Don’t Let the Kitten Drive the Car! | Akanksha Sharma

PLOT: 2.5/5
CHARACTERS: 3.5/5
WRITING STYLE: 3/5
CLIMAX: 2.5/5
ENTERTAINMENT QUOTIENT: 3/5

“Life is hard for a street cat, my son. If you’re lucky, you may be able to survive five summers in this harsh city. There are lots of bigger animals than you out there, even bigger cats. You are just a one-month old kitten. You are at the bottom of the food chain. Therefore, you must be extra alert.” ~ Akanksha Sharma, Don’t Let the Kitten Drive the Car!

My Musings

Humility, diversity, and empathy are some of the many things that books have taught me over the years. There are certain things that we never experience in our own life but reading a book lets us live a thousand lives and teaches us a thing or two about this world.

I recently read a simple story of a differently abled young girl who, despite all the challenges that she goes through, appreciates life and lives it to the fullest.

Reading Don’t Let the Kitten Drive the Car! was an invigorating experience for me. Continue reading to know more about my thoughts on this book.

What to expect?

Don’t Let the Kitten Drive the Car! is a book that tells us the story of a young girl and her cat. It is a modest story with a minimalistic plot, pleasing characters and a simple language.

The main character of the story, Akriti, is a visually impaired ten-year-old who is trying to find her footing in a regular school as she tries to grapple with people who sometimes make her feel uncomfortable and unwanted.

While reading this book, expect a lot of insights into the world of visually impaired people and into the world of cats.

Let’s talk about the storyline

Akriti is a visually impaired child who has recently shifted from a specialized school to a regular one in Delhi.

Life is a box full of surprises for Akriti – there are things that she is thankful for and there are things that she’d rather not discuss with anyone.

Life at the new school is tough with some students making her feel unwanted and unwelcome but Akriti is trying to take things as they come. She is full of energy and vigor and believes in living life to its fullest.

Recently, she has been much fascinated by the newest member to join her family – the cute cat Simba; Simba, who with his innocent antics and adorable looks has managed to win the heart of all the members of the Gupta family. After the arrival of Simba, Akriti’s life has definitely become much more interesting and fun.

Don’t Let the Kitten Drive the Car! is the story of Akriti, her life and her adorable cat Simba.

What about the author’s writing style?

The author writes in simple English. Her language is flowy and the book is an easy breezy read.

I loved how the author has beautifully captured the image of a pet cat. It was really fun reading about the inner workings of a cat’s mind. I did get to learn a lot about cats – what they like, how they think, and what are the dos and don’ts while having a cat.

On the other hand, I also liked how the author very realistically portrays the struggles of a visually impaired girl when she tries to blend in a regular school.

She also stresses the importance of parental and peer support in the lives of such individuals.

How good were the characters?

The characters were simply the best part of the book – be it the loveable Akriti or the amusing Simba, be it the charming Mrs. Gupta or the steadfast Dadaji, be it the nosy neighbour or the school bully Cherry, each character was convincing in its own ways.

However, if I have to name one character that truly stole my heart, that will have to be Simba.

What did I not like?

I would have loved it if the story was a tad more complex.

While it was a decent read though I would have loved it if the book also delved deeper into the life at school, into the group dynamics at school, and into the lives of Akriti’s friend.

My biggest issue with Don’t Let the Kitten Drive the Car! was that right till the end, I could not understand whose story I was reading – was it Akriti’s or Simba’s?

While there can be two main characters in a book, the point to note here is that the stories of these characters are disjointed. Reading this book is like listening to two different tracks which have been mixed up just for the sake of it.

How good was the climax?

Don’t Let the Kitten Drive the Car! doesn’t have a climax in the literal sense of the word. There is a sense of closure but also a sense of anticipation as the story comes to an end but that’s all that the reader gets when it comes to the climax.

It all boils down to the entertainment quotient

In the end, the book turns out to be a humble read which can be easily read in under two hours. An unpretentious plot combined with a couple of likeable characters makes reading this book worthwhile.

Though there were many things left to be desired, the book does have a naïve charm to it which makes me rate it three out of five stars.

Pick up the book

If you like reading books which have children and animals as the main characters.
If you are a beginner level reader.
If you are looking for a short, easy and quick read.
If you are looking for a rather simple but insightful story.

Skip the book