prachidayal's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
- Long read (10+ hours)
- I hate the way the story wraps up with an unrealistic bow on top; how did Ranjana go from being "just good" to a bestselling author? The pacing was a little too slow in some parts.
- I've never felt so represented. I loved the inclusion of Hindi and Indian culture, food, clothes, and more. I love when very different stories intersect, and this book does it well. The perspectives are so candid and I love how nontraditional love is represented (gay, lesbian, and older couples). The character development is amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
amandalorianxo's review
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It had a little bit of a slow start but once the characters were established and I had a solid understanding of who the main players were, I eagerly wanted to continue on. The struggles immigrants face coming to America is hard to grasp when you personally haven’t experienced that. However, the author makes the storylines for Harit, Ranjana, Mohan and even Harit’s mother as authentic as possible. The Indian culture isn’t as complex as people make it seem and I’m happy that this book gave me a chance not only to learn more but to also feel how pained those who are outside the Indian status quo (when it comes to sexuality and just general belonging) must feel when they grapple with the choices they must face in being true to themselves. Harit’s struggles as a person in his mid forties can’t fully be fixed in a day but the help of Teddy and Ranjana, he learns to become as close to his authentic self as he can be. I’m also proud of Ranjana too for going after her own wishes. It’s never too late to be who you want to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
nicolaparty's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Death, Drug use, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia and Infidelity
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Cultural appropriation, Death of parent, Islamophobia, Sexual content, and Vomit
marrowe's review
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent, Child death, and Animal death
cheesepuppy's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I wasn’t hooked until I read a line and thought “this woman thinks her husband is cheating because she’s been reading vampire books”. Don’t worry, that was only in the 2nd chapter.
There was a lot of character building in part 1 of the book. With all the interwoven stories this was a good read. There are 2 main main characters with several other main-ish supporting characters. We get to hear all of their perspectives and it’s a really neat effect.
There was a lot of character building in part 1 of the book. With all the interwoven stories this was a good read. There are 2 main main characters with several other main-ish supporting characters. We get to hear all of their perspectives and it’s a really neat effect.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Sexism, and Death
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