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Beyond School
Beyond School centres upon the weeks leading up to 17-year-old Shail’s final board exams, as his world becomes a pressure-cooker and the weight of preparing for the exams sends him fleeing rebelliously in the other direction. Along with Shail’s journey from boyhood to manhood, Beyond School vividly weaves between the narratives of four main characters, seamlessly uniting the past and present of Shail, his parents-Urmila and Sushil and his mentor-Gladys, in a story that is honest, funny, heartbreaking and ultimately, incredibly human.
201 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 19, 2014
Check out the entire review here: http://thereandtheir.wordpress.com/20...
The book started at a very slow pace, but the interest developed as and when the book progressed.
The story is about a football crazy guy, Sahil, who is about to appear for his board exams in one month. As the story moves on, we learn that Sahil does not want to appear for his exams this year and has not prepared for it.
The story fluctuates from present to past, telling the story of sahil’s parents as well as Gladys, his mentor.
I quite liked the character of Gladys, she was complex and tried to understand everyone. How she connected with other students and their issues.
The book started at a very slow pace, but the interest developed as and when the book progressed.
The story is about a football crazy guy, Sahil, who is about to appear for his board exams in one month. As the story moves on, we learn that Sahil does not want to appear for his exams this year and has not prepared for it.
The story fluctuates from present to past, telling the story of sahil’s parents as well as Gladys, his mentor.
I quite liked the character of Gladys, she was complex and tried to understand everyone. How she connected with other students and their issues.
September 25, 2014
Its a MUST READ book which not only showcases the life of its protagonist Shail - a 17 years old but every character in it.A mere glimpse into their lives is better than verbose chapters churned out by others.The Author deserves a standing ovation for this remarkable feat.
The writing style is breezy yet not colloquial.
And though I was not raring to read about a 17 years old's conflict and fears of exams, girlfriend stress,a desire to be in Manchester United , the first chapter caught me off- guard.
It was different, deep and set the tone for the rest of the book. It made the reader realise that 'Beyond School' is going to be an emotional and understanding journey with less words and more undercurrents and overtones.
he author has dealt with almost every issue under the sun from Board exams - a BIG thing in an average Indian kid's life,
the girl-friend - the indispensable yet most suppressed topic in the life of the same person,
the issue of mobile phones and gadget usage by teenagers,
the lack or misinterpretation of communication between child and parents,
the IMPORTANCE and role of a mentor teacher
changing social norms,
generation gap,
need of understanding by parents and many more ...
A MUST READ for parents and children both.
The writing style is breezy yet not colloquial.
And though I was not raring to read about a 17 years old's conflict and fears of exams, girlfriend stress,a desire to be in Manchester United , the first chapter caught me off- guard.
It was different, deep and set the tone for the rest of the book. It made the reader realise that 'Beyond School' is going to be an emotional and understanding journey with less words and more undercurrents and overtones.
he author has dealt with almost every issue under the sun from Board exams - a BIG thing in an average Indian kid's life,
the girl-friend - the indispensable yet most suppressed topic in the life of the same person,
the issue of mobile phones and gadget usage by teenagers,
the lack or misinterpretation of communication between child and parents,
the IMPORTANCE and role of a mentor teacher
changing social norms,
generation gap,
need of understanding by parents and many more ...
A MUST READ for parents and children both.
June 30, 2020
The novel is humble and vividly recounts characters familiar to any cosy Indian expat community, with its own struggles. Apt title!
Most importantly, the author is refreshingly frank in the face of idiotic norms imposed by frightened and ignorant puritans. She is blunt about the irresponsibility of pubescent self-absorption, but attempts to empathize instead of judging.
An eye opener book - that is simple yet fabulously entertaining; a story in which every teenager and parent can see their own reflection in one of the many interestingly woven characters.
Chitra has undoubtedly done a lot of research on the mind set of today's adolescents. The narration and dialogues are very interesting.
Chitra Anand highlights many areas that have gained immense significance in the lives of individuals who are at the cusp of adulthood. This gives an honest reflection of the society in which today's youth is functioning.
Must read for parents and teenagers!
Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...
Most importantly, the author is refreshingly frank in the face of idiotic norms imposed by frightened and ignorant puritans. She is blunt about the irresponsibility of pubescent self-absorption, but attempts to empathize instead of judging.
An eye opener book - that is simple yet fabulously entertaining; a story in which every teenager and parent can see their own reflection in one of the many interestingly woven characters.
Chitra has undoubtedly done a lot of research on the mind set of today's adolescents. The narration and dialogues are very interesting.
Chitra Anand highlights many areas that have gained immense significance in the lives of individuals who are at the cusp of adulthood. This gives an honest reflection of the society in which today's youth is functioning.
Must read for parents and teenagers!
Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...
July 11, 2020
Well this book did instantly connect with me because I am a kid who grew up in Muscat. In fact this book was given to me my the author herself. It really makes one reflect. Some parts beautifully written. Especially the part in the first chapter where is compares the so-called innocence of little boys playing WWE. The turn of events proved to be quite heart wrenching. One can easily skim through this book.Overall beautiful,heart wrenching and relatable
September 28, 2014
‘Beyond School’ starts with a regular morning in school, but unfortunately the events that come to light on that morning makes it anything but ‘regular’. A sixth grade girl’s journal is brought to the attention of the teachers and the parents where she has mentioned about her attraction towards a boy. The poor girl is rebuked and scolded by one and all, except Gladys Assumption, who is the student counsellor. Question arises on the child’s character, as to how a young girl could write such things. ‘Unnatural’ and ‘bad’, is it?
Chitra Anand’s debut novel poses some smart questions urging the readers to answer. In the dawn of adolescence, a child undergoes various types of changes, both physical and mental. Needs and wishes change, dreams take a complete makeover, and an all – together new psychological approach is needed to nourish the kids. The notion of good and bad, and the importance of studies, alongside the benefits of extra - curricular activities should be taught to them. Parents, guardians and teachers have a key role to play in shaping up a child’s future.
All these aspects are very well reflected in ‘Beyond School’ through the protagonist Shail. He dreams of being a football star, but his lack of interest towards studies poses a big concern in the minds of his parents, Sushil and Urmila, considering the fact that his board exams are knocking wildly at the doors. Shail thinks of his father as a dictator who forces him to study all the time, and also usurps his mobile phone. However, the author successfully manages to portray different view points here. We get to know about Shail’s thinking and can sympathize with him, ‘cause we have all gone through the phase and trauma of being horrified with the board exams. Again, from another angle, we also understand the concerns of Sushil and Urmila, who want the very best for their child, and thus their strict nature is ably justified.
The narrative of the story is lucid, and has a smooth flow. While the first part of the story throws a lot of promise and successfully holds on to your attention, the second part turns out to be a bit clogged, with a lot of issues being dealt with at the same time. The fluent pace in the first half suddenly turns erratic in the second, while the feel – good factor too changes into a sombre hue. There are moments in the first half when you feel like applauding the writer’s style, but unfortunately, nothing like that happens in the final half of the book.
The characterization is decently done, with almost equal coverage given to Shail, Sushil and Urmila. However, Gladys manages to win the hearts of the readers as a caring and understanding teacher who wants the very best for the students. The flashbacks related to her past, are hauntingly sad, and we get to know the hardships and the struggles she has had to cope up with. A character with a heart of gold, Gladys is the star of the book.
‘Beyond School’ is a book that will make you reminisce your childhood, guaranteeing a travel down the memory lane. It’s a tale that should be read by parents and teachers along with their child, nurturing the bond and understanding their needs. Only if the latter half would have been edited better and the sequence of events dug up in a more polished manner, this book would surely have neared brilliance.
Chitra Anand’s debut novel poses some smart questions urging the readers to answer. In the dawn of adolescence, a child undergoes various types of changes, both physical and mental. Needs and wishes change, dreams take a complete makeover, and an all – together new psychological approach is needed to nourish the kids. The notion of good and bad, and the importance of studies, alongside the benefits of extra - curricular activities should be taught to them. Parents, guardians and teachers have a key role to play in shaping up a child’s future.
All these aspects are very well reflected in ‘Beyond School’ through the protagonist Shail. He dreams of being a football star, but his lack of interest towards studies poses a big concern in the minds of his parents, Sushil and Urmila, considering the fact that his board exams are knocking wildly at the doors. Shail thinks of his father as a dictator who forces him to study all the time, and also usurps his mobile phone. However, the author successfully manages to portray different view points here. We get to know about Shail’s thinking and can sympathize with him, ‘cause we have all gone through the phase and trauma of being horrified with the board exams. Again, from another angle, we also understand the concerns of Sushil and Urmila, who want the very best for their child, and thus their strict nature is ably justified.
The narrative of the story is lucid, and has a smooth flow. While the first part of the story throws a lot of promise and successfully holds on to your attention, the second part turns out to be a bit clogged, with a lot of issues being dealt with at the same time. The fluent pace in the first half suddenly turns erratic in the second, while the feel – good factor too changes into a sombre hue. There are moments in the first half when you feel like applauding the writer’s style, but unfortunately, nothing like that happens in the final half of the book.
The characterization is decently done, with almost equal coverage given to Shail, Sushil and Urmila. However, Gladys manages to win the hearts of the readers as a caring and understanding teacher who wants the very best for the students. The flashbacks related to her past, are hauntingly sad, and we get to know the hardships and the struggles she has had to cope up with. A character with a heart of gold, Gladys is the star of the book.
‘Beyond School’ is a book that will make you reminisce your childhood, guaranteeing a travel down the memory lane. It’s a tale that should be read by parents and teachers along with their child, nurturing the bond and understanding their needs. Only if the latter half would have been edited better and the sequence of events dug up in a more polished manner, this book would surely have neared brilliance.
August 21, 2014
Studies… Studies… Studies… This is what parents keep nagging their students with. At school, kids generally attend their lectures but then self-study is also essential. The phase of board exams is completely crucial. While passing through this stage of life, students experience their parents' constant urge to focus on studies, teachers giving lectures on board exams and its importance, intentional inquires by neighbour's and relatives, etc. I remember my SSC days and can easily recount the pressure that was existing over at that time.
But as every coin has two sides, even this parental pressure has positive effects. Often students attention tend to distract and divert. And at such times this pressure helps them to maintain their focus. I have finished reading Beyond School by Chitra Anand.
This story is about a standard twelfth student Shail from a school in Muscat. Standard twelve brings with it another crucial board exam. Shail spends his time doing everything else that he likes and his parents find it hard to make him realize about the importance of studying for the approaching exams. He sleeps cozily, plays his favorite sport, enjoys with his friends, talks to his girlfriend, etc. On a one hand, Shail has something different in his mind and on another hand his parents get worried for his attitude towards exams.
As concerned parents, they approach Gladys a counsellor. Suggestions of Glady's and some other instances of Roha and Shail’s parent’s anxiety, have been narrated by the author in a touching manner. Not just this but a lot other things, which are important for parents and grownups to imbibe, have been presented by the author through this book.
Over-all: The cover of the book shows a study table with books on it and a football has been featured. This gives an idea about the story and its genre. The cover is creative and suitable for this particular novel. The title too is perfect! The narration of the story is good and gripping. The story is enjoyable and readers will surely find it mesmerizing. The central part of the story could have been a bit more interesting as it tends to dodge a reader’s attention. Otherwise, the book has a good story and I am surely recommending it to students as well as their parents!
Keeping everything into account, I would rate the book with 4/5. Congratulations to the author for her debut novel and hope she comes up with stories as interesting as this!
NOTE: A review copy of the book was provided by The Readers Cosmos. The above review is a part of The Readers Cosmos book review program. To get free books log onto The Reader's Cosmos.
But as every coin has two sides, even this parental pressure has positive effects. Often students attention tend to distract and divert. And at such times this pressure helps them to maintain their focus. I have finished reading Beyond School by Chitra Anand.
This story is about a standard twelfth student Shail from a school in Muscat. Standard twelve brings with it another crucial board exam. Shail spends his time doing everything else that he likes and his parents find it hard to make him realize about the importance of studying for the approaching exams. He sleeps cozily, plays his favorite sport, enjoys with his friends, talks to his girlfriend, etc. On a one hand, Shail has something different in his mind and on another hand his parents get worried for his attitude towards exams.
As concerned parents, they approach Gladys a counsellor. Suggestions of Glady's and some other instances of Roha and Shail’s parent’s anxiety, have been narrated by the author in a touching manner. Not just this but a lot other things, which are important for parents and grownups to imbibe, have been presented by the author through this book.
Over-all: The cover of the book shows a study table with books on it and a football has been featured. This gives an idea about the story and its genre. The cover is creative and suitable for this particular novel. The title too is perfect! The narration of the story is good and gripping. The story is enjoyable and readers will surely find it mesmerizing. The central part of the story could have been a bit more interesting as it tends to dodge a reader’s attention. Otherwise, the book has a good story and I am surely recommending it to students as well as their parents!
Keeping everything into account, I would rate the book with 4/5. Congratulations to the author for her debut novel and hope she comes up with stories as interesting as this!
NOTE: A review copy of the book was provided by The Readers Cosmos. The above review is a part of The Readers Cosmos book review program. To get free books log onto The Reader's Cosmos.
October 1, 2014
Beyond School by Chitra Anand is not just a novel, it is a mentoring handy guide for children, parents and educators. An enriching read.
This novel comes with an uncommon storyline. We all have gone through the ever confusing teenage phase of our lives. This is a walk through and down the memory lane comprising of these crucial elements of this particular phase of life - the unanswered questions, the dilemmas, the exams, the parents, the friends, the teachers, the rebels and the turmoil. It refreshes all those memories. Nevertheless, for the young readers, it is a benchmark to ensure a wise teenage.
The author seems to put forward her year’s long experience as an educator and a mother in the novel. She attempts to reintroduce you to all the crucial relationships of your life. Teachers are no-doubt the torch bearers of our journey called life and they will remain always.
She recites the story with a teacher’s perspective. It is about a boy, Shail and his set of dilemmas. She tries to attend the pressing issues faced by children and parents at this age including exam pressure, following passion, standing by friend’s side, first love and sex, all with a maintained dignity.
Readers will find this book useful to freshen up their beliefs and confidence. A must read for parents and children alike irrespective of age and gender. Indeed, a light hearted read full of insight into smart parenting and mentoring without any preaching or hulla-boo.
This novel is an apt choice for gifting or prizing purpose and for instilling a book reading practice in your shining star.
Source: http://booksnewsindia.wordpress.com/2...
This novel comes with an uncommon storyline. We all have gone through the ever confusing teenage phase of our lives. This is a walk through and down the memory lane comprising of these crucial elements of this particular phase of life - the unanswered questions, the dilemmas, the exams, the parents, the friends, the teachers, the rebels and the turmoil. It refreshes all those memories. Nevertheless, for the young readers, it is a benchmark to ensure a wise teenage.
The author seems to put forward her year’s long experience as an educator and a mother in the novel. She attempts to reintroduce you to all the crucial relationships of your life. Teachers are no-doubt the torch bearers of our journey called life and they will remain always.
She recites the story with a teacher’s perspective. It is about a boy, Shail and his set of dilemmas. She tries to attend the pressing issues faced by children and parents at this age including exam pressure, following passion, standing by friend’s side, first love and sex, all with a maintained dignity.
Readers will find this book useful to freshen up their beliefs and confidence. A must read for parents and children alike irrespective of age and gender. Indeed, a light hearted read full of insight into smart parenting and mentoring without any preaching or hulla-boo.
This novel is an apt choice for gifting or prizing purpose and for instilling a book reading practice in your shining star.
Source: http://booksnewsindia.wordpress.com/2...
July 20, 2014
‘Beyond School’ is the story of a twelfth grade boy with a secret. Shail studies in an Indian school in Muscat and is due for his board exams. However, instead of studying, Shail spends time by sleeping, watching TV, and texting on his phone. His parents are at their wits end trying to get their son to study. Little do they know that Shail plans not to appear for his boards exams and pursue with his interest in football. Finally, as a last try, Shail’s parents contact Gladys, a counselor at Shail’s school regarding their son. Gladys comes into the picture and changes everything with her patience, experience and wits.
This is a coming of age book that has been handled in a very different manner from the usual potboilers. The plot is simple and almost predictable with a heartwarming quality to it. There are certain sub-plots that keep in rhythm with the main plot and add to the story. However the pace could have been faster. Shail is a typical boy of the modern generation who loves football so much so that he plans to give up his education in order to pursue his dreams. He is impatient and snarky, yet loveable. Gladys, on the other hand, is the kind of woman who can change lives for the better and students are lucky to have her around. I loved her practical and no nonsense approach.
The writing style of the author is simple and inviting. She has managed to intricately weave in the many issues of the society today and the many facets of modern youth into the story quite expertly. This is a book that is fun and educating at the same time.
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/07/Bey...
This is a coming of age book that has been handled in a very different manner from the usual potboilers. The plot is simple and almost predictable with a heartwarming quality to it. There are certain sub-plots that keep in rhythm with the main plot and add to the story. However the pace could have been faster. Shail is a typical boy of the modern generation who loves football so much so that he plans to give up his education in order to pursue his dreams. He is impatient and snarky, yet loveable. Gladys, on the other hand, is the kind of woman who can change lives for the better and students are lucky to have her around. I loved her practical and no nonsense approach.
The writing style of the author is simple and inviting. She has managed to intricately weave in the many issues of the society today and the many facets of modern youth into the story quite expertly. This is a book that is fun and educating at the same time.
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/07/Bey...
August 11, 2014
Beyond School is a coming-of-age story of Shail, a grade twelve student who come to grips with the reality of life and undergoes a change in this thoughts and matures as a person.
Teens is a phase of life which can be quite turbulent and is indeed a testing time for not only the teenagers but even for their parents. Beyond School is a reality fiction that brings to light, a lot of issues faced by the teenagers and their parents. It brings to the fore, the concerns viz parental pressure for academic excellence, emphasis on academics vis-a-vis sports, disrespectful or defiant behaviour, disregard for rules and responsibilities, involvement in high risk and reckless activities, poor study behaviour and skills, communication gap between parents and children, among other things. The story also encompasses the elements of teen love affairs, the thrill of speed and gadget dependence too. The author who is an educator has neatly packed all these issues in the story. It is a story which all parents can relate to.
The author being from the field of education and my son who would be a teen soon, compelled me to read this book and to know the world of modern teens through her voice of experience. And Beyond School is definitely an interesting and an enlightening read. My only gripe about this book is its poor sentence structure and incorrect grammar usage throughout the length of the story. This was a big dampener for me.
Beyond School is an honest representation of the challenges faced by the teens and their parents in a global society.
http://shilpaagarg.com/2014/08/beyond...
Teens is a phase of life which can be quite turbulent and is indeed a testing time for not only the teenagers but even for their parents. Beyond School is a reality fiction that brings to light, a lot of issues faced by the teenagers and their parents. It brings to the fore, the concerns viz parental pressure for academic excellence, emphasis on academics vis-a-vis sports, disrespectful or defiant behaviour, disregard for rules and responsibilities, involvement in high risk and reckless activities, poor study behaviour and skills, communication gap between parents and children, among other things. The story also encompasses the elements of teen love affairs, the thrill of speed and gadget dependence too. The author who is an educator has neatly packed all these issues in the story. It is a story which all parents can relate to.
The author being from the field of education and my son who would be a teen soon, compelled me to read this book and to know the world of modern teens through her voice of experience. And Beyond School is definitely an interesting and an enlightening read. My only gripe about this book is its poor sentence structure and incorrect grammar usage throughout the length of the story. This was a big dampener for me.
Beyond School is an honest representation of the challenges faced by the teens and their parents in a global society.
http://shilpaagarg.com/2014/08/beyond...
September 23, 2014
After reading the title the first thought that came to my mind was that of an old guy writing about his days of past remembering his friends. But when I starting unfolding the story, I realized I was wrong.
Beyond School is a beautifully written story which takes you back to your school days, to be precise it takes back you to the days where exams used to haunt like nothing else (if you are someone of my kind).
The protagonist of the story, Shail Abhyankar has only one goal in his life i.e. to be a footballer, not just a footballer but he wants to be the best goal keeper of the world. Just like any other kid, he too has an exam fear. He does not want to appear for his Twelfth boards. For him education isn’t a mandatory criterion for someone who wants to make a career through football.
To read my review in detail, click here: http://sany-speaks4.blogspot.in/2014/...
Beyond School is a beautifully written story which takes you back to your school days, to be precise it takes back you to the days where exams used to haunt like nothing else (if you are someone of my kind).
The protagonist of the story, Shail Abhyankar has only one goal in his life i.e. to be a footballer, not just a footballer but he wants to be the best goal keeper of the world. Just like any other kid, he too has an exam fear. He does not want to appear for his Twelfth boards. For him education isn’t a mandatory criterion for someone who wants to make a career through football.
To read my review in detail, click here: http://sany-speaks4.blogspot.in/2014/...
October 8, 2014
The story is sweet, simple and deals with the dilemmas of teenage lives. The changing behaviour and mannerisms of teenagers, their emotional needs and dilemmas their fickle ambitions, parents' and teachers' roles in their lives; the novels covers all of these. There are also the background stories of Gladys, Urmila and Sushil told parallell along with the ongoing life of Shail. Full review at Natasha'z Words
May 1, 2015
To be honest I was a little sceptical about this book before starting but as I read it the plot became stronger. The story of Shail our protagonist is that of most students who aspire to do something different than mainstream jobs. I loved his character!
And all the other characters gelled well with our protagonist. The details are well described & will create a beautiful picturesque of various places.
The only thing which bugged me was the last chapter but in all a good read indeed.
And all the other characters gelled well with our protagonist. The details are well described & will create a beautiful picturesque of various places.
The only thing which bugged me was the last chapter but in all a good read indeed.
October 1, 2014
very practical and very relatable tale. one of the best teenage book I have read this year.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews