Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra - Book Review
Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra, Shamika Chaves(Illustrator)
Publication Date: 30th April 2023
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
4.3 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining (chota packet bada dhamaka)
Gopi loves studying at Primrose Academy. But the feeis high, and bullies are annoying. Nevertheless, he would rather struggle herethan go back to a school with no learning opportunities. But how?
Pari is a smart girl who knows how to handlebullies. Yet, she can help Gopi only to a certain point, and that’s what shedoes. Pari convinces Gopi to participate in the Talent Show and flaunt hisrapping skills. But can he set aside his fears to get on the stage? How will itaffect his stay at Primrose Academy?
The story comes in Gopi’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is a short and humorous book that seamlesslyblends many themes and keeps the content relevant for young minds tounderstand.
Those who enjoy the flair of Bwood will love thebook for its natural dramatization and antics. However, nothing goes over theline or feels excessive. The book doesn’t intend to do more than what itpromises. This story is about a poor boy dreaming bigger and finding thecourage to make it happen with the help of a good friend.
The writing is lighthearted but with enoughseriousness when necessary. It feels like conversing with a child (exactly howa children’s book should read). The descriptions are to the point but easy tovisualize. Of course, it helps that we already know the setting, be it a poshschool, a chawl, or a luxury villa.
The plot is quite common and used in countlessbooks/ TV shows/ movies/ etc. However, it’s the writing and execution thatbrighten it up. I don’t enjoy rap (sorry, Ho Ho Funny Singh). So, it’s apleasant surprise to read it on paper and try to mimic it in the mind. Got toadmit that Gopi does it better than those-who-shall-not-be-named.
The book is primarily marketed in India (I think).There’s no glossary for non-English words. There’s a good sprinkling of Hindi,etc., but it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. Most of the terms are usedfor relations.
While I love Gopi’s character arc and his family (noalcoholic or abusive father here, phew!), I wish we get a little more insightinto Pari’s life. She is rich, clever, confident, friendly, and someone used toget this done her way. Except for the story behind her sunglasses, most of herarc is stereotypical. The same goes for the bullies, though we know nothingabout them. Even if Gopi is the main character, side characters with a littlemore depth would have helped.
Seeti is a great character, and I wish he had agreater presence in the book. He shines in a couple of scenes he’s allotted.That kid knows how to handle life.
Naturally, we have a happy ending, but with a weetwist. It blends reality and hope (and such events have indeed happened in reallife) and ends on a high with Gopi rapping yet another delightful poem.
There are a few black-and-white illustrations tosupport the content. I like how they enhance the narrative without distractingthe reader. My personal preference aside (I like whimsical and detailedillustrations), the ones in the book are perfect for the story. They arelighthearted and cute, just like the main characters.
What I love about the physical copy is the fontsize. The print is nice and big, easy for kids and seniors to read withoutsquinting at the page. The cover is vibrant and cool, hinting at all majoraspects of the book.
And oh, don’t miss the acknowledgments page! It’stoo good. I wish there was an author’s note too. I love reading about theinspirations and ideas behind a book.
To summarize, Gobi Goes Viral is a compact littlebook dealing with bullying, financial issues, the importance of havingsupportive friends, and knowing that courage can make things happen. You justhave to believe in it and do your best!
Thank you, Blogchatter and Vibha Batra, for a copyof the book. This review is powered by Blogchatter Book ReviewProgram and contains my honest opinion about the book.
You can buy the paperback of Gobi Goes Viral on Amazon. The book is marketed forchildren from the 8 to 12 age group, though anyone can read it (and enjoy ittoo).
