Just Another Complicated Story | M K Aarnik | Book Review
Just Another Complicated Story by M.K. Aarnik is an engaging, debut YA story set in India. Read the blurb, favourite quotes and book review by Njkinny in this post below.
Just Another Complicated Story by M.K. Aarnik is an engaging #youngadult story set in India. Read #BookReview on #NjkinnysBlog and go buy this #mustread #book now! #NjkinnyRecommends #BookBoost #IARTG Click To TweetAbout Just Another Complicated Story:
Title and Author: Just Another Complicated Story by M K Aarnik
No. of Pages: 116
Publication Date: 22nd April 2020
Genre: YA Fiction, Young-Adult Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Debut, Indie Author, Indian Writing
Blurb:
Life is a montage of moments and memories, some worth reminiscing and some not-so-much.
When Vimal boards a bus to Chennai, he meets someone from the past and slips down the rabbit-hole of his high-school memories.
This is the story of Vimal in his high-school. He is a good student, but his professor Dad has higher expectations. Vimal begins his high-school, aiming to fulfill Dad’s desire of getting into a good college. School is fun. Things seem to go well, new friends and love comes along until tragedy strikes and his life spirals down. Maybe there’s light on the other side of the tunnel, but will he survive the journey through the darkness?
Just Another Complicated Story by M K Aarnik Book Review
Just Another Complicated Story by M.K. Aarnik is his debut novel that takes the readers to Salem to an educated, working class family. Vimal lives with his Professor father and elder sister. Due for an interview in Chennai, he boards a bus and it is here that he meets his school-time friend. This chance meeting sets in motion a journey down memory lane that has the readers following Vimal to his high-school days and the series of events that landed him to his present situation.
Things I liked:
When I read the blurb, I didn’t get the full impact of the power of this story that had me totally captivated and engaged from start to finish. M.K. Aarnik’s narration is fluid and vivid. I loved his simple style of storytelling that had me feeling like I was watching a technicolour movie and could easily visualise every scene and connected with the characters and events.
Social issues:
The parental, societal as well as school’s pressure of Board exams on the students, the social injustice and hypocrisy evident in the marriage scenario, the unnecessary violence perpetrated by people with criminal inclinations with no regard for innocent lives as well as the power of true friendship, familial support and self-motivation are a few of the key highlights of this book.
A thought crossed his mind. He wondered if even birds went to school, wrote board exams, and dealt with the burden of living upto their Dad’s expectation of scoring a high percentage. The birds looked so carefree, flapping their wings and gliding away. It made him wish he were a bird…”
Quotes from Just Another Complicated Story by M.K. Aarnik
Relatable storytelling:
Having experienced all the school drama showcased in this book, I easily connected with and felt like I was re-visiting my own school days. I enjoyed the expertly shown contrast between the types of friends we all have encountered in school – a studious and loyal friend like Raju, and a troublemaker and disinterested in studies friend like Tarun.
The author easily tackles first love woes, personal tragedies, downfalls, relationship disillusionment and finding strength from unexpected quarters. I got teary-eyed, angry, hurt and then inspired by this story.
The strength of this story lies in subtly but effectively touching on serious topics like terrorism, civil wars, social and familial pressure on youth, teenage suicides and the power of gratitude to make lives better.
…the generosity of the fortunate can shape the lives of many unfortunates…”
Quotes from Just Another Complicated Story by M.K. Aarnik
Apart from a few minor grammatical errors, I could not find fault in this endearing young-adult and coming-of-age story that touched my heart and won me over.
The poems included in the story are so heartfelt and beautifully showcase the author’s writing prowess.
Sometimes, it’s easier to cry than to hide the tear, And better to fight than to live in fear. Sometimes, it’s fine to be clueless of what lies ahead, And ok to spend a sleepless night in bed. Sometimes, it’s alright to be foolish, to have said that ‘No’, And ok to have held on than letting it go. Sometimes, it’s not up to one to make the choice, Sometimes, it’s just life that rolls the dice…”
Quotes from Just Another Complicated Story by M.K. Aarnik
Conclusion:
I was left wanting more and I hope I get to read more about Vimal, Deepa, Pascal, Tarun, Raju and the others in another story.
A splendid debut novel that is a must-read for all YA fans as well as people wanting to re-live their school days, Njkinny recommends Just Another Complicated Story by M.K. Aanik to people looking to chill with a personal experience style book that leaves you feeling light, happy and inspired. So, 5 out of 5 super shiny stars to it. This is definitely one of the best reads of 2020 and one of “Njkinny’s Favourites” this year. So, go read this book now!
M K Aarnik is a promising new author who I recommend and whose books I will be checking out in the future.
Buy From:
A splendid debut novel that is a #mustread for all #YA fans as well as people wanting to re-live their school days, #NjkinnyRecommends Just Another Complicated Story by M.K. Aarnik. #BookReview on #NjkinnysBlog #BookBoost #IARTG #2020reads Click To TweetAlso Read:
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