Introduction

• ISBN: 978-93-82618-18-8
• Genre : Fiction
• Price: Rs. 175/-
• Pages: 256
• Publishers: Westland Ltd

Many times in life you are running towards a goal, only to realize midway that it was a mirage. And when observed closely you will see that you don’t even have a handful of memories to cherish, rather you are only left with a fistful of sand and loads of unanswered questions in the name of it. A Secret Wishlist is a book which not only makes you question many things but also makes you realise the importance of simple things like trust and love.  

About the author

Preeti Shenoy is one author whose every book has been reviewed on my blog till now and yes she needs no introduction. You can read my previous reviews here where I talk about her, my inspiration, the person who made me realise that I can write and for that I am forever indebted to her!

Me thinks

In life there are times when everything you wish comes true as He seems to be in a mood to say AMEN to everything. This book is about those hidden desires, buried deep down away from the prying eyes and such moments when God simply nods and says AMEN.

The Secret Wishlist by Preeti Shenoy is the story of Diksha – a daughter, a sister, a wife, a daughter-in-law, a mother – all this and much more but herself. She has gotten so used to this daily rut that she has forgotten to listen what her heart wants. This book is a story about her journey of finding her own self. An unexpected incident makes her realise the importance of living life the way she wants to and be happy. So is born a wishlist as she pushes her heart to tell her every wish .A chanced meeting with an old friend, makes her nostalgic. One thing leads to another and before she can realise she is striking out things on her wishlist at an eerie speed.

Preeti is known for her simple and easy-to-connect characters which make you feel they are so existent. They could be you, me or anyone of us for that matter. The sheer beauty of this story is its honesty. You can feel every wish, every desire, every pain and every emotion very eloquently as Preeti has managed to weave a wonderful tale spun around an array of emotions like love and friendship.

I was able to connect to the young Diksha more and I strongly dislike this practice in Indian societies where every small act is construed to be sin and the person punished even without being given a chance to defend. Teenage is a very delicate age for anyone to be in and a person tends to sway a lot during this time if not guided properly. I wish parents read this book and understood the real emotions hidden behind a confused teenager rather than prosecuting them like this.

This book makes a light read and is simply un-put-down-able mainly because of the emotions involved. I had to keep it down in between for a while and though I was doing something my mind was constantly with Diksha, trying to think what would have happened with her now. I thoroughly enjoyed this roller coaster ride with Diksha as she took me through some of the happy and sad moments of her life. I have always admired the way Preeti deals with some very serious social issues. In this book also, she has managed to create a wonderful impact with the way she has presented an unhappy marriage and a divorce. I would recommend this to all women, especially because it tells you a very important secret to living – Listen to your heart! And who knows it might push you to write your own secret wish list making you embark on your own journey of self discovery!

“The Secret Wishlist” by Preeti Shenoy is a contemporary fiction novel that delves into themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and relationships. As with many of Shenoy’s works, the book combines emotional depth with engaging storytelling, exploring how people can find happiness and fulfillment in life, even when it seems elusive.

About the Author:

Preeti Shenoy is a bestselling Indian author known for her insightful, relatable, and emotionally charged novels. Her works often explore themes of love, relationships, personal growth, and mental health, with a focus on real-life struggles and the complexities of human emotions. Some of her other notable books include “Life Is What You Make It”, “The One You Cannot Have”, and “A Hundred Little Flames”. Shenoy’s writing style is approachable, making her books accessible to a wide audience, especially those who enjoy reading about personal transformation and the human experience.

Overview of the Book:

“The Secret Wishlist” tells the story of Tara, a young woman who appears to have a perfect life on the surface. She has a successful career, a comfortable home, and a loving fiancé. However, beneath her polished exterior, Tara feels unfulfilled and disconnected from her true desires. She has a secret wishlist—a list of dreams and goals she has long kept hidden from the world, primarily because they don’t fit into the expectations others have for her.

The story picks up when Tara’s life takes an unexpected turn, and she is forced to confront her inner desires, which have been buried under the pressures of societal norms, family expectations, and personal insecurities. As she begins to explore the things she truly wants, Tara embarks on a journey of self-realization. Along the way, she faces challenges that force her to make difficult decisions, reconsider her life choices, and reclaim her happiness.

“The Secret Wishlist” explores themes such as following one’s heart, finding true happiness, and making peace with past decisions. The novel encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and ask themselves whether they are truly pursuing what makes them happy or simply living according to external expectations.

Key Themes:

1. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth:

   • The central theme of the book is self-discovery. Tara’s journey is about realizing who she truly is, what she wants, and how to pursue her dreams without being held back by societal pressures or fear of judgment. The book emphasizes the importance of knowing yourself and listening to your inner voice.

2. Following Your Dreams:

   • Tara’s secret wishlist represents the dreams and desires that she has long suppressed. The novel highlights the importance of pursuing your passions and taking the necessary steps to achieve your goals, even if they don’t align with societal expectations.

3. Relationships and Expectations:

   • The novel delves into the complexities of relationships—whether romantic, familial, or social—and the impact that expectations can have on personal happiness. Tara’s relationships, particularly with her fiancé, are tested as she begins to prioritize her own needs and desires.

4. Fear and Courage:

   • Fear of failure, judgment, and disappointing loved ones plays a significant role in Tara’s initial hesitation to pursue her true desires. As she learns to embrace her own dreams, the book emphasizes the importance of courage and taking risks in order to live a fulfilling life.

5. The Search for Happiness:

   • Ultimately, the novel is about the search for true happiness. It suggests that happiness comes from within and can only be attained by being true to oneself, making choices that align with one’s deepest desires, and accepting oneself with all of one’s flaws and imperfections.

Writing Style:

Preeti Shenoy’s writing is simple, engaging, and emotionally resonant. She writes in a way that makes complex emotional experiences accessible to readers. The book’s pacing is steady, allowing ample space for character development and personal reflection. Shenoy’s ability to depict the nuances of relationships and the internal struggles of her characters makes the book a relatable read for anyone dealing with the challenges of modern life and personal growth.

The author uses a first-person narrative, which allows readers to connect deeply with Tara’s emotions and her thought process as she works through her internal conflicts. Shenoy’s writing is also peppered with moments of introspection that encourage readers to reflect on their own lives.

Reception:

“The Secret Wishlist” has been well-received by readers who appreciate contemporary fiction with emotional depth and relatability. The book resonates with readers who are familiar with the challenges of balancing ambition, relationships, and personal happiness. Many readers have praised the novel for its inspiring message about following one’s dreams and embracing change.

Critics have also appreciated Shenoy’s ability to create well-rounded characters and tackle important life issues, such as self-worth, relationship dynamics, and personal fulfillment. While some readers have pointed out that the plot may feel predictable, the book’s charm lies in its uplifting themes and its focus on personal transformation.

Conclusion:

“The Secret Wishlist” by Preeti Shenoy is an inspiring and heartwarming novel that explores the journey of self-discovery, the importance of pursuing your dreams, and the power of embracing personal change. Through the story of Tara, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and question whether they are truly living in alignment with their deepest desires.

If you enjoy contemporary fiction with emotional depth, relatable characters, and a positive message about following your passions, this book will be an enjoyable and motivating read. Tara’s journey of growth, empowerment, and self-fulfillment will resonate with anyone seeking to create a life that reflects their authentic self.