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Grown-Up Pose
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A delightfully modern look at what happens for a young woman when tradition, dating, and independence collide, from acclaimed author Sonya Lalli.
Adulting shouldn’t be this hard. Especially in your thirties. Having been pressured by her tight-knit community to get married at a young age to her first serious boyfriend, Anu Desai is now on her own again and feels like she is ...more
Adulting shouldn’t be this hard. Especially in your thirties. Having been pressured by her tight-knit community to get married at a young age to her first serious boyfriend, Anu Desai is now on her own again and feels like she is ...more
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This is sweet, charming, emotional and also a motivational reading…
Growing up is not only a physical thing. You need to open yourself to grow mentally by experiencing new things, learning new life lessons, touching people’s lives. But it’s mostly about discovering who you are, what you want to do with your life and what makes you happy. So in my opinion Sonya Lalli chose a very good subject and work on the story of Anu Desai, still young and is imposed to believe that growing up means being res ...more
Growing up is not only a physical thing. You need to open yourself to grow mentally by experiencing new things, learning new life lessons, touching people’s lives. But it’s mostly about discovering who you are, what you want to do with your life and what makes you happy. So in my opinion Sonya Lalli chose a very good subject and work on the story of Anu Desai, still young and is imposed to believe that growing up means being res ...more
My problem with the book is that the main character is like a thirteen year old girl and it doesn't get better.
Nah, I just cannot feel the goodness, the romance, the feels. It's just too chatty. Of course, I had to expect that for such a book but I just cannot stand the drama of thirty year old adult women behaving like thirteen year olds getting too overexcited over touching and kissing right from the first chapter.
No, it didn't happen between the women😁
I love drama, I love romance, I love c ...more
Nah, I just cannot feel the goodness, the romance, the feels. It's just too chatty. Of course, I had to expect that for such a book but I just cannot stand the drama of thirty year old adult women behaving like thirteen year olds getting too overexcited over touching and kissing right from the first chapter.
No, it didn't happen between the women😁
I love drama, I love romance, I love c ...more
I enjoyed Sonya Lalli’s first book, The Matchmaker’s List, and could not wait to read Grown-Up Pose.
Anu is in her thirties and is feeling the pressure to get married. She’s been married before, at a young age, due to the demands from her family and community. That marriage ended in divorce and Anu has a young daughter and her own yoga studio. Ahh, yoga!
Grown-Up Pose addresses some important issues, including finding oneself and juggling the demands of life, while also immersing the reader in an ...more
Anu is in her thirties and is feeling the pressure to get married. She’s been married before, at a young age, due to the demands from her family and community. That marriage ended in divorce and Anu has a young daughter and her own yoga studio. Ahh, yoga!
Grown-Up Pose addresses some important issues, including finding oneself and juggling the demands of life, while also immersing the reader in an ...more
Adulting is definitely overrated! Sonya Lalli has written a clever story full of heart and humor about the complexities of being an adult. Anu is in her 30s a wife, a mother, and a good daughter. But Anu isn’t sure this is what she wants, or that this is who she is. Was she so busy making everybody else happy and living up to cultural expectations that she forgot about herself? Then after she is tempted by another man at a work party, she begins to really question everything. What follows is a f
...more
After reading The Matchmaker’s List last year, Sonya Lalli became a must-read author for me. She writes these incredible contemporary fiction novels that explore the push and pull between tradition and modern life on Indian women. Her latest novel Grown-Up Pose is fresh, heart-warming, thought-provoking, and compulsively readable to the very last page.
I almost want to call this a coming of age book, but that would imply a main character in adolescence approaching adulthood. I think there needs t ...more
I almost want to call this a coming of age book, but that would imply a main character in adolescence approaching adulthood. I think there needs t ...more
I should've DNFed. I wanted to read this for the desi rep, and that was pretty much all I liked. The writing was cringeworthy and referenced pop culture at random times (for example: the MC once says, "It's easier to just let it be." Then she smirks and says "Like the Beatles!" The book is full of odd tangents like that. It’s weird).
The pacing and plot were all over the place. Unlike the blurb’s emphasis, the yoga place isn’t that important. It was kinda just... there? I’m still not sure why it ...more
The pacing and plot were all over the place. Unlike the blurb’s emphasis, the yoga place isn’t that important. It was kinda just... there? I’m still not sure why it ...more
I received an ARC from Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.
I love Sonya Lalli's books but if you didn't like The Matchmaker's List, this book might not be for you as it features similar themes and characters. Our main heroine is a mess despite her being a "grown-up" with a mortgage, a child, and a husband she takes very good care of. She has lost direction in what she wants to do, what she wants, and questions whether or not she missed out by only dating and marrying he ...more
I love Sonya Lalli's books but if you didn't like The Matchmaker's List, this book might not be for you as it features similar themes and characters. Our main heroine is a mess despite her being a "grown-up" with a mortgage, a child, and a husband she takes very good care of. She has lost direction in what she wants to do, what she wants, and questions whether or not she missed out by only dating and marrying he ...more
Song/s the book brought to mind: Hey Girl by Lady Gaga and Florence Welch
Grown-Up Pose by Sonya Lalli is such a fun book! I loved learning more about Indian culture and I could definitely see this as a movie.
I never did read The Matchmaker's List even though I own it, but I am going to be changing that shortly. Grown-Up Pose was https://www.thebookdrop.com/ Books For Bubbly selection for April and since I subscribe to it that's how I found out about this book. I excepted this to be a lighter rea ...more
Grown-Up Pose by Sonya Lalli is such a fun book! I loved learning more about Indian culture and I could definitely see this as a movie.
I never did read The Matchmaker's List even though I own it, but I am going to be changing that shortly. Grown-Up Pose was https://www.thebookdrop.com/ Books For Bubbly selection for April and since I subscribe to it that's how I found out about this book. I excepted this to be a lighter rea ...more
Rep: Punjabi mc & side characters
i have THOUGHTS
* i know it was supposed to be about a woman doing things for herself after a marriage where she feels like she's lost herself, but she goes so far in the other direction, and becomes so selfish, i couldn't like her at all
* what did neil do in the marriage that she didn't do herself as well? like both were behind it stagnating, but she was the one to hurt neil so why is she upset when he's (rightfully) upset with her
* the whole part where she liter ...more
i have THOUGHTS
* i know it was supposed to be about a woman doing things for herself after a marriage where she feels like she's lost herself, but she goes so far in the other direction, and becomes so selfish, i couldn't like her at all
* what did neil do in the marriage that she didn't do herself as well? like both were behind it stagnating, but she was the one to hurt neil so why is she upset when he's (rightfully) upset with her
* the whole part where she liter ...more
Anusha has always been the good Indian wife and daughter, never questioning her family’s demands or asking herself what she wants from her own life. But when she is tempted to kiss a coworker one night, she realizes she can’t stop ignoring her own unhappiness. She decides then and there to start following her heart, even if it leads her away from the comfortable life she’s created for herself.
MY THOUGHTS
Don’t let the cartoony cover fool you… This is actually a surprisingly serious (but hopeful) ...more
MY THOUGHTS
Don’t let the cartoony cover fool you… This is actually a surprisingly serious (but hopeful) ...more
3.5 stars - It was really good.
An enjoyable romance where the heroine has other important things in her life to figure out, so the plot is not solely focused on love interests. The characters were well fleshed out and I enjoyed watching the heroine find herself, albeit belatedly.
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First Sentence: Anu Desai tied her hair back with the elastic around her wrist and broke into a jog as she turned into the back alley.
Favorite Quote: In India, we have a sayin ...more
An enjoyable romance where the heroine has other important things in her life to figure out, so the plot is not solely focused on love interests. The characters were well fleshed out and I enjoyed watching the heroine find herself, albeit belatedly.
-------------------------------------------
First Sentence: Anu Desai tied her hair back with the elastic around her wrist and broke into a jog as she turned into the back alley.
Favorite Quote: In India, we have a sayin ...more
When differing cultural practices collide
Traditional life expectations run into conflict for Anu Desai. A good girl who followed her family's strictures, and married the first serious boyfriend she had. The problem is that now she feels trapped. In effect she's painted herself into a corner and is kept there by her own and others expectations. Throughout this navel gazing Anu and her husband are growing away from each other. You could feel Anu's to some extent, self imposed cultural standards r ...more
Traditional life expectations run into conflict for Anu Desai. A good girl who followed her family's strictures, and married the first serious boyfriend she had. The problem is that now she feels trapped. In effect she's painted herself into a corner and is kept there by her own and others expectations. Throughout this navel gazing Anu and her husband are growing away from each other. You could feel Anu's to some extent, self imposed cultural standards r ...more
3.5 Stars
Review to come!
Review to come!
Grown-up Pose was a highly enjoyable novel that I would recommend to anyone who likes a good story, endearing narrator, and well-paced plotline. The story will be relatable to many who hit 30 and find themselves questioning the path they’ve chosen so far. This book is really about finding oneself and living an authentic life rather than making choices based on external expectations. However, that theme is explored in an accessible and enjoyable way - unlike some writers who feel the need to dram
...more
It was a good read.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Damn. Maye it’s the quarantine, but this book was fantastic. It really took me back to a time where I could leave the house. Do you guys remember that? Traveling outside of one’s home/neighborhood/city/country? Wild. But forreal, there was a lot of travel and large group gatherings, which is nice. A lot of books have solitary characters who think a lot, which is often interesting, but not during a quarantine.
This book tackles serious topics like immigration, trauma, racism, cultural appropriati ...more
This book tackles serious topics like immigration, trauma, racism, cultural appropriati ...more
It's a yikes from me.
...more
Really enjoyable book! I got swept up in Anu’s journey as she figured out who she was and what she wanted, and the conclusion was heartwarming and gave me all the feels. Highly recommend.
3.5 STARS - From the outside, it appears that Anu Desai is living the sweet life. But things are not always as they seem.
I loved Lalli's The Matchmaker's List last year so I couldn't wait to get my hands on Grown-Up Pose, a story about a woman's journey to self-discovery despite her many roles: as a wife, mother, daughter, friend and professional. I went into this story expecting a 'romance with a side of yoga' focus but instead got a contemporary fiction read that gave me a lot to think about. ...more
I loved Lalli's The Matchmaker's List last year so I couldn't wait to get my hands on Grown-Up Pose, a story about a woman's journey to self-discovery despite her many roles: as a wife, mother, daughter, friend and professional. I went into this story expecting a 'romance with a side of yoga' focus but instead got a contemporary fiction read that gave me a lot to think about. ...more
Kind of sweet and heartwarming, even while its main character made several questionable decisions as she spends a year after separating from her husband of twelve years trying to figure out who she is and what's important to her. I loved Anu's parents (despite their hovering constantly) and the place Anu and her mother Lakshmi end up by the end of the book.
...more
Overall reaction: Promising presence, less than stellar execution.
While this book isn't necessarily bad, the story does have a lack of focus. There are so many side characters that don't get enough development and end up coming off one dimensional; the reader is told how many of these characters are supposed to be, but there's a lack of on page support of this characterization (the best example being Anu's parents, who never come off as pressuring as they're made out to be). The plot also has a ...more
While this book isn't necessarily bad, the story does have a lack of focus. There are so many side characters that don't get enough development and end up coming off one dimensional; the reader is told how many of these characters are supposed to be, but there's a lack of on page support of this characterization (the best example being Anu's parents, who never come off as pressuring as they're made out to be). The plot also has a ...more
This book wasn’t the worst read and definitely isn’t a bad choice if you want something a little bit on the fluffier side, but it’s definitely got some issues with the amount of content in the book. I’ll keep it spoiler free since I got an ARC but there was too many side characters that felt underdeveloped/didn’t get enough time. The author should have added a few more chapters, or merged/cut a few characters so they didn’t feel so rushed and neglected.
I also think this book was marketed a bit o ...more
I also think this book was marketed a bit o ...more
When you hit 30 we’re you questioning the path you chose in life or your identity?
Well that’s exactly what anu does in this charming story.
Married at a young age (wife) then having a child (mom) anu questions who she really is and what it is she wants from life.
This was a cute fast paced read that I enjoyed.
4⭐️
Well that’s exactly what anu does in this charming story.
Married at a young age (wife) then having a child (mom) anu questions who she really is and what it is she wants from life.
This was a cute fast paced read that I enjoyed.
4⭐️
Jan 2021
So the author’s latest book was recommended by Random House and it looked Promising. Canadian author of Indian heritage - yes please
However I’ve been fooled by this fun looking covers before so I’m going to try out this earlier book first. My library has a copy I think (or I’ll be able to check once the library site is up and running 🤔🤷♀️🤷♀️)
So the author’s latest book was recommended by Random House and it looked Promising. Canadian author of Indian heritage - yes please
However I’ve been fooled by this fun looking covers before so I’m going to try out this earlier book first. My library has a copy I think (or I’ll be able to check once the library site is up and running 🤔🤷♀️🤷♀️)
I was quite excited for this book after I read its synopsis .
Unfortunately this didn't work for me ! ...more
Unfortunately this didn't work for me ! ...more
Since I loved Sonya Lally's first book The Matchmaker's List, I was looking forward to reading her next Grown-up Pose. Thank you Berkley Pub and Netgalley for providing me with the copy of Grown-up Pose in exchange for an honest review.
Anu, in her thirties, is trying to start over. She is separated from her husband. The marriage which was pressurized by her tight-knit family to her then serious boyfriend, Neil, falls apart after she feels that she has no time for herself. She has a daughter with ...more
Anu, in her thirties, is trying to start over. She is separated from her husband. The marriage which was pressurized by her tight-knit family to her then serious boyfriend, Neil, falls apart after she feels that she has no time for herself. She has a daughter with ...more
I firmly believe that every woman needs a slut phase. I said what I said. Now I’m going to explain it. When I say slut phase, what I really mean is starting to figure out who you are, what you want in life and especially what you don’t want in life. Experimenting with sex, flirting with different hobbies and activities and establishing what your passion in life is. Anu Desi has never had her slut phase or an experimental phase. She’s always been the good girl, whose followed her close-knit India
...more
This book had me from start to finish. Heartwarming, hilarious, and well-executed. Lalli has a special talent in that she can create a protagonist who is both endearing and flawed at the same time. I really felt for Anu and was cheering for her to succeed, while simultaneously feeling frustrated at some of her choices. I think that is part of what makes this book great - it doesn't pretend like people are perfect and life is one smooth journey. Instead, it tells a heartfelt story about the bumps
...more
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Sonya Lalli is a Canadian writer of Indian heritage. She studied law in her hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and at Columbia University in New York City. She completed an MA in Creative Writing and Publishing at City University London in 2015, and currently works as a journalist at a legal magazine in London. She has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and loves travel, yoga, piano, reading and cocktai
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