Growing up is an adventure, filled with mischievous escapades, unforgettable friendships, and heartwarming family moments. Sunny Side Up, the latest book by Indo-Canadian author Sunpreet Gujahi, takes readers on a delightful journey through the childhood and teenage years of Kush, a lively Punjabi boy growing up in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, during the 1980s and 1990s. With humor, nostalgia, and a deep cultural touch, this novel beautifully captures the essence of small-town life in India.
A Story That Feels Like Home
Kush is the youngest in his family, with a bubbly sister, Bano, who loves dressing up and is their father’s favorite, and a studious elder brother, Preet, who takes academics seriously. But Kush? He’s the troublemaker—the stress-free, bold, and mischievous boy who brings chaos and joy to his family and neighborhood.
From playing gully cricket and flying kites on Holi to eating gol gappe at Gol Bazaar with his friends Rocky, Kaala, and Kulla, Kush’s life is a colorful rollercoaster of laughter and adventure. His love for Diwali firecrackers, late-night television under the warmth of a rajai, and secretly crushing on Punnu, a girl who visited his neighborhood during summer vacations, makes for an endearing and relatable read.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
For those who grew up in the pre-internet days of India, Sunny Side Up is more than just a book—it’s a time machine. It transports readers back to an era when friendships were built on evening walks, street food, and local adventures. When world events, like India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup win, were celebrated with cheers across the streets. When childhood wasn’t about screens but about stolen moments of innocence, mischief, and pure joy.
From Sri Ganganagar to Canada
While the novel is filled with humor, it also touches on themes of change and aspiration. As Kush grows older, he dreams of moving to Canada, inspired by his sister’s life abroad. The excitement of planning this big move, the struggles of leaving behind a beloved hometown, and the bittersweet reality of chasing dreams make the book both entertaining and deeply emotional.
Why You Should Read Sunny Side Up
• Laugh-Out-Loud Humor – Kush’s antics will leave you chuckling, whether it’s his pranks on neighbors or the time he and Rocky ran out of petrol on a Luna moped and had to push it home.
• Cultural Nostalgia – If you grew up in the ‘80s or ‘90s, this book will bring back fond memories of simpler times, family traditions, and festivals.
• Relatable Friendships & Family Bonds – From school struggles to sibling love, the novel beautifully captures the warmth of relationships that shape us.
• A Taste of Small-Town India – The vivid descriptions of Sri Ganganagar, its bustling markets, sweet shops, and local hangouts, make you feel like you’re right there, walking its lively streets.
What’s Next?
Sunny Side Up sets the stage for Kush’s next big adventure—his journey to Canada. The upcoming sequel will explore his life as an immigrant in the early 2000s, the cultural shocks, the longing for home, and the rekindling of old connections, including a possible reunion with Punnu.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, reminisce, and fall in love with the magic of childhood all over again, Sunny Side Up is a must-read!
Where to Buy?
Have you ever had a childhood friend like Kush? Or do you have memories of growing up in a small town? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Holistic Haven 