Climbing The Stairs

As Vidya helps prepare for these days, she also describes for the reader the spiritual reason for the celebration, the preparations involved and the way the holiday is celebrated within the family. Penkatraman also deftly incorporates the structure and way of life in a traditional Indian household and the difficulties the more modern Vidya encounters as she tries to adjust to living with her extended family in Madras. Vidya had experienced life in this household during summer visits, but living it full time is another story.

Climbing the Stairs is an excellent coming of age set in a time and place many readers might not know about. For me, it was an opportunity to read about the impact of World War II on a young person in circumstances not familiar to me. Instead, it shows that the best of both could be part of Indian life.

Of course, knowing that India becomes an independent country in , Vidya seemed to me to be a symbol of a new India — a perfect blend of both tradition and modern. My only complaint about this book is that I would have liked a pronunciation guide for some of the Indian words and a map that showed both the colonial name and the Indian name of the places mentioned.

Other than that, I think Climbing the Stairs is an excellent debut novel by Padma Venkatraman as well as the perfect addition to any reading on diversity and I would highly recommend it This book is recommended for readers 12 and up. She loves climbing trees, spending time with her friend, Rifka, and her dog, Raja. And she has dreams of going to college. A dream her father promises to help make come true. And when Vidya rushes out into the street in the midst of a protest, her entire world changes.

Into the strangling, tradition-bound realm of her grandfa Vidya is a fifteen-year-old girl living in Bombay, India during World War II. But it is there where Vidya finds the library. And meets Hans Christian Anderson. And Raman, the young man who is not entirely incapable of accepting new ideas. And it is there where Vidya must face the realities of growing up. You can smell the fruit and see the flowers and feel the sunshine. And discover with Vidya all the truths which lie beneath the surface. Oct 08, Rachel rated it it was amazing Shelves: I absolutely loved this novel!

I found the characters to be inspiring and entertaining! Vidya's story is touching and her struggles and triumphs are what makes the novel perfect for young adult readers. I love the genre of historical fiction so the book was a perfect fit for me. I found it very interesting to read about a completely new point of view during such a troubling time in the world's history. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in culturally diverse texts and historical fi I absolutely loved this novel! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in culturally diverse texts and historical fiction novels.

Jan 22, Peggy rated it it was amazing. This is the story of a year-old girl in British-occupied India during World War II and her struggle to be her own person and go to college instead of following the traditions of her strict culture. It is a good role model for girls today. There is outstanding imagery portrayed in descriptive language with good insight into Indian culture and religion. Prejudice is captured in the description of the N This is the story of a year-old girl in British-occupied India during World War II and her struggle to be her own person and go to college instead of following the traditions of her strict culture.

This is the story of a struggle of a people trying to gain freedom--from Britain and from each other. Her father was active in protests but did not speak up in his brother's house. The effects of war can be seen in everyone's lives. Vidya found her escape in books--climbing the stairs to the library symbolized her courage to be herself and move forward.

Climbing the Stairs

This would not be suitable for elementary-age children--it includes the changes of puberty--but these changes are handled in good taste. This is an outstanding book! Oct 06, Emily Pier rated it it was ok. This book did not really hold my interest. It was a good story, but there was not enough going on in it for me.

However, I did like that the book offered me a perspective on the Indian culture that I had never considered before. It was interesting for me to read about the family dynamics and the way their social society is set up. The book did leave me with some questions. How Vidya and her family were treated after Appa's accident truly disturbed me.

How could a family act like that? Is that a This book did not really hold my interest. Is that a cultural thing? It truly confused me. I think this book is worth reading, even though I would never suggest it to someone looking for a fun, quick, good book to read. I liked it for the insight it gave into a culture that is different from my own. Additionally, I can see using parts of the book in a social studies class to study World War 2 from the perspective on those who lived in India.

Lastly, I didn't feel as if the book left me with closure. I am curious about what happens with Kitta, and where Vidya and Raman ended up. May 31, Samantha Kretschmer rated it really liked it Shelves: The writing was often overly simplistic and abrupt for my tastes and some of the characters could have used a little deeper development but overall a book that I really enjoyed.

My absolute favorite part was the setting. There are countless books set during World War II and there are books set during India's revolution but I've never encountered one that captures both. Climbing the Stairs is set in India in the early s which was a time of important cultural and political change. However it a The writing was often overly simplistic and abrupt for my tastes and some of the characters could have used a little deeper development but overall a book that I really enjoyed. So this was a refreshing and fascinating change.

I look forward to learning more about it. Overall a great read that was enlightening, empowering, interesting, and emotional. Jul 20, Kristy rated it liked it. I really had no expectations going into this book, honestly I didn't really think i was going to be all that thrilled with it. But, as the book got started I realized it was a really good story. Her utmost desire is to go to college. Sadly, I never have really thought about India during the war; It was such a confusing time for them.

Seeing as they believe in non-violence, but yet they are a house divided 3. Seeing as they believe in non-violence, but yet they are a house divided because many are changing their belief to save others' lifes. This book has a little bit of a romance going on, but it's seriously the last 75 pages before it really even begins.

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Mostly it's about Vidya growing up and Indian culture and customs. Oct 17, Krista the Krazy Kataloguer rated it really liked it Shelves: Teenager Vidya's life is turned upside down when her father suffers a brain injury and she and her family are forced to move in with her strict grandfather's clan. I was fascinated with the depiction of the difference between the life of women and the life of men in a traditional Brahmin household.

Vidya's struggle to resist a pre-arranged marriage and go to college instead is uplifting. I was sorry to see the story end, and look forward to reading more by this author. Oct 09, Garett rated it really liked it. The story of Vidya, a girl entering the turbulent times of adolescence during equally turbulent times in early 's India, is as intriguing to read as it is informational. Vidya's peaceful struggle for her freedom in a society that expects women to only marry, is nicely paralleled with the people of India's non-vilolent resistance against the British occupation that subjects the people of India.

She is to women what Gandhi was for India. Oct 14, Lauren Berry rated it it was amazing Shelves: I enjoyed learning about the difference in cultures between Vidya's and my own. The way the extended family treated her , Kitta, appa, and amma frustrated me. But overall I did like the book. Oct 07, Donald Tate rated it it was amazing Shelves: I was very much entranced by Climbing the Stairs, so much so that I read it in one night!

As much as I expected to despise the male characters in the book, with the exception of Periappa, I actually found them far more likable than many of the females, such as Periamma, Malati and Sarasa Chithi, who were nasty beyond belief at times. I find it ironic that in a male-dominated world, such as India was and probably still is today, in many ways Vidya's staunchest supporters were men. Male characters like Appa, Raman and Thatha really help, for me anyway, to dissolve the typical stereotype of Indian men that is portrayed so often in the media-as being controlling and feeling that women are beneath them.

Sure, many Indian men have and still think this way, such as Periappa, but it was a relief to see that not all the men in the book were like that. I decided not to consult any outside sources just to avoid information overload, and rely on the book only, which helped to tie in what I was learning in relation to the story as a whole.

I was surprised by how similar India's and America's histories were similar, in regards to being under British rule, and eventually breaking free from it altogether. Jan 07, Alicia rated it did not like it. Really, yes, I disliked it that much. Note that I read this around a month ago, so I've cooled down A LOT Maybe it was because we had to read it in-class for school, but more likely than not, it was the characters.

Main characters are Vidya, her brother Kitta, her father "appa". Main characters are Vidya, her brother Kitta, her father "appa", and her love interest, Raman. I absolutely detested her. I mean, sure, I get that you're having a hard time, but you're so shallow, and like, have you ever heard of working for it?

Along with the fact that she's so utterly perfect in the way of events. Everything goes her way when it really shouldn't, and seriously, like on her journey to find Kitta, the woman she met didn't take her money, the man who helped her find him didn't jail her, he was nice.

He also wanted to recruit her Let's say you're the CEO of your company. A year-old girl comes in. Do you say that you would like to have her on your board within 5 minutes of meeting her? Seriously, she was such a Sympathy Sue, she would try to defy something or someone, but she'd crumple at the first signs of someone defying her back.

And the part about wanting education in a world where she couldn't get it was so cliche. Like, name a popular YA book in which a girl doesn't "fight against the stereotypes" and thinks she's so cool. Yeah um so there's that. Aaand a lot more that I'd write, except I left my annotated copy of CTS at school so yeah, you're not getting even part of the rant Again, too lazy to review Kitta and Raman and appa, but know that they're all cardboard cutouts. I liked the cultural part of the story and how it was actually a decent historical fiction in terms of the history, but that's it.

Oct 04, Amber added it. This was an interesting novel set in India that displays one girls struggle for independence. The main character is Vidya, she is a fifteen-year-old girl living in Bombay with dreams of attending college.

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He father was friends with Gandi and was apart of the freedom fighter movement. The peak of this novel is when Vidya rushes out into the street in the midst of a protest. She also struggles with acceptance of the tr This was an interesting novel set in India that displays one girls struggle for independence. She also struggles with acceptance of the traditional life of an Indian woman. Vidya finds comfort in her grandfathers library which is off limits to woman. There she meets Ramen who relishes her intellectual curiosity.

I think any woman can identify with the struggle of finding her self, yet, I did not specifically connect with the main character, Vidya. The thing that I did relate with was the determination to create her own destiney eith dedication and hard work. I also would not be where I am today, finishing my Bachelors degree and 3rd Associates, with out the support of my family.

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The life challenges that she has faced make her human and supply her with the want to make her father and family proud and carry on his legacy as a knowledgeable Indian. I think Venkatraman did a nice job with detailing the historical and cultural events. I was unaware of the details about the freedom fighter movement against the British. So, that was nice to be informed about. Jul 19, Rachael rated it liked it Shelves: Quick read just the way I like them.

I have always been fascinated by Indian cultures, beliefs, religions, etc. This is little gem of historical fiction. I enjoyed that the author told in an Author's Note at the end of the book which parts of the book were based on her own family history or actually events. The main character, Vidya, was interesting. I grow tired of girls always running away rather than talking them out. That was one Quick read just the way I like them.

That was one of my issues with her, but I guess you have to take into consideration her upbringing the traditions of the people. She was struggling to be this independent girl in a place that expected them to be submissive and unheard. I liked hearing about the customs and expectations. I also really liked that Raman a boy she liked was trying to understand her and learning to break free from his own understandings and expectations. Sometimes we need to give them time to adjust to what they have come to know as right. Does this make sense? It does in my head. We each need to be given a chance to grow and change with new information and ideas.

I would have enjoyed more about the war.

Not in a gory sort of way, but it only touched lightly on the subject, granted this is YA fiction. I still really liked it. A nice change from teen romance in a fairy tale setting. I want more books like this. Oct 04, Pearl rated it really liked it Shelves: This story has a tender and realistic climax; I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in reading about a young woman from a somewhat vintage society; how she was able to cope and succeed while remaining true to her convictions.

Jan 13, Nabby rated it it was amazing. She lives in a society in which that lofty goal is often only unattainable. This book takes place in India, during the Imperialistic British rule. It was a time in which Indians were treated as second class citizens in their own country. During an act of brutal violence, Vidya's life takes an unexpected turn in which she is left the choice of either following her family's dreams, or her own. The story ex 'Climbing the Stairs" is a novel of a girl named Vidya who dreams of pursuing her education.

The story explores the dual concepts of what is was like to live in an occupied India, as well as achieving personal independence through education, which go against the cultural norms of her own Indian society. The nuanced exploration of the line between preserving one's own culture, while being occupied by another, and yet wanting to break free of certain societal pressures is a theme prominent throughout this novel. I personally found this book to be extremely meaningful and touching.

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It's a story that applies to every generation of young immigrant woman who struggle with wanting to retain cultural identity, without having to give up their personal aspirations , and individuality. All in all, it was a great story, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone in search of a heartfelt story. Oct 07, Toni rated it liked it Shelves: My first impression of Climbing the Stairs is that if you are not familiar with the Indian Culture you can get a little lost.

The setting is very Indian oriented and I feel this novel connects with Realistic Fiction. However, as you read this novel it will have you wanting to read more. Vidya who was 15 years old was a very determine young lady caught my attention. Vidya worried so much because within the Indian culture women are too marry and not educate themselves. However, this was not what V My first impression of Climbing the Stairs is that if you are not familiar with the Indian Culture you can get a little lost. However, this was not what Vidya wanted she wants so much to finish school and attend college and pursue her dream in life.

I believe this is a good novel to read. Sep 29, Kerri De rated it really liked it Shelves: Initially I was not sure if I was going to be able to connect with this book due to the cultural differences. However, after reading the first 20 pages or so I began to better understand the characters and the dialog. I was able to make connections with several characters in the book, especially with Vidya. I found myself relating to her wishes to continue to study and attend college.

Although I have never been told that I could not further my education I can understand her frustration if she wa Initially I was not sure if I was going to be able to connect with this book due to the cultural differences. Although I have never been told that I could not further my education I can understand her frustration if she was forced to marry and not continue with her education. I learned a lot about the overall culture, in that, I did not realize the extent to which the women were married off at such a young age.

I also was surprised to read about the strict separation of men and women in the home. Also, the extent to which the women must serve the men and that they do not directly speak with one another, or at least not regularly. I did not need to consult any outside sources while reading; I found the author did a nice job of describing things in a way which could be understood. Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel more than I anticipated. Nov 22, Rebekah rated it liked it. This novel is an interesting look back into the society and culture of India during World War II as told from the perspective on an ambitious young woman.

The two actually have a lot This novel is an interesting look back into the society and culture of India during World War II as told from the perspective on an ambitious young woman. The two actually have a lot in common. Like Lizzy, Vidya would rather read than be in an unhappy marriage. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this setting and also to anyone interested in learning more about the progression of feminism around the world and within the last century. By clicking "Post Your Answer", you acknowledge that you have read our updated terms of service , privacy policy and cookie policy , and that your continued use of the website is subject to these policies.

Home Questions Tags Users Unanswered. Do you walk up or climb stairs Ask Question. Is it more correct to say "I climbed up the stairs" or "I walked up the stairs"? Climb is defined as go or come up a slope or staircase ; ascend. Walk is defined as an act of travelling or an outing on foot. Both are theoretically correct, but is one more correct than the other? Neither is more correct. They mean different things. Why does one have to be "more correct" than the other? HotLicks One does not have to be more correct than the other. I am asking if one of them is more correct than the other.

So, either of the following would be equally correct: I climbed the stairs. Not "I climbed up the stairs. Climb doesn't imply up. You can just as easily climb down something. MrLister Perfectly true, but we do climb stairs, climb mountains, and climb buildings.

However we climb down a mineshaft , and we climb down from on high.