Title: Mostly Mundane
Author: Saugata Chakraborty 
Pages: 104
Publisher: Redgrab Books Pvt Ltd
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This delightful title, “Mostly Mundane” is a collection of ‘19 Short Stories’ that proves that humor is not just reserved for grand adventures or extraordinary mishaps. Instead, it is deeply embedded in the small, often overlooked corners of our daily routines. With sharp wit and a keen eye for the ridiculous, author Saugata Chakraborty transforms the mundane into marvelously entertaining scenarios, inviting the readers to see the absurdity in the ordinary. Besides, how the author carried out the task of storytelling in his book is captivating enough to make the readers quench for more with every turn of the page, and this is something that makes this title reading worthy!

Author Saugata Chakraborty is currently a Punekar, dealing in the omnipresent human resources as a Member of the Faculty at RBI’s College of Agricultural Banking. He is an educator, public conversationist, foreign exchange dealer, and intelligence officer in his previous avatars. Interestingly, Saugata edited a Bengali web magazine of humorous writings from 2021 to 2023. His previous two titles ‘They Go to Sleep’ and ‘A Language of Lies’ had won the hearts of the readers, with the former breaking into the hallowed Top 500 Books listed on Amazon India in 2019. His works have been translated into four major languages of the world. Whereas, this particular title, “Mostly Mundane” was published by Redgrab Books and released in September 2024. Also, the book is available in both paperback as well as in e-book format and the readers can find this learning-worthy title on all the top online marketplaces.

The essence of this title, “Mostly Mundane” lies in its ability to find humor in the most unassuming places. Author Saugata Chakraborty expertly dissects the ordinary moments, magnifying their inherent absurdities and injecting them with a dose of humor that is relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. The author’s gift for storytelling is evident in his ability to take what might seem like a boring day-to-day activity and turn it into a comedic adventure. Undoubtedly, author Chakraborty’s tales are both wildly entertaining and delightfully self-aware. Each story in this collection serves as a standalone piece, yet they are united by a common theme, which is the humorous side of life’s mundane tasks. There is something almost therapeutic about how the author pokes fun at the things we often dread or overlook. Also, the humor is not forced or exaggerated; instead, it is a gentle reminder that the world is, indeed, a funny place if we choose to look at it that way!

In addition, the book’s title, “Mostly Mundane” is an ironic nod to the fact that the stories contained within its pages are anything but dull. Author Chakraborty’s writing elevates the mundane to the realm of the extraordinary. Each story brims with wit and creativity, turning everyday situations into amusing and insightful reflections on life. The author’s voice is refreshingly candid, infused with a sense of humor that is both intelligent and accessible. His keen observations and playful commentary on societal norms and personal quirks make the stories both engaging as well as memorable.

One of the Notable Strengths of this title is its cast of relatable characters. Each story introduces us to individuals grappling with the absurdities of life, from the overworked office worker to the parent juggling the chaos of family obligations. These characters are exaggerated just enough to be humorous, yet still grounded in reality. They are us, or the people we know, navigating the minor catastrophes and curious quirks of life. For example, the protagonist in the story of the dreaded parent-teacher meeting is a personification of every parent who has ever felt out of place and judged. Author Chakraborty’s portrayal of this character’s inner monologue is both hilarious and spot-on, capturing the awkwardness and absurdity of the situation. Likewise, his depiction of a disorganised family trying to keep it together for a social gathering is a scene many will recognize, making readers feel seen and understood in their struggles!

Moreover, in a world obsessed with perfection and constant improvement, this amazing title is a breath of fresh air as it does not preach or prescribe; it simply observes and entertains. The book’s humorous take on everyday situations serves as a gentle reminder that it is okay to embrace the chaos and the imperfections of life. Those are often the moments worth laughing about and remembering.

Now, upon reaching the final part of the review, i.e. the Book Verdict, we can conclude that a title like “Mostly Mundane” is for sure a MUST READ one. The book deserves a chance from the readers as it is more than just a collection of funny stories; it is a celebration of the quirks and absurdities that make our lives interesting. With his sharp humor and insightful observations, author Saugata Chakraborty manages to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, making us laugh at ourselves and the world around us. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a light-hearted read that offers a fresh perspective on the everyday!

On top of that it is the kind of book that you can dip into whenever you need a good laugh or a reminder that even the most mundane moments can be a source of joy and laughter. So, if you are ready to see the world in a new, more humorous light, then this title will serve as a great pick as it truly has a lot to offer you.