Title: Sick of Being Healthy 
Author: Monisha K Gumber
Publisher: Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd
ISBN: 978-93-52017-23-2
Number of Pages: 160
Price [INR] : 225
Genre: Fiction
Sick of Being Healthy is a contemporary YA novel about a teenager, Tara who is not too happy about her chubby looks. She believes that if she was skinnier, she’d be happier – not just with her body but with her life in general. She is desperate to get the guy of her dreams, and in that process gets into trouble that not only cost her friendships, her peace of mind but even her life!
I picked this book after reading the blurb but when I saw the book with illustrations on almost every page, I wasn’t sure whether this book would be my thing. The book reminded me of Gerenimo Stilton (which has coloured illustrations) and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (with black and white illustrations ) which my son read till a year ago. And I was so wrong. I mean just because I am no longer a kid or a teen, it does not mean that I don’t like pictures anymore!!
The story is written in an effortlessly engaging style and brings to light the issues and troubles faced by the teens. The book talks about parental pressure to get perfect grades, one sided love affairs, self esteem issues, body image issues, diets and weight loss, peer pressure, cyber affairs, sex education among other things. Since the book has first-person narrative, we get to know all of Tara’s thoughts and feelings, troubles and issues from her perspective. And the author is spot on in capturing all that! The dynamics between the family members and that between friends is pretty realistic and that draws you completely in.
The illustrations and sketches are pretty neat and add to the fun quotient of the story! In fact these pictures and illustrations are an integral part of the novel.
The language is simple and lucid throughout, and makes for smooth reading without proofreading errors.
Sick of Being Healthy is an interesting read dealing frankly with serious issues in a sensitive and a fun way. It’s a short story which can be read not only by teenagers but their parents as well as it highlights issues without being over-bearing and preachy. Check it out!
17 Responses
I don’t like reading YA fiction, but it seems interesting. It’s good that it touches some serious issues. Also, I like reader-friendly writing style.
Nice review, Shilpa 🙂
Yes, it talks about some burning teen issues in a simple yet effective manner. Thanks Tarang. Glad you liked this review.
loved that saying in the pic..
if you want something you never had– THEN you do something you never did anything before ..
Brilliant …
Bikram’s
Yes, that’s a profound statement. And it’s something that we all should put into practice to achieve our dreams and goals.
Thanks a lot Shilpa , I really appreciate
It was my pleasure to read your book. Thanks Monisha!
I am personally not an avid reader…but this book kept me involved n glued to it. Not only because i relate to the emotions faced by the character but also the book is easy to comprehend n love the vernacular style which reaches the audience quicker
Glad you can relate to the characters and the story, Namita!
I think this book is written with an authentic voice. The author is addressing teenage issues in a real way, not trying to be shy about what it means to grow up, but talking to us all directly, no matter our age. I love that she is a mother who found this creative way to educate her own daughter. That takes courage and love.
You are spot on, Mariette. Agree with you completely. The book is honest and sincere and is one that we all can relate to and that’s what makes it an appealing read.
I read it in one go and though the book is a bit girly- my ten year old son loved it
Yes, it’s good for teenagers as they can relate to it completely!
Good
Thanks!
Hello!
this book kept me involved n glued to it. Not only because i relate to the emotions faced by the character but also the book is easy to comprehend n love the vernacular style which reaches the audience quicker
I experience severe anxiety on occasion, so I’m thinking about trying a CBD product.
Unfortunately, it’s not available to buy in my country (not even ebook or DVD) and I am wondering if the little videos on youtube would still give any result, or are they of no use without the full workout?