Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra - Book Review

Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra, Shamika Chaves (Illustrator)

Publication Date: 30th April 2023

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining (chota packet bada dhamaka)

Gopi loves studying at Primrose Academy. But the fee is high, and bullies are annoying. Nevertheless, he would rather struggle here than go back to a school with no learning opportunities. But how? 

Pari is a smart girl who knows how to handle bullies. Yet, she can help Gopi only to a certain point, and that’s what she does. Pari convinces Gopi to participate in the Talent Show and flaunt his rapping skills. But can he set aside his fears to get on the stage? How will it affect his stay at Primrose Academy? 

The story comes in Gopi’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts:

This is a short and humorous book that seamlessly blends many themes and keeps the content relevant for young minds to understand. 

Those who enjoy the flair of Bwood will love the book for its natural dramatization and antics. However, nothing goes over the line or feels excessive. The book doesn’t intend to do more than what it promises. This story is about a poor boy dreaming bigger and finding the courage to make it happen with the help of a good friend. 

The writing is lighthearted but with enough seriousness when necessary. It feels like conversing with a child (exactly how a children’s book should read). The descriptions are to the point but easy to visualize. Of course, it helps that we already know the setting, be it a posh school, a chawl, or a luxury villa. 

The plot is quite common and used in countless books/ TV shows/ movies/ etc. However, it’s the writing and execution that brighten it up. I don’t enjoy rap (sorry, Ho Ho Funny Singh). So, it’s a pleasant surprise to read it on paper and try to mimic it in the mind. Got to admit that Gopi does it better than those-who-shall-not-be-named. 

The book is primarily marketed in India (I think). There’s no glossary for non-English words. There’s a good sprinkling of Hindi, etc., but it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. Most of the terms are used for relations. 

While I love Gopi’s character arc and his family (no alcoholic or abusive father here, phew!), I wish we get a little more insight into Pari’s life. She is rich, clever, confident, friendly, and someone used to get this done her way. Except for the story behind her sunglasses, most of her arc is stereotypical. The same goes for the bullies, though we know nothing about them. Even if Gopi is the main character, side characters with a little more depth would have helped. 

Seeti is a great character, and I wish he had a greater presence in the book. He shines in a couple of scenes he’s allotted. That kid knows how to handle life. 

Naturally, we have a happy ending, but with a wee twist. It blends reality and hope (and such events have indeed happened in real life) and ends on a high with Gopi rapping yet another delightful poem. 

There are a few black-and-white illustrations to support the content. I like how they enhance the narrative without distracting the reader. My personal preference aside (I like whimsical and detailed illustrations), the ones in the book are perfect for the story. They are lighthearted and cute, just like the main characters. 

What I love about the physical copy is the font size. The print is nice and big, easy for kids and seniors to read without squinting at the page. The cover is vibrant and cool, hinting at all major aspects of the book. 

And oh, don’t miss the acknowledgments page! It’s too good. I wish there was an author’s note too. I love reading about the inspirations and ideas behind a book. 

To summarize, Gobi Goes Viral is a compact little book dealing with bullying, financial issues, the importance of having supportive friends, and knowing that courage can make things happen. You just have to believe in it and do your best! 

Thank you, Blogchatter and Vibha Batra, for a copy of the book. This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

You can buy the paperback of Gobi Goes Viral on Amazon. The book is marketed for children from the 8 to 12 age group, though anyone can read it (and enjoy it too).