#JTWYAReadAlong Discussion Post #3 + Wrap Up + Short Review

Hi again, everyone! Today, I have for you the final and concluding post for our Just The Way You Are read along or simple the #JTWYAReadAlong. 

For this final post, we will be discussing part three of the book, where, in my opinion, the story really takes shape and we finally get to know what I had been wanting to know since the beginning- the story of Shagun and Sameer. I felt their story was nice and I especially liked the very different background that Shagun had. She and Sameer made for a decent couple and it was nice to see them together by first knowing their story and understating their acceptance of each other. 

I find myself having not much to discuss in this post, but if you guys have anything to contribute, please go ahead and say it in the comments below. I just have a few final questions! 

What are your final thoughts on the book? 

What are your thoughts about Shagun and Sameer as a couple and as individuals? 

What's your final rating for the book? 

If you missed any of the posts, here they are:

Read Along Kick Off

Discussion Post #1

Discussion Post #2

Discussion Post #3

Aayesha @  In The Classroom of Life (Review)

Arti @ Metro Reader (Kick-off + Review)

Priyanka @ A Booklion's Hideaway (Promo Post)

SHORT REVIEW:

While every single reader has raved about the really cute cover of author Sanjeev Ranjan's Just The Way You Are, I am not the biggest fan of sunshine and romance books, so cute as it may be, the cover barely mattered to me. I read the book as part of the read along that we hosted. I will admit that there was nothing extraordinary about the book, but it was a very quick read, which always stands as a positive for me. The story was simple and sweet, which made it very easy to follow and understand. Albeit lacking major character development that I was hoping for, the protagonist Sameer was portrayed as a decent enough guy who has really seen struggle in life. His life partner Shagun was well portrayed and possessed some quirky qualities. Other than that, the book was really very average. I would recommend Just The Way You Are to romance lovers. Pick this book up over a weekend and you'll enjoy it. The book was very simple, sweet and quick. 

RATING: 

2- it was okay! 

So that's it, guys! I had a blast hosting this read along. While we didn't get a huge response, we still managed to get a few people interested in the book. I especially want to thank reader Ravisha for joining us for this. Thank you also to Aayesha and Arti for being part of the read along and to Priyanka for being involved in the same. But most importantly, thank you to author Sanjeev Ranjan for giving his thumbs up for this idea and for all his help. Thank you also to you readers for reading out posts and for stopping by this one. 

Happy reading, and see you around! Also, if you still wish to read Just The Way You Are, you can buy it at the links below: 

Goodreads / Amazon (IN) / Flipkart

#JTWYAReadAlong Disussion Post #2

Hi, everyone! Today, I have for you the second discussion post of the Just The Way You Are read-along. If you missed out on the first one, you can check it out right here. I hope that all the participants are liking the book.

If you're done with part two of the book that's to be the topic of discussion today, you'll know that there's not much to discuss about this particular part of the book, which makes up the entire chapter eight. The only highlight of part two can possibly be the mother-son relationship portrayed there. It was all very filmy for me and I really do not see any reason that's convincing enough for me to understand why Sameer stopped talking to his mom. The obvious generation gap and upbringing differences didn't add up to much either. What I did like about this part is the pace of the book. Everything moved at lightning speed and that was really a positive because suddenly there was action. Something was happening, so that was great.

What are your thoughts on Sameer's relationship with his mother? Do you believe that any of the side was well justified? How would you feel about just stopping talking to your mother altogether?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, or you can even make your own post. If you have any questions, just ask! As for the author interaction this time, my question for Sanjeev is:

Does the mother-son relationship portrayed in your book have anything to do with your relation with your mother? What kind of relation do you share with your mother?

Thank you for stopping by, and happy reading! 

#JTWYAReadAlong Discussion Post #1

Hi, everyone! Welcome to the first ever discussion post for our Just The Way You Are read-along. 

As decided, this discussion post is based on the first part of the book, i.e., from page number one up until page number ninety four. Those of you who have read the book till there, do share your thoughts so far in the comments below and please feel free to answer all the questions I have come up with. Those of you who are yet to finish reading part one, beware of spoilers! And don't worry at all. You have until Friday, before we start the next discussion post. So take your time, read and share your thoughts as and when you like. 

Coming to the book, I have planned on dividing this discussion into three parts and those are: writing, character(s) and story. So without much ado, let's get started.

Writing: I quite like the simple writing style of author Sanjeev Ranjan. There were a few points like ridiculous typos and the mix of Hindi and English that annoyed me, but if I put that aside, I must say that the writing is easy to follow.

What are your thoughts on the writing? Is it a positive or a negative for you when there's a mix of Hindi and English, not just in writing, but perhaps in speech as well?

Character(s): For me, from the very start until the part till I'm done with, the main focus is Sameer. This is his story throughout. I admit that it was shocking to see him leave it all behind and go to Switzerland within a few hours of his marriage. While his need to fit in, groom himself just because his friend said so and befriend girls was a complete turn off for me, I liked that he still believes in being kind. When he was so against tradition, I didn't see why he had to submit to it in any case. Anyway, he seems pleasant as a person and that was nice. 

As for the family mentioned in the book, it was over the top like I've come to expect from Indian writers. The drama adds some fun and comic elements to the story. 

Are you liking Sameer? Are you hoping for some major character development with him or do you believe he will be the same throughout the length of the book?

An additional question, if you were married and your husband/ wife did what Sameer did and left for a job in a foreign country on the day of your marriage, how would you react?

Story: As far as the story is concerned, there was a mix of past and present which at times was confusing for me, as a reader. While the whole idea of Switzerland was oh so exciting, I would have loved to see more of that, but Sameer kept taking us back to his past. Not like I mind, and on top on that, I guess the past is anyway important to understand the present. One aspect of the story that I'm looking forward to the most is how Sameer meets his then girlfriend now wife Shagun (what a name), and I hope that story comes up soon.

Is the story engaging for you? Are you looking forward to what happens next? What are you expecting Shagun to find in Sameer's diary?

Please share your thoughts with me, guys! I am looking forward to you responses. I hope you liked this post just as much as I liked putting it up for you. If you have any questions regarding the book or the inspiration behind it or just anything really, don't forget to Facebook or tweet the author, and he will gladly answer you.

My question to Sanjeev is: If Just The Way You Are were to be made into a Bollywood movie, which actor and actress would you like to see play the role of Sameer and Shagun?

Thank you so much  for stopping by, and until the next post, happy reading!