Stand Up

by Nikesh Shukla

Madhu is 17 and has the weight of the world on her shoulders: her dad is putting pressure on her to apply to university, she misses her estranged sister but contact is strictly forbidden, and she’s pulling in every single shift possible at a pizza place to help support her family. What she really wants, though, is to be a world-famous stand-up comedian …
Just as she’s about to turn her back on this dream a YouTube clip of Madhu goes viral and she is suddenly catapulted into the bright lights of stardom. It’s not long before she catches the attention of a fellow Asian comedy legend who offers her the chance of a lifetime.

But the road to comedy glory is not a barrel of laughs – and Madhu’s own struggles with her family and identity soon catch up with her. Can she follow her dreams and stay true to herself and those she loves in the process?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult

262 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2023

Reviews

[Cleo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I took a gamble on this book, because I don't often read teen or YA tales, but I got more out of it than I thought I would. There were many elements I really enjoyed: it's refreshing to read a story with a strong hyperlocal vein (without it being set in London 👀), and props to Shukla for writing a teenaged voice that's authentically cringe and endearing without being too "how do you do fellow kids".

The story was great, though the climax was weirdly the weakest part of the novel, and the resolution of Madhu's trauma by way of parental apology??? in THIS economy?? Pure fantasy. (It was also SO tacky for Shukla to include Madhu unnecessarily perusing another one of his own books for inspiration before her big moment -- I don't mind universe-building but would it kill you to be more subtle with it?!)

Overall, I really enjoyed it, though I doubt I'll be taking a trip back to the Teen section of the library any time soon. In some ways Madhu reminded me of my younger self, in other ways she inspired me to be a better version of my future self.

[Priya Kaur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably a bit young for me

Great story, great writing and great ending. The language and breaking the 4th wall aspect wasn’t really my cup of tea. But overall a good book.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madhu wants to be a comedian but her family have other ideas about her future. Can she break out of her shell and follow her dream? I loved Madhu, funny , vulnerable, jumps to conclusions too easily and impressionable - typical 17 year old really , or certainly how I remember being at that age! The story has a lot to say about being true to yourself, sisterhood & bringing people up instead of putting them down , racism and family relationships and deals with heavy subjects with a light yet impressive touch.

[shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

such a good read, i loved how relatable it was, academic pressure, family problems, work shifts etc. i also like how inclusive it was, adding gay characters, people of color, non-binaries. however, the end felt really rushed, like when the kiss with jazz was shared, it was just rushed, and felt like it almost didn’t happen? same with the comedy battle with kareena patel, and the family resolution (after his heart attack) although, this was such a good read and i hope to read more books like this in the future.

[Manon the Malicious]

I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*DNF at 31%*

I wanted to love this but I was getting annoyed at the MC calling the readers "ladies and gentlemen" when I am, in fact, neither. Also, this was meant to be funny but I haven't laughed once and I was getting bored so I made the decision not to keep reading so I can move on to something I would actually enjoy.

[I Read, Therefore I Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nikesh Shukla’s contemporary YA novel has a sharp-tongued female main character who makes interesting points about race and sexism, including among the British Asian community. Although the book makes the most of its Bristol setting, the plot is predictable and strains credibility but the big issue is that the comedy routines are flat and unfunny, with Madhu coming across as gobby and mean-spirited, which makes it hard to root for her.

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am fan of Shukla but this is not his best book, Imho. It’s about a British south Asian girl who wants to be a stand up comedian. It’s good but I found some characters difficult. And have questions around them. Far too often I felt I was hearing the author speaking rather than the character. That said it was funny and doesn’t have the Hollywood ending you might think it does.Netgalley arc.

[Katherine Bowditch · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at p41

Actually just disgusting, the main character is unlikeable and literally racist and sexist but is somehow being portrayed as right all the time? How is this the only one start review???

[gray · Rating 1 out of 5]

i didn’t really enjoy this book but i think it’s perfect for young fans of the youtuber / comedian lily singh

[Jodie McPherson · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is one of those books that i’m so happy is out there for young people to read as they’re growing up. it discusses race, gender and following your dreams so well.

we follow our MC as she feels forced down the wrong path, and away from her dream of being a comedian. feeling like she can’t confide in her parents, she goes behind their backs to get some opportunities in comedy, and they don’t go exactly as planned.

this book shows the complexities of family life, and the importance of not letting go of your dreams!

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this - thought it was funny and liked what it had to say about families

[Rach Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy #StandUp

Another powerful offering from Shukla who continues to offer important yet not imposing mediations on the lives of BAM teenagers, their social experiences and an array of ways by which they navigate a set of challenges
Formulaic to a point, given the echoes of The Boxer that were continued here into Madhu's story. T|his is nothing to sniff at however - because Shukla writes the 17 year old mindset so well.

Not in the boxing ring this time; instead, we are thrust into the life of Madhu who is desperate to make it as a stand up comedian.
As you might expect for stories of a teenager this age, the first part of the novel is an exploration of the ways her world is overwhelming her. There is recognisable pressure about university applications, restrictions about contacting her estranged sister and working a tireless job to help support her family.
A viral YouTube clip changes the pace and stardom soon follows as Madhu makes waves online. Throw in a chance meeting and support from her idol - another Asian comedienne - a rivalry, identity crisis and family struggles, and you have a very well executed teen drama. What I love about the approach here though is the fact that Shulka stays true to the story and doesn't wander into realms of excess or extremes in a mere plight to impress via scandal or even perhaps to 'compete' with the more TikTok-esque publications of recent years.

Stand-up is a refreshing and engaging book that is multi-cultural and diverse in both voice and insight into an area of society that is definitely unusual. Madhu's story is educational, funny, sympathetic but also not shy about questioning the judgements and reactions we make in youth.
A triumph for the Young Adult sector!