Lean days Paperback – March 31, 2018

Lean Days is a light and breezy read but yet something that will pull at your heartstrings in every chapter. This is not a story of a one-of-a-kind love, but it is something that resonates with everyone - for everyone who has loved and lost, or has never found love. Throughout the book, the author stays true to himself and never sugarcoats his emotions. It is the simplicity with which the author deals with complicated issues of sexuality, ambition and love, that pulls you in as a reader. You feel his yearning to be accepted and loved for who he is and what he has to offer. You feel his struggles and his despair. Throughout the book, you are always cheering for him to succeed in whatever he sets out to do and for him to find love. If you are looking for something honest and pure, this book is for you.

Amazing journey I would say instead of saying story, because you lived this journey.You truly deserves a life partner as you want to. And you will soon I'll pray for it for sure.You have a very good command on English language its bit difficult me to understand the phrases you used it is not that difficult but yeah some lines were.I would love to hear the news about your next book.Best of luck for the future you are true soul.Ishq se zyada mushq ne jee jalaya hai mera.Pancake honey.🙏🤩😊👍😇🙏

To write a review of Lean Days by Manish Gaekwad is not an easy ask. Though I was probably one of the first people who bought the book in early April, I still haven’t put down my thoughts. This is because I’ve read Manish’s writing on and off since early 2013 and have always been mesmerised. He is a magician with words and Lean Days is the first (of many, I hope) example of his magic. Dealing with complicated themes of sexuality and desire (whether LGBT or straight), Manish weaves his travel across India into the story so effortlessly. There’s a sensitivity to the characters in Lean Days that translates into strength - one wants to know more about where their lives have taken them. The one line that stayed with me is - “It is in a place such as this where one begins to respond to one’s own descent into madness.” Wise indeed is a writer who is willing to accept, recognise and articulate with such honesty the possibility of places or people where one can respond to said descents into madness. Kudos to Manish for bringing to light the nuances of desire - something we do not debate often enough in India. I am looking forward to his next book!

A very good read indeed. Unique stories, fun adventures, and a good bit of insight into the LGBT community in India. Definitely worth picking up a copy.

Great read! We have all had those lean days, this book helps put an inspiring spin to them. There's always something to look forward to in the next chapter, be it in the book or in life.