Review of The Blue Mountain by Agastya Shankhla

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Rating: 4/5

When I started The Blue Mountain, I honestly expected a light, simple story, but the book surprised me with how quietly emotional it turned out to be. It has a calming vibe, the kind that makes you settle into the pages slowly. Nothing is rushed, nothing is exaggerated — it feels like the kind of story that grows on you gently. For me, this softness became one of the best parts of the book.

Arjun and Aayushi: The Heart of the Story

Aayushi’s character is the first thing that pulled me in. Her confusion about life, her moments of self-doubt, that feeling of not being fully in control — all of that felt extremely real and relatable. She isn’t written as someone dramatic; she’s written as someone many of us could easily be at some point in our lives. Then there is Arjun, and he instantly stands out. He is brave in a calm way, reflective, thoughtful, and he has this natural sense of purpose. He doesn’t try to impress; he simply is who he is. I loved how his presence influences Aayushi without forcing anything. Their bond grows slowly, almost naturally, from small conversations and shared moments. Watching Aayushi change because of Arjun — finding her creativity, her confidence, and her spark again — was the sweetest part of the book for me.

Philosophy in a Very Soft Way

One thing I genuinely appreciated is how Arjun’s philosophical side is handled. His connection with the teachings of the Gītā, especially the idea of focusing on your actions rather than the results, adds meaning to the story. But the best part is that it never feels heavy or bookish. The philosophy is carried through Arjun’s personality — in how he thinks, how he speaks, and how he approaches life. It feels like real wisdom coming from a real person, not like a lecture. This balance made the book feel both emotional and thoughtful at the same time.

The Writing Style and Flow

The writing is simple, clean, and easy to read. It’s one of those books where the simplicity actually strengthens the message. The author doesn’t use big words or complicated lines; everything is straight from the heart. The flow is smooth, and the mix of romance, self-growth, small adventures, and emotional moments feels very natural. There are several lines that stay with you even after you finish reading — not because they are dramatic, but because they are honest.

Why the Story Felt Personal to Me

For me, the most beautiful part of this book is how gradual Aayushi’s change is. She doesn’t suddenly transform into a confident person; she grows softly, step by step, simply because Arjun makes her see something new within herself. Sometimes in life, we meet someone who becomes a mirror for us — someone who shows us who we can become. That is exactly what Arjun is for Aayushi.

By the time I finished the book, I felt lighter. It reminded me that even small shifts in our mindset can lead to big changes in our life.

A Very Tiny, Gentle Critique

If I had to mention anything, it would be that I wished a few scenes had been a bit longer. Some moments between Arjun and Aayushi ended quickly, and I personally wanted more detail.

But honestly, it is a very small point. The simple and short style is also what gives the book its charm, so it didn’t bother me much.

Why I Would Recommend It

I would gladly recommend The Blue Mountain to anyone who loves character-driven, warm stories with emotional depth. If you enjoy books that quietly inspire you, that show the soft side of love and friendship, and that make you think about your own life choices, then this book is definitely worth reading. It’s perfect for both young readers who are dealing with self-doubt and adults who enjoy meaningful, comforting stories. The gentle message of the book stays with you even after you close it.