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Mirror, Mirror
Ugly cow. Miss Piggy.Five years earlier, a friend's nasty comment makes Ananya start hating her body. She decides to change into a new person-one who effortlessly fits into all kinds of clothes, who shuns food unless it's salad, and who can never be called 'Miss Piggy'-and to cut everything from her 'old' life, including her best friend, Raghu, for being the witness to her humiliation.Ananya is on her way to becoming the Ananya of her dreams, but she's still a work in progress.One day, her parents announce that they're expecting a baby (at their age!). To make matters worse, Raghu reappears in her life ...Andaleeb Wajid's latest novel for young adults is a touching and funny story about a young girl's journey to acceptance and self-love.
- GenresFiction
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2021
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Andaleeb Wajid
77 books205 followersAndaleeb Wajid is the author of more than 35 novels. She writes romance, young adult, horror and speculative fiction.
For more details, check her website.
For more details, check her website.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 20, 2021
"We're all a Work In Progress."
Mirror, Mirror by Andaleeb Wajid is a Young Adult novel by Duckbill Books (An Imprint by Penguin Random House India) which deals with majorly the issue of Body Image, Self Acceptance and Self-love.
I read another's book by the same author few months back which I did not enjoy much, so I wanted to give another try and I'm so glad I did. This one was such a great and sweet read with interesting set of characters.
The book will make you feel friendship bond, family and relatives who support you. The book sometimes takes you in past but majorly focuses on the present of Ananya's life where her mother is going through pregnancy.
The story is smooth, the friends to lovers written between Ananya and her friend Raghu, on whom she has secretly been crushing since the very first day was a very sweet added plot to the story.
Another major angle playing into this story was about career choices and how it's okay to be unsure about what you want to do in life. I mean I am still not sure what I see myself doing 5 years from now even after finishing studies quite sometime back.
Mirror, Mirror by Andaleeb Wajid is a Young Adult novel by Duckbill Books (An Imprint by Penguin Random House India) which deals with majorly the issue of Body Image, Self Acceptance and Self-love.
I read another's book by the same author few months back which I did not enjoy much, so I wanted to give another try and I'm so glad I did. This one was such a great and sweet read with interesting set of characters.
The book will make you feel friendship bond, family and relatives who support you. The book sometimes takes you in past but majorly focuses on the present of Ananya's life where her mother is going through pregnancy.
The story is smooth, the friends to lovers written between Ananya and her friend Raghu, on whom she has secretly been crushing since the very first day was a very sweet added plot to the story.
Another major angle playing into this story was about career choices and how it's okay to be unsure about what you want to do in life. I mean I am still not sure what I see myself doing 5 years from now even after finishing studies quite sometime back.
June 16, 2021
Teenage is a time when we are suddenly into an ocean of changes. From our innerself, body to the outside world everything starts to take different shapes. When having a picture perfect slim body is always in the trend, what happens to someone who finds it hard to maintain it?
"Mirror mirror on the wall
who is the fairest of them all?"
The popular dialogue from the story of Snow White!
May be in this case it will be Slimest in place of Fairest.
Andaleeb Wajid's latest book is all about it. It's been five years, Ananya is now a new person or so she thinks. All friends are cut out including Raghu her bestie. All foods are despited but salad. Finally she can fit into all fashionable cloths. What made her do so? A body shaming nasty comment few years ago. She took a pledge to change her own identity. While she tries to adjust behind her veil of fake smiles, her parents announce the arrival of their new baby. And Raghu also appears later. Admidst all these will she be able to understand herself?
This story narrated in a amicable and amusing way for young girls tells the reader that outer appearance is not the ultimate, peer pressure can be handled in a better way, why confidence, esteem and love matter in one's personality. In this world of fake pop culture, it urges us to find life's real essences.
"Mirror mirror on the wall
who is the fairest of them all?"
The popular dialogue from the story of Snow White!
May be in this case it will be Slimest in place of Fairest.
Andaleeb Wajid's latest book is all about it. It's been five years, Ananya is now a new person or so she thinks. All friends are cut out including Raghu her bestie. All foods are despited but salad. Finally she can fit into all fashionable cloths. What made her do so? A body shaming nasty comment few years ago. She took a pledge to change her own identity. While she tries to adjust behind her veil of fake smiles, her parents announce the arrival of their new baby. And Raghu also appears later. Admidst all these will she be able to understand herself?
This story narrated in a amicable and amusing way for young girls tells the reader that outer appearance is not the ultimate, peer pressure can be handled in a better way, why confidence, esteem and love matter in one's personality. In this world of fake pop culture, it urges us to find life's real essences.
June 2, 2022
" I was sure that if I were to meet Esha today, she'd still have flatterring things to say about the way I looked, especially my body. But why did she have that sort of power over me? Because I gave it to her."
BOOK: Mirror Mirror
AUTHOR: @andaleebwajid
GENRE:#youngadultfiction #domesticfiction
PUBLISHER:@penguinrandomhouse
RATING:🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁
Mirror, Mirror, written by andaleeb wajid is a very heart touching and lovely story. Choosing this book was a good decision because I needed it. Every person facing with criticisms and ugly comments need to feel good about themselves, truly, from their own hearts. It starts within us, we need to impress not others but ourselves. This book have an amazing cover which attracted me instantly. I didnt know how the story would end, I was expecting drama's but this was a relatable household story. A teenagers struggle at self acceptance and love.
#suggested to all readers.
And if anyone is feeling hard to accept themselves who are reading this,then let me tell you "you are all you need. You are amazing, you are amazing because there is only one "you". And nobody can take that uniqueness away from you. ❤😘💫
#mirrormirror
#andaleebwajid
#indianauthor
#indianfamily
#indian
#domesticfiction
#romance
#children
#parents
#friendship
#reunion
#bangalore
#home
#parenthood
#age
#weightissues
#selfesteem
#selfacceptance
#happiness
#life
#choices
#goodreads
#reader
#readerssnapshot
#bookreview
#reviews
#reading
BOOK: Mirror Mirror
AUTHOR: @andaleebwajid
GENRE:#youngadultfiction #domesticfiction
PUBLISHER:@penguinrandomhouse
RATING:🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁
Mirror, Mirror, written by andaleeb wajid is a very heart touching and lovely story. Choosing this book was a good decision because I needed it. Every person facing with criticisms and ugly comments need to feel good about themselves, truly, from their own hearts. It starts within us, we need to impress not others but ourselves. This book have an amazing cover which attracted me instantly. I didnt know how the story would end, I was expecting drama's but this was a relatable household story. A teenagers struggle at self acceptance and love.
#suggested to all readers.
And if anyone is feeling hard to accept themselves who are reading this,then let me tell you "you are all you need. You are amazing, you are amazing because there is only one "you". And nobody can take that uniqueness away from you. ❤😘💫
#mirrormirror
#andaleebwajid
#indianauthor
#indianfamily
#indian
#domesticfiction
#romance
#children
#parents
#friendship
#reunion
#bangalore
#home
#parenthood
#age
#weightissues
#selfesteem
#selfacceptance
#happiness
#life
#choices
#goodreads
#reader
#readerssnapshot
#bookreview
#reviews
#reading
June 11, 2021
A story of a 17 year old Ananya who is struggling with acceptance and body image issues. The book deals with issues like body shaming and eating habits among teenagers and how just few words are enough to be imprinted on a childhood conscious. Apart from addressing these issues the book packs the authors usual style of wrapping the family in the story and this time the family is expanding and how. It was so funny everytime to read what goes through an innocent 17 year old mind and the evolution of the character as the story moves ahead. Ananya is cute, mature and has strong bonds and unsaid things that are captured in the narrative. I will always recommend the book and young teenage love will make you relive the time of crushes.
October 4, 2022
Representation is a powerful thing. And for that alone I am glad that Mirror, Mirror exists. Perhaps if I had grown up reading something like this, I would have been kinder to myself - yes I believe art has that power.
Coming to the brass tacks - the story is nothing extraordinary but then it reads easy and flows without too many glaring gaps. I am of course now more curious about Chitra and Shekhar’s story and was a little disappointed that they seemed almost oblivious of their child’s inner world - but then perhaps that is how children especially teens think of their parents.
If you are not a teen, pick up at your own risk. If you are a teen, give it a go - you may not be inspired to change the world after this but perhaps the world will seem less random.
Coming to the brass tacks - the story is nothing extraordinary but then it reads easy and flows without too many glaring gaps. I am of course now more curious about Chitra and Shekhar’s story and was a little disappointed that they seemed almost oblivious of their child’s inner world - but then perhaps that is how children especially teens think of their parents.
If you are not a teen, pick up at your own risk. If you are a teen, give it a go - you may not be inspired to change the world after this but perhaps the world will seem less random.
August 9, 2021
A brilliant YA read
YA readers, here's an author whose work shows an empathetic understanding of social clichés and the need to strike out at the root cause.
The protagonist here is studying in the 12th grade and now hates her once best friend Raghu. That is linked to a particular incident of body shaming and the subsequent low self esteem. How she redeems herself and begins to find peace with her own body rivets the reader's attention.
The characters are well developed and themes are serious. The novel is notches above most YA I've read.
I warmly recommend this book.
YA readers, here's an author whose work shows an empathetic understanding of social clichés and the need to strike out at the root cause.
The protagonist here is studying in the 12th grade and now hates her once best friend Raghu. That is linked to a particular incident of body shaming and the subsequent low self esteem. How she redeems herself and begins to find peace with her own body rivets the reader's attention.
The characters are well developed and themes are serious. The novel is notches above most YA I've read.
I warmly recommend this book.
June 16, 2021
'Mirror mirror' is a sweet and simple book. It doesn't tell you to accept being overweight but neither does it support starving yourself to lose weight. It emphasizes self love. It reinstates that we all will always be works-in-progress and it's important for us to enjoy while we work for our goals. Loved this book!
Read
October 2, 2022"We're all a work in progress"
Major trigger warnings for fatphobia and eating disorders.
This was fun to read. Met the author during a book review event at my college where I bought this book and got it signed which made reading this all the more special. The author herself was extremely friendly and I loved meeting and interacting with her.
This book made me feel very nostalgic. It's very reminiscent of the types of books I read when I was in middle school. The baby in the book coincidentally has the same name as my younger brother which just made it very heartwarming.
Major trigger warnings for fatphobia and eating disorders.
This was fun to read. Met the author during a book review event at my college where I bought this book and got it signed which made reading this all the more special. The author herself was extremely friendly and I loved meeting and interacting with her.
This book made me feel very nostalgic. It's very reminiscent of the types of books I read when I was in middle school. The baby in the book coincidentally has the same name as my younger brother which just made it very heartwarming.
June 23, 2021
Book Title: Mirror Mirror
Author: Andaleeb Wajid
Format: Kindle
My Thoughts:
Teenage is as sweet as tough to tackle. Everyone in the world has experienced that stage. As said, everyone has experienced ups and downs too in those days. But, somehow, a visible and damaging culture of verbal abuse and criticism is making its wave in today's world. When it comes to social media primarily, these exist in large quantities. Also, in some ways, this trend, when reflected in the real world and people, will have adverse effects.
Mirror Mirror by author Andaleeb Wajid takes with Ananya, a teenager from the moment she becomes 17. Her day starts with smiles and greetings, but insecurities keep crawling in her mind. When her friend Nisha announces her dating relationship, the fear of losing Nisha engulfs Ananya. That same day at the dinner table, when her mother informs her pregnancy, Ananya's questions and doubts about her mom getting pregnant at the age of 43 nearly kills her mind.
Also, when she comes to know that her Aunt V and her son Raghu will be coming to their home and aunt will be taking care of her mother. Ananya's thoughts and her insecurities well up. Her anxiety and body shaming incidents keep haunting her when she wants to show her best to Raghu. Once a best friend, but a void between them that is existing pokes her mind. All this, with sensible writing, made the book a delightful read.
What to expect from the story?
Expect a YA story that focuses on the mantra - accept yourself however you are! This affirmation is the backbone of the plot.
Who can read?
This book is a definite read for all the youngsters. In this generation where social media usage is rampant, virtual relationships and friendships are mostly given importance, and this book is a good one. to read. Also, parents and elders who have teenagers and young adults in their homes and lives can read and understand the pov of everything from a youngster's side.
How good are the characters?
This story is all about its characters. If talked about Ananya, the central character and the person through which every reader can witness the harsh realities and cruel incidents, the character empathises and inspires. The other important characters that are a part of Ananya's life are well described. The characters Raghu, Nisha, Aunt V are also interestingly crafted. The companionship between Ananya and Raghu and the later shape-lift of the characters is well explained.
How good is the narration?
From the very starting point where the story starts, it progresses towards Ananya's journey against many odds. The tone in which the author describes every scene is lovely. The pain she experiences and endures as described will surely bring back those memories one faced or heard. There are many instances in the book where a reader will instantly personify, and thus an emotional connection with the story establishes. This is one of the most important things from a reader's perspective, and the author succeeded.
How good are the language and grammar?
The language is spotless. One flows through the book swiftly, and there is hardly a place where the story loses its charm. The elegant and simple language used in explaining the most ignored and taboo topics is simply superb. It is as easy as drinking water. This kind of writing often inscribes positivity inside the minds and thus enables a person to talk about the most un-discussed topics.
How good is the author's writing style?
This is my second book by the author Andaleeb; what fascinates me is the self-affirmation message she gives in her stories. Through the characters and the incidents that reflect the present society, author Andaleeb captures the reader's attention with her writing skills. The simple, crisp and relatable writing augments the storyline.
How entertaining is the book?
Like in her previous book, author Andaleeb has done a great job making her readers glued to the story. With topics like fat and body Shaming, eating disorder, mental health issues, anxiety issues etc., this book Mirror Mirror addresses the above mentioned in an elegant yet constructive manner. With the story set up in the metro city of Bengaluru, this book focused chiefly on the issues faced by today's youngsters is entertaining with every element that will please a reader who loves YA fiction.
Final Verdict
A perfect YA book that fits well in today's world!
Rating:
4/5
Author: Andaleeb Wajid
Format: Kindle
My Thoughts:
Teenage is as sweet as tough to tackle. Everyone in the world has experienced that stage. As said, everyone has experienced ups and downs too in those days. But, somehow, a visible and damaging culture of verbal abuse and criticism is making its wave in today's world. When it comes to social media primarily, these exist in large quantities. Also, in some ways, this trend, when reflected in the real world and people, will have adverse effects.
Mirror Mirror by author Andaleeb Wajid takes with Ananya, a teenager from the moment she becomes 17. Her day starts with smiles and greetings, but insecurities keep crawling in her mind. When her friend Nisha announces her dating relationship, the fear of losing Nisha engulfs Ananya. That same day at the dinner table, when her mother informs her pregnancy, Ananya's questions and doubts about her mom getting pregnant at the age of 43 nearly kills her mind.
Also, when she comes to know that her Aunt V and her son Raghu will be coming to their home and aunt will be taking care of her mother. Ananya's thoughts and her insecurities well up. Her anxiety and body shaming incidents keep haunting her when she wants to show her best to Raghu. Once a best friend, but a void between them that is existing pokes her mind. All this, with sensible writing, made the book a delightful read.
What to expect from the story?
Expect a YA story that focuses on the mantra - accept yourself however you are! This affirmation is the backbone of the plot.
Who can read?
This book is a definite read for all the youngsters. In this generation where social media usage is rampant, virtual relationships and friendships are mostly given importance, and this book is a good one. to read. Also, parents and elders who have teenagers and young adults in their homes and lives can read and understand the pov of everything from a youngster's side.
How good are the characters?
This story is all about its characters. If talked about Ananya, the central character and the person through which every reader can witness the harsh realities and cruel incidents, the character empathises and inspires. The other important characters that are a part of Ananya's life are well described. The characters Raghu, Nisha, Aunt V are also interestingly crafted. The companionship between Ananya and Raghu and the later shape-lift of the characters is well explained.
How good is the narration?
From the very starting point where the story starts, it progresses towards Ananya's journey against many odds. The tone in which the author describes every scene is lovely. The pain she experiences and endures as described will surely bring back those memories one faced or heard. There are many instances in the book where a reader will instantly personify, and thus an emotional connection with the story establishes. This is one of the most important things from a reader's perspective, and the author succeeded.
How good are the language and grammar?
The language is spotless. One flows through the book swiftly, and there is hardly a place where the story loses its charm. The elegant and simple language used in explaining the most ignored and taboo topics is simply superb. It is as easy as drinking water. This kind of writing often inscribes positivity inside the minds and thus enables a person to talk about the most un-discussed topics.
How good is the author's writing style?
This is my second book by the author Andaleeb; what fascinates me is the self-affirmation message she gives in her stories. Through the characters and the incidents that reflect the present society, author Andaleeb captures the reader's attention with her writing skills. The simple, crisp and relatable writing augments the storyline.
How entertaining is the book?
Like in her previous book, author Andaleeb has done a great job making her readers glued to the story. With topics like fat and body Shaming, eating disorder, mental health issues, anxiety issues etc., this book Mirror Mirror addresses the above mentioned in an elegant yet constructive manner. With the story set up in the metro city of Bengaluru, this book focused chiefly on the issues faced by today's youngsters is entertaining with every element that will please a reader who loves YA fiction.
Final Verdict
A perfect YA book that fits well in today's world!
Rating:
4/5
June 8, 2021
Mirror Mirror by @andaleebwajid is a book that somebody should have forced me to read in my teens. I hope it helps people now who are struggling with their body image.
Ananya is a seventeen year old, who does everything in her power to lose weight, and not get fat, she struggles with body positivity, she hates to look in the mirror and sees fat everywhere, so much so that it's giving her a food disorder, and low self esteem issues.
She suffers from mental trauma from five years back when she was a chubby kid who used to love baking cakes and cookies, and eating, but an acquaintance fat shames her infront of other people, and her best friend Raghu, who to her dismay does nothing to support her, because he has been struggling with personal issues of his own and since then they stop being friends.
When her parents suddenly announce that a baby is on the way, and Aunty V, who is Raghu's mom is coming to visit, she bumps into Raghu once again, and her life is thrown into chaos.
Her denial, and feelings that she stuffed deep down are coming to the surface and she has to deal with them.
I adored this book, the writing is so lucid, I finished it in 4 hours, and the story is told so beautifully, highlighting Ananya's struggles as a teenager, who just wants a normal life, to wear whatever she wants and look good, to be appreciated, to have friends who are there for her. I think we all relate with that a little bit.
This book is for everyone who struggles with their body image and think that if they could have been just a little bit of this and that they would have been perfect but they don't realise that they are perfect anyway with all their flaws.
I recommend it 100 percent *shoves the book in your hands* go read it! 💜
Thank you @penguinindia for the #giftedcopy
Ananya is a seventeen year old, who does everything in her power to lose weight, and not get fat, she struggles with body positivity, she hates to look in the mirror and sees fat everywhere, so much so that it's giving her a food disorder, and low self esteem issues.
She suffers from mental trauma from five years back when she was a chubby kid who used to love baking cakes and cookies, and eating, but an acquaintance fat shames her infront of other people, and her best friend Raghu, who to her dismay does nothing to support her, because he has been struggling with personal issues of his own and since then they stop being friends.
When her parents suddenly announce that a baby is on the way, and Aunty V, who is Raghu's mom is coming to visit, she bumps into Raghu once again, and her life is thrown into chaos.
Her denial, and feelings that she stuffed deep down are coming to the surface and she has to deal with them.
I adored this book, the writing is so lucid, I finished it in 4 hours, and the story is told so beautifully, highlighting Ananya's struggles as a teenager, who just wants a normal life, to wear whatever she wants and look good, to be appreciated, to have friends who are there for her. I think we all relate with that a little bit.
This book is for everyone who struggles with their body image and think that if they could have been just a little bit of this and that they would have been perfect but they don't realise that they are perfect anyway with all their flaws.
I recommend it 100 percent *shoves the book in your hands* go read it! 💜
Thank you @penguinindia for the #giftedcopy
June 14, 2021
Trigger warnings: fatophobia, eating disorder, body shaming, anxiety
Mirror, Mirror is a YA novel set in Bangalore, India. Ananya, because of some unfortunate comments from her neighbors about her body, is on the path of loosing weight and shaping herself into the societal expectations of a ‘prefect girl’, living on salads and dry crackers. Every time she looks on the mirror, the scars of the words spoken about 5 years ago, haunted her. On her 17th birthday, she receives the strangest news- her mother was pregnant! The situation complicates when her mother calls her best friend, Aunty V, to live with them and with her comes her son and Ananya’s ex-friend, Raghu, for whom now she has complicated feelings. Moreover, her two best friends are now in relationship and she feels like a third wheel. Navigating between life, school, and her relationships, Ananya has to find her future and the courage to accept herself as she is.
How often we are told we are not enough? Or we would have been perfect if this were that. Being positive towards your body is not an easy feat but the one that is important. As Ananya struggled for losing those extra pounds, I believe everyone of us can see glimpses of ourselves not just in terms of weight loss, but for the other aspects of our bodies too.
Apart from body positivity, this book has beautiful relationships and friendships. The up and downs, understanding between friends and troubles, all have been handled well.
One thing I really want to appreciate is the bare minimum use of Hinglish 🙈 I don’t like when that is used in books much and thankfully, this book had almost zero instances of that.
A fast, breezy and easy read that can be finished in a couple of hours but would leave you with a fuzzy and happy feeling.
Mirror, Mirror is a YA novel set in Bangalore, India. Ananya, because of some unfortunate comments from her neighbors about her body, is on the path of loosing weight and shaping herself into the societal expectations of a ‘prefect girl’, living on salads and dry crackers. Every time she looks on the mirror, the scars of the words spoken about 5 years ago, haunted her. On her 17th birthday, she receives the strangest news- her mother was pregnant! The situation complicates when her mother calls her best friend, Aunty V, to live with them and with her comes her son and Ananya’s ex-friend, Raghu, for whom now she has complicated feelings. Moreover, her two best friends are now in relationship and she feels like a third wheel. Navigating between life, school, and her relationships, Ananya has to find her future and the courage to accept herself as she is.
How often we are told we are not enough? Or we would have been perfect if this were that. Being positive towards your body is not an easy feat but the one that is important. As Ananya struggled for losing those extra pounds, I believe everyone of us can see glimpses of ourselves not just in terms of weight loss, but for the other aspects of our bodies too.
Apart from body positivity, this book has beautiful relationships and friendships. The up and downs, understanding between friends and troubles, all have been handled well.
One thing I really want to appreciate is the bare minimum use of Hinglish 🙈 I don’t like when that is used in books much and thankfully, this book had almost zero instances of that.
A fast, breezy and easy read that can be finished in a couple of hours but would leave you with a fuzzy and happy feeling.
July 2, 2021
The story is about a teenage girl, Ananya, who discovers that her mother is pregnant. At the age of 17, she is embarrassed by the act of her parents. She tries hard to talk it out to her best friend and remains angry about this news. Her best friend, Nisha, cannot contain the excitement of a newborn baby. The backdrop is pretty great, in sync with the life of teenagers today. They have access to phones and are active on social media, whereas the 90's kids had the bare minimum. I loved the plot as it spoke about the self-affirmation of a teenager. Aunty V and Raghu had their roles to play in shaping the story. In the beginning, I thought the story is about violence. Later in the plot, Esha's hurtful words clarified the situation. It is one of the feelings that each one would have had during school or even college days. Sometimes we don't realize that our hurtful words affect our friends, battling the same war as we are. I was astonished that Ananya's parents were fine that she ate salad for the rest of her life. Omg! I wish every teenager has understanding parents to help them out of body shaming or any bullying for that matter.
The author has discussed the problems faced by teenagers quite remarkably. Since today we are concerned about social media image, we should take care of the generation we are raising. There is no suspense in the book, so it is fine to say that I am not revealing any plot here. I would like to recommend this book, since it is a short read and it discusses topics such as fat-shaming, eating disorders, mental health issues, anxiety issues, etc.
The author has discussed the problems faced by teenagers quite remarkably. Since today we are concerned about social media image, we should take care of the generation we are raising. There is no suspense in the book, so it is fine to say that I am not revealing any plot here. I would like to recommend this book, since it is a short read and it discusses topics such as fat-shaming, eating disorders, mental health issues, anxiety issues, etc.
April 22, 2022
Mirror mirror by @andaleebwajid takes us through the life of a young girl, plagued by inner doubts about her physical appearance. The book starts off with a milestone- the day she turns 17.
The book deals with issues like body shaming and eating habits among teenagers and how just few words are enough to be imprinted on a childhood conscious.
Today when you open the magazines, or Insta and Youtube on social media we come across adverts and images where the said model or influencer has a fair complexion, is thin and tall sending a wrong message to teens and their peers. Youngsters believe that this is the way to be to be accepted and get easily influenced by the images. Many a times we let ourselves be influenced by what others think of us and loose our step along the way.
Mirror Mirror, Andaleeb Wajid’s book is a coming- of age young romance and accepting yourself for who you are. After all, the mirror says the beautiful truth. Accept and love yourself and don’t change for others. Through Ananya’s story Andaleeb has interwoven many a story of young girls who face similar situations like hers.
The language is spotless. One flows through the book swiftly, and there is hardly a place where the story loses its charm. The elegant and simple language used in explaining the most ignored and taboo topics is simply superb.
This book is a definite read for all the youngsters. In this generation where social media usage is rampant, virtual relationships and friendships are mostly given importance, this book is a good one to read.
The book deals with issues like body shaming and eating habits among teenagers and how just few words are enough to be imprinted on a childhood conscious.
Today when you open the magazines, or Insta and Youtube on social media we come across adverts and images where the said model or influencer has a fair complexion, is thin and tall sending a wrong message to teens and their peers. Youngsters believe that this is the way to be to be accepted and get easily influenced by the images. Many a times we let ourselves be influenced by what others think of us and loose our step along the way.
Mirror Mirror, Andaleeb Wajid’s book is a coming- of age young romance and accepting yourself for who you are. After all, the mirror says the beautiful truth. Accept and love yourself and don’t change for others. Through Ananya’s story Andaleeb has interwoven many a story of young girls who face similar situations like hers.
The language is spotless. One flows through the book swiftly, and there is hardly a place where the story loses its charm. The elegant and simple language used in explaining the most ignored and taboo topics is simply superb.
This book is a definite read for all the youngsters. In this generation where social media usage is rampant, virtual relationships and friendships are mostly given importance, this book is a good one to read.
June 28, 2021
I've been a fan of Andaleeb's romance writing for adults for a long time now, but hadn't read any of her YA books till Mirror, Mirror.
Ananya, is a teenager battling body image issues after an incident of public shaming when she's 12. Determined to lose weight she's constantly watching what she eats, does yoga and is always trying to hide her perceived flaws with certain clothes. Ananya calls herself a 'work in progress'.
The book opens on her birthday, with Ananya receiving the news that her parents are going to have another baby. Ananya is mortified because gross! But the news also brings Aunty V back into their lives. Ananya's mom's best friend moves in to help during the pregnancy brings her son Raghu, who was witness to Ananaya's public humiliation.
As the book progresses, Ananya comes to terms with news of the pregnancy, deals with college friendship, and is forced to address her relationship - past and present - with the delicious Raghu, all while dealing with how she feels about her body.
Andaleeb's books are always warm and inviting, like a best friend's home you can drop into and just be yourself. You know these people, you've met them, studied with them and been friends with them.
Add humour, teen angst, very realistically written struggles with body issues and teen romance (finally teenagers who kiss and make out in a YA book!) and you have a real cracker of a book.
Ananya, is a teenager battling body image issues after an incident of public shaming when she's 12. Determined to lose weight she's constantly watching what she eats, does yoga and is always trying to hide her perceived flaws with certain clothes. Ananya calls herself a 'work in progress'.
The book opens on her birthday, with Ananya receiving the news that her parents are going to have another baby. Ananya is mortified because gross! But the news also brings Aunty V back into their lives. Ananya's mom's best friend moves in to help during the pregnancy brings her son Raghu, who was witness to Ananaya's public humiliation.
As the book progresses, Ananya comes to terms with news of the pregnancy, deals with college friendship, and is forced to address her relationship - past and present - with the delicious Raghu, all while dealing with how she feels about her body.
Andaleeb's books are always warm and inviting, like a best friend's home you can drop into and just be yourself. You know these people, you've met them, studied with them and been friends with them.
Add humour, teen angst, very realistically written struggles with body issues and teen romance (finally teenagers who kiss and make out in a YA book!) and you have a real cracker of a book.
May 19, 2022
Have you ever felt like reading your own story? For me it is this book! ❤️
This is the story of a teenager named Ananya who is so insecure about her body and weight and who lives on salads and calculates every calory she consumes. Though she is working on her body, everytime she sees the mirror she feels the pain and anguish of the scars left by a nasty comment on her body by one of her neighbors. She tries to cut everything from her old life including her favorite hobby 'baking' and her best friend Raghu for being the witness to her humiliation.
One day her parents announces that they are expecting a baby(at fourties of course! ). Making things worse Raghu shows up in her life again...
How often have you been told you are not enough? How often have you craved for that perfect body? Have you ever looked at the mirror and hated your own body?
'Mirror Mirror' by @andaleebwajid is such a simple yet a sweet book. It emphasises on self acceptance and self love. It reminds us that we all are always work-in-process and it is quite important to enjoy our journey while working towards our goals.
I absolutely love this book highlyyyy recommended! ✨
Do follow me on Instagram @book_chum for more reviews.
This is the story of a teenager named Ananya who is so insecure about her body and weight and who lives on salads and calculates every calory she consumes. Though she is working on her body, everytime she sees the mirror she feels the pain and anguish of the scars left by a nasty comment on her body by one of her neighbors. She tries to cut everything from her old life including her favorite hobby 'baking' and her best friend Raghu for being the witness to her humiliation.
One day her parents announces that they are expecting a baby(at fourties of course! ). Making things worse Raghu shows up in her life again...
How often have you been told you are not enough? How often have you craved for that perfect body? Have you ever looked at the mirror and hated your own body?
'Mirror Mirror' by @andaleebwajid is such a simple yet a sweet book. It emphasises on self acceptance and self love. It reminds us that we all are always work-in-process and it is quite important to enjoy our journey while working towards our goals.
I absolutely love this book highlyyyy recommended! ✨
Do follow me on Instagram @book_chum for more reviews.
July 5, 2021
When we spend less time thinking about our bodies , it affords us room to focus on other things"
𝑴𝑰𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑹 𝑴𝑰𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑹
Mirror Mirror by Andaleeb Wajid is a light young adult Novel that deals with the struggles teen face , find one's true self and accepting that.
The novel portrays around Annaya , a sweet teen girl ,who after been bodyshaming and getting stabbed with a bunch of humiliating words , pledges to change her own identity....
From a " Fat , ugly Ananya " to her "dream Ananya ", who measures the intake of every calory and each second she works out..
On her way , her parents unexpected surprise - that invites her long lost bestfriend , adds to her problems ..or should I say adds the missing piece of puzzle of finding herself ..
It's a really sweet and easy read ..For a rainy day ...? Definitely!
The way the author describes the brawl and veracity of our community can be genuinely relatable ...
Furthermore , the approach of author in affirming the normalcy of uncertainty towards our career , our future , makes me content!
Thankooo soo much for the amazing novel !
Definitely recommended to all the lovely boilled potatoes out there😄
And happy choice making all!
With love-
Vanshika
𝑴𝑰𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑹 𝑴𝑰𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑹
Mirror Mirror by Andaleeb Wajid is a light young adult Novel that deals with the struggles teen face , find one's true self and accepting that.
The novel portrays around Annaya , a sweet teen girl ,who after been bodyshaming and getting stabbed with a bunch of humiliating words , pledges to change her own identity....
From a " Fat , ugly Ananya " to her "dream Ananya ", who measures the intake of every calory and each second she works out..
On her way , her parents unexpected surprise - that invites her long lost bestfriend , adds to her problems ..or should I say adds the missing piece of puzzle of finding herself ..
It's a really sweet and easy read ..For a rainy day ...? Definitely!
The way the author describes the brawl and veracity of our community can be genuinely relatable ...
Furthermore , the approach of author in affirming the normalcy of uncertainty towards our career , our future , makes me content!
Thankooo soo much for the amazing novel !
Definitely recommended to all the lovely boilled potatoes out there😄
And happy choice making all!
With love-
Vanshika
September 28, 2022
3.5 stars.
Things I loved about the book:
- Ananya's struggles with her body doesn't miraculously come to a stop. It's a journey, and at the end of the book, she is still learning.
- The constant and unwavering presence of her friends. This book breaks the stereotype of "we forget friends after getting into relationships".
- Subtle indications of how easy it is to body shame, even when people don't even realize they're doing it.
Things I loved about the book:
- Ananya's struggles with her body doesn't miraculously come to a stop. It's a journey, and at the end of the book, she is still learning.
- The constant and unwavering presence of her friends. This book breaks the stereotype of "we forget friends after getting into relationships".
- Subtle indications of how easy it is to body shame, even when people don't even realize they're doing it.
October 14, 2022
I have read like one book on fat shaming and I was very disappointed. To the point where I decided to write a story of my own.
This book was perfect. It highlighted what it's like to be fat,the self consciousness,the fear of eating too many calories,questioning why people might ever like you. And I absolutely loved how much they focused on it.
The dialogues were sometimes cringe but otherwise the plot was pretty satisfying
This book was perfect. It highlighted what it's like to be fat,the self consciousness,the fear of eating too many calories,questioning why people might ever like you. And I absolutely loved how much they focused on it.
The dialogues were sometimes cringe but otherwise the plot was pretty satisfying
March 25, 2022
A decent story that deals with teens figuring out their lives, accepting the way they look, finding love and dealing with issues around them. The author did an impressive job of presenting fat shaming quite realistically. Nice read.
"We're all human. We're all imperfect. We're all works in progress."
"We're all human. We're all imperfect. We're all works in progress."
June 26, 2021
As like her other books I finished in one go.One Indian author in my fav list.loved it
July 6, 2021
Loved it!
December 11, 2022
quite okay
April 1, 2023
why turn a book on body positivity into a cringy romance where a "different" girl needs a knight in shining armour to save her ? so disappointing to read.
August 29, 2023
4.5 star
March 5, 2023
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But what if they are your eyes, and you just find an ugly figure with loose skin and extra folds staring you back from the mirror? You are struggling everyday, fighting everyday, with your urges, your body, your mind, your soul and the world.
No one deserves to be humiliated for the way they look. But a 12 year old girl, was body shamed in public by her peers, and to witness this stood her best friend and the boy she secretly liked.
That one incident changed the course of her life for the next 5 years. The girl who loved baking, started despising everything except for salads and crackers, starved herself, and hated her body. She grew up to be concious of herself at all times, and not finding herself worthy enough.
This book is about her journey, to start accepting herself, start loving food again, gaining her confidence against all odds and falling in love and accepting love.
This book doesn't tell to love your body however it is, neither it tells you to hate it. It rather talks about body neutrality i.e you neither have to love your body nor hate it, In simpler words just accept it.
This book also deals with pregnancy in 40's, in a fun way. This story is relatable at so many levels, no matter what age you are, I am sure you will definately find something relatable.
It was such a heartwarming, light hearted book, and a quick read. Makes a perfect fit for a cosy afternoon 💟
No one deserves to be humiliated for the way they look. But a 12 year old girl, was body shamed in public by her peers, and to witness this stood her best friend and the boy she secretly liked.
That one incident changed the course of her life for the next 5 years. The girl who loved baking, started despising everything except for salads and crackers, starved herself, and hated her body. She grew up to be concious of herself at all times, and not finding herself worthy enough.
This book is about her journey, to start accepting herself, start loving food again, gaining her confidence against all odds and falling in love and accepting love.
This book doesn't tell to love your body however it is, neither it tells you to hate it. It rather talks about body neutrality i.e you neither have to love your body nor hate it, In simpler words just accept it.
This book also deals with pregnancy in 40's, in a fun way. This story is relatable at so many levels, no matter what age you are, I am sure you will definately find something relatable.
It was such a heartwarming, light hearted book, and a quick read. Makes a perfect fit for a cosy afternoon 💟
April 25, 2024
The book was amazing! expically for teens who are insecure about themselves.
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