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Aditya Shroff: The 5AM guy talks about his inspirational journey

His book talks about an incredible journey through a multitude of emotions and enchanting childhood reminiscences.

Aditya Shroff, who is just 26 years old, has recently launched his first book, ‘The Best Life Ever’. Inspired by his running experiences, the book captures the journey of the protagonist, a simple village lad, as he runs through the countryside. In a conversation with Aditya Shroff, he talks about his journey and the inspiration behind the book.

Aditya Shroff – a blogger, the author and the engineer

Has to be the author! I have been working on getting here for the past sixteen years; becoming an engineer was more of a necessity, and becoming a blogger happened by chance owing to the popularity of The 5AM Guy!

5 AM guy and his journey

The 5AM Guy is essentially the identity of a person who believes in the power of passion and positivity. It started off as a blog, but in principle, is a call out to the spirit of humanity to take a shot at life once again – this time with fire in the heart and laughter on the lips. The 5AM Guy, the protagonist, is a young lad who grew up on a farm, far out in the countryside. The book is a collection of his experiences, stories depicting beautifully intense emotions and priceless relationships that we all live through in this journey of life.

About the book

I have always wanted to write a book, since the time I was little. The inspiration behind the book has a lot to do with the kind of environment I grew up in. Moving to a small village from the bustling city and growing up on a farm is an experience in itself. And as the note in the book reads: Inspired by real-life experiences, by the magical landscapes of India, by beautiful people with hearts of gold and by miles and miles of running. The 5AM Guy, the protagonist, is a young lad who grew up on a farm, far out in the countryside. The book is a collection of his experiences, stories depicting beautifully intense emotions and priceless relationships that we all live through in this journey of life.

Emotion the book generates for the readers

Quoting a well known Mumbai based mental health and well-being counsellor, "The book is so enchanting, it will make you smile and cry at the same time!" High on emotions, the stories in the book are a sum of the beautiful ideas about life as perceived by the village lad--an incredible journey through a multitude of emotions and enchanting childhood reminiscences. Running across countryside farmlands bordering the Arabian Sea, through bustling Indian cities, over the high mountains of the Himalayas, and deep into the untouched crevices of the heart, it is a journey that makes you rethink your take on life. The magical musings in each story are bound to convince you that this life we are fortunate enough to live is indeed The Best Life Ever!

Challenges you faced while writing

It was an overwhelming and yet a gratifying journey, starting from the first page and seeing the manuscript grow story after story into an entire book. There were nights when I doubted my own writing, days when I ran out of inspiration and frustrating times when everything seemed to fall apart. But when I look back now, it all seems so beautiful; I wouldn't have it any other way!

Surprising things learnt while writing the book

There are a couple of them: One, you learn a lot more about yourself and your thoughts when you write. Two, when you are done writing the entire book, that is when your journey to becoming an author has only just started. And three, if you believe in yourself (and the book) enough, things eventually surprisingly fall into place like they were always meant to be!

Message for all young readers

Once you understand the beauty of powerful literature, your heart will refuse to settle for anything inferior. Keep devouring books and trying different authors until you find the magic in literature. If I am allowed to say this: Please don't waste your time on worthless commercial fiction and cheesy romance that today is rampant in India. There is magic waiting for you in the form of real books and inspiring literature. Go find it!

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