Introduction

• ·         ISBN -978-8-184-00178-5
• ·        Genre: Fiction
• ·         Publishers: Random House
• ·         Price: Rs. 125/- (I got this book from the publishers for a review)

I have reviewed a book  previously by the author and have really liked his work. It made me want to read more works from the same author.So when I saw this one in Random House’s list I knew I had to grab this one.

About the author

Sudeep Nagarkar has a degree in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University and is currently pursuing  management studies from Welingkar Institute of Management. You can know more about him here.

Me thinks

I am a sucker for romance and happy endings – this author promised me that in the previous book I read and delivered it too in a very romantic fashion so much so that I wanted to read his other works. I somehow love the beautiful cover pages this author manages to get on all his books. For the eternal romantic me they are like a dream coming true. It makes me want to grab them and read it right away.

This book is about 2 couples – 4 friends who are madly in love with each other and are looking forward to a happy future together once they are married. It is said that change is the most constant in this world. And it is about this change that the author has managed to talk about very beautifully.

Just when you are all set and looking forward to a life that you have planned for yourself one incident changes it all. And then things are never ever the same in your life. The only option you are left with is pick up the remaining pieces and try to put together your life to start afresh hoping you are able to continue.

I like the author’s style of writing romance, gives me a goey feeling!! ( Well that should have gone unsaid for the diehard romantic Me) But I felt disappointed at few places in this book. The editing of the book is a bit poor and the knowing the author’s popularity I seriously feel the author should ensure it is of optimum quality. Apart from few spelling mistakes and grammatical errors there were few lapses in the narration as well. Like for e.g. at one place the author says the lead characters are travelling in AC train and the next moment he is describing how the cool breeze from the open window plays with her hair! But as I have said earlier the flow of the book is so good that it all dissolves in the background as you start living the story with its characters.

Over all the story is very touching and beautifully narrated hence such minor lapses can be overseen as the story delivers what the author is known for – a complete package of romance mixed with emotions and passion.

“That’s The Way We Met” by Sudeep Nagarkar is a romantic novel that explores the themes of love, relationships, and the challenges that come with them. Written by the bestselling Indian author, the book tells a story of a young couple navigating through the complexities of love and how their relationship evolves over time. It is particularly appealing to fans of contemporary romance and young adult fiction.

About the Author:

Sudeep Nagarkar is a popular Indian author, known for his works in the romance genre. Many of his novels have gained significant attention for their relatable characters, emotionally charged narratives, and exploration of modern-day relationships. His writing often centers around love, friendship, and the ups and downs of life.

Some of his other notable books include “Few Things Left Unsaid”, “Sorry, You’re Not My Type”, and “It Started with a Friend Request”. Nagarkar’s books are especially popular among young adults for their emotional depth and realistic portrayal of relationships.

Overview of the Book:

“That’s The Way We Met” revolves around the lives of two characters, Aakash and Shalini, who meet under unusual circumstances and develop a strong romantic connection. The story unfolds as they navigate their feelings for each other, dealing with the ups and downs of life, the challenges posed by family, and the complications of maintaining a relationship.

The novel captures the excitement of first love, the insecurities that often come with it, and the struggles to make it work in the face of external pressures. While the narrative is primarily focused on the romantic relationship between Aakash and Shalini, it also addresses broader themes such as trust, communication, and the importance of self-discovery.

Key Themes:

1. First Love and Its Challenges:

   • The novel portrays the exhilaration and vulnerability of first love, where emotions run high and decisions often feel like life-altering moments. Aakash and Shalini’s relationship reflects how love can be transformative but also challenging to sustain when faced with external pressures.

2. Self-Discovery and Growth:

   • The story explores the personal growth of both protagonists. They not only learn about each other but also about themselves as they go through different phases of their relationship. This is a significant aspect of the narrative, emphasizing how love can be a catalyst for personal development.

3. Friendship and Trust:

   • Another central theme is the importance of trust and friendship in relationships. As Aakash and Shalini face various obstacles, they learn that mutual respect, communication, and support from friends and loved ones play a key role in overcoming difficulties.

4. Family Expectations:

   • Like many contemporary romance stories, family expectations play a crucial role in the plot. The pressure from their families affects Aakash and Shalini’s relationship, and the book portrays how external influences can shape the way we view love and relationships.

5. Life’s Uncertainties and Decisions:

   • The book also explores the uncertainties of life and the tough decisions that often come with being in a relationship. It highlights how unexpected events can change the course of relationships, and how individuals cope with such challenges.

Writing Style:

Sudeep Nagarkar’s writing style in “That’s The Way We Met” is simple and easy to read, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, especially younger audiences. His writing often captures the emotional nuances of relationships, using a tone that resonates with the feelings of hope, excitement, heartbreak, and self-reflection that many experience in their own romantic lives.

The narrative is straightforward, with dialogues and descriptions that are relatable and grounded in reality. The pacing of the novel is steady, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in exploring love, relationships, and the challenges that come with them.

Reception:

“That’s The Way We Met” has been generally well-received by readers, particularly those who enjoy young adult romance. Many readers appreciate the realistic portrayal of relationships and the relatable characters. The book has gained a following for its emotional depth and the way it captures the essence of young love.

However, some readers have pointed out that the book can be predictable at times, especially for those familiar with the romance genre. Despite this, the book’s charming narrative and authentic emotional exploration make it a worthwhile read for fans of romantic fiction.

Conclusion:

“That’s The Way We Met” by Sudeep Nagarkar is a heartwarming and relatable romance novel that resonates with readers who enjoy stories about love, relationships, and personal growth. It captures the emotional highs and lows of young love and provides insights into how relationships can shape individuals as they navigate through the complexities of life.

If you’re a fan of contemporary romance and enjoy stories that focus on the emotional journey of love, this book is a perfect read. While it may not offer many surprises in terms of plot twists, it provides an honest and genuine portrayal of the ups and downs of relationships, making it an enjoyable and engaging read for young adults and romance enthusiasts alike.