Book Review (Prose)

Name of the book: Twelfth fail

Author: Anurag Pathak

Translated by: Gautam Choubey and Lalit Kumar

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication year: 2021

Genre: Inspirational

Language: English

About the author: Gautam Choubey is a translator and columnist. He teaches English at Atma Ram
Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi. His English translation of Pandey Kapil’s novel
Phoolsunghi, is perhaps the first-one from the language to be translated into English. He has also
translated Andre Beteille’s Democracy and its Institutions into Hindi.

Lalit Kumar teaches English at Deen Dayal Upadhayaya College, University of Delhi. He is currently co-
editing a book on Amaranatha Jha for the Sahitya Akademi. He holds a doctorate in Maithili literary
culture and the coming of print in Maithili from the department of English, University of Delhi. His
articles have appeared in many national dailies, including The Hindu, The Times of India and Jansatta.

Twelth fail: Hara Vahi Jo Lada Nahi by Anurag Pathak translated by Gautam Choubey and Lalit Kumar
is an inspiring non-fiction book that chronicles the real-life journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who rose
from extreme poverty and academic failure to become one of the top positions in the Indian Police
Service (IPS) office. The book traces Manoj’s journey from a small village in Madhya Pradesh, where he
once failed in class 12, to cracking the UPSC exam, one of the toughest competitive exams in India. The
narrative captures Manoj’s unwavering determination, grit, and honesty. Despite failing his 12 th-grade
exams, facing financial struggles, and dealing with systemic corruption, he refuses to compromise on his
values. The book delves into the emotional, psychological, and social challenges he faced and overcame.
Central themes include perseverance, integrity, hope, and the power of education and self-belief.

Writing style:

Anurag PAthak’s writing is straightforward and emotionally charged. He presents the story in a simple,
engaging style that resonates with readers, especially students and aspirants of competitive exams. The
language is accessible, and the storytelling feels personal and relatable.

Impact:
Twelfth fail is more than just a biography; it’s a motivational tale for anyone facing failure or feeling
hopeless. It sends a powerful message “failure is not the end- it can be the beginning of something
extraordinary”.

Highlights:

The book has received positive reviews for its inspiring storyline and motivational themes.

Some reviewers praise the book’s ability to convey the importance of hard work and determination.

However, a few reviewers mention that the writing style is average.

Target audience:

Students preparing for competitive exams

Individuals looking for inspirational stories of overcoming adversity

Those interested in stories about the Indian education system and civil services

12th fail is a motivational read that showcases the power of perseverance and determination. While the
writing style may not be exceptional, the story’s impact and inspiration make it a worthwhile read.

BOOK REVIEW (Poem)

Book Title: मेरी फ़ितरत है मस्ताना

Author: मनोज 'मुन्तशिर'

Language: Hindi

Genre: Poetry

Publisher: वाणी प्रकाशन

Edition: 6th Edition

Theme: Love, longing, heartbreak, self-discovery, and life's philosophy.

Writing Style: Conversational, lyrical, and emotive.

About the Author: Manoj Muntashir, an acclaimed Indian lyricist, poet, and screenwriter, is
celebrated for his poignant and soulful lyrics in Bollywood songs. Born as Manoj Shukla in Uttar
Pradesh, he adopted the pen name 'Muntashir,' symbolizing his poetic identity. His journey from
a small town to the bustling Hindi film industry is a tale of passion and perseverance. Muntashir
is known for writing heart-touching songs like "Teri Mitti" from the movie Kesari and romantic
hits from movies like Baahubali and Kabir Singh.

Apart from songwriting, his love for poetry shines through his literary works, including the book
मेरी फ़ितरत है मस्ताना. His poetry often blends Hindi and Urdu, giving it a
melodious and evocative quality. Muntashir’s work resonates with readers and listeners alike due
to its relatable themes of love, loss, and self-reflection.

Introduction: The poetry collection 'मेरी फ़ितरत है मस्ताना' by मनोज

'मुन्तशिर' is an evocative portrayal of emotions, relationships, and life's essence. A
celebrated lyricist and poet, मुन्तशिर has beautifully crafted this book, weaving together
words that touch the soul. Known for his soulful lyrics in Bollywood, his poetry carries the same
essence, filled with depth and passion.
Theme and Style: The book predominantly revolves around the themes of love, longing,
heartbreak, and the quintessential journey of self-discovery. The title itself suggests a carefree
and flamboyant attitude towards life, which resonates throughout the verses. मुन्तशिर's
writing style is conversational, making readers feel as if they are engaging in an intimate
dialogue with the poet. The rhythmic flow of the verses, combined with the raw emotion they
carry, makes the poetry relatable and profound.

Content and Structure: Divided into several sections, each poem reflects a different mood and
message. Some verses evoke nostalgia, reminding readers of lost love, while others encourage
embracing life with a brave heart. The recurring motif of resilience and self-love adds a
motivational dimension to the book. मुन्तशिर's use of metaphors and simple yet impactful
language enhances the charm of his poetry.

Critical Appreciation: One of the strengths of 'मेरी फ़ितरत है मस्ताना' lies in its
ability to capture the nuanced emotions associated with love and pain. The poet’s profound
thoughts, articulated in a colloquial yet poetic manner, strike a chord with readers of all ages.
The simplicity of the language does not undermine the intensity of the message but rather makes
it accessible to a wider audience.

However, some readers might find a few poems repetitive in their themes, as the focus on love
and heartbreak recurs frequently. Nevertheless, each poem offers a unique perspective, allowing
readers to perceive familiar emotions differently. Additionally, the poet's use of Hindi, combined
with Urdu influences, adds a lyrical beauty to the text.

Personal Reflection: Reading 'मेरी फ़ितरत है मस्ताना' is like embarking on an

emotional voyage where one explores the highs and lows of human relationships.
मुन्तशिर’s poetry serves as a gentle reminder that embracing one’s flaws and celebrating
individuality is essential in the chaotic journey of life. His poetic expressions resonate with those
who value heartfelt poetry and introspective writing.

Conclusion: In essence, 'मेरी फ़ितरत है मस्ताना' is not just a poetry book but a
soulful experience. It is an ode to life’s imperfections, portraying the beauty of being
unapologetically oneself. For poetry enthusiasts and admirers of मुन्तशिर’s work, this
collection offers a refreshing and insightful perspective on love and life. It is a must-read for
those seeking comfort in words and solace in verse.
THANK YOU