Title of the Book: Why Not Me? – 2 Author: Anubhav Agrawal Genre: Non-Fiction Pages: 324 Publisher: Harper
Why Not Me 2 is the sequel to Anubhav Agrawal’s bestselling book, Why Not Me. It delves into Anubhav’s life post-breakup, exploring his coping mechanisms and his renewed hope for love.
Though the Hinglish style might be unfamiliar at first, the narrative style soon becomes comfortable, feeling like a personal story shared by a friend.
What to expect from Why Not Me? – 2
Expect a 300-page exploration of the author’s experiences during his youth, marked by a range of emotions. The narrative follows his life as he moves to a new city, where he encounters both love and challenges. The book also includes heartfelt poems dedicated to his love, expressing moments of confession and the fear of losing her.
About the Book:
The story begins with the protagonist’s devastating heartbreak that can leave lasting scars and transforms him as a person. This relatable experience of heartbreak shows us that when we’re hurt by others, it can make us become hardened towards those around us. We may unintentionally hurt the feelings of those who care about us most, such as close friends. The world can seem bleak, and every moment a heavy burden.
It goes on to showcase his coping mechanisms, which involves channeling his emotions through poetry and engaging with strangers on social media platforms.
When love re-enters your life, you approach it with a newfound maturity. It’s a whole new world, one where you’re more practical, wiser, and less willing to compromise your self-respect. The world of love: as simple as it seems, as complex as it can become.
This book is a journey. A journey that starts with a simple message from a stranger but goes on to become the most important part of life. (I smiled with all my heart when I read this line in the Acknowledgements: ‘A special thanks to my beloved wife, Saloni. I’m loving this transition from just ‘Saloni’ to ‘my beloved wife, Saloni.’)
The book shows the impact of hurtful past relationships. It explores how his love interest is hesitant to accept love again in her life. His unconventional efforts to win her trust are highlighted. The narrative then delves into the practical aspects of life that must be considered, as love alone is not sufficient for a fulfilling life. The importance of stability in achieving a content and happy life is emphasized.
It mirrors many middle-class dreams and emotions tied to those dreams. One such example is buying the first mobile phone with one’s own salary or the joy of a family purchasing a car. These little things bring immense happiness.
The book also captures the hardships of middle-class life. It portrays how a middle-class man might be unable to seize an opportunity due to financial constraints, and how his father privately harbors this regret for years.
While going through the book, you often find yourself emotionally invested in the couple’s journey. At one point, you think, ‘Oh my God, he’s made extraordinary efforts to be with his loved one,’ and at another, you wonder, ‘What the hell is this? Is he for real?’ One such instance was when the girl was hurt, and instead of comforting her, he responded with anger and self-pity, forcing her to console him.
What makes this particular episode stand out is the author’s candid acknowledgment of his mistake. This reveals his true character, as he recognizes his wrongdoing in a situation where the focus should have been on comforting his partner. This realization is a significant step toward growth and a healthier relationship.
That’s why it is said:
Love is Complicated. Love is Unexpected.
Love is everything you thought it was and not.
The book also includes lighter moments of friendship, such as flatmates celebrating his love life with a pizza party, the joy of receiving gifts from his girlfriend, or the simple pleasure of eating parathas together.These moments highlight the camaraderie among young men living independently, who form a close-knit bond and celebrate life’s little joys.
Few Takeaways from the Book
- Importance of Consent : Consent is essential, regardless of gender. Man’s No is also a No.
- Importance of Parental Support : There is a moment when the author’s father tells him, “If things don’t work out, don’t overthink it. Just come back. We are there for you, and we will do something.” These are the lines you want to hear from your loved ones. They provide a whole new level of motivation, knowing that someone is always there for you. This is how parents are. It underscores the invaluable role parents play in shaping their children’s lives and providing them with the emotional support they need to succeed.
- Be Kind Always, but Most Importantly, Remember Those Who Were Kind to You : This society stands strong because of the kindness of people toward one another. This book celebrates the power of human connection, highlighting instances of selfless acts. For e.g. author staying in someone’s home in Gurgaon when he was unemployed or a colleague offering to help him close meetings while he was abroad.
This isn’t just a love story. It’s a raw, honest portrayal of an ordinary man’s journey through life’s challenges. From the depths of depression to the heights of love, his connection with parents, his supportive friends, and his career struggles, this book explores it all. If you’re into complex storylines with deeper meanings, this might not be for you. But if you’re seeking a relatable, heartfelt tale that resonates with everyday experiences, or if you’re a beginner reader, this could be a good fit. Ultimately, it depends on your taste. So, what are you waiting for? If this book sounds interesting, go Grab your copy of WHY NOT ME 2.
About the Author: Anubhav Agrawal
Anubhav Agrawal, an Author, Life Coach, and Past Trauma Healer with over 8+ years of experience in helping individuals transform their lives. was born in Rampur (Uttar Pradesh) India. He’s one of the most followed Author of India with more than 5 million followers on social media platforms..
This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program. You can buy the book from Amazon