LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT (BOOK REVIEW)

Finally, I got the chance to read the book of by Preeti Shenoy. “Life is What You Make It,” is the story revolves around protagonist Ankita who is in her 20s and has some issues from the past which haunts her. The story begins with schooling from a town where she gets into a relationship with Abhi and Vaibhav. Her thoughts get divided and confused at is going around. Ankita gets into B-School and starts working hard, becoming very competitive in nature. At college she gets cosy with another guy and starts liking her, meanwhile her parents find the secret letters written by Abhi and those letters are burnt off in front of her giving warning. Ankita gets very disturbed with events turning out in this way and get affected by bipolar disorder and the story is all about how she handles the situation and with sheer determination she overcomes all challenges to make life the way she wants.

The book is set in Kerala in the 1980s. The story opens with a series of letters between the protagonist, Ankita and her childhood friend, Vaibhav, who is in IIT Delhi.

Ankita has just entered St Agnes College for Girls and makes many friends. Soon, she becomes the ace of the college, excelling in studies and in college cultural festival events. Her attraction for Vaibhav starts fading away. She meets Abhishek from another college, who confesses to having feelings for her.

Three years later, Ankita gets selected at a premier management institute in Mumbai and dumps Abhishek. Heartbroken, Abhishek commits suicide. Meanwhile, Ankita starts her MBA course where she starts progressing like never before.

Ankita develops a photographic memory, excellent stamina and is able to ace her exams. She also becomes creative, witty and articulate. But soon, she gets carried away with her euphoria, becoming reckless.

Ankita falls into great depression and tries to commit suicide. She is later admitted to a mental hospital where Dr. Madhusudan diagnoses her with Bipolar Disorder. After many months, Ankita is able to recover from her depression and is able to manage her condition.
Fifteen years later, she has earned six degrees and is married. She has a small daughter.

THE CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I loved the book. I got so easily connected with the characters. It made feel like I am the character. I love the characters of the novel especially Ankita. On the other hand, I felt bad for her especially when her parents destroy her memories. More than that, I felt bad when she hurt herself. She couldn’t handle herself. I felt pity for her.

The story is simple and easy to read. Furthermore, it can make readers connect with the characters. So, I could rate 4/ 5 for the book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Preeti Shenoy is an Indian author. She has been consistently nominated for the Forbes List of the 100 most influential celebrities in India since 2013.Preeti was honoured with Indian of the Year award by Brands Academy. She has also received Business excellence award instituted by New Delhi Management Institute.

India Today calls her 'the only woman in the highest-selling league,' alluding to the immense popularity of her books.

Daily News and Analysis have described her as a 'Keenly observant mind' and The Times of India describes her writing as 'Excellent storytelling skills'. Cosmopolitan has described her as 'one of India's most popular authors', also she is the only woman in India's highest selling league.

She was a keynote speaker at Birmingham Literature Festival, where the cover of A Hundred Little Flames was also released.

REFERENCES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_Is_What_You_Make_It
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preeti_Shenoy