Whenever I get worked up due to physical exertion that parenting demands on a daily basis, my husband comes up with his repetitive million dollar wisdom bite.
“It’s just these couple of years, when you get to run around them, hold them and do things for them. Once they grow up, you will have none of this physical proximity. It’ll all be at an emotional and intellectual level”
Yeah! Yeah! But I still have a long way to go that route. I respond as I roll my eyes. But that also sets my thoughts rolling as I contemplate. Once the kids become self sufficient on a physical level, my job as a parent is going to become even more complex. I will always have to be on a high alert to tune into the emotional frequency of my kids and understand their aspirations, fears, insecurities and much more. I know I will have a tough job at hand.
And why am I speaking about this in this post that’s supposed to be a book review? Because that’s what ‘A Girl In the New Town’ by Alpana Deo is all about. Read on….
Book Review – A Girl In The New Town
‘A Girl In The New Town’ by Alpana Deo has a seven year old girl as its protagonist. This young but bubbling-with-life girl gives her parents the jitters of their lives, when she goes into a shell at the knowledge that the family will have to change their residence to a new town. What follows is the story of an extremely uncertain ‘Ria’ and how her parents get her to open up and talk freely about her insecurities. How she deals with separation from her best friends? What are the challenges she faces in her new neighborhood? And how her before and after worlds merge to bring in a lot of happiness to her life!
Alpana Deo’s account of the whole episode in this short read (oh! Not so short for the kids this book is meant for) is praise worthy. She has dealt with the emotional aspects of the entire affair (about shifting places) with extreme sensitivity.
I especially liked how Alpana Deo has brought to the forefront the fact that in foreign lands, friends are more than your family and relatives. The play dates, overnight stays, mommy dates etc. form a significant part of their life-style.
It is commendable how Alpana has tactfully dealt with the transition of the plot. She has catered to an entire life cycle of the process of shifting to a new town from a kid’s as well as her parents’ perspective.
‘A Girl In The New Town’ definitely makes for a fun read for kids and their parents. I for sure envision myself sitting with my son a couple of years down the line, over some milk shake, discussing the emotional turmoil that Ria must have gone through.
A little put-off: At certain places while reading the book, I felt that the editor of the book could have done a better job at weaning out the grammatical errors. (that is, if a professional editor was involved). Or else my advice to Alpana would be to contemplate getting it edited and then releasing an updated version.
I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.
19 Comments
You have a very unique approach towards writing book reviews. I’ve read quite a few of them and I must say that you have done a fantastic job in each piece. There’s a freshness in your perspective and a very non biased approach towards the story. I hope to see you doing more reviews in the future.
I don’t know, I write what comes naturally to me. I remember one of my seniors(who was a voracious reader) in college telling me, a book review has to entice the reader to pick up the book or otherwise. I just try to follow that advice.
Thanks Sonia! You are becoming one motivation for me in this myriad of social media acquaintances
The title of the book seems quite intriguing. Something we all experience as we keep moving from one place to place, and especially for children it is a different experience and they are more emotionally bonded. As we grow and mature we try to take it on the stride but the young lots it is the friendship that makes a huge difference in their life. Particularly in apartments where we stay close to each other and makes such nice relationships, where everything is next door and knock away. Moving away is painful. The way you started the review with your own experience and touched on the finer aspects of the book, it is tantalizing to read the story. I agree language and grammars does have an affect on the reader and this is where the professional team can do the trick. Always put the editing in the hands of a good team.
By the way Anupriya, I liked the way you have articulated your profile. Indeed blog is no less than a child once you are deeply into in and it needs lot of nurturing and yes it is a legacy, the digital asset you can leave back for the other children. 😀
#MyFriendAlexa, #MakeupReads
I have read a few more reviews of this book from Alpana Deo and it seems to be a good read. You have done a good job Anupriya. #vartikasdiaryreading #myfriendalexa
I am unable to tweet it Anupriya, can’t see your twitter handle. It redirects me to your account only.
It should be available at the bottom of your mobile screen.
I have been looking forward to reading Alpana’s book. A move can be hard on anyone, but especially on a child. I would love to know how she has handled the subject in the book.
From your review, the book sounds interesting!
I like how you’ve weaved your own experience in the review. It’s great that this book is meant to be for children, as it gives them perspective on how to handle any issues that might arise in their lives & help them share their insecurities with their parents. Sounds like a great book.
I am looking forward to reading this book, the title seems to be Interesting and you have written the review in a beautiful way
I’m already in love with your writing style Anupriya. But now I came to know, why your book reviews stand apart! As a reader, it definitely picks up my interest and I would like to give it a read for sure. And in between, an apt articulation of your profile. Superb!
I am so looking forward to reading this book and now review is making it more interesting.
Nice review, looking forward to read it.
#sindhureads #myfriendalexa
I am a big fan of Alpana’s writings. And happy for her author journey too. Honest review which created a curiosity to go for the book, Thanks for sharing.
I love the way you have given a detailed and honest review. Looking forward to reading the book soon
#MyFriendAlexa #zenithbuzzreads
Alpna is a good E-friend. but I could not read this book of her till now. The book is dealing with the same topic that I as a mother is facing these days. We shifted to a new city 2 months back. And it was a big change for my son. He left his friends and loved ones there. In this new city, we are still getting adjusted. We have very few friends and my son is still to make his companions. It was good that i could read the review here. Thanks 🙂
Moving to a different place is tough and I can understand the premise as I saw my daughter trying to adjust to a new life very closely.
Alpana is one of my favorite blogger so I would love to read her book. And according to your review the book looks interesting.
Isn’t this lovely. Alpana is such an inspiring lady. I loved her letter series. I have to pick up her book though!