Book Review
When the second book by Miss Malini, ‘Under the Influence- How to Survive and Thrive Online,‘ was released, I made sure to grab a copy for myself. As an influencer and blogger, I learned many lessons on ‘how to use the internet’ from the lady who knows it all and has a lot to share: the one and only Miss Malini. Her book titled ‘Under the Influence’ is no less than a Bible for social media users, particularly influencers.
About the author:
Miss Malini, also known as Malini Agarwal, is a prominent Indian blogger, entertainment reporter, and digital influencer. She is well-known for her celebrity gossip blog, MissMalini.com, which covers Bollywood news, fashion, lifestyle, and celebrity gossip. She’s considered one of the pioneers of Bollywood blogging in India.
About the book, ‘Under the Influence’
As expected, the book is about how to stay relevant on social media. Miss Malini was among the first social media users, and she has learned through her interactions, connections, and of course, mistakes. I like how she suggests social media survival tips based on her mistakes. The book is a general guide on how to survive and thrive on the internet (read Social Media). The author is a social media queen who has written the book out of passion and with the mission to mentor the next generations in the right direction.
‘Under the Influence’ the book is divided into three parts
Malini’s Internet Rule #1: Never post something you can’t say to someone’s face. Taking advantage of anonymity, many people write whatever comes to their mind on social media, making things worse. Don’t miss reading about Miss Malini’s first encounter with the internet.
Malini’s Internet Rule #2: Followers are people too. We often forget that followers are not just a number. They will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Don’t miss the interactive sessions throughout the book.
Malini’s Internet Rule #3: Spark joy (with your next post). Malini says that our social media identity is the digital representation of who we are. Make enjoyable posts, be kind to strangers, and say no to trolling.
What I liked the most in ‘Under the Influence’
1. With its attractive cover, catchy title, and the presence of the social media goddess herself, Miss Malini, this book becomes a must-pick from the shelf.
2. The inclusion of quotes from well-known influencers (ahem ahem;) adds spice to the book, and I certainly can’t miss out on the gossip and entertainment that Miss Malini talks about.
3. The book has some interactive pages (check out yourself;) that make it even more compelling.
4. Coming from Miss Malini herself, you will find the book full of practical tips to exist on social media.
Book Details:
Title: Under The Influence: How to survive and thrive online
Pages: 240
Language: English
Publisher: Harper Collins India
Price: Rs 499/ for paperback
(Kindle edition available at lower price)
My rating: 3.5/5
⭐⭐⭐1/2
This Book Review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program.
PANORAMIC RIPPLES 
I too got a chance to read this book and your review covers all the highlights of this book pretty well. It is a HG guide for all influencers and also love the part where she talks about how to deal with negative comments and what ethics to follow as an influencer..
I didn’t find the book having something unique. It is obvisouly for people who want to only attract marketing. I am not a fan of Bollywood gossip or events, so I didn’t follow her until now to see what is the USP.
Sounds like a sensible book, going by the three rules of the author. Into my TBR
Well I used to read her weekly gossip article about Bollywood, fashion, lifestyle and I liked to read them because of her unique writing style. I guess, I would love to read the book and take a chance to review it . Thanks for sharing your inputs.
There was a time celebrity news was interesting to ne. Guess I outgrew it ! Not into social media too, yes boring life 🙂 so guess I will skip this book. Tks for your recco though
Your review sounds very promising, Aditi. I haven’t read the book but now I am tempted to get my hands on it. I am part of Miss Malini’s group on Facebook. She has grown into an empire and i admire her guts.
I’m not into Bollywood news or gossip fan, so I haven’t followed Miss Malini.But review sounds like a must-read for anyone exploring the digital world, especially influencers like you. I appreciate how you’ve highlighted Miss Malini’s experience and passion for mentoring others in the right direction.
This is the second post about this book- must be a great read indeed! I read her first book and may check this one out basis how you described it- interactive pages sound cool. I like that you’ve summarized the three main points of the book, very helpful
The review, under the Influence: internet User Protocol by Manlini Agarwal, seems very useful to Social Media users. The three points highlighted for the SM users are also paramount. Thank you 🙂
I’m not much into entertainment/Bollywood news but yes who doesn’t know or has heard of Malini. Appreciate your honest review but this might not be for me because I don’t non-fiction much either.
As someone who’s just starting to build a social media presence, it can feel overwhelming at times. I am struggling to maintain the engagement and crack the code on my Instagram. Knowing there’s a whole book out there with advice from a social media queen like Miss Malini is fantastic.
Malini showed us the pathway for engaging in social media regularly to stand in the face of chaos and unpredictability we may face. It is a perfect handbook to get valuable insights into the workings of the chaotic culture and the best ways to avoid it. Malini, via her book, made an effort to educate society in the best possible way. She hopes that the readers use social media to spread positivity online and empower them to take constructive actions against online body shaming, bullying, and trolling.
I just finished reading this book. It’s attractive by the cover and I loved the interactive sections and the quotes.
I have been seeing the book a lot around lately but have read mixed reviews. It seems more about surviving as an influencer which is no easy task. I will probably give it a read. Thanks for sharing the review.
This looks like a must read book. The three rules she shared are very important. People forget that the other person is a human too. It is not okay to be rude just because you cannot see them.
I have been reading so many reviews on this book, that now I feel I should be picking this up soon. Great review. A great share
I wouldn’t say it’s my type of book and I am also not the social media types but I like Miss Malini n her Bollywood gossip too. Coming to the book, I m sure there are a lot of takeaways for active users of social media.
It is interesting that she has written a book and the 3 divisions make so much sense when it comes to creating good content . It sounds like she has shared the ‘how to’ of being an influencer.
Great review. I feel like her rules are kind of common sense, but it might be a great overview for someone who is just starting out on social media.
The internet rules are simple yet something that we tend to ignore over time. Interaction and kindness is so underrated on social media. Good review. I’ll try to get my hands on it too. Should help in upping the game, maybe.
I too read this book and the book cover is really catchy. It is a practical guide about how to survive and thrive online. Though it contains messages from many of the influencers but I like the generation guide bit more.
It’s amazing how technology shapes our daily interactions and behaviors. Must have for budding influencers. Maybe I will gift it to my sister.
It is a beautiful cover and this one seems a must-read book for everyone on social media. Attractive review.
Many times what people write in books or present on social media can be different from how they actually are in real life. But Malini is totally genuine. Back in 2019, I was very fortunate to be one of 5 winners of a contest she conducted on her Facebook group ‘Girl Tribe’, as part of which I got to accompany her to a Harper’s Bazaar awards night, which was followed by a fabulous party. She was so cool! Right from inviting the winners to her room in the hotel where she was getting her makeup done, chatting with us, chilling, to the end of the night where she introduced us to every celebrity around – it was amazing. She really did make us feel like her friends, not her followers!
It might be an amazing experience, Noor! 🤩