A PINCH OF HUMOR AND A DASH OF SMILE BY KOMAL DAMANI

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The title brings a smile to your face along with its catchy illustration. The tagline follows suit - "Life is the way you cook it."

Komal Damani's story is about facing life bravely when a life threatening challenge comes one's way. The challenge she faced was huge, being diagnosed with a rare malignant tumor in the ovary during pregnancy. She was blessed with a healthy boy child, Aadi, a blessing in her life.

As she and her husband were living in France at the time, yet another challenge was to learn French. However, through all the challenge, Komal was determined to live life one day at a time. She took a practical, realistic approach to her situation, and in the midst of undergoing chemotherapy, she began writing her book so that she could help others in the same boat.

Never once in the narrative does Komal ask, " Why me?" Instead, she focused on being the best mother she could be to Aadi. She was grateful for her husband, Setu, who was a rock in her life, her parents and her parents -in-law, and her family members. While she did feel guilty at times, having to depend on others, and not being able to take care of her son the way she wanted to, she reconciled herself to reality. Nuggets of wisdom abound in the book.

"Do not keep guilt in your heart because you are doing the best you can for your child and no one else loves him or her more than you do."

Through the trying time, music and meditation kept her going, as did her sense of humour. Her perfect Valentine's Day date with her husband was spent eating crackers and playing cards at the hospital.

The view of the glimmering Eiffel Tower from her hospital room elated her.

"This was a light at the end of the tunnel moment for me." The adorable illustration of tourists in front of the Eiffel Tower in contrast to her view of it further revealed her grit and determination.

                                                                               Illustration Credits: Komal Damani

Komal's narrative is one of hope against all odds. As she said in an interview with Blogchatter,

"The scars, physical and emotional don't vanish when the chemo bell rings. Living with them is its own, quieter agony."

In her epilogue, Komal mentions the aftermath of recovery as a period of fatigue, muscle aches, mood swings and food aversions, all of which were part of her treatment as well. However, she kept pushing her limits, as she went on walks, practised singing and art along with meditation and drafting her book. She ends her book with a note of gratitude to her son, Aadi, who kept her fighting to get fit all the way.

Komal's book can serve as an inspiration to many, not just cancer survivors. As she put in in her interview,

"My book isn't a sob story. It's a reminder that we can create moments of joy even under a shadow."

Komal's message to her readers: 

🙏 I wish to donate the royalties in support of cancer warriors and I’d love your support in sharing this message. If the book resonates, please leave a review or share it with someone who could use a little dose of humor and hope.

 Book Title: A Pinch of Humor and a Dash of Smile

Author & Illustrator: Komal Damani

Genre: Autobiography and Self Help


                                                                           Komal Damani Parekh - Instagram photo

PS: I was fortunate enough to win this book as a prize for the Chuckle Chronicles Blog Hop hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed. It touched my heart deeply. Deepti

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