially step by step.
After reading this book one will surely realise about the many choices one made for external recognition. Through Nidhi Verma, Author wants to convey the message to the readers that we should focus on our inner consciousness rather than getting affected by the outer world and living in fear of losing others.
The need for external recognition should not matter to us.We must control our emotions.
I really want each and everyone to read this masterpiece and realize that in this 21st century only the most important point that matter to us is our mental and emotional health.
You will really be occupy reading this book until the end and surely there will be changes in your thought.
So grab your copy and be happy .
January 29, 2022
This book is a fictional story of Nidhi Verma, who finds herself unconscious after the accident. During her treatment in hospital being unconscious, her mind starts to take a walk down the memory lane. She begin to view her entire life as a movie, one memory after another. In every memory, she notice that she had always compared her with Ziya, her best friend and never enjoyed being herself. The book is about mental health, value of being self & unconscious mind. Nidhi reminds about her sessions with Maya (therapist) of being more open to her than anyone else ever.
She even shared memories movie with Ziya being as aura, with whom she met car accident. Ziya made her realise that she had spent all the time in comparison & never did see herself for what she is. She reminds that Maya encourages her to find patterns in memories that are apparently buried in mind to solve the mind's puzzles.
The book makes us to think as Nidhi, who did her best in life but she now after analysing her memories, she want to have done all that differently more with self, without jealousy & comparisons. From identity of "smart, logical one", she want to live as "free spirited one". But time doesn't always give time to retake all the past actions.
The story is all about regrets and realisations of Nidhi, when she can't change the past and present.
The question remains - will she make it alive to live differently.
The story makes us to realise to be better live in present than in thinking of past & future, which ruins the present moments.
She even shared memories movie with Ziya being as aura, with whom she met car accident. Ziya made her realise that she had spent all the time in comparison & never did see herself for what she is. She reminds that Maya encourages her to find patterns in memories that are apparently buried in mind to solve the mind's puzzles.
The book makes us to think as Nidhi, who did her best in life but she now after analysing her memories, she want to have done all that differently more with self, without jealousy & comparisons. From identity of "smart, logical one", she want to live as "free spirited one". But time doesn't always give time to retake all the past actions.
The story is all about regrets and realisations of Nidhi, when she can't change the past and present.
The question remains - will she make it alive to live differently.
The story makes us to realise to be better live in present than in thinking of past & future, which ruins the present moments.
May 23, 2021
The Hangover of Choices is a MUST READ. As the reader, you just can’t help but look into your own life as you turn through the last page.
It’s a work of fiction with bits of philosophy woven into it. It’s about a woman’s life rooted in reality- I may not always have understood the protagonist, Nidhi. but I found myself empathising nonetheless.
Going through the journey with her, it almost gave me a sense of power over my own choices that I knew I always had but never so intensely. The author’s message to me is- I am the writer of my own story; I have control over it, and I definitely don’t want to be on my death bed before I realise this simple truth. Unlike Nidhi, who goes into a spiral of memories, regrets, and realisations while her life hangs by the thread.
The book is an easy read, Nidhi quicky captures attention and shows you life through her eyes. In fiction, reality lurks as the author touches base on very real issues of external validation, self-love and metal health.
A great first book by Deepa A Agarwal. Eager to read more from her.
It’s a work of fiction with bits of philosophy woven into it. It’s about a woman’s life rooted in reality- I may not always have understood the protagonist, Nidhi. but I found myself empathising nonetheless.
Going through the journey with her, it almost gave me a sense of power over my own choices that I knew I always had but never so intensely. The author’s message to me is- I am the writer of my own story; I have control over it, and I definitely don’t want to be on my death bed before I realise this simple truth. Unlike Nidhi, who goes into a spiral of memories, regrets, and realisations while her life hangs by the thread.
The book is an easy read, Nidhi quicky captures attention and shows you life through her eyes. In fiction, reality lurks as the author touches base on very real issues of external validation, self-love and metal health.
A great first book by Deepa A Agarwal. Eager to read more from her.
May 23, 2021
"The Hangover of choices” by Deepa Agarwal is a harmonious blend of fiction and philosophy. Although primarily fiction, themes such as non judgement and contentment have been cleverly woven into the book in an interesting way, leading to self introspection amongst readers.
In addition, the book’s bold approach to sexuality, body image and mental health is refreshing, especially considering these topics are still taboo in many parts of India, where the plot is set.
The primary characters are Nidhi and her best friend, Ziya, who are quite contrary in their approach towards life. When they both meet with a horrendous accident and are hanging between life and death, Nidhi has a flashback of past incidents involving herself, Ziya, as well as other integral secondary characters, where certain shocking revelations come to the forefront.
Readers will have to wait till the very end to find out if either Nidhi or Ziya make it alive to face their demons and free themselves from the anguish of the past.
In addition, the book’s bold approach to sexuality, body image and mental health is refreshing, especially considering these topics are still taboo in many parts of India, where the plot is set.
The primary characters are Nidhi and her best friend, Ziya, who are quite contrary in their approach towards life. When they both meet with a horrendous accident and are hanging between life and death, Nidhi has a flashback of past incidents involving herself, Ziya, as well as other integral secondary characters, where certain shocking revelations come to the forefront.
Readers will have to wait till the very end to find out if either Nidhi or Ziya make it alive to face their demons and free themselves from the anguish of the past.
May 1, 2021
The Hangover of Choices
Deepa Agarwal
Everything was smooth ,you were really happy with your choices but suddenly something devastating happens and you are the hoapital bed unconscious, unable to move but the amazing fact is you are able to hear and able to think and at that moment you realize that what you did in the past was only to please others but your innerself was readily not happy.
Same is the story of the Protagonist Nidhi, the author Deepa Agarwal wrote the story so beautiful and message from the story is vivid and clear.
Writer wants to emphasise that rather than living our life for others and fulfilling others demand ,we just forget about ourselves, our inner feelings ,our meantal and emotional health.
I guarantee you will love and enjoy reading this lovely book.Grab your copy if you want to know What happens to Nidhi at the end ,will she be able to survive.
I was emotional and some moments while reading it .This book is really the best one.
Deepa Agarwal
Everything was smooth ,you were really happy with your choices but suddenly something devastating happens and you are the hoapital bed unconscious, unable to move but the amazing fact is you are able to hear and able to think and at that moment you realize that what you did in the past was only to please others but your innerself was readily not happy.
Same is the story of the Protagonist Nidhi, the author Deepa Agarwal wrote the story so beautiful and message from the story is vivid and clear.
Writer wants to emphasise that rather than living our life for others and fulfilling others demand ,we just forget about ourselves, our inner feelings ,our meantal and emotional health.
I guarantee you will love and enjoy reading this lovely book.Grab your copy if you want to know What happens to Nidhi at the end ,will she be able to survive.
I was emotional and some moments while reading it .This book is really the best one.
May 11, 2021
A fascinating story of a woman looking back at her life - not the way we think of memories but as an out of body experience. Noticing herself from the outside, makes her see herself in a completely new light and question her decisions and life choices.
The book is written in a engrossing manner giving the reader snippets of flashbacks. At the core of the book, also lies female friendship - a highly underplayed and under-appreciated aspect of a woman’s life. The way this female bond has been narrated and it’s undertones is my favorite aspect of the book and I can’t wait for this author to write more.
The book is written in a engrossing manner giving the reader snippets of flashbacks. At the core of the book, also lies female friendship - a highly underplayed and under-appreciated aspect of a woman’s life. The way this female bond has been narrated and it’s undertones is my favorite aspect of the book and I can’t wait for this author to write more.
May 3, 2021
What a book!
It’s amazing & addictive. There is a sense of urgency to know what happens next & next.
Once I started reading it, I could not stop until I finished it.
I like how it highlights issues like body image, the need for approval, and more topics that are still regarded as ‘taboo’ topics by some.
Great job, especially for a first-time author!
It’s amazing & addictive. There is a sense of urgency to know what happens next & next.
Once I started reading it, I could not stop until I finished it.
I like how it highlights issues like body image, the need for approval, and more topics that are still regarded as ‘taboo’ topics by some.
Great job, especially for a first-time author!
May 23, 2021
The hangover of choices, a well written and an interesting book, makes the readers to stop and think for a while..... to be just your self and count your blessings before it’s too late.
Just loved it could not keep it down, until I finished it
The book offers interesting perspectives on self awareness and a strong inner life.
A great offering from
debut novelist- Deepa A Agarwal.
Just loved it could not keep it down, until I finished it
The book offers interesting perspectives on self awareness and a strong inner life.
A great offering from
debut novelist- Deepa A Agarwal.
May 12, 2021
Hangover of Choices will take you on a journey with Nidhi Varma as she delves into her life’s choices. Through this whirlwind of a journey, you’ll watch as Nidhi reevaluates her life’s decisions. The best part about this story is that you’ll have Nidhi for company as you watch her open a Pandora’s box of buried memories. Along with Nidhi, you’ll feel the need to look back and revaluate some of your own choices
April 29, 2021
The Hangover of choices by Deepa Agarwal is about the choices we made in our life but thinking about the others about the outer world.
This book is presented in an easy and beautiful manner and way of writing is amazing .
I really loved the idea of the author that we should not bother about our thoughts of other people.
Inorder to live life for others and their choices we completely forget about our own choices,our desire and our self consciousness.
Grab your copy and find out what whould you have thought if you were in place of Nidhi.Would you have been happy with your choices you made .
This book is presented in an easy and beautiful manner and way of writing is amazing .
I really loved the idea of the author that we should not bother about our thoughts of other people.
Inorder to live life for others and their choices we completely forget about our own choices,our desire and our self consciousness.
Grab your copy and find out what whould you have thought if you were in place of Nidhi.Would you have been happy with your choices you made .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews