Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra: Book Review

It had everything his old school didn't- A massive library with large bookshelves, clean toilets, and most importantly, teachers who didn't fall sick for three months.

on May 09, 2023

Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra: Book Review

Written by Vibha Batra and illustrated by Shamika Chaves, the book "Gobi Goes Viral" is a delightful and inspirational story of a young boy named Gopi.

Thestory begins with Nishanth Sir calling names of the students who have yet to submit their fees. Gopi feels ashamed for being called out like that in front of the entire class. And if Gopi didn't have enough things to be embarrassed about, he spoke English with an accent, which made his life more miserable at Primrose (his school).

He had till Friday to submit his fees; if he didn't, he would have to study at his old school.

Gopi was determined to study at Primrose. It had everything his old school didn't- A massive library with large bookshelves, clean toilets, and most importantly, teachers who didn't fall sick for three months.

Gopi belonged to a poor family. His father was a vegetable vendor, and his mother worked at a tailoring unit. Even working day and night, his parents were barely making ends meet. However, the two school bullies, Aarav and Imtiaz, were making his life more miserable than it already was.

Despite all the hardships, Gopi was a bright student and had a knack for rapping. Gopi was a brilliant Rapper, as one would call it. He wanted to help out his parents with the school fees.

Gopi made a friend at school, Pari. When the school announced that they were hosting a talent show program and A.R Mahman was coming as Chief Guest, Pari suggested to Gopi that he should participate.

The author has aptly depicted the story of a poor household and their struggles. She has also put forward the issue of bullying and how it impacts one's self-esteem. With an engaging writing style laced with humor, the book is elevated by beautiful illustrations that complement the story perfectly.

Overall, "Gobi Goes Viral" is a captivating read that narrates a poignant tale of a schoolboy's earnest desire to attend a quality school.