Dinner Date by Ishaan Lalit (Book Review- 2.75/5)!!!

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     This is the 2nd book that I am reading from the new emerging publisher- Author's Empire. I have not yet checked their distribution but if next time I would be going to Crossword or Landmark store in Mumbai, I would be checking if their 2-3 titles are present or not. After that, whichever book I would be reviewing of their, I would mention if as a new publication, they are ready to cover the country or focusing only in their zone like Mahaveer Publication generally does. That's the only issue I have with new publications that they don't distribute the book well and depend only on Online pre-ordering and ordering. Let's see what Author's Empire does in future. 

             Well, for now, after Chakra by Ritu Lalit, I have read book of her son, Ishaan Lalit, that's also published by the same, AE Publication, named "Dinner Date". Ishaan Lalit is basically known for writing Sci-fi novel which is popular only in the small section of readers and hence this book could have given him a wonderful image as its from the commercial fiction genre. Though I felt that the book was nice but there's lot of improvement that could have been suggested by the people who read it in developing stage. And its quite evident that the writer's purpose of writing this book was something different- Because some critic challenged him in his review that he writes sci-fi only because he can't write anything else, he tried his hands on this. And he passes with 50% marks, I would say. 

About the Author:-

Ishaan Lalit is a seasoned author with three books already in the market. His unusual plots and the pace of his books have gathered much appreciation. His first book ‘The Bracelet’ gathered good reviews from both HT City and Pioneer. His second book Hexagon, won The Best Science Fiction Award at the Indian Literary Awards. Ishaan Lalit is also an aviator and adventurer. His third book Dinner Date is one of the most highly anticipated books of 2013. He has travelled many countries and that shows in his writing as his books mix multiple cultures and personalities seamlessly. He currently resides in Delhi - NCR but is often out of the country looking for new material to write about.

SYNOPSIS:-

Sam Thomas, today he is a charming, well-dressed, successful lawyer, but he was not always so. He was a goofy, clueless, awkward young man. The first time a beautiful girl kissed him, he ran away screaming, which led to the rumours that he was gay. When he tried to put the rumours to sleep, he only ended up getting into worse trouble and got beaten up by the schools gymnastics team. Dinner Date is the story of one evening, when Sam recounts his story and tells of how he and his friends, Ram and Rohit, go from one fiasco to another in their law school, from almost getting expelled to meeting his estranged godfather, to falling in love with the Deans daughter. The trio fumbles through all the obstacles comically. Dinner Date is a love caper, set amidst moot courts, law school, politics and family secrets.

        Coming to the author I would say:- Yes, he has written a book that can be read one time but the people who are already a fan of this genre may feel disappointed because it offers nothing new. The writing style is wonderful with easy language and funny scenarios being discussed in the story every now and then. That's the best part about the author. He does not like to keep the story simple. And the only story that one loves to read is the one with twists and turns. Everything in the book seems to be incomplete, that's the only problem with the author that I have. He should have carved the story more deeply and tried to create more branches out of the main plot. But what we get to witness is the main plot discussed repeatedly in the book. But still, cutting short all the pros and cons, I would say that the writing style is readable. 

        Initially, when the concept of Godfather is brought up in the book, I said to myself,"Is this really happening?" but as the story progressed and the role of Alex kept getting better, I enjoyed every part of it. I also loved the interaction between Godfather, Sam and his parents. The family values are beautifully portrayed. Aditi is one character I would love to convert into real life person. She is too interesting to be with. What a character! For this, I would like to thank author. Haha! The court session in the beginning when Sam and his friend had to prove themselves to stay in college is one wonderful part of the book. His equation with Ravi Ahuja is also interesting to read. I wanted the friendship to be shown with more power between the three friends but its kept very low profile. Whatever! The changing attitude of Sam after a while and then coming back into aukaat is also a good modification done in the plot. In all, I would say that the book is fine read when you are in journey. But I won't recommend you the book being a die-hard reader. Cover page is beautiful, no doubt. Well done, Amol Karambe. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!