Discovering Life and Connections in GoaGram by Bina Nayak

Have you ever picked up a book expecting a light-hearted rom-com, only to find yourself pleasantly surprised by the depth it holds? That was my experience with GoaGram by Bina Nayak. Initially, I thought I’d give this to my 13-year-old to read, but quickly changed my mind. The book delves into some real-life issues and isn’t a hunky-dory world. This depth is beautifully reflected throughout the narrative. As a marketer, I’m intimately familiar with the benefits and challenges of content creation, especially for small businesses. Does social and content sometimes take over everything? This theme is poignantly explored in the book. There are many aspects of GoaGram that struck a chord with me.

Blurb

A place in the sun … comes at a cost, sometimes! Mesmerized by the world of social media influencing and its quick fix for fame, Madhur Chopra aka Maddie, escapes from COVID-infested Delhi to tranquil Goa, which provides the perfect backdrop for her vlogs. Armed with dreams of becoming a famous fashion influencer, she ends up in Casa Coutinho—a crumbling-but-glorious Goan mansion—and strikes an unlikely friendship with the landlady. As Maddie’s vlogs catch on, her life becomes a heady mix of Insta likes, ever-increasing subscribers, and newfound fame, until a horrifying experience shatters her digital dreams. What will Maddie choose—reviving her influencer persona and striking gold with her designer clothing line, or accepting analogue anonymity forever? A spirited tale of resilience and reinvention, GoaGram takes you behind the scenes to reveal the pain and the goop behind the pouts and glitter on screen.

What I Liked About GoaGram

1. Human Connections and Relationships

One of the most captivating themes in GoaGram is the exploration of human connections. The relationships between the characters, whether it’s the heartwarming bond between Maddie and her landlady or the camaraderie with her friends, are beautifully portrayed. Despite generational gaps, common interests and shared beliefs bring people together in unexpected ways, adding a rich layer to the narrative.

There’s a scene where Maddie and her landlady discuss sewing machines, which reminded me of those rare, beautiful moments when you connect with someone on a deeper level, despite age or background differences. Have you ever experienced something similar? The book touches on themes of old lonely aged people, parent-child relationships going sour, meeting someone and just clicking, and helping a stranger out for nothing in return. It also shows the darker side of human nature—how people can take advantage of you if you let them, exert power over you just because they can, and ultimately betray you. All this is wrapped in a story with a smattering of comedy, a teeny tiny touch of romance, and lots of charm. The rich world-building balances the good and the bad, covering both sides of the situation and keeping it real.

2. Challenges of Being a Content Creator

Navigating the world of content creation is no small feat, and GoaGram captures this struggle brilliantly. Maddie’s journey reflects the real-life challenges of balancing business promotion with content creation. It’s a candid look at how sometimes, content creation can overshadow the business itself, a scenario many small business owners can relate to. I found the book’s portrayal of a full-time content creator’s life refreshingly honest. It’s not all picturesque Instagram posts and viral reels, folks! Nayak does a fantastic job of showing the behind-the-scenes struggles and triumphs.

The book portrays how small business owners can get swept into content creation, making it the main focus rather than running the business. It highlights how people view content creation as a frivolous career, youngsters chasing freebies and fame at the expense of security, and dealing with people who want to take advantage of you, use you, and discard you. Especially poignant is the depiction of dealing with trolls and sexual perverts, which is a harsh reality for many women in this field.

3. Engaging and Relatable Protagonist

Let’s talk about Maddie for a moment. She’s not perfect, and that’s exactly why I loved her. She is a beacon of resilience and determination. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks, her street-smart attitude, and her knack for making and keeping friends – it all felt so authentic. There were moments when I wanted to high-five her through the pages and others when I wished I could give her a hug and some advice. She never loses sight of her dreams, even when distractions and setbacks threaten to derail her.

4. Vivid Setting of Goa

Bina Nayak doesn’t just describe Goa; she brings it to life. The lesser-known beaches, bustling markets, charming lanes, and quaint old homes are depicted with such vibrancy that you feel like you’re walking through Goa yourself. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the story that enhances the overall experience.

Even more important is the Goan community. Their challenges—living in a place swarming with tourists and trying to preserve their culture and traditions—are beautifully captured. Nayak’s depiction of the Goan lifestyle, with its unique charm and underlying tensions, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

5. Beautiful Sketches

One delightful surprise in GoaGram is the inclusion of beautiful sketches depicting several key scenes. These illustrations added an extra layer of charm and helped to bring the story to life in a way that is rare in modern books. They were a pleasant throwback to a time when illustrations were more common in novels, and they enhanced my overall reading experience.

What I Did Not Like About the Book

1. Caricaturish Punjabi Mannerisms

While I appreciated the attempt to showcase the protagonist’s Punjabi background, at times it felt a bit… forced. Some of the Punjabi traits and expressions seemed more caricature-ish than organic, which occasionally disrupted the flow of her otherwise likeable personality. It made me think about the fine line between celebrating cultural identity and falling into stereotypes. How do you feel about cultural representations in books? Isn’t that a tough balancing act for an author?

Final Thoughts about GoaGram

Overall, GoaGram was an engaging and easy read that left me with a smile on my face and a lot to think about. It’s perfect for pop culture fans who enjoy a story with layers. If you’re looking for a book that goes beyond a simple rom-com and delves into deeper themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of modern digital life, give GoaGram a shot. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read it or plan to pick it up!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, but Harper Collins India did send me the book for review. The opinions are honest, and my own.

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Goagram by Bina Nayak
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Exploring Depth and Connections in GoaGram

Initially, I picked up GoaGram by Bina Nayak expecting a fun, light read. However, it quickly evolved into a much deeper narrative that touched on various themes, including the challenges of being a full-time content creator and small business owner.

The book excels in exploring human connections and relationships. The bond between Maddie and her landlady, despite their generational gap, is particularly touching. The protagonist’s resilience in the face of repeated setbacks is inspiring. She’s street-smart, talented, and determined, qualities that make her highly relatable.

Goa is more than just a setting in this book; it’s a vibrant part of the story. The vivid descriptions of lesser-known beaches, bustling markets, and charming old homes bring the place to life. The Goan community’s challenges—living in a place swarming with tourists and trying to preserve their culture and traditions—are beautifully captured.

The official blurb says it best: “Mesmerized by the world of social media influencing and its quick fix for fame, Madhur Chopra aka Maddie, escapes from COVID-infested Delhi to tranquil Goa, which provides the perfect backdrop for her vlogs. Armed with dreams of becoming a famous fashion influencer, she ends up in Casa Coutinho—a crumbling-but-glorious Goan mansion—and strikes an unlikely friendship with the landlady. As Maddie’s vlogs catch on, her life becomes a heady mix of Insta likes, ever-increasing subscribers, and newfound fame, until a horrifying experience shatters her digital dreams. What will Maddie choose—reviving her influencer persona and striking gold with her designer clothing line, or accepting analogue anonymity forever?”

One delightful surprise in GoaGram is the inclusion of beautiful sketches depicting several key scenes. These illustrations added an extra layer of charm and helped to bring the story to life in a way that is rare in modern books. They were a pleasant throwback to a time when illustrations were more common in novels, and they enhanced my overall reading experience.

However, the portrayal of Maddie’s Punjabi mannerisms felt a bit forced. As a Punjabi, I found the ‘Haanji’ and ‘Ji’ overused, which sometimes made her character seem caricaturish.

Overall, GoaGram is an engaging read that balances light-hearted moments with deeper themes. If you enjoy books that make you reflect while entertaining you, GoaGram is worth your time.

View all my reviews

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