Author Name: Aakash V Shivach
Paperback: 239 pages
Publisher: GenNext Publication (2018)
Price: Rs 199
I had learned from an early age, when school libraries allowed you to take home leather-bound books, to not judge them by their cover. Which is why when the grammar Nazi in me felt awkward reading first the title, Steps Taking Backward (not sure if anyone else feels the same), and later the blurb, that was full of grammatical and idiomatic errors, I ignored them. I thought it was the work (or lack of it) of a lazy editor or copy editor. And that is when I decided to sample what was offered in the below-average packaging.
Steps Taking Backward, is the love story of a singer as most love stories are – originating in his teens and one that grew in later years. As their relationship progresses, the protagonists experience growth as individuals that alters their perspective on life and love. So obviously there are ups and downs, challenges et al before a very predictable climax. In fact, you would have perhaps read several stories like this one at school.
What makes this book (which could have been tolerable, really) is the language. Just because one picks up a few words that sound fancy does not mean one makes those words a part of the vocabulary. The syntax is non-existent, grammar is pathetic, and the plot is just so hackneyed.
So as I thanked my stars on turning the last page over, it got me to pack to the packaging. I noticed, that, for once, I should have trusted my instincts and let this book pass. The back page is also replete with grammatical errors.
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Sample a few:
“Civilization owes to the advancement of technology”
“Man is in search of happiness. He can’t derive on finding himself engrossed with abyss.” (WHAT????)
I also noticed immediately, that the author’s bio is longer than the blurb. intro to the book. This should have warned me. Also, in the author biography, it is written, with no regrets (And I quote): “The author finds shortcut methods to hone readership skills.”
Mr Shivach, it will benefit you (and your readers) immensely if you stop doing that with immediate effect. And, that you can find shortcuts while reading does not mean those shortcuts will work when you write a book as well.
The book could have been more palatable, but sigh, the shortcuts! Read this book only if you have nothing better to do.
