Book Review of 'The Orange Hangover' by Rahul Saini

Anyone who loves reading books which tickle their funny bone would love reading ‘The Orange Hangover by Rahul Saini’. Rahul Saini is an Indian architect-turned-author. His writing, classified under the contemporary fiction genre, focuses on the vibrant, fun-loving nature of young Indians in the 21st century. Rahul Saini is also the bestselling author of the book “Those Small Lil Things” which has earned accolades from all quarters and has been ranked one of the Top 5 books by NDTV and many other publishing houses.

The title really caught my eye and made me think how can one have a hangover with orange juice? (Since it has orange juice on its cover page) I surveyed the book to look at the font and the number of pages and I find that it has a different kind of a font which truly attracts the reader while the total numbers of pages are 244. I also liked the headings of the book like: My mom, ladies and gentleman; I don’t like fat aunties; Must (not) burn the table, etc.

The book revolves around the story of a young architect Rishabh and his life. He has been lucky enough to have led the coolest of lifestyles, with the best of friends for company, movies (first-day first show), a lucrative job in his pocket, and a girlfriend in his arms.

Unfortunately for him, his cool lifestyle is now a thing of the past, as an unforeseen circumstance bundles him off to his small hometown, where good restaurants and cool parties seem to be nowhere in sight. His move also ensures that his friends are a long way off from home and to top it all off, his relationship with his girlfriend is on shaky ground. The book talks about his transition from a city lad to a guy without a job living with his mother and how he deals with this. As if things aren’t bad enough, he manages to tangle himself in a terrible crime. While the whole town thinks of him as nothing but a basket case, there is one girl who seems to understand him.

 Being the protagonist, he is expected to follow his heart, win the heart of his dream girl, and be absolved of all crime, which is definitely a tall order for anyone. As for the outcome, only time will tell if he manages to bring his life under control. The book offers a funny take on life, touching on various topics such as learning from one’s experience, standing up for personal values, and helping others in times of need.

Both the main female characters in this book are strong. There is Mansi whose character is mature, sensitive and understanding. And then there is Natasha, Rishabh’s friend. If there is only one reason to read the book, it has to be Natasha. Her character is ideal, matured, sensible, sensitive, understanding, unbiased, selfless, wise and much more. There are online conversations where Natasha convinces Rishabh to do the right things; they leave you in her awe. By the end of this book, I had only one thing in mind – “Can Natasha be brought to life?”

It’s a really funny and heartwarming book with a mix of humor, love, society, job & suspense. The author's narration style is hilarious, fast-paced, and clearly, aims to resonate with the youth. There are parts where the author humorously exaggerates his fears and that’s funny to read. It’s a fun book. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee!