The Second Home  (Paperback, Utkarsh Kushwaha)

The Second Home is a poignant exploration of the paradox that defines school life: it begins with tears of reluctance and ends with tears of longing. Through the lens of his formative years at St. Francis’ College, Lucknow, Utkarsh crafts a heartfelt memoir that transcends personal narrative to touch on universal truths about growing up. Blending vivid anecdotes with reflective insights, the book delves into the phases of school life; from the innocence of nursery to the bittersweet crescendo of farewells. It examines how single-sex and co-ed environments shape identity, the weight of societal expectations, and the quiet revolutions that mold resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. More than a nostalgia trip, this is an ode to classrooms that became sanctuaries, friends who turned into family, and lessons that outlasted textbooks. For anyone who has ever laughed in a schoolyard, hidden a report card, or clung to memories long after the final bell, The Second Home is a mirror to the joys, struggles, and irreplaceable legacy of those fleeting, foundational years.