Ratings: 3.5 of 5 stars
This book was like a no strings attached 2 hour meeting for
me. I enjoyed it a lot especially because I didn’t get too attached with any of
the characters. The book had moments when I felt sad (and started repeating
"no no no” over and over during my math lecture) or when I couldn’t stop
smiling about something cute that happened.
The story promises 'inspiring, touching, funny and heartfelt
stories from life' and let me tell you it doesn’t disappoint. Even if I don’t
usually prefer reading about real life experiences, this book makes me want to
read more books with similar plots and even if the stories have lessons we are
taught our whole lives, each story has a unique essence to it which makes them
all memorable enough to be inspiring.
My personal favorites from the book were’
a daughter's first flight’, ‘suicide (so decide)’ and ‘that girl’. I gave the
book half an extra star because it tried to break the social norm and stand up
for people who have suffered in one way or another. It perfectly portrayed how
we all suffer from our own problems and yet we judge others (even unknowingly)
for the circumstances life has put them in. Also it gives the most important
lesson of all that mistakes can only define you if you let them.
As touching as the stories were sometimes I felt that they
were dramatized a little bit more than reality. I also distinctly remember
reading a sentence along the lines of how funerals are not meant for the dead
but for the living which made me remember extremely similar lines in the fault
in our stars and as far as the promise of "funny" stories goes I don’t
think that any of them made me laugh, smile maybe but outright laugh? No. I
agree that most good books make you feel for the protagonists but with this
book so many stories have been combined that to feel for all seems a bit
impossible (maybe it’s just me).
Even with its flaws
the book is enjoyable in its own little way.
For anyone who is looking for something new or absolutely
phenomenal I’m sorry to say this book is not for you but if you want to read
something that makes you happy to be alive while not making you sob on a plane
ride back home and making your co passengers think that you're crazy then go
ahead pick up this book and dive into the experiences of people who have a
story to share.
Finally I want to thank Penguin, India for sending and
introducing to me this amazing book.
