With thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy #StandUp

Another powerful offering from Shukla who continues to offer important yet not imposing mediations on the lives of BAM teenagers, their social experiences and an array of ways by which they navigate a set of challenges
Formulaic to a point, given the echoes of The Boxer that were continued here into Madhu's story. T|his is nothing to sniff at however - because Shukla writes the 17 year old mindset so well.

Not in the boxing ring this time; instead, we are thrust into the life of Madhu who is desperate to make it as a stand up comedian.
As you might expect for stories of a teenager this age, the first part of the novel is an exploration of the ways her world is overwhelming her. There is recognisable pressure about university applications, restrictions about contacting her estranged sister and working a tireless job to help support her family.
A viral YouTube clip changes the pace and stardom soon follows as Madhu makes waves online. Throw in a chance meeting and support from her idol - another Asian comedienne - a rivalry, identity crisis and family struggles, and you have a very well executed teen drama. What I love about the approach here though is the fact that Shulka stays true to the story and doesn't wander into realms of excess or extremes in a mere plight to impress via scandal or even perhaps to 'compete' with the more TikTok-esque publications of recent years.

Stand-up is a refreshing and engaging book that is multi-cultural and diverse in both voice and insight into an area of society that is definitely unusual. Madhu's story is educational, funny, sympathetic but also not shy about questioning the judgements and reactions we make in youth.
A triumphant addition to the recent Young Adult sector!

Although usually romance plots are what I normally turn to, I thought I would give this a go as I am a great fan of stand up comedy and was intrigued to see how this story would unfold.

It had me entertained throughout and was an enlightening read about finding yourself through the usual struggles of racism and sexuality as well as family dynamics that come with going up and discovering yourself.

The vulnerability of the protagonist Madhu was a welcome change and something for young people to aspire towards. A definite book for those facing some of the same issues and pressures she faces to conform to what society believes she should be.

A quick and enjoyable read.

Thank you Netgalley and Hachette for the ARC.

this is one of those books that i’m so happy is out there for young people to read as they’re growing up. it discusses race, gender and following your dreams so well.

we follow our MC as she feels forced down the wrong path, and away from her dream of being a comedian. feeling like she can’t confide in her parents, she goes behind their backs to get some opportunities in comedy, and they don’t go exactly as planned.

this book shows the complexities of family life, and the importance of not letting go of your dreams!

Madhu is 17 and her Kenyan Indian parents have been running a shop since shortly after they arrived in England, although they've moved away from living over it into a flat and Madhu works at a pizza place rather than in the shop. She misses her older sister, whose story we gradually discover, and she's feeling pressured to apply for law at university when what she really wants to do is stand-up comedy.

When she tries an open mic night for the first time, Madhu freezes and panics, but then her take-down of a friend's ex, filmed and shared without her permission goes viral and she's invited to go on her comedy idol's TV show. However, idols can become nemeses and when, after practising and learning with the support of enemy-to-friend Jazz (there's a fair bit of not judging by first appearances as Jazz'z mum seems awful at first but comes out with some good stuff) and an inclusive cafe locally, the experience with Kareena isn't what she expected, she can either buckle down and do what she's supposed to do or push through for her dreams.

Set in Bristol, a nice change from London-based books, and full of realistic micro- and macro-aggressions, friendships and struggle, it's a nicely done novel, with learning points but a good dose of humour.

Thank you Netgalley, I really enjoyed this YA book. It is about racism, parental interference and expectations, family breakdown (but not divorce) caused by a lack of communication and it looks at how to acquire self confidence. The list above suggests that the book will be a depressing read. It certainly is not. There is humour shown through the whole of the book as Madhu tries to 'make it' as a stand up comedienne. The humour is not all the laugh out loud stomach holding type, it is more subtle and this is the type of comedy that is more sustainable through a number of hours of reading. The characters are well drawn and believable so much so that at times, the sense of jeopardy was almost overwhelming. It is possible to care for the characters and the end is very good.

So, this book is all about instar-fame as a child without really meaning to and how a child would handle the fallout. This book and was really entertaining had some fun moments in it and I loved it overall. Children right now would find this one a lot of fun and some of them could truly see themselves in this book.

I read about a third of this book and whilst it has plenty of charm it didn’t really capture me and I found myself putting it down for days at a time. Maybe one day I’ll return to it but it’s not for me right now. I imagine there will be lots of readers who will really enjoy this!

By Nike Shukla


Our protagonist is Madhu is 17, and lives with her slightly traditional mother and father.
Madhu is different than others her age, she wants to be a comedian and is also a different colour than around her.
Madhu first attempts at proforming is in a comedy club's, was not somewhere her friends will not go into 'I want to start incognito' so she doesn't worry about them teasing her for the rest of collage year.

'Lol's' club 'men aren't funny' She has a new friend in Llelia making her go on stage as there is only male comedian on that night. Or are they just trying to tick the diversity mark?
Does that makes sense, but her family believes she wants to do to go university 🤔 therfore getting a high paying job. But father  thinks it makes more sense  to university nearer so she can  Bristow her hone
Rinses Marvin in school canteen for 'what he did to her befriend Shanai.
Then this one short clip was explodeing two separate  thumb 👍  and I get the nod of appreciation'

Madhu has never seen the point of social media' but signs up to twitter so she can she who been going on
Invited to  appear on the  n Kareena  Patel show which we are told that she is the only one Manhu can relate to.

But on line she is exposed to hand madhu 'understands why I am so protective about this sister
'She looks like me therefore I should automatically love her' 'she has the freedom to talk about everything from mental  health to her body too the government to the cruelty of white people, to backed goods. She has a range'.

Bollywood 💃 🕺Jazz  music nights and comed my nights. Needs a bigger ordinances, and someone t.

Meets Aduivah at this new venue who let's her knows the rules.  Finally understand what it like to be accepted 😌  

Missing her sister Meena ✋and has not even met her nicse🙏.
Given career advice from Kareena Patel!

Had Kareena got me on her show to teach me a lesson? On national television?!
This what did I learn 'not to follow my  dream' just because her ideal will become her rivals?
Ideal.Kareena didn't even care .....she said she wanted to help me'

Realised she is lost in London so who does she going to contact in her hour of need? Her sister!
Her sister is back with the babies father👶 'i though it might be better than raising kidd by myself' states her sister.
But then she has messaged her blocking 🚫 her for a few days,
even blocking her out  completely. 🔒 🔑 🗝 🔐 

He dad finally get his point 👉 across: 'If I want to anyone to know about my daughter, I tell them she is the funniest person I ever met' Madhu father states,  he goes on to say 'Baby girl you can be whoever you want to be
The finally comes it a showdown with Kareena Patel v's Madhu who will win this time?
I like this novel especially great characterization Madhu, I think the reader got a sence of what she s about. also I liked all individualism characters just enough information bout each one told a good
d novel on.

Thanks to  NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a complementary digital copy of this ebook in exchange for a full, frank and honest review. All opinions expressed  are completely my own!

A story of 17 year old Madhu, who is obsessed with comedy and trying to work out what to do with her future and fix the conflict within her family. A really interesting and fun read - but not without depth. Madhu is genuinely witty and funny, she has her faults but you really end up rooting for her. The story was unpredictable and unique, and most chapters ended on a cliffhanger which made me not want to put it down

I was on a search for south asian writers on Netgalley and was so happy to have found Nikesh Shukla’s book Stand Up! Being a huge fan of desi stand up comedy, and being well aware that men dominate the scene, it was so refreshing to see Shukla saying ‘Men. Aren’t. Funny’ because a 100 times YES as there are men cracking jokes that are degrading to women and just not cool at all. I really enjoyed Madhu’s character, her journey and how she had this obligation which was actually her own mind making things up. Family reunions are my favourite so that was a wonderful addition. My only reservations with the book were the character of Madhu’s father who I believe turned sides really quickly, and it felt like some piece was missing. I also thought some jokes were too long which made the punchline less effective. But overall, I would 100% recommend this book and as a learning curve for me, watch more female comedians!!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest opinion.

I thought this was a great read that is easy to go through and one that makes you think about how minorities have to fight for their spots within the creative spaces. I think there tend to be many discussions about minorities in academic culture and where they belong but no so much when it comes to creative aspects and particular in relation to stand up.

This novel did in some ways remind me of 'Why is Nobody Laughing' by Yasmin Rahman.

I enjoyed this immensely. I liked the main character and how funny it was yet covering some sensitive issues well

So excited to share a full review and thoughts on this book as I think it is such a unique concept to talk abt a passion for late night comedy and the stand up industry. It’s not something that get discussed a lot especially for the younger set and I really think teens are going to enjoy this one. I know I did.

Madhu is 17 and has the weight of the world on her shoulders: her dad is putting pressure on her to apply to university, she misses her estranged sister but contact is strictly forbidden, and she's pulling in every single shift possible at a pizza place to help support her family. What she really wants, though, is to be a world-famous stand-up comedian ...
Just as she's about to turn her back on this dream a YouTube clip of Madhu goes viral and she is suddenly catapulted into the bright lights of stardom. It's not long before she catches the attention of a fellow Asian comedy legend who offers her the chance of a lifetime.

But the road to comedy glory is not a barrel of laughs - and Madhu's own struggles with her family and identity soon catch up with her. Can she follow her dreams and stay true to herself and those she loves in the process?