Title: Teenage Diaries – The Days
That Were
Author: Saurabh Sharma
Publisher: Leadstart Publishing
ISBN:
978-9352017263
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 319
Source: Flipkart Review Program
Rating: 3/5
INTRO
When I read the blurb of this book, I
couldn’t stop myself to pick up the book at a moment. I mean who doesn’t want
to relive those beautiful moments of school days. We often talk about those
days, we share those memories with friends, sometimes with ourselves. A small
wish dangles inside us, wish we could time travel and do things that left.
Those empty blackboards, curious Teachers, aggressive friends, cute fights and those
illegal naps. YES! I am talking about the nostalgia. Though I am not a hard
core fan of Young-Adult Genre but there is a reader in me, who couldn’t say no
to Teenage Diaries.
STRUCTURE
Basically Story of Teenage Diaries by
Saurabh Sharma, revolves around a nerd, named Ghanshyam , struggling with most
genuine problems of teenage life. As we know nostalgia of teenage life usually covers
the same events. The point is how to narrate the stories and put specific
moments to make it our own. Author did, not great but nice job with that.
Ghanshyam is not alone; there are friends, who contribute to pacing the plot.
Some help out our protagonist, some just present there to create mess. But I
liked how story ends with win. Ghanshyam faces sort of transition of life but at last he overcomes
and finds out hope.
Overall, It is light hearted read. I
would like to mention here—Don’t dare to think it’s some classic or else. it
would make you laugh for sure. You would turn the page to know what happens
next. Language is so simple, sometime it feels, author is conversing directly
to you only. There was some shayris, flirting dialogues, sweet and sour crushes
and then heart breaks, the way author treated the plot makes it somewhat
interesting read.
CORE
If you are seeking for a fun week-end
then this book is for you only. It has got all the elements as love,
friendship, disappointments, longing, adventure of particular age, and
reminisce of school days. You definitely connect with the character and related
happenings.
Author says “Teenage diaries, basically
my dedication to the times when time was the least of our worries. The times
when friendship was our religion and filial obligations were a myth, when the
only form of love we knew was platonic and when greeting cards & love
letters meant more than degrees and dollars. When the only class we didn’t bunk
was that of the most beautiful teacher and when everyday was not a test - tests
happened thrice a year. When blank-calls hinted more than what hours of
conversation on mobiles could and when silent smiles said more than a thousand
words did. When we made up for the lack in confidence with the overflowing
innocence, when selfless camaraderie really existed and being happy for
somebody else's happiness came naturally to us”
ABOUT AUTHOR
Being born in a middle class family
has its own perks and limitations. The biggest perk is that one will be able to
complete his engineering and MBA and the biggest limitation is that one will
have to complete his engineering and MBA. Saurabh sharma, being a middle-class
boy from Baroda, did his engineering from NIT, Allahabad and MBA from NMIMS,
Mumbai. Currently an Associate Director at Flipkart, in his free time, he loves
to write, play tennis and strum guitar. His debut novel is a tribute to some of
the truly amazing friendships that he has developed over the years. His
penchant for storytelling has led to his witty writing style, which has got
rave reviews from across. He is currently staying in Bangalore with his wife
and is giving finishing touches to his 2nd novel, which will be a sequel to
Teenage diaries. You can reach out to him on Facebook, via mail at
storytellersaurabh@gmail.com or via twitter @Storybazsaurabh