Book Review: Toppers by Aayush Gupta

Name of the book: Toppers    
Name of the author: Aayush Gupta
Length of the book: 300 pages
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

When I first heard about the book, it felt more like a piece of fiction that would revolve around academics. But we've been told not to judge a book by its cover. SO, on receiving the copy, I wasn't really sure about what this young adult book had in store.

Starting with the story, moving past a quote from Fight Club and a short prologue, you're already confused about the setting of the story. Right then, the first chapter paints a rather elaborated image with some outlines about a bunch of characters, each of whom will try to win you over. This, followed by meticulous descriptions about the main characters from the book. By the time you're done meeting all of them, you're already rooting for someone. But just then you're privy to an incident that'll make you think twice about your choice.

The entire story folds out in this particular manner. With a twist and turn after a few pages and a entirely different lead role in each chapter, the writer puts together a remarkable story about students from a prestigious boarding school. The novel builds on the idea of academics, but runs far from it. As you drive past the initial chapters, you come closer to the essence of the 300 page long book. It may not be a life changing story for all the crime and thriller readers out there, but definitely brings in something fresh and well-written to your bookshelves.

A slow-moving yet gripping tale about the exchange of power and everything that comes with it, Toppers by Aayush Gupta makes up for a great read to break the monotony in the world of Young Adult novels from India.

Thank you to Vivek Tejuja and Penguin Random House for sending across a copy of this book.