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The Spectacular Miss
I learned that I am, despite my early years spent as a
swaggering boy, at heart just a middle-class,hard-working,
risk-averse, un-creative, strait-laced, routine-obsessed
conformist. In case I forgot to mention it, I’m also
prudish to the point of being puritanical.
But at eight, Nira had only one over-powering wish—to pee standing up like a boy. In fact, to be a boy.
Join Nira as she steps into her brother’s clothes and becomes the self-appointed Al Caponesque gang leader of the neighbourhood boys. Her oddball yet madly loving family shapes her personality, and a poignant relationship with her brother’s best friend shapes her life.
She uses uninhibited candour to detail her coming-of-age journey from Calcutta to London, from tomboy to reluctant woman-in-progress . . . always trying to fit in, but always failing. She’s a laugh a minute, and yet she breaks your heart with her subconscious, percussive yearning for the one person who is always too old, too far, too married to be hers.
swaggering boy, at heart just a middle-class,hard-working,
risk-averse, un-creative, strait-laced, routine-obsessed
conformist. In case I forgot to mention it, I’m also
prudish to the point of being puritanical.
But at eight, Nira had only one over-powering wish—to pee standing up like a boy. In fact, to be a boy.
Join Nira as she steps into her brother’s clothes and becomes the self-appointed Al Caponesque gang leader of the neighbourhood boys. Her oddball yet madly loving family shapes her personality, and a poignant relationship with her brother’s best friend shapes her life.
She uses uninhibited candour to detail her coming-of-age journey from Calcutta to London, from tomboy to reluctant woman-in-progress . . . always trying to fit in, but always failing. She’s a laugh a minute, and yet she breaks your heart with her subconscious, percussive yearning for the one person who is always too old, too far, too married to be hers.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2016
1 person is currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Bahl
2 books34 followersBorn and raised in Kolkata, Sonia has lived and worked in Jakarta, Miami, Brussels, Johannesburg and Singapore. With home being everywhere and nowhere, her belief in the power of the moment became a religion. An affirmation that unexpected and undeniable human connections are everything—reflected in some way or the other in all her writing.
She spent a huge chunk of her life, her days, and sleepless nights, in advertising—writing ads for all things from coffee and cars to condoms and candy—while dreaming of morphing 30-second commercials to full-length feature films. Not surprisingly, she threw caution, and her full-time job as a Creative Director to the winds and embarked on a riveting, rejection-filled screenwriting journey in the US.
Happily, her day job now entails writing movies. In a delightful plot twist, her debut novel, The Spectacular Miss, was optioned by RSVP, a Bollywood studio and she was commissioned to write the screenplay.
Her second novel, A Year of Wednesdays was sold out within two weeks of its launch.
Sonia writes and re-writes in Singapore where she lives with her menagerie: gorgeous itinerant daughter, honorary proofreader husband, and her made-for-the-movies golden retriever, Ari Gold.
Say hello to Sonia on Twitter: soniabahl
or Instagram: soniabahl.ink
She spent a huge chunk of her life, her days, and sleepless nights, in advertising—writing ads for all things from coffee and cars to condoms and candy—while dreaming of morphing 30-second commercials to full-length feature films. Not surprisingly, she threw caution, and her full-time job as a Creative Director to the winds and embarked on a riveting, rejection-filled screenwriting journey in the US.
Happily, her day job now entails writing movies. In a delightful plot twist, her debut novel, The Spectacular Miss, was optioned by RSVP, a Bollywood studio and she was commissioned to write the screenplay.
Her second novel, A Year of Wednesdays was sold out within two weeks of its launch.
Sonia writes and re-writes in Singapore where she lives with her menagerie: gorgeous itinerant daughter, honorary proofreader husband, and her made-for-the-movies golden retriever, Ari Gold.
Say hello to Sonia on Twitter: soniabahl
or Instagram: soniabahl.ink
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 20, 2017
I always follow Fingerprint Publishers—one of my favorite publishers—to discover new reads. And a few months back, I came to know about this book. The reviews were enticing, so I gave it a shot. Meanwhile, I even met the author on Twitter. She was polite and down to earth, which I liked.
Two pages into the book and I knew that it was going to be a good read. The language was stylish and a class apart from a normal bestseller commercial Indian fiction and the unique story caught me in a web of intrigue. But as I progressed, I began noticing certain flaws too. For example, most of the similes and metaphors were referencing 70’s actors and actresses, which were probably from Hollywood. Along with that, the protagonist being a mere nine-year-old kid, I found it difficult to believe that certain metaphors and similes could be imagined at such a young age. Nevertheless, the story was engaging and it pulled me along. The characterization of the protagonist, Nira, is brilliantly done. All her flaws, idiosyncrasies, and uncertainties are described with clinical precision. Even the other characters—Bir, her family, Lucy, and the gay (forgot his name)—are sketched well.
But I have a minor complaint in terms of the language. The author has peppered the narrative with too many big words, which would be difficult to understand even for seasoned readers. She could have conveyed the same emotions using simpler words. But if you ignore this negligible defect, the talent of the author does shine throughout the book. The editing is top class; it was almost impossible to find even a single grammatical or punctuation error. The language is interspersed with brilliant poetic lines and beautiful, original metaphors, which makes it a treat for avid readers.
Another problem that I found in the narrative was the overuse of telling rather than showing. I would have appreciated if the author had rather showed some events happening (e.g. the chapter in which the layout of their flat in the UK is described. Instead of plainly describing it, she could have shown Nira walking around the place and showing each thing via her eyes instead). However, I still appreciate this kind of writing style—one in which the author mixes a scene in between the telling—as it requires skill to do so, rather than the simpler option of going scene by scene (but the one which I prefer as it gives the author a chance to show more).
Despite never feeling too emotional anywhere, I could feel for the protagonist throughout. Although I never laughed out loud, some witty lines did bring a smile to my face. Descriptions—the parts which I love in books—have been generally avoided, but maybe it was intentional to reduce the length of the book. The ending was a bit abrupt but it was satisfying nevertheless.
Overall, I must say that I enjoyed the book. Books like these with a new style, a unique story, and a fresh writing style should become more popular in India than the average mass market books hitting the bestseller charts. But of course, a relentless Facebook marketing strategy is, unfortunately, necessary for it nowadays, and not every author has the time, money, and patience to do that. A nice, sweet book with brilliant language but with the minor, easily forgivable flaws as I have mentioned above.
3.75 stars from my side.
Two pages into the book and I knew that it was going to be a good read. The language was stylish and a class apart from a normal bestseller commercial Indian fiction and the unique story caught me in a web of intrigue. But as I progressed, I began noticing certain flaws too. For example, most of the similes and metaphors were referencing 70’s actors and actresses, which were probably from Hollywood. Along with that, the protagonist being a mere nine-year-old kid, I found it difficult to believe that certain metaphors and similes could be imagined at such a young age. Nevertheless, the story was engaging and it pulled me along. The characterization of the protagonist, Nira, is brilliantly done. All her flaws, idiosyncrasies, and uncertainties are described with clinical precision. Even the other characters—Bir, her family, Lucy, and the gay (forgot his name)—are sketched well.
But I have a minor complaint in terms of the language. The author has peppered the narrative with too many big words, which would be difficult to understand even for seasoned readers. She could have conveyed the same emotions using simpler words. But if you ignore this negligible defect, the talent of the author does shine throughout the book. The editing is top class; it was almost impossible to find even a single grammatical or punctuation error. The language is interspersed with brilliant poetic lines and beautiful, original metaphors, which makes it a treat for avid readers.
Another problem that I found in the narrative was the overuse of telling rather than showing. I would have appreciated if the author had rather showed some events happening (e.g. the chapter in which the layout of their flat in the UK is described. Instead of plainly describing it, she could have shown Nira walking around the place and showing each thing via her eyes instead). However, I still appreciate this kind of writing style—one in which the author mixes a scene in between the telling—as it requires skill to do so, rather than the simpler option of going scene by scene (but the one which I prefer as it gives the author a chance to show more).
Despite never feeling too emotional anywhere, I could feel for the protagonist throughout. Although I never laughed out loud, some witty lines did bring a smile to my face. Descriptions—the parts which I love in books—have been generally avoided, but maybe it was intentional to reduce the length of the book. The ending was a bit abrupt but it was satisfying nevertheless.
Overall, I must say that I enjoyed the book. Books like these with a new style, a unique story, and a fresh writing style should become more popular in India than the average mass market books hitting the bestseller charts. But of course, a relentless Facebook marketing strategy is, unfortunately, necessary for it nowadays, and not every author has the time, money, and patience to do that. A nice, sweet book with brilliant language but with the minor, easily forgivable flaws as I have mentioned above.
3.75 stars from my side.
June 5, 2016
The Spectacular Miss by Sonia Bahl is an un-put-down-able story written on a fresh note to take you on an unimaginable adventure. What if a girl live and act like a boy? The story revolves around Nira and her best friend Bir who is almost ten years elder to her. Nira is a girl who thinks out of the box and acts like one, too. She is genuine, bold and her self-depreciating humor is commendable. I really wish I could be like her. Bir is a kind of guy anyone would like to have. Bir has been there for Nira throughout her thick and thin days. So promising, sensible and patient. Later Bir gets married to Dipika who has her own personal priorities which greatly affects their married life. The amazing description of Nira’s teen days in Calcutta is vivid and powerful enough to get carried away. There comes a time when Nira has to leave from Calcutta to London. Despite hard times Nira doesn’t miss out to write to Bir once in a while, because nothing could take them apart. Nira has a set of nine wishes which Bir had once encouraged her to pen down. It’s so endearing to see them all come true, especially the last one. Somewhere in hearts of both this friendship is more than that. Nira’s journey is full of challenges and odd pieces of puzzle. Will she be able to put missing pieces at place and win over them? Will she be able to express her feelings for Bir or would simply mask them? Will Bir be able to sustain his married life? There are many instances in the book which will make you laugh out loud and melt your heart. I was in happy tears reading the last chapter. Still I can’t stop admiring the positive transition which took place in Nira’s character from an eight year stubborn boy to a twenty-seven year old graceful lady. The intriguing and impressive writing style make this book a master-piece.
What I liked?
Well, let’s start with the outlook. The book cover is quite attractive and goes well with story-line. Blurb written on the back cover is crisp and sums up crux of the story. I would like to appreciate author’s attempt to present a common story in an uncommon style. It was quite a surprise to read a balanced duo of humor and romance. And not to forget the creative title for each chapter. My personal favorite chapters are (not mentioned in a specific order)-: Dinner for 2+22, Boys will be toys, The truth over kebabs and Eight to eight in ten seconds.
What I disliked?
Initially pace of the story was a little slow and stretched but as it progressed I wished it to never end. Use of jargons at a few places could have been avoided but that certainly does not take away the credit for such a brilliant piece of writing.
What I liked?
Well, let’s start with the outlook. The book cover is quite attractive and goes well with story-line. Blurb written on the back cover is crisp and sums up crux of the story. I would like to appreciate author’s attempt to present a common story in an uncommon style. It was quite a surprise to read a balanced duo of humor and romance. And not to forget the creative title for each chapter. My personal favorite chapters are (not mentioned in a specific order)-: Dinner for 2+22, Boys will be toys, The truth over kebabs and Eight to eight in ten seconds.
What I disliked?
Initially pace of the story was a little slow and stretched but as it progressed I wished it to never end. Use of jargons at a few places could have been avoided but that certainly does not take away the credit for such a brilliant piece of writing.
March 14, 2016
The Spectacular Miss is nothing short of amazing. Fantastic characters-I still can't get over the protagonists and their tender chemistry. I loved how the book has humour and how despite being a romance-themed book, it's perfectly balanced. That's the thing about it. It's has humour, love, heartbreak in perfect doses. LOVED it.
September 29, 2020
The Spectacular Miss
Sonia Bahl
How I remember my childhood memories ...all had me dressed up in my elder brother’s oversized pants and flowing shirts.. playing cricket with big boys in my mohalla( mostly as a spectator or try-ball girl) , calling names after a fight and avoiding barbies and kitchen-kitchen imaginary stories with the good girls !!
A spunky, funny and hilarious story of an 8 year girl always wanting to be a boy till the mercurochrome stains officially closed the doors of her fantasy.
“At eight, I had just one overpowering, all consuming , wont -back-down wish . To pee standing. Like a boy”.
I relived my childhood days every time I glimpsed Nira’s vulnerability under her bristling bravado.
Her Tom boyish childhood, getting to accept her bitter truth of being a girl forever , her hopping of to London from Calcutta.. to the Med school, her furtive admiration for Bir ... her BFF Lucy n Omer ... how she always felt like a misfit every time and everywhere,before she finally found the missing pieces and fit well into the zigsaw puzzle of life!!
The witty humour and metaphors for every situation is commendable on the part of author.. I loved her writing style!!
A light and fun loving read.. I recommend it especially for those lighter moments..
Sonia Bahl
How I remember my childhood memories ...all had me dressed up in my elder brother’s oversized pants and flowing shirts.. playing cricket with big boys in my mohalla( mostly as a spectator or try-ball girl) , calling names after a fight and avoiding barbies and kitchen-kitchen imaginary stories with the good girls !!
A spunky, funny and hilarious story of an 8 year girl always wanting to be a boy till the mercurochrome stains officially closed the doors of her fantasy.
“At eight, I had just one overpowering, all consuming , wont -back-down wish . To pee standing. Like a boy”.
I relived my childhood days every time I glimpsed Nira’s vulnerability under her bristling bravado.
Her Tom boyish childhood, getting to accept her bitter truth of being a girl forever , her hopping of to London from Calcutta.. to the Med school, her furtive admiration for Bir ... her BFF Lucy n Omer ... how she always felt like a misfit every time and everywhere,before she finally found the missing pieces and fit well into the zigsaw puzzle of life!!
The witty humour and metaphors for every situation is commendable on the part of author.. I loved her writing style!!
A light and fun loving read.. I recommend it especially for those lighter moments..
January 14, 2018
Original post on https://briannasbookreview.weebly.com...
Review: The Spectacular Miss is an incredible charming story that follows a young girl through her adventures of wanting to not only fit in with her older brother and his neighborhood gang, but to actually be a boy. From the first chapter, I was captivated by Sonia's ability to create such a witty dialogue that I found myself unable to stop reading. As the story develops, the main character, Nira, finds a trusting and lasting relationship with her older brother's friend, Bir. What looks to be a funny, light, and comedic story develops into something much more meaningful as the characters' journeys continue and they each face various aversive situations. This coming of age novel is written in such a meaningful way that I think a lot of people can relate to. As a child we envision the world as something so different than what will come to be when we are older and the purpose of our paths is to enjoy every moment of it and this was illustrated so well by Sonia. Additionally, the writing was done so well and although very elegant in style it was also very easy to read.
Review: The Spectacular Miss is an incredible charming story that follows a young girl through her adventures of wanting to not only fit in with her older brother and his neighborhood gang, but to actually be a boy. From the first chapter, I was captivated by Sonia's ability to create such a witty dialogue that I found myself unable to stop reading. As the story develops, the main character, Nira, finds a trusting and lasting relationship with her older brother's friend, Bir. What looks to be a funny, light, and comedic story develops into something much more meaningful as the characters' journeys continue and they each face various aversive situations. This coming of age novel is written in such a meaningful way that I think a lot of people can relate to. As a child we envision the world as something so different than what will come to be when we are older and the purpose of our paths is to enjoy every moment of it and this was illustrated so well by Sonia. Additionally, the writing was done so well and although very elegant in style it was also very easy to read.
March 15, 2017
Huh. As I usually try to do, I got a few books on my latest India trip a few weeks ago. Picked this up at the book stall in the JW Marriott in Pune based on the cover and a skim of the first page. Have to say this far exceeded my expectations. I feel sorry for the other two books I picked up this trip as I think they'll have a hard time living up to this.
While not an earth-shattering work of literary genius, this compact book filled with delightful subcompact chapters was a pleasant surprise. The book felt light, fresh and, ultimately, too short. The main character popped off the page from the first sentence and, while I wasn't drawn to outbursts laughter, this book put many smiles on my face and kept me wanting to not put it down. There were a few minor things that distracted along the way, but those were far overshadowed by the positives.
Almost felt like a YA book for adults, but it was so well written and had a great vibe that elevated it.
Could have been the right book at the right time for me, but a solid 4.5 stars rounded up because it made me smile. A lot.
While not an earth-shattering work of literary genius, this compact book filled with delightful subcompact chapters was a pleasant surprise. The book felt light, fresh and, ultimately, too short. The main character popped off the page from the first sentence and, while I wasn't drawn to outbursts laughter, this book put many smiles on my face and kept me wanting to not put it down. There were a few minor things that distracted along the way, but those were far overshadowed by the positives.
Almost felt like a YA book for adults, but it was so well written and had a great vibe that elevated it.
Could have been the right book at the right time for me, but a solid 4.5 stars rounded up because it made me smile. A lot.
May 5, 2019
Book 21/52 in 2019
Some times the stories are good and some times good stories are also written brilliantly. This is the latter. I had never before ordered the 2nd book of an author that I am reading for the first time just three chapters into the first book till now. You fall in love with Nira, the protagonist and only because of how Sonia has written her. I love her knack for language! You know where the story is heading and what the end will be but that's not a spoiler in any way. The book just tugs at your heart and leaves you happy as a clam. I usually read two to three and sometimes four books at a time but this was the first one that didn't allow me to read anything else. Eighteen to Eight in Ten Seconds was probably my most favorite chapter. I can't wait to read your second book, Sonia Bahl!
Some times the stories are good and some times good stories are also written brilliantly. This is the latter. I had never before ordered the 2nd book of an author that I am reading for the first time just three chapters into the first book till now. You fall in love with Nira, the protagonist and only because of how Sonia has written her. I love her knack for language! You know where the story is heading and what the end will be but that's not a spoiler in any way. The book just tugs at your heart and leaves you happy as a clam. I usually read two to three and sometimes four books at a time but this was the first one that didn't allow me to read anything else. Eighteen to Eight in Ten Seconds was probably my most favorite chapter. I can't wait to read your second book, Sonia Bahl!
May 2, 2016
Enjoyable. Pacy. Sweet. I read this book as soon as it was out! And once I started,it was a matter of pacing myself so I didn't finish it too soon. But, too soon it did finish. The language was just delicious. The read was cinematic. The energy was irresistible. And so indulgently relatable! The Spectacular Miss is just what Indian writing needs. No sermons, great language, and a completely cool vibe.
May 20, 2016
I started and finished this book in a day, once I picked it up I couldn't put it down! I absolutely LOVED the character of Nira and I think we all have a bit of her in us somewhere. So many laugh out loud moments that kept me enthralled in the story until the end. Now the only thing I want to know is when is the next one coming out?!
March 25, 2016
A funny, heart-warming coming of age story that took me back to my Calcutta days! A must read.
Nira's character, her thoughts and her self-deprecating sense of humour is so real. One just cannot stop flipping the pages.
Nira's character, her thoughts and her self-deprecating sense of humour is so real. One just cannot stop flipping the pages.
May 4, 2016
I won this book through the goodreads giveaway program.
Brilliant, quirky and wonderfully narrated - this is a gem of a read! A must read for fans of coming of age stories and (of course!) great writing.
Brilliant, quirky and wonderfully narrated - this is a gem of a read! A must read for fans of coming of age stories and (of course!) great writing.
September 27, 2016
Bir... the guy is stuck in my head and I wish there was more about him in the book. The chemistry between Nira and Bir is something unique and special.
Nira was real from beginning to end and that's what makes the book so lively and fresh.
Nira was real from beginning to end and that's what makes the book so lively and fresh.
April 3, 2016
A very well written book . Reminded me so much of my growing up years in Calcutta .
The characters were endearing and very well thought out . Made me yearn for a Bir in my life .
A must read
The characters were endearing and very well thought out . Made me yearn for a Bir in my life .
A must read
January 30, 2021
The story is very well narrated, and the plot has been crafted in detail, with the idiosyncrasies of the characters plotted well into the story. Beginning from Nira at the age of 8 to the Nira at 27 years, the story spans almost 2 decades. This journey from a tomboy in Calcutta to a doctor in London is not just a coming-of-age story, but also the story of how love can actually transcend age and time, as it strengthens over small little things one experiences. I loved the manner in which minute details in the initial story played a crucial part in the latter half. Sonia has taken the quirks and whims of a child, a teenager, and a Young Adult as they deal with life and comes to terms with their emotions and feelings. With some very interesting plot points, my favorite one was Nira’s family going to drop her to college, and the events that unfold. Coming to the climax, I almost fell for the pseudo climax that the story leads you into until you turn the page. It is one of the most amazing endings to a story I have come across, and the feeling when the other shoe drops is indescribable.
Coming to the characters, Sonia has crafted some very memorable characters in this story. Nira Sehgal is the misfit who wanted completely different things in life, and was steadfast in her belief. Her journey from aiming to pee standing up, to the city of London was nothing sort of inspiring. As we see her grow and the nineteen years of her life, the story is not just about love and Nira finding her calling, but the way she matures through multiple events and how they shape her. Bir was another character who stunned me, and I think deserves a standalone novel of his own to tell us the other half of the story. Other characters such as Lucy, Rahil, Nick, and Omer, who though seem like supporting, are in fact one of the crucial ones who shape Nira’s life.
Coming to the characters, Sonia has crafted some very memorable characters in this story. Nira Sehgal is the misfit who wanted completely different things in life, and was steadfast in her belief. Her journey from aiming to pee standing up, to the city of London was nothing sort of inspiring. As we see her grow and the nineteen years of her life, the story is not just about love and Nira finding her calling, but the way she matures through multiple events and how they shape her. Bir was another character who stunned me, and I think deserves a standalone novel of his own to tell us the other half of the story. Other characters such as Lucy, Rahil, Nick, and Omer, who though seem like supporting, are in fact one of the crucial ones who shape Nira’s life.
June 5, 2020
Sonia Bahl's vivid descriptions take you from Calcutta where the story begins, all the way to London where Nira makes life changing discoveries. From living as a boy and having only boys as friends to having a girl best friend, a gay friend, a life long crush, dating, living. It's an all in one book.
Basically, looking brave and being brave are two different things. It may have turned out differently if Nira had just taken a chance but then if she had, she wouldn't have gathered all the experience she did. And we wouldn't have had the chance to go through this amazing journey. It would've been buttermilk without the spice. Who would like that?
Basically, looking brave and being brave are two different things. It may have turned out differently if Nira had just taken a chance but then if she had, she wouldn't have gathered all the experience she did. And we wouldn't have had the chance to go through this amazing journey. It would've been buttermilk without the spice. Who would like that?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2023
Really boring and weirdly written.
January 24, 2020
You will do no justice to Sonia Bahl’s exquisite story, if you think you can speed read in one sitting.
It begs to be read and savoured, sentence by sentence. And when you get to the end and wish it would go on for another 200 pages, it does. Because the second reading is even more rewarding.
On so many levels, this work of art radiates brilliance. A delicious cast of characters to fall in love with (Bir, I wish you were real, or are you?!), the tug-and-pull of our own emotions as we cheer and despair with feisty Nira, (Mother******s***arsefart!), unpredictable twists in the pithy story telling (the aftermath and science), the metpahors and word pictures to die for (like Ma…morphed into a Gloria Steinem in a sari…championing women’s rights)! And ah, the humour. From gentle tickle to laugh out loud funny!
The Spectacular Miss doesn’t miss a single beat and not a single false note anywhere. Quite easily one of the most perfectly crafted, sing-your-heart-out stories you will ever read.
PS: Read the book? Now see the movie! (Well, it’s begging to be made into a film!)
It begs to be read and savoured, sentence by sentence. And when you get to the end and wish it would go on for another 200 pages, it does. Because the second reading is even more rewarding.
On so many levels, this work of art radiates brilliance. A delicious cast of characters to fall in love with (Bir, I wish you were real, or are you?!), the tug-and-pull of our own emotions as we cheer and despair with feisty Nira, (Mother******s***arsefart!), unpredictable twists in the pithy story telling (the aftermath and science), the metpahors and word pictures to die for (like Ma…morphed into a Gloria Steinem in a sari…championing women’s rights)! And ah, the humour. From gentle tickle to laugh out loud funny!
The Spectacular Miss doesn’t miss a single beat and not a single false note anywhere. Quite easily one of the most perfectly crafted, sing-your-heart-out stories you will ever read.
PS: Read the book? Now see the movie! (Well, it’s begging to be made into a film!)
April 3, 2016
Excellent book. It's a story about young girl who from childhood doesn't quite behave the way society expects her to. You can call her a misfit or simply independent. The author, Sonia Bahl, brings out this struggle -- an external strength and internal vulnerabilities -- with flair and feeling. It is superbly written and will take you through a gamut of emotions. Mostly though, it will make you laugh. The author has an unique way of finding just the right word or phrase to describe a situation or a moment.
I don't normally read this kind of book and got to this one by accident. Someone gave a copy and I had a fight to take. I got lucky -- great stuff and looking forward to her next book. Excellent writing.
I don't normally read this kind of book and got to this one by accident. Someone gave a copy and I had a fight to take. I got lucky -- great stuff and looking forward to her next book. Excellent writing.
April 20, 2016
So I don't read too many light fiction books. The cover caught my attention and then I saw the reviewers comments and it made me curious so I picked it up. I practically finished it in one sitting on a flight. The chapters move fast but mostly I liked the way it went from being a Wonder Years kind of story to a misfit out-of-sync story and actually it's a very unusual love story. I think what kept me going most of all was the humour and language - it packs a punch. Very irresistible. We should have more Indian authors who approach light fiction with this touch.
January 14, 2018
This is pure brilliant. The emotional journey from childhood to adulthood for Nira felt like a reading moment from your own life. I was in love with Bir's character. He was just perfect. The chemistry was pure and tender. Nira brother Ra was darling whereas Nick the tormenter remained me of my brother. Loved how the author had captured the journey of Nira & Bir starting from Niras childhood when they met the first time to Adulthood with light witty moments . This is truly a masterpiece. Definitely a must read.
April 12, 2016
Being the author's husband, I'll admit that I'm a "little biased" .... but hand on heart and hope to die (or however we used to express complete sincerity when we were kids), I think The Spectacular Miss is such an unputdownable and laughtillyoucry book that it can convert non-readers into readers for life! It's a delightful story told in a delightful manner.
I promise you, the only regret you'll have is that the book couldn't go on and on and on.
I promise you, the only regret you'll have is that the book couldn't go on and on and on.
September 23, 2019
Right from the start, Sonia's style of writing had me into laughter and awe. Throughout the book, the pace of the story is maintained and keeps the reader hooked. At some points, I was laughing very hard at her witty descriptions of the situations! Loved it from beginning to end, spectacular writing indeed.
June 16, 2016
A brilliant, humorous & heartwarming coming of age story…..read it for a few good laughs, if not anything else.:)
Full review here -
The Spectacular Miss - My thoughts
Full review here -
The Spectacular Miss - My thoughts
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews