Book Chapters: 365 Days of F(ib)B-ing

Navigating Real and Virtual Lives- An Epistolary Fiction

Hey everyone!

How many times have we pondered over the stark contrast between lives on social media versus reality? It seems like social media is full of lies. Or rather not outright lies but incomplete truths and out-of-context facts, all of which mislead and portray a false impression. And when the person posting on social media is doing it deliberate

Most of us don’t overtly want to deceive, we genuinely add static, incomplete snippets out of a sense of wanting to put our best foot forward. And yet things go awry. What do you think happens when someone does it deliberately?

And that is the plot of my book. It’s the hilarious reflections of a young Indian woman, Avantika, and her quest for popularity through Facebook.

The book’s story can be summed up as follows:

What happens when a single, well-paid, young urban woman finds her life dull, boring, and lacking any excitement?

Avantika, the heroine of this story, has what most people dream of: a job in tech, an independent lifestyle, chilled out (most of the time) parents, bosom buddies, and great cousins.

Even then, she lacks contentment.

So, she tries that oft-used technique: a make-over. And not just any make-over- a simple virtual one. Because sometimes, real-life does follow reel life… But for good or bad?

And thus, begin the chapters of my novel 365 Days of F(ib)B-ing.

Before reading on, there are a few points that I should clarify. These were added in the published book version as well titled: ‘A Humble Note to the Reader’

• This book is not a rant against Facebook. Nor is this note an endorsement of FB or any other social medium.
• Instead, it is just a humble reminder to recognize Social media — including Facebook, for what they are: just means of connecting with each other. In a rapidly shrinking world and increasingly global populace, these apps have become easy and enjoyable ways to connect and to share thoughts, information, and snippets of our lives and philosophies: that we deem worthy. And here lies the drawback — all these snapshots put together cannot and shall never represent us fully.

“The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete!” — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

• This profound statement applies equally well to the content on social media — they are incomplete. Hence, they cannot form the basis for judgment or comparison.
• Social media can be used for inspiration, for doing good, for bringing change just as it can for spreading hate and harboring envy and spite. The choice is ours.

I hope your choice is to read the forthcoming chapters in the spirit they were written, honest reflections for fun, and for sharing that all is not always what it seems. Always do your own due diligence.

Let the adventures begin!

Day 0: First entry in Heroine Avantika’s Diary

December 31

Dear Diary,

The New Year is about to begin and I’m going to make my resolution for this year. Actually, two resolutions — one, write in this journal every day. Ma keeps telling me I cannot follow a thing through for long and despairs. (Though even I know that she just feels that it will affect my ability to stay married and keep going in that most esteemed of relationships. And since that brings us to the topic of getting married, I’m afraid Grandma’s world and hers are full of despair at the moment regarding me).

Second, I’m going to have the coolest FB entries and profile.

Why FB? Well, because for the last three months, all I’ve seen is the most amazing posts and despaired (how full of despair the ladies in my family seem to be) at how uncool a life I have. But in the past week, I’ve seen shocking revelations (to me at least) and learned that it was all just the fabricated truth. Or let’s say partial truth. In all honesty, some of it was just a hairbreadth away from being a big fat lie; but hey, partial truth is that sinister thing that you cannot call an outright lie, but cannot endure either. Does lying by omission amount to being a lie? Must ask Kaddu Akka* about it. Or actually, better not. Lawyers always revel in making truths out of facts favorable to them. So, probably never mind.

Anyway, those are my goals for now.

I want to add looking cooler, getting the promotion due in nine months, getting a haircut (Ma will definitely quit her goal of seeing me married this year then), and saving more for my goals, but let me take baby steps. I never can stick to too many things at a go. (Maybe, Ma is right).

Anyway, Ciao for now and hope to keep seeing you and sharing my thoughts and progress every day for the next whole new year.

Oh, it’s twelve!!

Happy New Year! Wish ME a happy and successful year ahead!! Muahhh! (Adding that as I am already cool).

*Akka is a term meaning Older sister/ older female cousin in some Indian languages like Tamil, Kannada.