From the book blurb
Anirban Das is making his book debut
with Just Kidding Yours, Destiny.
The implied essence of the story is about making choices, their consequences
and the role of destiny.
The plot is a simple story, revolving
around the complicated life of Kunal Roy. Ambitious Kunal is living the great
Indian dream, having purchased a house in Mumbai, driving an expensive car and
striving to earn pots of money. Having slogged for donkey’s years in the same
company, Kunal believes that he is a star employee in his company. He is
determined to reach the top with a simple mantra - hard work and dedication.
Kunals seemingly planned life and
ambitions turn awry with the sudden acquisition of his company and an abrasive
new boss who puts Kunal to the sword. Kunals life is further turned upside down
with the entry of a company rookie, Shristi, compelling him to change his world
view and his lifes priorities. Is Shristi for real or is she an illusion? And
who is the real Kunal? Undergoing upheavals in both professional and personal
life, Kunal looks to jettison his ambitions by embarking on a journey of self-discovery
in an attempt to regain his lost identity and a semblance of control.
This book aspires to strike a chord
with the readers, engage and entertain them. It has been written from the
heart, in a manner, which is characteristic of the authors writing style. The
story has been set in a typical Indian urban backdrop but the emotions enunciated,
would transcend country barriers.
Author
Ignoring his childhood aspiration of
becoming a sportsman, Anirban Das
obtained a degree in mechanical engineering from Walchand College in Sangli and
followed it up with a post-graduation in Advertising from NMIMS, Mumbai. He
worked with an Indian automobile conglomerate in a variety of roles, before
quitting his job to pursue his MBA from IIM, Ahmedabad.
Anirban loves to read, travel,
listening to music. And forgot to mention, writing too! He flirted briefly with
singing but decided against pursuing it, in larger public interest. What he
does not enjoy is cooking, notwithstanding consistent prodding by family
members. Anirban has written content for a few blogs, including his own J
(Links given below)
If you wish to get more details about
Anirban or contact him, you can log on to www.anirban-das.com or send him an
email at anir345@gmail.com
Characters
Kunal is a hardworking and an ambitious man.
Life teaches him lessons in its own way and Kunal changes from a carefree
college-boy to a serious senior employee. His transformation from the serious
late 30’s man to that of a carefree man is captured nicely!
Shrishti hails from a rich family; a beauty
with brains. She is young and cheerful. At the same time she is practical. She
is emotional, of course, but she also controls them for the greater good. She
is selfish and at the same time very friendly. In short, complicated!
Then
there is Sarika, Kunal’s Ex-wife…Harry, Kunal’s Boss and Jasmine, Kunal’s friend!
What I think
The
cover-page is vibrant and attractive. It will surely catch the attention of
readers. Having said that, I liked the book’s title per se. It is catchy!
The
book is a short and sweet one with less than 200 pages. It is well edited and
the story flows with ease. Except the
second chapter where there were too many technical details. The chapters carry
thoughtfully laid out titles and most of the chapters carries thought provoking
quotes too.
The
characters are real and the situations are no different. The book depicts the
life of a common man with many pitfalls and where most of the dreams don’t come true. The story is about what
we want/expect/need as against what really happen.
As the
title rightly describes, it is about desires/dreams VS destiny!
What I
loved the most about the book is that it is not yet another happy-go-lucky and
happily-ever-after types. But, I would not call it as a cynic’s or pessimist
take on life. Instead, I would say, it is a rather real take on life sans any
make-up or decorations!
But...
The
footnotes – They are so irritating. It hinders the flow and makes the reading
tough!
The
book blurb sounds preachy and recommendatory. It looks too long and boring L
Should you read it?
As I
said, it’s a small book with a little less than 200 pages. You can complete in
one go. And it is a complete timepass. I completed in a single sitting on weekend.
Having
said that, this book might not be a feel-good one. But it will not fail to
impress you!
Rating
3/5
Thank you
Anirban Das, the author for
contacting me and sending me a personally signed copy. Congrats for the book
and all the best for more to come!
Some quotes that stole my heart
© When
you give someone the power to make you laugh, cry, sad, angry, you can say with
certainty that you are in love. Of course, this holds true for you only, not
necessarily your counterpart.
© Whatever
happens in life, happens for a reason. But not everything in life that happens,
happens for the best. We just choose to brainwash ourselves, thinking it is so.
© Life’s
journey is am outcome of the choices made, and there is always a choice. A
decision not taken is also a decision. And the role of luck should never be
underestimated.
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