The Secrets and Surprises of Just Friends by Sumrit Shahi: A Review
Just Friends By Sumrit Shahi: A Book Review
If you are looking for a light-hearted and entertaining read that explores the complexities of friendship and love, you might want to check out Just Friends by Sumrit Shahi. This book is a best-selling novel that tells the story of two teenagers who are best friends but also have feelings for each other. In this article, I will review the book and share my opinions on its plot, writing style, and themes.
Just Friends By Sumrit Shahi.pdf
Introduction
What is the book about?
Just Friends is a young adult fiction novel that was published in 2010 by Mahaveer Publishers. It is the debut novel of Sumrit Shahi, who was only 17 years old when he wrote it. The book follows the lives of Aaryan and Tanie, two best friends who study in different cities but stay in touch through phone calls, texts, and emails. They share everything with each other, from their daily struggles to their romantic interests. However, they also have a secret that they don't admit to themselves or each other: they are in love with each other.
Who is the author?
Sumrit Shahi is an Indian author, screenwriter, and entrepreneur. He was born in Chandigarh in 1993 and started writing at a young age. He has written several novels, including A Lot Like Love...A Li'l Like Chocolate, Never Kiss Your Best Friend, She Swiped Right into My Heart, and You're Trending in My Dreams. He has also written scripts for popular web series and TV shows, such as Never Kiss Your Best Friend, Puncch Beat, Class of 2020, and Fittrat. He is the founder and CEO of ALTBalaji, a digital entertainment platform.
Why should you read it?
You should read Just Friends if you enjoy reading stories that are realistic, relatable, and humorous. The book captures the essence of teenage life, with its joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, dreams and dilemmas. It also portrays the bond between two best friends who are more than friends but less than lovers. The book will make you laugh, cry, smile, and sigh as you follow Aaryan and Tanie's journey of friendship and love.
Main Body
The plot summary
The protagonists
Aaryan and Tanie are the main characters of the book. They are both 17 years old and studying in different schools in different cities. Aaryan is a smart, handsome, and charming boy who lives in Delhi. He is popular among his peers and has many admirers. He is also a flirt who likes to date different girls but never commits to anyone. Tanie is a beautiful, intelligent, and witty girl who lives in Chandigarh. She is confident and independent and has a loyal group of friends. She is also a tomboy who likes to play sports and video games.
The challenges they face
Aaryan and Tanie face many challenges in their friendship and love life. They have to deal with the distance and time difference between them, which makes it hard to communicate and stay connected. They also have to cope with the pressure and expectations of their parents, teachers, and society, which often clash with their own desires and aspirations. They also have to handle the jealousy and insecurity that arise when they see each other with other people, especially those of the opposite sex. They also have to confront their own feelings for each other, which are confusing and complicated.
The twists and turns
The book is full of twists and turns that keep the readers engaged and curious. Some of the major events that happen in the book are: - Aaryan and Tanie meet for the first time at a summer camp when they are 13 years old and become instant friends. - Aaryan moves to Delhi with his family when he is 15 years old and promises to stay in touch with Tanie. - Aaryan starts dating a girl named Shreya, who is rich, beautiful, and manipulative. He falls for her charms and neglects his friendship with Tanie. - Tanie meets a boy named Vedant, who is smart, handsome, and caring. He becomes her friend and supports her in her studies and sports. - Aaryan realizes that he is in love with Tanie after he breaks up with Shreya. He confesses his feelings to Tanie over the phone, but she rejects him, saying that she loves him as a friend only. - Tanie realizes that she is in love with Aaryan after she sees him with another girl at a party. She decides to tell him her feelings, but he doesn't answer her calls or texts. - Aaryan and Tanie meet again after two years at a college festival. They rekindle their friendship and clear their misunderstandings. They finally admit their love for each other and kiss.
The writing style and language
The humor and sarcasm
One of the most appealing aspects of the book is its humor and sarcasm. The author uses witty dialogues, funny situations, and hilarious descriptions to make the readers laugh. For example, he writes: - "She was wearing a pink top with frills on it. It looked like someone had vomited cotton candy on her." - "He was so fat that he could have been mistaken for a pregnant hippo." - "She had a voice that could shatter glass. And eardrums. And windows. And souls."
The emotions and expressions
Another aspect of the book that makes it engaging is its emotions and expressions. The author uses vivid words, phrases, and metaphors to convey the feelings of the characters. For example, he writes: - "He felt a surge of anger rising in his chest, like a volcano about to erupt." - "She felt a pang of guilt in her heart, like a knife stabbing her." - "He felt a wave of happiness washing over him, like a rainbow after a storm."
The dialogues and descriptions
A final aspect of the book that makes it enjoyable is its dialogues and descriptions. The author uses realistic and relatable language that reflects the personality and mood of the characters. He also uses detailed and descriptive language that creates a vivid picture of the scenes and settings. For example, he writes: - "He said in a low voice, 'I love you, Tanie.' She looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity in them. She smiled and said softly, 'I love you too, Aaryan.'" - "She saw him standing at the entrance of the auditorium, wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans. He looked like a rock star, with his spiked hair and piercing eyes. She felt her heart skip a beat as he walked towards her." - "He took her to his favorite spot on the hilltop, where they could see the whole city sparkling below them. He spread a blanket on the grass and lit some candles. He played some romantic songs on his guitar and sang along with them."
The themes and messages
Friendship and love
The main theme of the book is friendship and love. The book explores the relationship between two best friends who are also in love with each other. It shows how friendship can be the foundation of love, but also how love can complicate friendship. It also shows how friendship can survive distance, time, misunderstandings, and conflicts.
Growing up and moving on
Choices and consequences
A final theme of the book is choices and consequences. The book shows how the characters make different choices in their lives, such as choosing their careers, partners, friends, and lifestyles. It also shows how these choices have consequences, both positive and negative, for themselves and others. It also shows how they learn from their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions.
Conclusion
What did I like about the book?
I liked many things about the book, such as: - The relatable and realistic characters who have flaws and strengths, dreams and fears, hopes and regrets. - The engaging and entertaining plot that keeps the readers hooked and curious. - The humorous and sarcastic writing style that makes the readers laugh and smile. - The emotional and expressive language that makes the readers feel and empathize. - The themes and messages that make the readers think and reflect.
What did I dislike about the book?
I disliked a few things about the book, such as: - The clichéd and predictable ending that was too convenient and unrealistic. - The stereotypical and exaggerated portrayal of some characters, such as Shreya, Vedant, and Aaryan's parents. - The grammatical and spelling errors that were distracting and annoying. - The excessive use of slang and abbreviations that were confusing and irritating.
Who would I recommend it to?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading young adult fiction novels that are fun, romantic, and meaningful. I would also recommend this book to anyone who has a best friend who is more than a friend but less than a lover. I would also recommend this book to anyone who wants to relive their teenage memories and emotions.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book:
Is Just Friends a true story?
No, Just Friends is not a true story. It is a fictional novel based on the author's imagination and experiences.
Is Just Friends a series or a standalone book?
Just Friends is a standalone book. It does not have any sequels or prequels.
Is Just Friends available in other languages?
Yes, Just Friends is available in other languages, such as Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Urdu, and Punjabi.
Is Just Friends adapted into a movie or a web series?
No, Just Friends is not adapted into a movie or a web series. However, there are rumors that it might be adapted into a web series soon.
Where can I buy or read Just Friends online?
You can buy or read Just Friends online from various platforms, such as Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Google Play Books, Kindle Store, Audible, Scribd, Goodreads, etc.
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