Book Review - Slumdog millionaire

I remember watching AR Rahman accept the Oscar award for the movie and him stating, "All my life I have had a choice of hate and love. I chose love and I am here." I never watched the movie. Maybe I should. Half of my ancestry is from India and I was delighted to be taken to places and life on the continent through this story. The author uses descriptive language that brings the story to life. I was hooked from the get go. Ram was a likable fellow. I was cheering for him.

The story had me thinking about what I would do with a big win. It is somewhat scary. Would plenty of money bring bad luck? Would it really make us happy or would it be as the saying goes, more money and more problems. But on the other hand a big win could open the door to new possibilities. You never really know until and if it happens. When I went for lunch today I bought a scratch ticket and imagined some good fortune. I only won forty dollars.

The story explores the ills of society through the eyes of a young person. We really have to do better to make this world a better place. Being wealthy or powerful is as much a test as living in the slums. Do you use your wealth or power to make the world a better place? Reminds me of this thinking: We can ask God why does he allow the ills of this world but God can also ask us, why do we allow it? Many persons have been able to escape the wrenches of poverty but still many are left behind. The success of those gives some hope for others. If you made it out, don't forget where you come from and do what you can to make it better for others.

The idea to link the game show questions to stories from the protagonist's life was a novel approach that exemplifies creativity in writing. I am wondering how the screenplay writer came upon the book and how different the book is from the movie. I know when a book is good because I get really lost in the book and I don't want to put it down. The anticipation builds as the winnings pile on and another chapter of Ram's life is revealed and I have not an inkling of how this book will end.

By the way, my mind interjected, what is the meaning of slumdog? Google says, "A person who lives in the slums of cities." What is the origin? It originated with the movie and I read online that dog here means underdog. I love to root for the underdog. I can relate to being an underdog myself. Street smarts is just as important as book smarts. We can learn a lot from life situations and outside of the formal education system. I appreciated how Ram navigated life and his circumstances. The friendship between Ram and Salim is the heart of the story for me. Their bond is what grounds the reader in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of their lives.

I love the moments of humour in the story. It balances the moments of tragedy. As if to remind us that life is a tapestry of emotions. We can find the good times among the bad times. I have reached a chapter dedicated to a love story. I smile. Is this like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel but is there more tragedy to come? The author is keeping me interested until the end. I love how the author connects events. As if things in life are meant to be. What an ending! My eyes water as I try to process my mix of emotions. I had become a friend to this story. I would have to say goodbye and tomorrow I move on to another book. And in the end I am left to think to myself, love is the answer.