Gifted - Nikita Lalwani

What happens when an extremely intelligent Indian goes abroad and settles down without leaving his roots behind , but only uproots them to replant again and more firmly ? Gifted is one of those rare novels that really makes one question the sanity of cultures , education and strictness imposed by parents and society alike. While we commonly come across books about average persons doing well , 'Gifted' is a novel about an extremely talented child and her despondent life.

Rumi is a 10 year old girl born to Mahesh and Shreene. At the age of five , Rumi was told that she is gifted. A highly intelligent girl with an equally encouraging father , Rumi is always driven to excel in education. Though a vast contrast from ordinary Indian fathers who don't encourage their daughters from studying much , Mahesh tends to overlook the fact that Rumi is just a little girl , even if gifted.

So hard is Mahesh's need to excel and grow academically that he prefers speaking in English within his family . He sets time tables for himself , his wife and even Rumi . The only entertainment Rumi gets is timed for an hour and never exceeds. Shreene is made to go the library so she can read better and be uptodate with current affairs ; to discuss with Mahesh.

Growing up in a foreign land , surrounded by kids who think she's weird and her father weirder , Rumi struggles for a semblance of normalcy. As she slowly starts entering her teen , Rumi begins to despise her father and his strict timetable that make her life misrable and highly constricted. A door opens when Rumi wins a scholarship at 15 to study in Oxford. Her only way of freedom , Rumi embraces it and also indulges in life that she wasn't allowed . But maintaining a balance between what she wants and what her father wants is hard for a 15 year old.

The story moves on to an ending that bodes well in fiction. But makes one wonder about reality and the psychology of controlling parents . Is it really so important to always 'achieve' and not simply live/be ? Read on for a compelling and interesting story.

The Chocolate Run - Dorothy Koomson

The chocolate run is one book that shall definitely appeal to chocolate lovers and chic lit readers  . The usage of chocolate as a metaphor for life and life's characters makes for a funny and highly imaginative read . Further the protagonist's addiction or maybe love for chocolate and her need for chocolate as an instant pacifier makes for a chocolate filled - thought provoking and coming of age novel of love , life and relationships.

Though not one of Koomson's best works , the Chocolate Run makes for a good read on a lazy day . I did not instantly take to this book as I did the rest of her works , but it sure makes a good read if one loves reading.

The story revolves around our choclate lover , Amber , who also runs for good health. She also runs from commitment . She has issues with her parents , which extend to all the relationships she enters . The story deals with her relationship with Jen , her best friend that she adores , Matt ; Jen's boyfriend and Greg. Greg who is playboy personified till his fling with Amber .Amber, a person who prefers chocolate to romance , and has a tough time dealing with life when her best mate wants to become boyfriend . The story makes for a funny and interesting read with the characters evolving with every chapter , Twists and mysteries poking at the perfect intervals . A spicy , quirky chic lit indeed.

Marshmallows for Breakfast - Dorothy Koomson

This being the first ever book i read of Dorothy Koomson , I took it from the shelf solely due to the cover . A woman and child and marshmallows. Definitely interesting. And trust me , the story got more interesting and involving as i turned the pages . I expected the book to contain a simple story with a happy ending. I was not prepared for it to make me think or feel for the characters . It is truly a book of love , hurt , healing and moving on . But thankfully does not make for a soppy read , instead the simple writing and evolving characters leave a mark by the end.

As is the set background in most of her novels , Koomson writes about a British African. Returning to UK from Australia is Kendra Tamale. Living in hurt from her past , she rents an apartment from a family that is pretty messed up. Try as does , she cannot help but get involved . She only seeks to gain peace and closure and to be left alone . And that is the last thing that she gets , thanks to the six year twins Jason and Summer . Living with only their dad , the twins take to Kendra like moths to light. But the mystery of their mother's departure is not as simple as they try to put it . The Gadsborough family adopts Kendra as their own , even though she's 'black' ; as noticed by the kids . Her apartment is the kids sanctuary . The kids company is her balm . And then there are the kids parents ; a dad who's beginning to open upto Kendra and a struggling to deal with his wife and life.

Though the cover suggests a soft theme and a light chic lit , the book is definitely a higher dose of thought provoking read . It makes one think and not just about the simple things in life .It is a book that deals with confronting oneself , finding closure and basically healing from hurt and moving on. Definitely a book that one can enjoy but not a light read for sure.