Book Review #57: Surrogate Author

Name: Surrogate Author

Authors:  Santosh Avvannavar  & Shilpa Patil

ISBN: 9781503002159

Publisher: Hoffen (I Edition)

Pages: 47

I thank the author for sending me this book, in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read a book as funny as this, where being anything other than an engineer is being equal to a terrorist! Amazing 47 pages!

This is the story of an engineer turned author Authdas {a guy very similar to Devdas}. Authdas always wanted to be an author and write his first book named Paro. Paro is his childhood obsession and an unfulfilled dream. But there are so many people who stand in his way. It his love-struck journey towards his dream Paro, and an unending love to his writing even after facing many odds.

The format of the book is unique. I loved how the story comes out like a play with each character taking the centre stage. The book sends out a powerful, and a much needed message - In the introduction, Santosh says "Good authors are those who write and basically are not businessmen." You can be an author, don’t let the critics, money, fame and others affect you.

If Bollywood movies like Devdas, Sholay and DDLJ recharge your soul, you are sure to have a heart full of laughter with this book! If the reader knows the twists of all the movies above, then Surrogate Author is great fun.

The corner tag of the book says ' To Aspiring Authors'. Beyond the main plot, the last few pages of the book include a brief guide to writers-to-be. Manuscript ideas, manuscript keywords and sample manuscript writing tools are shared for the benefit of a newbie author. I found that too helpful! The difficulties and distracting temptations that an aspiring author faces while preparing his first manuscript is sculpted effortlessly through popular Bollywood characters.

The book is meant for aspiring authors, like me, who enjoy drama, movies and entertainment.

Verdict: Surrogate Author is a perfect entertainment for leisure reads and travels. It's just a little bigger than a pocket-size book! But, a dhamaka in small size, truly!

Rating: 4/5!