Everything Sucks! But When It’s Love… [Review]

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Title: Everything Sucks
Author: Andaleeb Wajid
Cover illustration: Rashmi Tyagi
Publisher: Speaking Tiger Young Adult
Type: Paperback
Length: 264 pages
Age group: 13 years+ and above (YA)

Andaleeb Wajid is known for her contemporary, youngster-friendly themes and this book is no different. It is a story of young love between two opposite poles, and both social media content creators. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading the book! The protagonists are both late-adolescents-young-adults, one Kashish, an Instagram star with more than a million followers, and the other Sameer, a gram beginner trying to get some traction for his innovative and well-liked cooking videos on Youtube. Their paths cross when Kashish tears apart an unsuspecting Sameer in a mocking video for no apparent reason. This starts an Instagram war between the two, each trying to show the other down, while making their share of mistakes. Through all the attempts of one-upping, we also see a hint of attraction towards each other. The story is fast-paced and holds a grip on the reader.

Bit-by-bit throughout the book, the author reveals the back-story for Kashish’s feelings of resentment towards her elder sister. This resentment is present like an undercurrent in Kashish’s everyday life as well as major life and work decisions, so it’s important that it is explained well. The author has done a wonderful job, not leaving any loose ends. Kashish’s character is the most explored in the book, with the reader getting a good insight into what makes her, her. We will find ourselves, if not identifying with her, then at least sympathising with her. Though Kashish seems to be psychoanalysing herself in some parts, it offers the reader a deep understanding of her character.

Sameer’s character is adorable, with his mature, good boy image, his reluctance towards cutting corners to increase viewership, his bond with his brother and grandmother, and his heart-on-sleeve moments. We see the internal struggle he goes through, while keeping a confident and undaunted exterior. It gives the reader the sense of being in on a secret.

The main story happens in Chennai, where the protagonists serendipitously meet. I immensely enjoyed reading this part of the book. There are flying sparks, stolen glances, denial of feelings, making up of excuses to meet, embarrassing moments with families – everything that comes with a fresh new crush! Then come the heart-to-hearts, and the acceptance of feelings, all written meticulously. The blend of facts and fiction that this book presents, keeps the story very real. The chemistry between Kashish and Sameer, and their vulnerability in front of each other have an authenticity about them. This is true for all other relationships we encounter in the book too. We see the highs and lows, sweetness and bitterness in all of them. 

A major accomplishment of this book must be the sensibility with which it portrays fun, lighter moments just as well as deeper moments of the characters’ inner struggle. There is a depiction of family dynamics in South-Indian Muslim families, and the way they are all linked one family to another. The episodes describing traditional dishes, and Sameer cooking and making videos along with his brother and grandmother have an endearing effect and an aesthetic appeal.

Kashish and Sameer’s relationship goes into overdrive when they are emotionally and mentally tested by an unfortunate event. We are taken on a roller coaster of fast-changing emotions and suspense. The author has ended the book with the same spirit that we see throughout – steeped in authentic feelings – this time with a sprinkling of drama that has enhanced the flavour!

Andaleeb Wajib has delivered a remarkable book that everyone will relate to. Though the story uses social media as a launchpad, it is in essence, a story of human emotions and relationships. And, everything doesn’t suck.

You can read the review of Mirror, Mirror by Andaleeb here on this website.
The Henna Start-up is another book we have reviewed.
Other books by this author can be found here on Amazon.

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Disclaimer: Kimeera is a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.