Review of My A to Z of Chennai / The City Viewed through an Outsider’s Eye

Book Title: My A to Z of Chennai / The City Viewed Through an Outsider’s Eye

Genre: Travelogue

Author: Mayuri Nidigallu

Number of Pages: 36

Available: Blog Chatter Archive

This Review of My A to Z of Chennai / The City Viewed through an Outsider’s Eye is written as part of Blogchatter Book Review Program.

I know a little bit of Chennai and I was fascinated by Mayuri Nidigallu, a north Indian’s perspective, on Chennai. My A to Z of Chennai / The City Viewed through an Outsider’s Eye is an e-book by Mayuri and is a part of the E-book carnival hosted by Blogchatter.

KnowThe Author

An avid reader, Mayuri blogs at Sirimiri-The Lifestyle Blogazine. Interestingly, she is a Tarot Card Reader. Being a Mumbai girl she has endeared Chennai to her readers by her vivid description of the laidback city. I love the moniker she uses; City-in-law, which is her home right now. My A to Z of Chennai: The City Viewed through an Outsider’s Eye is her 2nd e-Book.

The Gist of the Book

26 days of the challenge so 26 parts of Chennai in alphabetical order hitherto not highlighted in this way is what the book is all about. The refreshingly fresh metaphors “Mumbai as this absent-minded professor” and “Chennai, on the other hand, is like the Matriarch of a house” keep you glued to the book.

Being from Andhra and having been to Chennai, I was used to the traditional culture of the city, but the way Mayuri presents that is very endearing: “I saw people dressed traditionally, women with neatly pleated sarees and fresh flowers in their hair and men in a crisp, white Veshti and Shirt.”

This Travelogue is not just about landmarks in Chennai, It is the genuine building of a relationship with her city of residence. Mayuri embarks on her book with the 450-year-old Adyar Banyan Tree and moves on to Chennai’s extensive beaches. Chennai is synonymous with Marina beach but Mayuri highlights other beaches like VGP, Basant Nagar, and Breezy.

The Authenticity of My A to Z of Chennai /The City Viewed through an Outsider’s Eye

What stands out in every chapter is her authenticity; the absolute truth of visiting each and every place and genuinely researching and giving the first-hand info of each landmark in her inimitable style.

Review of My A to Z of Chennai / The City Viewed through an Outsider’s Eye

There are the traditional idly dosa and filter kaapi on one side while the pizza hut and McDonald’s too are flourishing.  Mayuri projects the culture of Chennai with its historical temples and architecture. Interspersed with the candid summaries, information concerning the opening and closing hours, entry fee and other valuable tips are shared

The Higginbothams book shop was very nostalgic for me and brought my childhood alive, the twinning if Amma and jasmine evoked smiles, while Thalaiva conjured respect. Mayuri’s book does create an urge to explore Chennai, the way she brought it into the picture. I would gladly endorse this book to anyone planning to visit Chennai for the first time or even for the second and third.

Genuine Suggestion

The chapters need to be aligned properly and certainly, the absence of pictures is glaring. Images would have made the book a top-notch travelogue.

My Verdict

It is a great guide to the famous and little known treasures of Chennai so go download the book now when it is free, later you may regret as it is too good to let go.

Download for free

Here’s the download link again: My A to Z of Chennai: The City Viewed through an Outsiders Eye it’s available for free download for a limited time.

Do read the review for Homemakers to Homebakers too.