Book Review : Down the road - 28 Campus Tales by 16 authors

Introduction

"Down the road" by Grey Oak publishers, priced at Rs.195/- is an interesting medley of short stories. 

Behind the Book

'An exciting and eclectic collection of short stories that brings out all those memories - unforgettable, warm, thrilling and at times embarrassing - of life & time in school and college campuses.'

About the authors & publishers

The publishing house had previously launched a book called Urban Shots having almost the same authors with short stories set in the backdrop of urban cities. This book coming from them, having the same names definitely raised the bar of expectations for the readers.

'Me' Thinks

Standing true to it's name this book manages to take you on a trip down the memory lane to the school/ college days of your lives. With an eye-catching cover this book makes a light and enjoyable read. Every emotion that you can associate with it ranging from heartbreaks, first crushes, ragging, coming of age, teen troubles etc are brought out here very beautifully. As you turn the pages of this book you silently wish you could turn back the time and revisit those unforgettable days once again. This book touches a chord somewhere as it reminds you of  those "good old days"  from school & college when present was the only thing that mattered. We used to live each moment to the fullest not worrying about the uncertainties of the future.The language is simple , the kind we use in our daily conversations. The charming aspect of the book is its it-could-happen-to-you feel. The stories are very much realistic and I enjoyed the surprise element at the end of all the stories. There is a unique personal touch to each one of them reflecting the memoirs of the authors. My favourite stories would be Growing Up by Rohini Kejriwal and Strangers in strange places by Abhijit Bhaduri. It could be because I feel a very deep connection with them.I would not be surprised if you find your own connection wanting to read that story again and again.

I loved few lines particularly from a story Learning & Unlearning by Rohini Kejriwal;

 There are some things that one knows for a fact; there are others that are assumed to be facts but must be unlearnt in order to truly learn them

These lines decipher the mystery of life so beautifully !!

This book has 27 new stories as one of them Between Friends by Paritosh Uttam has been repeated from their earlier book Urban Shots. There are two additional essays at the end of the stories which kind of seem out of place as the stories leave you on a high after which this seems disappointing. Despite all this the book undoubtedly makes a decent reading in your leisure time leaving you feeling nostalgic. Reading these stories it seems as if it was just yesterday when I was a girl scout in my school. We used to have those campfires where we would share various stories / incidents from the school with others. On a lighter note I guess had I noted all of those maybe today I could have made a Down the Road - Part II. :)

Foodie Verdict : True to my habit of comparing books to eatables, this book reminding me of my school days is like an ice-gola for me  with a new flavour in every chuski.

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