- Author: Maniissh Aroraa
- Paperback: 278 pages
- Publisher: Peacock Books; 2nd Ed. edition (2020)
- Language: English
Teenagers these days struggle with a lot of anxiety as competition increases every day. They are driven towards accomplishing more to satisfy peer and parental pressure. At times, they find it extremely difficult to deal with a mountain of expectations and the depression that follows it. However, this book tells you that if you have it in you, if you have the support and confidence of people around you, you can definitely succeed.
Sunshine Town by Maniissh Aroraa is a contemporary fiction set in the beautiful city of Varanasi. Shlok is our protagonist who has to fulfill his parents’ dreams and make them proud. Would he be able to navigate his way through it? That’s the primary storyline of the book.
Shlok is your average student and a confused teenager who wants to make it big for his parents. His character is inspiring as he doesn’t shy away from working hard to get through competitive exams. Depression is bound to sting him as he faces failures but even the setbacks don’t deter him from going ahead in life. I believe that was a strong message – to work hard and keep hustling until you achieve your goal. Don’t give up easily. Persist and you shall win the game!
The story was sweet and simple as well as a bit of motivating. The character development was great for a few while it didn’t impress me for others. For instance, I liked how well-sketched was Shlok’s character and how realistic his parents were. However, Natasha’s character was a weak one and failed to contribute much to the story. Yana was another significant face who didn’t get adequate room to make her presence felt in the plot. The inclusion of River Assi was lovely and something I looked forward to as I flipped the pages.
The writing is pretty good and the smooth narration wouldn’t take you long finishing the book. The story is very relatable and hence, the book would prove to be an ideal read for the teenagers. At the same time, I felt had the romantic angle between Shlok and Natasha didn’t exist, how would the story proceed? Perhaps, that would have given more depth to the narrative as it tuned out to be a tad bit cliche and predictable by the end.
Nevertheless, if you are a beginner level reader, especially a teenager, you might give Sunshine Town a shot. Perhaps, Shlok’s determination would motivate you to not give up on your goals.
MY RATING: 3/ 5
Buy your copy: Sunshine Town
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Bookish Fame 
Great review (as usual! LOL)
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