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The Secret Wish List by Preeti Shenoy is an engaging tale about following your heart while navigating friendships, true love, and parental expectations.
A book that was truly difficult to put down from the first page itself, was The Secret Wish List by Preeti Shenoy.
The book centers around Diksha, a young girl of 16, and later a 35 year old married woman and mother. It details how a romance at 16 changes the course of her life, her thought process, and subsequently, her actions. From the very onset, Shenoy’s style of writing ensures that one would feel a kinship with Diksha.
Whether we are able to draw parallels with our lives and her story is not what the author aims to achieve. Rather, she hopes that even though the story is specific to the character’s journey, we are able to foster a sense of understanding and empathy towards her. One is able to revel in her story, and it does indeed take one back to their own adolescent years – being all of 16 amid hushed whispers and giggles, the first real crush, or the feeling of being in love.
Complexities within a marriage are explained with profound insight – especially the deep seated emotions as well as superficiality that may creep into relationships. Though there are definite moral angles in the story, which I refrain from discussing lest I ruin the elements of the book, Shenoy is able to create moments of laughter, surprise and above all empathy through her words, which stream effortlessly across the pages. One yearns for the love and contentment she describes, and hopes to find such friendship and unconditional acceptance in their partner.
Preeti Shenoy helps one believe that love truly does exist. We must allow ourselves to break the shackles that are imposed by society and/or our own selves. Only then would we be able to realize our own worth and potential as individuals, and as women.
Not wanting to let go of the life lessons she talks about, I soon found myself ordering her latest book, ‘The One You Cannot Have’. Such is the conviction in her writing!
Publisher – Westland
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Soul centric and free spirited all the while living life through travel and adrenaline junkie activities. Counselling Psychologist and Educator by vocation. And a life and laughter enthusiast by heart. Usually found daydreaming about her read more...
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Why do parents avoid explaining the physical part of relationships to their children? The mindset is-'they will learn on their own like I learnt.'
Marriage. A word with conflicting sentiments. Love, exhilaration, fear, and adjustments were all deep sentiments that tingled in the pit of my stomach from time to time. However, I believe that the final decision must be taken solely by the two persons after the completion of courtship period (or whatever you call it).
My cousin got married in this lockdown. She was not very excited about the shrinking guest list. Though she was ecstatic she had me. More than the sisterhood bonding, we apportion a cognation of mentor-student. Moreover, I feel so protective towards her as she is introvert, shy, and timid. All I endeavoured and wanted her was her voice and a stand for herself.
It was her mehndi the day I reached. She rushed to hug me with those moist eyes. Fighting back my tears and holding her in my arms, my mind toggled between past and present. “I am so happy you made it di,” she said. It was the moment of mixed feelings, a reminder of the time when I was naïve to the change marriage brought into my life. I inhaled my lungs full of air in disbelief that the baby girl is getting married in two days. She blushed as others giggled and teased her asking her about the guy.
From the time one dancer went public about Pt Birju Maharaj through a series of stories on Instagram, the classic cycle of victim blaming started asserting itself- deny, disbelieve, discredit, disgrace.
Trigger warning: This has sexual abuse, victim blaming, and gaslighting, and may be triggering to survivors.
In light of the recent allegations of sexual misconduct by the legendary kathak maestro Pt. Birju Maharaj, a number of people are asking “why now?” Why is the person choosing to make the allegations public after his death when he is no longer around to defend himself? What is to be gained by sullying his reputation when he is no longer in the world? If these allegations were true, why didn’t we hear of it before?
Preeti Prada co-ordinates the Humara Bachpan campaign for child rights. She talks to us about her journey, her struggles, and her passion to ensure rights for children.
Preeti Prada, is the Campaign Coordinator at the Humara Bachpan national campaign, which aims to ensure a safe and healthy environment for young children living in urban poverty. She talks to us about her journey, finding her passion, and her ongoing fight to ensure rights for children.
How would you describe your own childhood, growing up in Bhubaneshwar? What inspired you to take up the cause of children living in urban poverty?
Preeti Prada: My childhood was indeed a good one. I had plenty to do as a child: learn dance, music, and painting. My mother ensured that my time was invested in the right direction. My cause wasn’t ‘children in urban poverty,’ it had to do with children who have been debarred of their rights. Growing up I would witness children playing at railway platforms, children on the streets, and that would upset me. So I was always clear that I wanted to work for children.
These books about inspiring women, from witty Ali Wong to poignant Mariane Pearl, will make your 2021 richer in every way - time to put your reading hat on!
These books about inspiring women, from witty Ali Wong to poignant Mariane Pearl, will make your 2021 richer in every way – time to put your reading hat on!
This lockdown period had me finally getting around to reading the books I buy greedily (plus all my e-books which seem to be a collector’s item!) Out of all the books and genres I read – those about women’s stories are by far my most favourite.
These books celebrate women – those who have raised children, upheld their self-worth and dignity, endured hardships and battled storms no one would ever know, but them.