It’s All In The Planets is my first book by Preeti Shenoy. I have been following her for quite some time, in fact, I already have her other book, The One You Cannot Have and have not got round to reading it so I was determined to read this one. Yet to get around to the second one…..
I liked the story, the premise and the main characters. The story has a good flow and enough twists and turns that kept me interested. The fun things they did along their journey and the surprise package of the smart stepmom was very refreshing and a step away from the stereotypes.
Aniket is really an average Joe. Nothing unusual there except the effort and dedication he was putting in to save his relationship. He tries and tries but fate had something else in store for him.
The stunning girlfriend Trish who was too hot to be his in the first place is quite obviously penned in shades of grey and selfishness. That she lives up to is a bit sad, especially since she cannot even defend herself. She was conveniently out of the story – a bit too obvious. Her true colours are revealed and it only makes us feel worse for Aniket.
The girl next door, Nidhi, the sweet, pretty and totally confused about the one she loves or not. She just clicks with Aniket on a train journey and slowly they become friends. Nidhi is quite settled professionally but her personal life is a mess. She blogs about it and a lot of ‘feelings’ on her blog – quite relevant in today’s time of ‘my life on social media’. That she is emotional and comfortable in it is what I liked most about her. If only she expressed herself more.
Her fiancée, Manoj is a selfish prick. He is painted in the colours of a self-centred man, one who is prone to arm twisting. He is unapologetic, a bit sadistic and quite a reflection of the kind of men we should be giving a wide pass.

I found it a bit odd that except Aniket and Nidhi all the other people except Tara are either too good or too mean or too selfish. I think Aniket’s Dad was the only well-balanced character I found in the book. Even Nidhi’s father was somewhat ok. Tara and Nidhi are the best of friends in spite of the fact that Nidhi has her own friends. This is a fresh change indicative of changing times. The novel does have a fresh feel of our times today.
The language is fine, typical of how the average Indian talks. In fact, Preeti Shenoy’s writing had me remembering #ChetanBhagat many times with her similar, very ‘Indian’ writing. Now I know why she is one of the most popular female writers in India. Having said that I found this book has a lot of clichés and is quite obvious from the beginning. Sad, especially when Preeti had so many characters and could have taken it to a different level.
It is a decent, simple read – good time pass with a few good nuggets of wisdom passed along the way.
© Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

It’s All in the Planets

Meet Aniket Twenty-seven techie Mr. Average. His bestfriend is Subbu a nerd who breathes thinks and livescode. Aniket cannot believe his luck when he starts datingTrish a stunning sexy model who is totally out of hisleague. But Trish has a list of things she wants him towork on beginning with his pot belly and his geekiness.Then there s Nidhi thirty-four who has quit her corporatejob to follow her passion. She is engaged to Manoj Mr.Perfect except for one aspect.Aniket and Nidhi meet on a train a chance encounter and she agrees to become his relationship coach . It s adecision that sets into motion a chain of events that willhave a profound impact on the lives of all involved.One man two women and the trap called Destiny.Some things they say are all in the planets.

About the Author

PREETI SHENOY is among the highest selling authors in India and has been featured on the Forbes India long-list of the most influential celebrities. India Today has named her as being unique for being the only woman in the best-selling league. In the past, she has written for various publications such as the Times of India and Reader’s Digest. She currently writes a regular column in The Financial Chronicle. She has given several talks in many educational institutions including the IITs and IIMs. She is also an artist specialising in portraiture. Her other interests are travel photography and yoga.

Website www.preetishenoy.com