PLOT: 3/5 CHARACTERS: 4.5/5 WRITING STYLE: 4.5/5 HUMOUR: 4/5 CLIMAX: 3/5 ENTERTAINMENT: 4.5/5
My Musings
Having read two serious nonfiction in a row, I was looking for a light and fluffy read when I stumbled upon this book on my shelf. I remember buying it last year but didn’t know why hadn’t I thought of picking it up until now. I quite enjoyed Zarreen’s previous book, I Quit! Now What? and hence it was with the same kind of expectations that I picked up Koi Good News? Read on to know more about my thoughts on the book and about my experience of reading it.
What to expect?
Expect a book that is essentially a chick-lit (although I am sure that is quite obvious from the cover and the blurb). Expect a book that is a light, easy and quick read. Expect a book that is unapologetically Indian and hilariously so! Finally, expect a book that talks about pregnancy and all the misadventures that it entails.
Something about the author
Zarreen Khan has previously worked for brands such as Pepsi, Hindustan Times and AC Nielson. She is currently enjoying her break raising two children, while also working as a marketing consultant. In the little time that she gets away from her two roles, she likes to channel her inner writer and pen hilarious yet relatable works of fiction. Koi Good News? is her second book which is also being adapted into a Bollywood movie.
Let’s talk about the storyline
Mona is a thirty-ish married woman on a short break from her work life. While she is still figuring out potential ideas for starting a business, she is constantly bogged down by intrusive inquiries on the subject of her pregnancy. The fact that she has entered the third decade of her life and has been married for four long years only adds to the innumerous queries that she is everyday subjected to.
While her husband Ramit tries to act all sympathetic and understanding, there’s only so much that he can do to make things better. Caught between a perpetually harassed wife and nosy relatives, his best strategy is to act unaffected and nonchalant.
Koi Good News? is the story of Ramit and Mona’s very public pregnancy.
Who can read?
Since the book is written in a simple language, it can be easily picked up a beginner-level reader.
How good is the writing style?
The one thing that strikes you about the author’s writing is its simplicity. I love how simple and relatable the story is. Zarreen doesn’t rely on a complex plot or rich language; her words are unadorned and hilarious. She enthuses a fresh touch of local influences in her language and that is what makes this book such a hit.
What did I like?
Everything.
What did I not like?
Nothing.
How good are the characters?
The characters, just like the rest of the book, are hilarious. For anybody who has been through the painful yet fulfilling journey of being pregnant, the characters are oh-so-relatable! Not to mention the different perspectives that each one of them brings to the table. While Mona is exhausted and complaining, Ramit tries his best to act nonchalant. Shania with her weird ways and eccentric tastes brings the much-needed spice and exoticness, while Laila plays her role perfectly as the queen-bee-cum-damsel-in-distress.
The tussle between the mother and mother-in-law is so realistic and the ‘bheed’ aka Ramit’s long list of cousins play their part only too well. In short, every single character and I mean EVERY single character is hilarious and just about perfect!
Let’s talk about the humour
Well, what is there to say except that the entire book is a laughing-out-loud marathon which manages to hook the reader right from the beginning. I must warn you to read the book in complete privacy or else, just like me, you would end up being a total fool, drawing up curious glances from complete strangers and have family members seriously doubting your sanity.
Is the book entertaining?
To say the book is entertaining is a massive understatement. It is just about perfect and is power-packed with generous doses of entertainment.
In the end
In the end, Koi Good News? is a book that makes you laugh and laugh without inhibitions. Where it does not manage that, it manages to tickle you in the right places. With some very witty writing, a generous dose of local Punjabi influence, an informal language, relatable characters, and an effortless narrative – the book is a perfect way to pass a dull afternoon or a boring night.
The final verdict
Must read!
Pick it up
- If you love chick-lit.
- If you enjoy books that are unapologetically Indian.
- If you are looking for a humorous and entertaining read.
- If you enjoy books that are easy, simple and quick to read.
- If you are looking for a story about pregnancy.
Skip it
- If you don’t enjoy reading chick-lit or romantic comedies.
- If you are looking for a more serious and literary kind of read.
- If you don’t like books written in informal English.
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Awesome review.