Adolescence is considered a critical time of development. It is an age of defiance and a time where one wants to assert independence. We all have been there and most adults will recall those were the days!
But Daai Readington, a teenager herself chose to write about this critical stage of life. Her first novel, ‘Teenage Rebellion’, was recently published by Bluerose Publishers and is available in various online shopping sites in the country.
Writing a novel is not an easy task, especially if you’ve never written anything before. However, Daai chose the lines, “Life is like a drama, direct it in any way you like.”
With these quotes she finally wrote 196 pages of the rebellion with all the inspiration derived from her late father, Readington M Marwein, who was also the owner and publisher of Highland Post.
In eight months with breaks from her studies and “when things get boring” Daai wielded her pen and said, “I do this to kill time and to kill boredom.”
Talking about her book, she said it’s about two teenagers. While one character chose not to rebel, the other risks herself in defiance.
On why she chose the title, Daai was candid to explain, saying, “The topic of rebelling is often neglected in most of teachings, both at home and at school too. Before talking about addictions and pregnancy issues in teenagers, we need to concentrate on the topic ‘rebel’. Why do teenagers rebel?”
Describing Chetan Bhagat’s books as her favourites and Anne Frank’s “The diary of a young girl” the best she read so far, Daai said in novels she gets to create scenarios for herself. “I know I cannot live exactly like what I have written but here I can express myself in something.”
Asked about her expectations from readers, she said, “I want them to get encouraged by the words I have written. Though they are not great words, I believe they can change their views on things.”
Despite being the daughter of a well-known personality known as a pioneer in the publication of newspapers in Meghalaya, Daai said, “I did not want the world to know that I am the daughter of a well-known figure in the State. I want the world to know that it was through his support and encouragement that my dream to become an author finally came true with the book.”
Daai also spoke about her future and said, “I would see my future in all areas of writing and journaling as well as a journalist.”
Meanwhile, her book was officially released by District Council Judge, Dr S Kharsyiemlieh and Rev M Warjri of Mawiong Presbyterian Church, to family and friends at a prayer service organised on Saturday to pay tribute to Marwein, who succumbed to Covid-19 on June 10.
Dr Kharsyiemlieh said, “It is not a coincidence that this book was declared published. It is his (Marwein) blessings.” He said the title of the book will attract readers and at a young age writing a book is a big feat and it cannot happen without God’s given talent.
Daai concluded by saying, “Not sure if it’s a coincidence or destiny. But one thing is for sure… It is meant to be.”
