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fandomsandfiction's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
I enjoyed The Lost Love of Akbar Manzil so much that I went in search for more books by this author. I came across this book at the library and I am so so SO HAPPY I did! Shubnum's collection of stories are powerful, emotional, raw, inspirational, and so funny they had me literally LAUGHING OUT LOUD 🤣. Not only did I find so much of it relatable, but I found it to be a truly motivating read. Shubnum Khan's vibrantly bright and passion-filled anecdotes gave me the hope that I too can live a full and exciting life despite my chronic anxiety, OCD and introverted nature (we are so alike in so many ways!!!). As a fellow single brown Muslim South African woman, I felt Shubnum's confessions and insights down to my very core. In these stories you will find pain and unfortunate events, but you will also learning all the poignant life lessons discovered along her way. This is a very special book and I can't recommend it enough.
_askthebookbug's review
5.0
// How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo by @shubnumkhan
Right from the catchy title to Shubnum's witty writing, this book had me hook line and sinker! Shubnum's ordinary life was turned into a tumultuous one because of a single photoshoot. What she thought was for an art project led to her face being printed over hundreds of advertisements without her knowledge. Shubnum was no longer a regular woman but one who was now a familiar face with different names in every country.
Shubnum starts right from the beginning and introduces us to her family. Growing up in a muslim religious family, Shubnum had a fairly normal childhood where she grew up loved and protected in Durban. But soon she feels indefinitely bored about her daily routine and craves to do something different. This feeling slowly grew until she could no longer keep it hidden. Coming from a family in which women never ventured out of a country without being accompanied by a male member, Shubnum makes a life changing decision to live in the Himalayas to teach the village children. This decision sets her life into motion, propelling her further into the real world. From living in a rural area to then moving to China and Seoul, there was no turning back for Shubnum.
What sets this memoir apart from the ones I've read so far is the humour and a sharp wit! I laughed constantly and breezed past the book before I even realised it. Shubnum's life is nothing short of a roller coaster ride and her narration really shines through. What I thought would be an ordinary book turned out to be something spectacular.
This book quietly won my heart. If there's one thing she teaches us through her stories, it is to never stop dreaming and to never settle for anything less.
I most certainly recommend this one.
Thank you for sending this delightful book @panmacmillanindia
Right from the catchy title to Shubnum's witty writing, this book had me hook line and sinker! Shubnum's ordinary life was turned into a tumultuous one because of a single photoshoot. What she thought was for an art project led to her face being printed over hundreds of advertisements without her knowledge. Shubnum was no longer a regular woman but one who was now a familiar face with different names in every country.
Shubnum starts right from the beginning and introduces us to her family. Growing up in a muslim religious family, Shubnum had a fairly normal childhood where she grew up loved and protected in Durban. But soon she feels indefinitely bored about her daily routine and craves to do something different. This feeling slowly grew until she could no longer keep it hidden. Coming from a family in which women never ventured out of a country without being accompanied by a male member, Shubnum makes a life changing decision to live in the Himalayas to teach the village children. This decision sets her life into motion, propelling her further into the real world. From living in a rural area to then moving to China and Seoul, there was no turning back for Shubnum.
What sets this memoir apart from the ones I've read so far is the humour and a sharp wit! I laughed constantly and breezed past the book before I even realised it. Shubnum's life is nothing short of a roller coaster ride and her narration really shines through. What I thought would be an ordinary book turned out to be something spectacular.
This book quietly won my heart. If there's one thing she teaches us through her stories, it is to never stop dreaming and to never settle for anything less.
I most certainly recommend this one.
Thank you for sending this delightful book @panmacmillanindia
simonsaysbooks's review
4.0
This book was well-written and fun. The author is definitely someone I'd befriend!
I did, however, expect the adventures to be more intense. More of a Bear Grylls style, perhaps?
No complaints about the book though! It was great.
I did, however, expect the adventures to be more intense. More of a Bear Grylls style, perhaps?
No complaints about the book though! It was great.
friedatweehuysen's review
5.0
I adored these stories! I felt some of then deeply. I went to Italy on my own, much to the surprise of my family and friends. I was a bit older (celebrated my 40th there) and loved it. I made some friends from different parts of the world too. Although I had family and friends who had done this too so I never doubted I could. And I have my stories too. I highly recommend this book to all.
aadila's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Having adventures in different countries is always what I always imagined my 20s would be. Even before the pandemic hit, I knew I was on a path where I would never touch this. So the yearning was real.
Living with love, kindness, softness and looking at life with a gaze of wonder is something I still can still do. Thank you Shubnum Khan, for sharing your stories with us and reminding me.
Living with love, kindness, softness and looking at life with a gaze of wonder is something I still can still do. Thank you Shubnum Khan, for sharing your stories with us and reminding me.
yasminmayat's review
5.0
Shubnum Khan's anecdotal book was at times hysterical, insightful and even tearful
fatima17's review
5.0
You know that feeling when you know you are going to love a book even before you start reading it and now you’ve read it and you love it even more - that’s me with this book.
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UPDATE: My full review and interview with Shubnum Khan can be found here https://www.thedailyvox.co.za/shubnum-khan-takes-readers-along-on-her-amazing-journey/
Full review loading...
UPDATE: My full review and interview with Shubnum Khan can be found here https://www.thedailyvox.co.za/shubnum-khan-takes-readers-along-on-her-amazing-journey/
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