Book Review: Life is what you make of it- Preeti Shenoy

This was my second Preeti Shenoy book ( I read 36 Bubblegums and Candies almost immediately before this one), but for some reason, this is the book I want to write about here.

I found the book extremely contemporary and modern, dealing with issues that many of us come across but are unaware of how to handle. the characters are quiet well developed and Preeti has a knack of bringing the protagonist to life, making you identify with her as a firend or an acquaintance you once knew, sometimes seeing shades of yourself in her actions.

I finished reading the book in a day ( it is really a novella, more than a novel) and so did two of my friends who described it as "unputdownable"- one of them infact stayed up the entire night so that she could finish reading it..

I felt that Preeti Shenoy had a knack of identifying contemporary topics and weaving a tight narrative around it without falling into the trap of letting romance overtaking the central theme - I for one am eagerly awaiting her next installment.

P.S:- I did not find 26 Bubblegums and Candies as promising; Am lucky to have bought both of Preeti's books together, else might not have given a second glance to this one.

IMBD Review#1- The Shawshank Redemption

The first time I watched this movie ( cause I have watched it innumerable times and it does happen to be one of my favorites movies ) I find it extremely ironical that a story like this which celebrates human spirit is set almost wholly inside a prison.
The images in the film is filled with depressing images alternating between the insides of the prison and the barred exercise area for the prisoner but as it progresses, the movie fills you with a sense of lightness and ,almost metamorphically depicted in the open landscape scenes towards the end, as you silently cheer Andy's (Time Robbins) successful escape and his reunion with his friend Red (Morgan Freeman) .
Apart from the protagonists, some characters remain etched in your mind - Booksie- the librarian who cannot face the world, the obnoxious prison warden (Warden Norton- IMDB tells me) and the myriad prisoners who provide for more than a supporting cast.
Some of my favorite scenes include Andy turing financial planner ( there is a description of it on IMDB), Andy's escape ( the way he times his strikes with that of the clock) and Red's narrations.

But overall, the movie is not simply a prison story or a story of friendship ( although that is the central theme) , it is an inspiration , a celebration of the indefeatible human spirit; of not giving up hope, ; of planning and biding for the right moment. Many a time when I have felt frightened and fearful, my mind dwelling on the unknown in front of me, I have gained strength from Andy's words..."Fear can hold you prisoner, Hope can set you free"...which is so true, for it is hope is what makes us all human...