I am M-M-Mumbai

Its been a long time since I have read such an engaging book. I am sure you would love it, too.

The story revolves around life of Rudra Talpade, the young protagonist. His dream to become an actor in Bollywood seems to be faced with only one hurdle - he stammers. 

This is a tale of failure, endurance, enthusiasm to grasp any opportunity that comes in your way and finally, success. Anyone who ever had a dream but has been held back by self doubt or opinion of others, should read this book. Here's a brief narrative of the tale, which itself shall inspire you immensely:

No amount of speech therapy had helped Rudra, and needless to say, he had been an object of ridicule right through school to work as assistant director with various production houses. With low self esteem, he had almost shelved his desire to become an actor until life seems to smile at him when he meets Richa. Their rosy affair suddenly comes to a standstill when  Richa dumps him, succumbing to social pressure. 

Devastated, Rudra takes to alcohol and is faced with further trouble - his father throws him out of home, he is robbed by an auto driver, and more. At this juncture when he has hit the rock bottom, life turns around for him dramatically.

He is saved by Devika, who not only provides him food and accomodation, but also connects him to a film director who promised to cast Rudra as the main lead. It is a difficult decision as it is not mainstream cinema, but Rudra takes it as an opportunity and brings in his past experience to make all possible improvements. His work earns him much appreciation and is spotted by a prominent movie house, who makes certain changes and remodels it as a family drama. 

Overnight, Rudra becomes a star and things start falling in place for him. You would love the way he handles success, but remains grounded when it came to his family and friends. 

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The underlying message in the story is don't let others hold you down, and keep trying. Your hard work and positivity shall pay one day. 

This is a book that shall instill hope in you and inspire you to innovate your way through all obstacles to reach your goal.

A Hundred Little Flames

Set in the picturesque settings of Kerala, this is a very enjoyable book. It is Preeti Shenoy's maiden fiction, and is a perfect balance of her imagination and personal experiences as a child.

The book begins with a sharp twist of events, when the protagonist, Ayan loses his job for no fault of his. He is sent to visit his grandfather who had a fall recently, in a far flung village in Kerala, a village so small that it is not identifiable on Google Maps.

He arrives to his ancestral home where his grandfather Gopal Shanker stays, only to find that there is no internet connectivity even in the idyllic village.

The story progresses as Ayan gradually falls in love with the slow life, making local friends and his interactions with his grandfather. He is kept in dark by his father who stays in Bahrain about his wish to sell off Thekke Madom, their ancestral home- something old Gopal Shanker would never have allowed. Ayan's father, Jairaj tricks his father into a mental asylum to achieve this; but Ayan rises to the occasion and rescues his grandfather with the help of his friends and presence of mind.

This book discusses human relationships in a subtle way but the characterization is very strong. You would almost be able to see the story unfolding in your mind's eyes, it is so well written.

There are very few things that I didn't like, but that can be overlooked.

I will confidently give it 4 stars.