Crafting Your Destiny: Insights from Preeti Shenoy's 'Life is What You Make It'

Chapter 1: Summary of Life is What You Make It

"Life is What You Make It" by Preeti Shenoy is a contemporary
novel that explores the life of the protagonist, Ankita Sharma.
The story revolves around her journey through the challenges of
mental health, societal expectations, and personal aspirations.


Set against the backdrop of the 1990s in India, Ankita is an
ambitious young woman who aspires to become a successful
professional. However, she grapples with the pressures of family
expectations, societal norms, and her own emotional struggles. As
she navigates her college life, she encounters love, friendship,
and heartbreak, all of which shape her identity.


The novel delves into Ankita's battle with depression and the
stigma surrounding mental health in society. Through her
experiences, the story emphasizes the importance of seeking help,
understanding oneself, and taking control of one’s destiny.


At its core, the book inspires readers to embrace life’s
challenges and showcases that one's attitude and choices
ultimately shape their future. Shenoy's writing is poignant and
relatable, making the characters' journeys resonate deeply with
readers.
Chapter 2: The Theme of Life is What You Make
It

"Life is What You Make It" by Preeti Shenoy is a poignant novel
that explores themes of mental health, love, ambition, and the
complexities of life choices. Here’s an overview of key plot
points, character development, and thematic ideas:


 Key Plot Points


1. Introduction of the Protagonist: The story follows Ankita
Sharma, an intelligent and ambitious young woman who dreams of
becoming an architect. The narrative begins with her college
life, where she excels academically yet struggles with the
pressures of expectations.


2. College Experiences: Ankita's experiences in college highlight
her friendships, budding romance with a fellow student, and the
challenges she faces as she navigates both personal and academic
pressures.


3. Mental Health Struggles: A significant plot point is Ankita's
battle with mental health issues, leading to anxiety and
depression. This aspect of the story is explored with
sensitivity, depicting the stigma around mental illness and the
importance of seeking help.


4. Turning Point: Ankita's life takes a drastic turn due to her
mental health struggles. This leads to her dropping out of
college, which profoundly affects her self-esteem and worldview.


5. Journey to Recovery: The novel follows Ankita's journey to
understanding herself, seeking help, and learning to cope with
her challenges. She confronts her mental health issues and begins
to rebuild her life through personal reflection and support from
loved ones.


6. Resolution and Acceptance: The story culminates in Ankita's
realization that life is a combination of choices and
circumstances. She starts to embrace her identity and her
aspirations, acknowledging that while she cannot change her past,
she can shape her future.


 Character Development


- Ankita Sharma: The protagonist undergoes significant growth
throughout the novel. Initially driven by external expectations,
she learns to prioritize her mental health and personal
happiness. Her journey reflects resilience and self-discovery as
she confronts and overcomes her struggles.


- Supporting Characters: Characters like Ankita's friends and
family members play crucial roles in her development. They offer
various perspectives on relationships and expectations, and their
support helps her realize the importance of understanding and
compassion.


- Love Interest: The romantic subplot contributes to Ankita's
character growth, illustrating the complexities of love, support,
and understanding in the context of mental health. Her
relationship challenges her to communicate and connect with
others more openly.


 Thematic Ideas


1. Mental Health Awareness: A...