Title: Before You’re Not Little Anymore 
Author: Vinodini Parimi
Publisher: StoryMirror Infotech Pvt Ltd
ISBN: 978-93-88698-12-2
Number of Pages: 132
Price [INR] : 175
Genre: Non-Fiction
Before You’re Not Little Anymore is Vinodini’s debut book and is a compilation of letters to her adolescent son before he leaves his country to study abroad.
In this book there are 26 letters that address the A to Z of important life skills needed by youngsters to survive and thrive in life.
Adolescence, being the the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood, comes with its own set of vulnerabilities and challenges. It is not an easy time for both the parents and the youngsters. The only way to deal with the needs and problems of this age is to talk about them openly and clearly. In this book, which has letters from a mom to a son, Vinodini has picked up highly relevant topics for this challenging phase of life. She has talked about sensitive and important topics like taming anger, coping with betrayal, nurturing confidence, dealing with depression, friendship, setting goals, kindness and gratitude, love, patience, respect, values etc.
In these 26 letters, Vinodini speaks from her heart about the much needed life skills. What I liked the most about this book is that it offers reminders about the life’s essentials through a personal voice. I could relate and nod in agreement to the honest, wise and practical advice on various topics. The style of writing is straight forward yet engaging as it has an interesting mix of experiences, anecdotes and reflections from the author’s life.
Though these letters are addressed to a son, but the ideas and insights are universal, timeless and gender independent. The book has 26 chapters, one for each life skill from A to Z. All these chapters/ letters are short, crisp and concise and communicate the message effectively. The book can be finished in one sitting but if you want to savour the author’s reflections, it is better to read one or two chapters at a time.
This book is a gift from the heart of a mother to the heart and mind of every youngster. Read it and gift it your child too.
20 Responses
A timely book to give my adolescent daughter, she loves reading shilpa and I am sure she would love reading this book, thanks for sharing. I am noting the author’s name, as I may forget the name of the book.
We are so connected to our parents and can understand a mother’s situation when kids go away. Parents are a blessing thats what i feel.
It’s a good read and I’m saving it up for my children. I found some chapters really really on point.
Quite a novel idea to teach one’s child via such heartfelt letters. Brilliant work Vinodini.
Thanks Shilpa for sharing your balance review of the book 🙂
What a unique concept and subject of this book. Timeless, universal advice and gender independence makes it all the more appealing.
Thanks for this beautiful review, Shilpa. It’s great to know a parent’s perspective on this book. I do hope it helps all those who read it, especially our youngsters.
This book seems interesting and will gift it to my daughter, when she is little big to read.
I remember reading a few of these letters on her blog. They were definitely wise and practical. Completely agree with your review.
Kids need to read more books like these which teaches them life skills, sharing this ahead! 🙂
I think adolescence age is challenging for both the parents and kids. I am happy this book covers most of the emotions and behavioral skills related to the age.
This sounds like a wonderful book! I will definitely pick this one up.
Looks to be a great knowledgable book and a quick read too.
I can remember what my mom was going through when i was leaving my home for higher studies. I will give this a read.
Thanks for sharing this lovely book I am saving this for my daughter, when shall be big enough to read it.
Would definitely read this book as i love such simple books to read as they are best for vocab too for us n child
This is a nice book to gift to my nephew to read and enhance his reading skills.
The name itself sounds interesting. I am definitely getting one for my son, hope he will enjoy this.
Thanks for sharing beautiful reviews…!!!
Hmm… I should have read this book at least 4 years ago I guess. But I am going to pick it up soon. This one fits a reading prompt for 2020 perfectly.
So nice to have one of us publish a meaningful book and have a fellow blogger enjoy it.