love_katie's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy free in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fluffy, cute contemporary, and definitely a quick read. I enjoyed the family dynamics and the focus on Indian culture. I liked seeing a protagonist from what is often considered a "strict" culture by Western standards enjoying time with her family and embracing a lot of their traditions instead of pushing back against them. Winnie's obsession with Bollywood movies bordered on extreme, but it added humor when she should have been dealing with something serious but made references to Bollywood movies instead.
I didn't feel like any of the characters had a lot of depth, and the "love triangle" wasn't excellent since it was pretty obvious who the better guy was, at least in my opinion! I also had an issue with the fact that Winnie broke up with the original guy because he asked her not to follow her dreams in favor of his own, but then the other guy asked her to do something similar, and all her friends were mad at her because she didn't put his wants above her own life goals! I feel like that sets a very contradictory tone for the book, and I wish Winnie had stood up for herself more in that situation and done what was best for her. Other than that, I did really like the love interest, but I didn't think he, or any other character, was anything new or special to the YA contemporary genre. This book was fun and funny, but I don't think it will stick with me. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a light contemporary, especially one with Indian culture.
This was a fluffy, cute contemporary, and definitely a quick read. I enjoyed the family dynamics and the focus on Indian culture. I liked seeing a protagonist from what is often considered a "strict" culture by Western standards enjoying time with her family and embracing a lot of their traditions instead of pushing back against them. Winnie's obsession with Bollywood movies bordered on extreme, but it added humor when she should have been dealing with something serious but made references to Bollywood movies instead.
I didn't feel like any of the characters had a lot of depth, and the "love triangle" wasn't excellent since it was pretty obvious who the better guy was, at least in my opinion! I also had an issue with the fact that Winnie broke up with the original guy because he asked her not to follow her dreams in favor of his own, but then the other guy asked her to do something similar, and all her friends were mad at her because she didn't put his wants above her own life goals! I feel like that sets a very contradictory tone for the book, and I wish Winnie had stood up for herself more in that situation and done what was best for her. Other than that, I did really like the love interest, but I didn't think he, or any other character, was anything new or special to the YA contemporary genre. This book was fun and funny, but I don't think it will stick with me. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a light contemporary, especially one with Indian culture.
megs_s's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
sarahelisewrites's review
5.0
A truly lighthearted novel! I loved the way the structure of this story follows traditional Bollywood archetypes, transplanted to a New Jersey high school.
Winnie is a lovable and energetic main character who you'll root for as you read. Her friends are likeable and though many of the characters are a bit one-dimensional, it's reflective of the lightness of the content. I was a huge fan of her best friend, Bridget, and also of one of the main love interests (which I'll keep to myself to avoid spoilers!).
Overall, thoroughly enjoyed this fast and easy read.
Winnie is a lovable and energetic main character who you'll root for as you read. Her friends are likeable and though many of the characters are a bit one-dimensional, it's reflective of the lightness of the content. I was a huge fan of her best friend, Bridget, and also of one of the main love interests (which I'll keep to myself to avoid spoilers!).
Overall, thoroughly enjoyed this fast and easy read.
bibliophile_mama's review
5.0
Ah-mazing!!! Will be busy watching Bollywood for a few weeks now. Love Nisha Sharma!!!
aduchene's review against another edition
4.0
It ended a little abruptly for me, but it was an easy story to love and was lite in a way I needed this week.
Also, I copied down the list of Bollywood movies and will now need to start watching!
Also, I copied down the list of Bollywood movies and will now need to start watching!
bbloome01's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
2.0
I found this difficult to connect with, I’m sure lots of people will love it but just wasn’t for me. I thought the writing style was great and that kept me going, but I didn’t like the main character enough and I think that’s why I struggled
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion