As I finished reading this fun and frank diary of a 12-year old precocious girl, I figured that my review would be short. Because there is no storyline here- nothing much happens in this book. But as I begin writing now, and look back on the book,I realise that not much happens, IF you think that the hundreds of little things that make up everyday life are being 'not much'. True, there is no plot as such. But there are real glimpses into the life of a smart, sensible and at times sassy girl on the verge of teenagerhood.
Mayil is an aspiring writer who lives with her grandpa, parents and younger brother Thamarai in Chennai. The diary is given to her by her Appa with the fond hope that she will 'talk' her heart out in the diary, and spare everyone else. Talkative, curious Mayil is at first irritated at this effort to muffle her voice, and perversely decides to get back by actually pouring her thoughts onto the pages- for Mayil will not be silenced!
The book is full of the hallmarks of adolescence- old 'best' friends moving to new friends, crushes, inferior self-image, discussions about periods (aka chums!), curiosity about sex, and dawning realisation about adult problems like being losing a job or suffering domestic abuse. Mayil thinks she is not pretty, and thinks that she is OK with it- till a boy in school mocks her about how the guy she is ostensibly crushing on likes her friend Jyothy because "Jyothy is dumb, but she is pretty. You are not dumb, but you'd be much better looking without a face." Then come the tears and self doubt....but not before she punches the guy in the face! But she regains her balance and perspective after a frank (and amazingly sensible and sensitive) conversation with her Amma. So much so, a few months later, when the same boy tells her he "likes" her, she replies with equanimity that she likes him just like she likes her other friends, and they actually become friends.
In this story of Mayil's journey of self-discovery, the supporting cast is fabulous, particularly her Amma and Thatha. Amma is sensible, frank, strict when required yet can be friends with her kids; while Thatha is young at heart and gently funny.
In short, this is a highly recommended read for girls aged 11-13 years, and for all women who want a flashback into their teenage years. :)
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The authors have managed to create the diary of a curious and intelligent 12-year-old with great authenticity and into it they have ...
Reviewed in India on 25 September 2017Verified Purchase
Reviewed in India on 14 October 2016
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My daughter said it was like the Dork Diaries or Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Reviewed in the United States on 18 November 2017Verified Purchase