A nostalgic journey accented by the challenges posed by adversity
This book is a beautiful walk down memory lane. The author has paid great attention to detail as he paints intricately vivid pictures of the times that were. Of times when the adolescents in us paid more heed than necessary to circumstances that we may now look back upon with a dismissive smile. Of the many simple trails we faced from time to time. Of the tribulations of greater magnitude. And sadly, of ‘Heaven on Earth’ being tainted by (in)human greed.
A cocktail of smiles, tears, reflection and melancholy, this book guarantees to get you high on nostalgia, leaving behind a yearning for the simplicities of growing up over the turn of the millennium.
Personally, it gives me a sense of joy to have been a part of, what I hope, was a less-turmoiled chapter in the life of this Fly Boy. Strongly recommend this read for anyone willing to take a rollercoaster of ride spanning the highest highs and the deepest trenches. In the end, it is bound to leave you a lot more empathetic to the heart-wrenching yet heart-warming journey of a boy who has braved turbulent weather en route to clearer skies.
Octoli
Incredible story of redemption and hope
I finished it in one sitting. It was like watching a movie. It’s raw, honest and vulnerable. You don’t get that a lot in people or their stories often. I’m so proud of you Shahid for all that you’ve overcome and all that you’ve achieved. I had been wanting to educate myself about Kashmir for a long time as I come from a land of conflict as well. This was the perfect place to start. Your description of Kashmir makes my heart break and yet your story of redemption gives me hope. What an incredible storyteller you are! This book comes with 5 stars and my highest recommendation.
zeeshan
A brilliant read for the awakened and open minded
For a first time author, I believe extreme justice has been done to bring out the psychological plight of the people of conflict zones, which very few people will understand and emphatize.
The book connects with you right from the very start and after going through one of the reviews calling it a self proclaimed turmoil, I am sure that person belongs to an extreme religious group who cannot bear the truth.
Over all, the book makes you want to cry at times, laugh at times and gives you hope. It connects with you at various stages.
The author is a brilliant story teller and deserves all the recognition for his first book. The turmoil of geo-politics and life is very well explained and given a non biased view. A must read for all.
Tanushree
A book that was much needed
A beautiful narration of the story in the most unbiased manner. Tells us about the plight of the locals and price that they pay for the conflict that they have no control over. One need to understand it from the perspective of a particular man, the author. As a story, it is one positive step towards understanding the plight of citizens, specially the children of the conflict zones.
Apart from this, it talks about the ups and downs in author’s life, depression, anxiety, love failures, etc. I am certain that you would relate to it somewhere or the other.
I would recommend this book to the people who is even remotely interested in knowing about Kashmir.
Very intriguing and I am looking forward to reading the next book from the author.
A story of a young Kashmiri boy who had seen so much in his life, that it does keep you wrapped up to read more about him. It’s an interesting story to begin with and it would keep any book lovers glued to this book to read. Well done Shahid and I’m immensely proud with your first book! So keep writing more….I would love to read your next book/novel !
Anish
Could not keep the book down
Completed the book from cover to cover in one sitting. It was fascinating to vicariously live through the experiences of the author. After reading this book I am truly in awe of the protagonists mother. She is such an enterprising lady. Reading this book makes you want to question the value we place on expectations of what society think of us, our families and the choices we make as a result of these expectations.
The author narrates incidents in his life in great detail that you being to feel this could easily be you in the same position. This book does a great job portraying the life of people in Kashmir, and the life of any family that immigrates to a different region away from their home, the accompanying struggles in adjusting to new surroundings, and the tribulations that arise as a result of moving away from familiarity. I found myself struggling to put the book down and cannot wait to see what book 2 from the author holds. Great job Shahid on giving us such a detailed description of your life experiences and those of your family. I wait in anticipation for your next book.
“This book talks about the journey of the writer’s family from the snow-capped mountains to the ocean. The main focus of this book is what the children of conflict go through and how they and their families come to terms with it and adjust with people who are unaware of the effect conflicts have on a sane mine. Further on , this book goes on to details how the writer came to terms with various psychological battles that ranged from his parents , racism and many more factors that life throws at you. It talks about what true love is and how heartbreaks affect rational thinking. A major part of this book looks into suicide as the writer has lost family friends to depression and its adverse effects. The book celebrates friendship, relationships, and love above all. The book also talks about a lot of happy times where the writer was a cabin crew in the growing years of his life and how travelling helps you learn and become a better person.
