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abby_can_read's review against another edition
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This book wasn't for me. I struggled to get into it and I didn't really care about what was happening with the characters. I tried. It sounded good but this isn't for me.
This book wasn't for me. I struggled to get into it and I didn't really care about what was happening with the characters. I tried. It sounded good but this isn't for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Misogyny
smoothlikebutter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship
mari1532's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I listened to the audiobook through my local library.
Brief Summary: Dimple Shah has dreamed of developing an app since she was young. So, when she has the opportunity to attend a web development camp in San Francisco she desperately wants to go, but given the price of attendance, she doesn't think her parents will let her. However, she is pleasantly surprised when they agree to let her go. Little does she know that their motives might differ from hers.
Enter Rishi Patel. He is a hopeless romantic with zero interest in apps, but a strong interest in Dimple Shah. Well, at least what he has heard about her anyway. That's why he is attending the web development camp in San Francisco because it's a great opportunity to get to know one another better. However, Rishi quickly realizes that Dimple has no idea who he is or why he's there.
After a not-so-meet-cute, Rishi and Dimple must work together and a web app isn't the only thing that begins to develop.
Thoughts: I liked this book. I thought that Menon captured something unique about being a senior in high school on the cusp of starting college. Dimple has big dreams for her career and making technology that serves a larger purpose (for example tracking diabetes symptoms). I think that one of the reasons that she is a bit abrasive at times throughout the book is that she is pursuing her dreams in a field that is known as having a "tech bro" culture and she doesn't seem entirely supported in pursuits at home. I do think that her parents came around to her interest in the field but at the start of the book I did get the feeling that her desire for this high-driven career path was not something her parents were 100% in support of. So, it can be hard to constantly have to fight for what you want with the people you love in addition to fighting all of the barriers that society can put in your way. I think one of my favourite things about this book is that we see Dimple evolve and become more comfortable with herself, which is what you hope for with someone finishing high school...that they start to grow up and find who they are without other people telling them.
Rishi was a little more complicated for me as a character. Being older all I could think at certain points was why do you want a committed relationship now at 17? Find out who you are on your own, get a hobby?! That being said I also identified with him in a way because I felt that way when I was that young at certain points. I do wish that his communication skills would have had a wider arch throughout the book, but I did like how he helped bring Dimple out of her shell.
Overall I think that this was a cute romance read. If you are into teenage angst and romance I think this is the read for you.
Brief Summary: Dimple Shah has dreamed of developing an app since she was young. So, when she has the opportunity to attend a web development camp in San Francisco she desperately wants to go, but given the price of attendance, she doesn't think her parents will let her. However, she is pleasantly surprised when they agree to let her go. Little does she know that their motives might differ from hers.
Enter Rishi Patel. He is a hopeless romantic with zero interest in apps, but a strong interest in Dimple Shah. Well, at least what he has heard about her anyway. That's why he is attending the web development camp in San Francisco because it's a great opportunity to get to know one another better. However, Rishi quickly realizes that Dimple has no idea who he is or why he's there.
After a not-so-meet-cute, Rishi and Dimple must work together and a web app isn't the only thing that begins to develop.
Thoughts: I liked this book. I thought that Menon captured something unique about being a senior in high school on the cusp of starting college. Dimple has big dreams for her career and making technology that serves a larger purpose (for example tracking diabetes symptoms). I think that one of the reasons that she is a bit abrasive at times throughout the book is that she is pursuing her dreams in a field that is known as having a "tech bro" culture and she doesn't seem entirely supported in pursuits at home. I do think that her parents came around to her interest in the field but at the start of the book I did get the feeling that her desire for this high-driven career path was not something her parents were 100% in support of. So, it can be hard to constantly have to fight for what you want with the people you love in addition to fighting all of the barriers that society can put in your way. I think one of my favourite things about this book is that we see Dimple evolve and become more comfortable with herself, which is what you hope for with someone finishing high school...that they start to grow up and find who they are without other people telling them.
Rishi was a little more complicated for me as a character. Being older all I could think at certain points was why do you want a committed relationship now at 17? Find out who you are on your own, get a hobby?! That being said I also identified with him in a way because I felt that way when I was that young at certain points. I do wish that his communication skills would have had a wider arch throughout the book, but I did like how he helped bring Dimple out of her shell.
Overall I think that this was a cute romance read. If you are into teenage angst and romance I think this is the read for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, and Alcohol
calamitywindpetal's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol
rileydobereading's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content
atamano's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-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? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, and Pregnancy
ruthhelizabeth's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.75
I didn't realise I had already watched the Netlfix adaptation until a few chapters in, but it's so much better than that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Racism and Classism
Minor: Sexual content
ksuazo94's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Violence
ekmurray's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really enjoyed this novel about a young couple trying not to fall in love. Dimple is driven and single minded, and Rishi is a hopeless romantic, so that’s a bit of a gender flip. The story was very sweet and enjoyable to read.
I liked the (sometimes conflicting) themes of being true to oneself, and honouring one’s parents and culture, and I thought this book did a good job of examining the tension between these two ideals. I was particularly touched by the scene where Rishi denies his true self among kindred spirits in order to be who his parents want him to be; the soul-crushing sadness of that moment was very gently but effectively portrayed. I also loved how Dimple’s adventure caused her to grow closer to her parents, and appreciate them more.
I was encouraged to read this book by a great episode of the Hazel, Harry, Katniss and Starr Young Adult Fiction podcast.
I liked the (sometimes conflicting) themes of being true to oneself, and honouring one’s parents and culture, and I thought this book did a good job of examining the tension between these two ideals. I was particularly touched by the scene where Rishi denies his true self among kindred spirits in order to be who his parents want him to be; the soul-crushing sadness of that moment was very gently but effectively portrayed. I also loved how Dimple’s adventure caused her to grow closer to her parents, and appreciate them more.
I was encouraged to read this book by a great episode of the Hazel, Harry, Katniss and Starr Young Adult Fiction podcast.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Bullying, Sexual content, and Classism
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
When Dimple Met Rishi is cute for what it is – a YA Rom Com that takes place at a summer camp. Sure, maybe it’s not your traditional summer camp (it’s a programming competition) and maybe we don’t have John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John singing “Summer Nights”, but it definitely has that vibe.
And, in that way, When Dimple Met Rishi is kind of a fun light read. Don’t go into it expecting anything special as far as story goes. This book is good for cuddling up with a caramel hot cocoa and a couple shortbread cookies and a fuzzy blanket and just enjoying the cheesy dialogue. The word “forever” is thrown around! Hands are clasped to bosoms! It’s a little tacky at times, but it’s still decent for what it is.
Things that are nice about When Dimple Met Rishi? Some stereotypes are broken – my favorite being Dimple’s insistence to play the system and win the talent show by doing pretty much what every well-meaning, racist teacher would expect. I loved that she used that to her advantage. What I don’t so much love was how frequently Dimple in particular is dragged because of her race, gender, and hobbies. Especially in a place where others who share similar traits are not being tormented. It feels far too much like a setup.
I was also really disappointed in Celia. Seriously now.
When Dimple Met Rishi isn’t the type of book I normally reach for – corny YA rom-com – but I did like it for itself and I can see why it was so hyped a few years ago when the book first came out. If you like the genre, I highly recommend reading this one. Most of the things I didn’t like about the book are about me, not the book. So yes! I recommend When Dimple Met Rishi. Enjoy the cute! Enjoy the totally unrealistic airport scene! Just have fun with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny