Book Review
First Love Lasts Forever by Devanshi Sharma
Most literature for young people is composed by adults.This is not because the young lack the knowledge or the ability to express themselves or the will to. They simply lack the means.
Publishing has been and still involves the input of considerable resources which the young usually lack at their age. They are dependent on their elders who usually do not consider it worth their while to invest in initiatives where they feel returns are doubtful or non-existent.
In rare cases, a young person with the ability to express her thoughts in writing, cogently and in a readable manner, can generate the resources because of parental support, and her own will power, to publish her work and market it.
Devanshi Sharma is a rare breed of modern youngster, who in endowed with natural talent to narrate a good story, has a message to deliver to her teenage peers, has the selfless support of her parents, and the maturity to seek proper guidance needed for success in any enterprise.
The outcome is the refreshing and touching little tale of teenagers and facing their brave new world, with hope, courage, humanity, and fortitude. They seek the love and companionship of their elders and peers, but do not always find it.
The story involves the tender and touching relationship of two teenagers who face life on the front foot together and discover lifelong long companionship, by the grace of Godji, in whom they place their complete trust.
The narrative also touches on issues like teenage bonding, parental concerns, physical dimensions of youngsters approaching adulthood, and High School scenarios in economically higher level institutions.
A credible and worthwhile effort which readers would profit by reading and disseminating.
Bharaat Vyas,
Writer, Co-author & Publisher.
- Decoding Happy Marriages.
- The Link - Hinduism and Modern Science.
Foreword
True Love Lasts Forever explores the subtle regions of teenage feelings for people around them, from parents, teachers, colleagues, and to the opposite sex.
Attraction and repulsion are in constant play in nature and in relationships. It is how we balance and harmonise these forces that decides the colour and texture of our relationships and the fabric that we weave to create the lives we lead.
Devanshi Sharma observes actions from this point of view. Every interaction is the result of causes and effects which in turn play on continuously in the rigmarole called life. Every action has a reaction.
The importance of her work is in how she wishes to show the teenager that they are the products of the world they live in. How they are able to fashion their lives will depend on the manner in which they abide by moral principles guided by Godji on High, and the compulsions of their day-to-day requirements.
An important character, Abeer Singhania has aspirations of becoming a major success as a cricketer whereas his father, a successful businessman, and at one time a failed aspiring sportsman, feels that practical success can be earned through hard-headed professional or commercial enterprise, not mere wishful thinking or by chasing dreams. He makes a deal in which his father allows him a few years to prove himself as a cricketer or fall in line with his father.
Sargam is a girl who like most teens faces the world with a devil-may-care attitude of defiance, adventure, and sense of humanity. She gradually finds support and companionship on the way through Abeer with whom fate brings her into increasingly close touch. She is not out to find a life partner, but realises that unlike the moon, we humans are not meant by nature to be solitary souls, but need a mate who understands and vibes well with us.
They are only some of the interesting characters and situations Devanshi creates to express what she wishes to convey.
We all need companionship, but this should not be at the cost of the happiness of others. Godji has created mates for all of us, but discovering the person and then living morally so that we harmonise with society and the world, is what life is all about.
It is a touching little tale, well written, with sincere intentions.
Devanshi Sharma has chosen the road she wishes to travel on. May Godji give her success and fortune at the end of the rainbow she is following.
Bharaat Vyas
Extracts from books:
First Love Lasts Forever:
…Next morning, my eyes opened after a lot of anguish that it had faced in the last four days. I got up and stood in front of the mirror. I tried to talk to myself regarding what was really happening. Problems were to come every time but should those problems conquer your mind and soul? Not at all. If a problem had come up telling me that I was weak, I should not give up in front of it, rather should challenge the problem that I am more powerful than you Mr. Problem. I decided to be stronger from the very new minute. The new morning gave me an additional strength to solve things out and each new ray told me that everything will be fine. I saw myself in the mirror with a new spark in my eyes. I smiled looking at my mirror image and quickly dressed up in my school uniform. Today, I had got ready an hour before as I wanted to see Varun once. I thought the rail of misconceptions should not disrupt my friendship at least. Plus, today I had an unknown strength that told me that Sargam, you can face anything that comes your way! Actually, the new feeling was love which I had realized late, but finally my heart had decided what it wished for. Before today, I had heard in bollywood movies that love was powerful but it was today that it made sense to me. Certainly love had given me some unknown powers today.
Also, I was not a person who will give up to the problems so easily. Just like a bird, who tries so hard to fly in the sky even with mélange of problems, yet it does! Isn’t it? Another example I take, in a cricket match, when India plays against any other nation and they have to score a 36 of some ten odd balls. Is it like MS Dhoni tells the empire, that no ways, I give up and leave the field? He doesn’t. Do you know why? It is because even in those ten balls he has a hope alive that there will be some batsman like Yuvraj Singh who will hit six sixes and will bring back the game in his favor! Then, how can Sargam get weak in front of a situation so meek?
So, on this note, I started my day with a great, big smile. I was back. I had found the track that was lost…
Testimonials
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Amber Sanghvi:
First Love Lasts Forever revolves around teenagers and is a wonderful read! It has a brilliant cover and a catchy title! The best part about the novel is it’s fast and crisp pace which adds to the twists and turns!! Alike the first novel, Devanshi has included a lot of twists and turns which make it an inevitable read! Keep writing author ;)
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Dhruv Chhabra:
Well, i dont know where to start from! Devanshi is a very talented girl with a great sense of creativity and intelligence. Her optimistic attitude towards life is something that makes everyone admire her. Her books 'Unimaginably True' and 'First Love Lasts Forever' are an outcome of her hard work and passion towards writing. 'Love' is a very strong word and being in love is often the most beautiful feeling. "Its not about falling in love,its about feeling it, and to live with that feeling is all required for a beautiful love story." Reading devanshi's books will give you an insight about the teenage love, the feeling of being in love and much more.
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Dijita Singvi:
I loved the book and also appreciate the suggestions given by the author after every chapter! The twist and turns were awesome. That make it very interesting and your belief in dreams, Devanshi is very true! I am eagerly waiting for the next novel! The true love shown is commendable!!
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Deepanti Gajjar:
"It's said that if you want something wholeheartedly, the universe conspires to bring it to you."
This novel is about love story in which all characters are portrayed in a different manner. The Story of this novel begins not with love however with friends. The author Devanshi Sharma has beautifully shared her thoughts in this innocent love story. I really appreciate from the bottom my heart the young talent who just at the age of 19 shares her thoughts in an excellent way. Best Wishes as always & Best of Luck for your Third Novel will wait for it...