Rupa Gulab

Another book that came by my book shelf from a flea market - turns out to be a chick lit. Damn, I am glad I got it from flea market (or was it Blossoms). I hate to buy chick lits, esp expensive ones unless they are gifts for those who appreciate it.

Main protagonist, Arti, as it is in every chick lit is bit crazy sort with some wit and spunk. She is a low-rung ad executive, btw, the ad office pic writer paints puts all that drinking in Mad Men to shame. But, personally she prefers cough syrup, she is addicted to it. And she begins with her relationship with Low Life (her epithet, not mine) and gets dumped.

Even though it is same tried and tested chick lit formula - bad job, dumping/cheating guys, new witty boy savior. It is fine, breezy read - our Indian MBs without soft porn and moralistic hangups. What is redeeming it is full of literature/movie/pop culture references - Pooh, Shakespeare - I suspect the ones writer loves.

Well, book is ready to be sent to flea market or anyone is free to borrow it. (btw, this author is there on Twitter.)

… (meer)

This novel is the 2nd attempt from Rupa Gulab whose last presentation was a mediocre writing in Girl Alone. Few things attracted me in picking up this book…the summary at the back page, the cover and the size of the novel (it’s quite thin)…..   This is the story of Priya a 13 yr old kid. Her trusted circle consists of Aruna her best friend, her own mother, Tanu who is more like a friend to her and then there is her Pinky mausi who too is more like a friend to her.   The story is very simple Priya has been brought up single handedly by her mother. And all her life she has been under the impression that her father doesn’t exist (read he is dead). Then one fine day her mother springs a surprise on her and tells that her father (Jeet) is here to meet her. She is understandably not eager to meet him and to top it she realises that her ‘beaky nose’ is thanks to the genes of ‘Dad the Bad’ (as she refers him in the book) and even her stubbornness a gift from her Dad.   Her small and happy world where she used to enjoy her Mom-Free afternoons either in front of television (with a microwave lunch) or with her best friend Aruna, is shattered as Dad the Bad decides to live next door. She is forced by him to pay attention to Math’s (to which she phobic). And to her sorrow she realises that her Mom is falling for Dad the bad very badly.   What follows next is a racy novel about Priya’s effort to hate ‘dad the bad’, her effort to prevent her mom from falling for her father and all this she does with loads of Spunk and decency.    The novel is full of generous doses of humor and warmth. Whether she is successful in her mission to kick off her dad or her dad is successful in coming back in the life of his ex-wife and kid, I’ll leave as suspense for the readers.   But I’ll tell you what I liked about this book

• Priya’s characterization…she is a feisty kid with whom one can very easily identify. She comes out as an independent kid with loads of spunk. Her actions are impulsive but she is ready to make amends if necessary. She even has a brief affair with her best friend’s brother. She is one kiddo you’ll actually fall in love with. She is fighting a loosing battle with herself (she doesn’t want to like her father), she is jealous if her friends talk to her father but still she tries to team up with her masi to throw him out. It’s a very endearing and engaging character.
• Aruna, Priya’s best friend is another character which I liked a lot. She is black belt in karate and has pierced her own nose with a safety pin. The scenes between her and her brother are very witty and real. I can very easily say that any brother – sister duo would identify with them. The way they black mail each other is hilarious and so real that it reminds me of my days of fights with my bro.
• ‘Dad the Bad’ comes with a punch. The way he installs himself as their neighbor (when both Priya & her Mom are shell shocked and against it) is outrageous. In fact in several instances he reminds you of a typical Mills & Boon hero. His parents are another set of characters that shouldn’t be missed. Their response to the invitation of marriage was simple ‘we have already attended one marriage of yours…….you really can’t expect us to be there for each and every one, can you.’
• Priya’s mother, Tanu is an interesting character…she is shown as a strong lady but the way she melts down in front her Ex- Husband is not only hilarious but to some extent very romantic & touching.

  The novel is a hilarious account of all these characters; it tackles the issues faced by post divorcee kids very lightly but realistically. The book covers everything from issues faced by working moms to young crushes to sibling rivalries. But the manner in which it has been handled is worth applauding. This is a book which can very easily be read by everyone….its racy & witty. The plot is predictable but the book stand out because of its writing style & the lively characters. I have read Girl Alone from the same author and was never expecting such a good book from her.   It’s not at all preachy and comes with no learning’s.   The only thing that this book gives us is loads of laughter and a nice time…as the author her self says “My books won’t make you turn pages in a sweat, but they will make you laugh. So, if laughter makes you shed some kilos, I can probably help you.”   So go grab a copy of this book, a bag of your favorite snacks and a cup of coffee and Enjoy!!!… (meer)