The Zoya Factor .. By Anuja Chauhan

Let's get a taste of this new buzz going on in the showbiz starring Sonam Kapoor. The Zoya Factor is a quirky little love story of a girl who was born at the moment India won the cricket world cup of 1983. She grows to become the soul-spirit to the Indian Cricket team when they go about winning each of the matches where Zoya have breakfast with the team. Amazed by the ragtag team's sudden spurt to victories, the nation declares her a Goddess, which gets so ridiculous to the point of irritation to the Indian skipper, Nikhil Khoda, with whom she develops a romantic relationship later.

Would she still be her sensible self and not go crazy deep into this "Goddess" mode or will she start believing that she is the reason for the team to play well and lose her chance at love? 

For many, this novel might seem like a chick-lit. I too agree. Yet still, it doesn't feel like your usual breezy romance. The story has great potential to keep you glued till the end. What really blew my mind was the "Hinglish" part, which was hilarious. Especially the satire on Indian cricket management and the team itself were honest. It also gave a slight peek to the workings of the great Indian advertising industry as well.

Overall the book runs on an ordinary plot with predictable twists and turns with a much-deserved happy ending that was surely written to please the Indian masses. The metaphors used in the book have an evocative quality that makes the story feel real and that's where you find the book so much more readable.

I think Salman Dulquer was a good choice as Nikhil Khoda and I wish they had chosen Parineeti Chopra in place of Sonam. At least her chubby cheeks would've done justice to Zoya's facial description, which was highlighted so often in the novel.

I strongly recommend this book to those who prefer some fun rom-com reading. Or would you rather watch the upcoming movie? Do let me know!

Happy Reading!!!