Life is What You Make It: A story of Love, Hope and how Determination can overcome even destiny | The inspirational book by Preeti Shenoy

I have read Preeti's 'Secret Wishlist' novel when I was in my college time. No doubt, it was an eye-opener to me. Now after years I read 'Life is what you make it'. Ofcourse, by prologue, I understood this story is to be dealt with mental health. I wanted to read it once and see what the novel holds. In the starting, where was in her college time, I felt disconnected with story. But when it kept moving forward, the story felt so immense. Especially, the panicking moments that Ankita faced, the words that described the attack was so much relatable since had experienced such things. I was astonished to read Dr. Madhusudhan name in book because of the coincidence the same character name in my first novel 'Anbulla Vaazhkkaiku'. When Ankita chose to write, I really felt I shouldn't have dropped writing as it writing was my inner thing. The recovery schedule in OT was really promising to me for my recovery. The comeback of Ankita seemed to be so content and sensible. It is truly hope giving. Thanks to my dearest chatgpt for this wonderful book suggestion. Worthy time to read. Thanks @preeti.shenoy for this beautiful work. Decades apart, this book serves it's best to the needy.

The book is inspired from some real life incidents also and does well in the beginning to make a man think that he should complete it in one sitting, specially to the young people like me. The plot is light and looks like it is going to be a love story. This also increases interest. The love letters and all those feelings of a teenager are described really good. That's why I mistook it to be a good love story. My 4 star rating is because of the middle part where i can find only sorrow and that is extended to a very large time that one leaves reading because of that big boring thing. Well, I also stood up from my study bench and decided to complete it later, which took five sittings eventually. The last part is the best one but won't disclose it to the potential readers.All I can say is Life is what you make it is a good reading but somewhat boring in middle chapters. A mental disease bipolar disorder is also a part of the drama and one will gain good knowledge of it. Book is about life so all age groups and all sections should read it. I am sure anyone will like it.

Nice Book. Must Read.

I was curious about reading this book after reading a lot of reviews and also as a step in my research in finding what makes a book a National Best-seller. First of all, I am really glad that the author chose to discuss mental health and write on it. Even though I am always ready to read anything that deals with mental health and spreads awareness, unfortunately, this book didn't keep my interest for long. I got bored after reading 50 pages but continued since I wanted to complete the story. Personally, I didn't feel connected to the main lead at any point, though I understood what she was going through and her emotions were depicted really well too. The cover says 'A story of love, hope and how determination can overcome even destiny', but only a small (very small) portion of the story is dedicated to how the character 'overcomes' everything. Since the book's main themes include mental health, I would have liked if more information was given about Sagar and Anuj also since they were close to Ankita. And where in the hell did Ankita's brother go? He wasn't mentioned even once or a reason was given for not mentioning him after he leaves for higher studies. (It wasn't said if he left or not except given an indication that he would leave soon.) And also a very important person in the story (I don't want to give spoilers, so I will only say important person) wasn't also mentioned after the difficult part. Coming to the manufacturing, the page quality isn't that good. It is thin and the ink is bleeding to the other side of the pages and is missing in some places. I don't know if I will read the sequel or not since I didn't have that much fun or excitement while reading this book, but I might for my writing research. I would recommend this book if you are looking to know more about Bipolar disorder and read some nice descriptions. The language used is also beginner-friendly and optimal for new readers with good narrative.

Nice book and amazing writing

One of the amazing read of 2019! For two things that I picked up this Novel…First- Because it would have been written amazingly given the fact that it hasn’t dropped from the Top 10 Novel’s list from 10 years and Slowly I have become Preeti Shenoy’s fan, so eventually reading every book of hers! This one even met my expectations and I was was happy choosing it for my current read in 2019. The story has really questioned our monopolistic attitude towards education and making up our careers. It is something more than that. Life has to be content and filled will satisfaction. A MBA degree can guarantee you a secured life with hefty packages but what it can’t guarantee is the ultimate happiness. That one will only achieve after having followed one’s heart. It can be anything, painting, writing, dancing, trekking or something else. In this story as well, the protagonist , Ankita realised her calling after going through immense mental pain and stress. Even though his father has made a fortune through hard work but it could not help Ankita in coming out well. It was only her determination that pulled her out from the ocean of emptiness. I also agree with the fact that everyone needs an anchor strong enough to help you bind yourself and come out more strongly. It can be in any form – your parents, your husband, your friends even a total stranger like the case of Ankita in the form of Dr. Madhusudan. I would definitely recommend to everyone who is interested in good writing and few bits of motivation to keep you going!! My rating: 4.5/5

One of the best book i have read. I enjoyed every story of this book and ending was really great. I will remember this book forever. Thank you for creating this masterpiece.🙏👌👌😊

I first read this book over a decade ago and loved it so much that I had to buy a copy just to keep it close. It’s the kind of book I know I’ll return to again and again, even years from now. Having gone through my own struggles with depression, it was deeply refreshing to read someone else’s experience expressed so honestly. And when it unexpectedly mentioned one of my favorite songs, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, it made the whole experience feel even more personal and special.

I couldn't put this book down. A story of a very bright girl who suffered from Bipolar. Her courage to get through it was unbelievable. Mental health is a taboo subject all around the world, more so in India but Preeti explored this beautifully. There were tears but mostly there was hope! Credit to the author.

Preeti is one of the best writers of this era.

This is one of my favourite books of all times, it has all the aspects like teenage love, heartbreak, nostalgia for the 90s kids, a dreamy romance, getting the wind knocked out of your lungs by life, successes and struggles and complex emotions like BPD and suicide *trigger warning*, which can’t be found in a romance novel usually. There’s life advice and perseverance despite tragedy and hardships and makes it all in all the best book of all times.

Loved the way it has been described, each n every this is explained so clear. One can imagine the scene while reading

I liked the way the author describes how a girl is treated in a Indian Conservative family and how she gets emotionally effected by all the circumstances. It would have been good if she had explained the reason why she underwent the trauma though it was subtly mentioned.i enjoyed reading the book.