Book Review of: Bombay Mumbai – Life is life, I am Because of You
Vayshnavi Ganesh 02 February 2015

In his autobiography, Amin Sheikh tells the inspiring story of his struggles and his successes with a simplicity that is heartwarming

 

There is no dearth of inspirational stories in literature - some long and eloquent, some short and powerful. In Amin Sheikh's autobiography - Bombay Mumbai – Life is life, I am Because of You, and the beauty lies in its honesty and guilelessness. 
 
Last week, we published an article about Amin Sheikh and his journey from a street child to a published writer and entrepreneur. In this book, he tells his story in his own words. It is simple, unpretentious and sincere. At the very beginning of the book, Amin pays a tribute to the city that both destroyed him and gave him everything he has today – Bombay. “Without Bombay, I would not be here...Bombay is the magic of dreams, of unconditional love to serve everybody, no matter who, whether big or small.” 
 
His story begins from the time he was five years old - a happy childhood in the company of his parents. Things began to change from the time his mother decided to leave his father and live with another man, taking little Amin and his two sisters along with her. From here, he traces his journey – the abuse at home, his decision to run away, the three years he spent living at a Railway station, the friends he made and the struggles he faced, his time at Snehasadan (an institution that fosters homeless children), his first job, his first independent venture, his first trip to Barcelona, and finally, his first book. 
 
He doesn't feel the need to hide anything – not the time he slapped his little sister in a fit of rage as a teenaged boy, not the time he and his friends thought it would be fun to steal the belongings of other patients in his hospital room, not the time he secretly drove the cars he was only supposed to wash. It's possible to see where that courage comes from; his life has been about learning and he grew up to be a man who is sensitive to the pain of others. He even forgave his mother for what she did to him; he even bought a house for her to live in. He takes pride in who he is today, and vows to help others in need have the opportunities that he was lucky to find.
 
In this book, Amin takes his time to thank all those who helped him in life – the ones who loved him, the ones who taught him, the ones who befriended him. He reminds you not take anything for granted when he coveys his gratitude to every single person who has ever been his friend. Not just that, he also refuses to hold grudges against those who were unkind. 
 
Amin Sheikh has never received any professional training in English. Always one with a keen ear, he learned English on the job in the years he spent working for Eustace Fernandes. He wrote this book not just to tell his story, but in order to raise funds to set up his dream Library Cafe – 'Bombay to Barcelona'. His many friends from all over the world have helped him edit the book, design the cover, publish the book and promote its sale all over the world. It has already been translated into two foreign languages. Also, by the time you get to the end of the book, the inclusion of Barcelona in his ultimate dream will be unsurprising. He was awestruck by its beauty and vigour the first time he visited it back in 2003. With his subsequent visits, his love for the Spanish city has only increased. 
 
Though the heart of this story is in Mumbai, its universal appeal is indisputable. Perhaps, because the story is heartwarming, and told with so much love. It is a story of rising and shining against all odds. Despite all the upheavals that Amin has been through, the tone of the book is unfailingly hopeful and positive. This is not a book to be read for its literary merit, it is to be read for its touching story and the fact that your contribution would help Amin come one step closer to realising his dream. His dream cafe - 'Bombay to Barcelona', will provide employment opportunities for children just out of orphanages and foster homes. It will also serve as a platform for other aspiring artists to showcase their talent. 
 
To, help Amin realise his dream, you can purchase his book Bombay Mumbai: Life is Life, I am Because of You available exclusively at Kitab Khana in Fort, Mumbai. You can also write to him at [email protected] and he will send you a signed copy.
 
Amin will also be present at the Moneylife Foundation's 5th Anniversary Celebration on 7 February 2015 at YB Chavan Hall (Nariman Point, Mumbai). You can meet him and buy your copy of his book for Rs300. To register for the event, please click here
 
Comments
SookieSkipper
1 decade ago
Many go through the life Amin did when he was young. But only handful manage to pick themselves up and be what he is today. For that he deserves all the praise and success he is getting.

All the very best to him!
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