Book Review of Untold Stories of My Youth
- Overcoming Trauma and Restoring Wholeness by Neeraj Kumar
Notion Press Platform, ISBN 798894159430, Price: INR 435/-

If something involves the making of someone, ‘it develops in them good qualities and characteristics that might not have been developed without it.’ Illustrating the title phrase in a sentence - Few hours and days in the company of a good book – that’ll be the making of him/her; which is precisely what Prof S. C. Dubey (Late) writes in the foreword to this motivational book: “The book prepares the readers for higher things in life, read the book, and you will understand its value.”

On the cover page (outer), author Neeraj Kumar offers a synopsis of what the book has to offer; with much conviction, he pronounces it will bring in “love, peace, and harmony,” particularly when one is at the crossroads - “on the verge of losing faith in humanity itself.”

“When life is on its brink
In the last moments
One closes his eyes
And asks himself
What have I earned?

What have I earned?
The way one lived his life
The love he shared
Or the hatred that he kept within

It comes back as memories
Good or bad
To answer him on his face
Whether it was a gift or a curse.” (Life p xvii)

The poem on the front page of Grandpa’s unpublished notebook which protagonist Rahul chances to read after the elderly man’s demise, takes him on a voyage of unearthing, understanding, and acceptance that change often implies “new beginnings.” Rahul, the fictional hero can very well be one of us or someone well-known in our circles, autobiographical too, perhaps; however, Grandpa and Rahul guarantee that the reader delves deeply into life’s offerings, and battles, and emerges successful as “made man.”

Often, not the events per se, but the lingering “memories” that bring along the catharsis to one who courageously rips open the ‘veil’ of sorrow to “see the light coming in.’ “Darkness can seem like a bottomless well, but when one tries to look closely at it, it only engulfs us more.” (p 8, Candle of Faith). Neeraj (stepping into Grandpa’s shoes) goes on to suggest that just as “we choose not to step on pools of muddy water on roads, (p 10), we do not dwell in the dark chambers, instead discover the “Simba” within ourselves.

Grandpa’s practical counseling supports the fact that one cannot remain “invincible all the time. One must reach out and establish a good “support system” among people – a spouse, best friend, long-distance friend, or any other. “It would surely help if you had some choices available to you so that you would not feel left all alone.” (p 13) Again, using the analogy of water, stepping into Grandpa’s shoes, Neeraj Kumar explains: “Dirty water means that the water was clean at first, but accidentally some dirt got into it. Similarly, our natural state inside is clean.” (p13)

Young Rahul, who could not live up to his parents’ expectations recalls his pessimistic attitude; in contrast to Grandpa’s poems, his lines were melancholic, despondent, and vindictive as these titles suggest- “A Graveyard full of Roses,” “A Wicked Dancer,” and “Withered Rose.” All, until Rahul slowly gathered that pain had to be transformed into power with steadfastness and faith – “through the ashes, seeds of hope will sprout from deep within.” (p 21) Using an anecdote from Arunima Sinha’s life -the first female amputee to scale Mt. Everest, Grandpa (author Neeraj) asserts: “if we have faith in our abilities, then no one can stop us. Storms of difficulties might come, but the sun in our hearts will never ever set.” He reiterates this in the following verse

“Falling from grace is inevitable, but regaining it is a choice!
To look at the face of fear but not fear! (Look at the Face of Fear But Not Fear p 27)

The mix of prose and verse has a two-purpose advantage - serves as a refrain, helps to preserve the rhythmic flow of thoughts, and pushes aside the seeming monologue. Neeraj Kumar is a skilled wordsmith who conveys his thoughts succinctly and successfully. Likewise, he talks about the incredible power of music in healing – “Songs are nothing but packets of emotions; when opened, some bring cheers, while some bring tears.” (p 35)

The foremost step in the healing process is “midnight’s healing. (p 37); such a process begins by loving oneself first before loving another. The question posed – “Can you draw water from an empty well?” The author’s frequent usage of water reflects his understanding of its symbolism in religions and cultures. The elixir of life, water is the fundamental representation of life itself, often intertwined with “wisdom, enlightenment, and clarity.” Commonly used in religious practices, water “cleanses the body and soul, thereby signifies renewal and rebirth.”

Likewise, “What to ignore, what to focus on.” The glass of water is either “half empty” or “half filled,’ - what distinguishes the optimist from the pessimist is an understood fact. As the Buddha states: “Life is a creation of the mind.” We see what we wish to see, none is the “whole truth.” Yet another philosophical truth is conveyed in the tale: “Our Trip Is Very Short.” (p 57) A woman climbed up the bus and sat down beside a man, knocking him with her numerous bags. When the man remained in silence, the puzzled woman asked him why he did not complain. The man replied with a smile: “There is no need to be upset about something so insignificant, as our journey together is so short because I’m getting off at the next stop.” What a revelation! Appreciation, Forgiveness, Compassion, Apologizing…. developing some of these characteristics without focusing on the “black dot in the center of the white paper,” (p 81) is certain to make this short life purposeful and wholesome.

I appreciate that Neeraj has allotted a chapter on “Understanding Differences.” (p 263) Among the foremost qualities of every human in today’s multi-racial, multi-ethnic, queer world that we live in is to recognize differences without being judgmental. The proverbial “All Fingers are not the same!” Be it in society or at work, understanding different mindsets and cultural differences, and working with a thorough understanding of such distinctions brings along comfort and harmony.

Unlike many fictional books where the ending is unknown until one reads through, on the cover page, author Neeraj Kumar has offered a hint of the ‘happy’ finish, although it has not been explicitly stated; which is precisely how this distinguishes it from other fictional books that may be more ‘time-pass’ read.

Neeraj Kumar (@penmatician) adds in the Thank You Note: “If my words have rang true to you or if it was able to at least bring a smile to your face…You’re all amazing.”

I wish to add that this book can prove to guide today’s teenagers and young adults who are deluded by media, movies, and sensational videos, fall prey to bad ways, get sucked deeper into the abyss, and most often are unable to give up on vices that impair their health and psyche. Older adults who are unable to articulate their thoughts will find this useful to convey their challenges, and apprehensions, and offer practical solutions.

To appreciate what I’ve stated - Please book your copy today.

“Untold Stories Of My Youth” could bring your makeover, and elevate you into a higher being.

About the Author: Neeraj Kumar is a young Indian poet and writer. He lives in New Delhi. He is the co-author of the self-help book “Conquer Yourself” and the author of “For All the Times,” a collection of love poetry. Both of his books are available on Amazon and Flipkart. You can find him on instagram@penmatician.

About the Book (text on outer cover): It is a poetic self-help book that revolves around two fictional characters. The first one is Rahul, a young boy of 20 who is traumatized by his past and current life. The second Character is his grandfather, who died recently, leaving behind a book that he was writing in which he shared his life experiences and lessons. Rahul finds the book and starts reading it. The life lessons present in the book are now helping Rahul to cope with his life. Here, Rahul represents all those adolescent kids who feel that they have lost their way in their lives. The target audience is youth but the lessons that Rahul will learn from his grandfather are universal and can be benefited by people of any age group. Thus, this book will speak to everyone and has something relatable for everyone to read, be it young, middle-aged, or old.