Spot girl by Komal Mehta

"Spot girl" by Komal Mehta - Story behind the screen!

This book is published by Penguin metro reads in 2014 and has 274 pages. This book was recommended by Ravikiran.

Jiya, a Gujju MBA, has chosen unconventional career. She is manager of Bollywood star Shehzad Khan, who she is in love since she was 11. Shehzad is completely dependent on her to manage his schedule, career and finances. She calls herself spot girl. His association with a new starlet is the beginning of change.

Will Jiya express her love to Shehzad? What feelings does Shehzad have for Jiya? Does the spot girl have any other ambitions?

The novel has four main characters. Shehzad is handsome, lovable, impulsive, vein and one who keeps getting into trouble. Jiya is his woman Friday, trying to keep him out of trouble, managing his business affairs, concealing his love affairs, setting a defined career path for him, making him chose roles that make career and business sense and managing the endorsement deals. Ayesha is the new girl and wants to use Shehzad to further her career. Falak is Ayesha's manager, Bollywood encyclopedia and an aspiring director.

This book gives readers a peek into the working of Mumbai film industry. The world of equations, politics, affairs, dropping hints, speculation and gossip opens up for the readers. 

Jiya appears like a super woman, multitasking, managing things and satisfying whims of Shehzad and covering up his impulsive acts. Shehzad appears pompous and loves himself. Author gives a shade to his character towards the end that does not fit his character until then. It's a flaw. While reading the book one feels that Shehzad doesn't deserve a good girl like Jiya. But love is blind!

Most of the story happens in Mumbai but later part takes place in Cannes, France. Then the story returns to Mumbai.

Story is not pacy, but enough to keep readers interested. It's narrated in flashback and slows down considerably at times. Although the book is not exciting, it could not be abandoned either. I started reading the book in Oct 2018 and completed in Nov 2019. Phew!

Komal used to be a spot girl. Now she is author, script writer and works in the industry. Is Jiya's character based on her? Shehzad's character had similarities to Shahrukh Khan.

Why did I read this book? Ravi's recommendation. 

What I didn't like?  Inconsistent pace. Predictability. 

What did I like? Working of film industry. 

Read of you have spare time.

Beauchamp hall by Danielle Steel

"Beauchamp hall" by Danielle Steele  - TV show fantasy!

This book was published by Pan in 2018 and has 288 pages. 

Winnie, a dreamer, works in her home town. Now at 39 she is in relationship with Rob for 11 years, but she doesn't love him and marriage is not in consideration. One day her world comes crashing down with triple jeopardy. The only solace she finds is in a British TV show, a period drama, "Beauchamp hall". On a spur, she decides to visit England, where the show is being shot.

What will she find in England? Can a TV show heal her wounds? How long can Beauchamp hall run? Will Winnie run out of money? What role will she play?

At first glance the story appears absurd. A girl who has lost everything finding solace in a TV show, travelling to the location of shooting, no future plans. However, author breathes life in this apparently weak plot. She takes us on a unknown ride with Winnie. We get to know the people she meets, the happiness, the sorrow and romance she experiences and how her life takes twists and turns. Readers associate with Winnie. Another author might have messed it up, but not Danielle. She handles the story delicately, maintains decent pace and ensures that readers remain interested. 

The cast supports the story. Nigel, the tender but jealous lover. Margaret, the famous actress in love with a married man. Haversham siblings, all aristocracy and expensive lifestyle but no equivalent income. Her sister, nephew etc. However, Winnie is the central and most prominent character.

It's a story that you read, feel good about and forget. It won't remain in your literary memory for long. Kind of feel good family drama. 

There are no surprises or major twists in this story. It runs on expected lines. Final pairings are a little too convenient. Readers can smell the end from far away and as the story starts to taper off, readers simply know the end. 

Danielle Steele is one of the rare authors who does not write series or sequels to capitalize on past success. Each of her novel is a standalone novel. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What I didn't like?  Lack of major twists and surprises. 

What did I like? Easy flow, steady pace. 

Recommend reading.