Book Review # 97 What's Good About Falling : Prajwal Hegde

Blurb:

Indian tennis star Arya Ashok is twenty-seven and ranked among the world's top ten players. But she's dogged by a breathing disorder, and a Grand Slam title remains elusive. Leading international media have dubbed her the game's 'most famous quarter finalist'. Only twenty-five, Arvind Ram is the biggest new name in world cricket. After a difficult childhood, with little love and even less money, the fast bowler is enjoying great success on the field. When the dashing Arvind woos Arya at Wimbledon, an unlikely romance blossoms, sparking media coverage across continents. But while Arya is beginning to tire of life on the go, Arvind's reign at the top has only just begun. With their careers and lives moving in different directions, can their love win this match?

My Take:


I love reading stories, where the process of falling in love is explored in detail, with love and patience. That's what I feel is called building the story. The interesting, point being here the guy falls in love with the girl's character and her game, not her physical appearance which is rare in these days.

Arya Ashok is a tennis star, famous and a pro. She has it all, name, fame, hard work and family support. Arvind Ram is a cricketer, who has had a difficult time and struggled hard to reach the place where he is now, famous, successful and rich. Both are headstrong, passionate about their game. What happens when their worlds clash?? Love or game? If they had to make a choice between the passion for the game or love, what would they choose? Read the book to find out.

The leads are beautifully etched. So are their behavior, pattern ,insecurities, the finer details related to sport are very well written.A closer look at what goes in the mind of a sportsperson, how they deal with the pressures, insecurities,the role of the media and social media is incorporated well in the story. The narration is smooth and keeps u intrigued. You get attached to the characters and understand where the story is moving. The insecurities and the confrontation of their emotions are handled delicately. The book keeps you hooked till the end.

Rating:

I would rate this 4.8/5 as it is one of the finer works in the romance cum sport fiction that I have read. This one is going to stay with me for a long time.