Gumber’s latest book shoot to top on Amazon
Author has carved a niche for herself after quitting a career in the corporate world
She didn’t start off as a writer, but Monisha Gumber has been successfully tackling contemporary teen issues with flair since her foray into the world of authorship.
With her third teen novel — released last week — reaching the top of its category on Amazon India, the 43-year-old Indian expat currently based in the capital is happy that her work has been generally wellaccepted, even as she explores sensitive themes like eating disorders and suicide.
“I had a corporate job for years, and had to quit it a few years ago due to personal reasons. I felt a bit directionless then, until my husband encouraged me to try writing a book,” Gumber told Gulf News.
Her fourth and most recent book — Dolly Won’t Play — is definitely the most hard-hitting. But even at the start of her journey as a writer, Gumber wrote with purpose. Living in Bahrain at the time, the mother-of-two came across illustrated works of fiction and decided to create her own.
“I wanted to write about things I could relate to. I have always been on the heavy side myself, and even though I am a very confident person now, I have been through my fair share of insecurity. My daughter was also growing up at the time, so I decided to make my work relevant for youth like her,” Gumber said.
Children’s support
Her two children — a daughter aged 17 and a son aged 11 years — have also supported their mother’s endeavours.
“My son is a homely boy and he has been excited about my role as a writer, participating wholeheartedly in the promotions. And my daughter, who isn’t too much of a reader herself, has also shared my book with her friends,” Gumber said.