A review by cinderellasbookshelf
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Funny, relatable, and could definitely see this as a movie. 

DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jesse Q. Sutanto was a good book to start off the new year with. Prior to now, it had been lingering on my shelf for almost two years and I figured it was about time I read it.

Just in the first few chapters, I easily connected with Meddy. Apart from how she tends to overthink when she gets worried (which is totally me), her close relationship with her mother and her aunties was familiar. There is this sense for some, especially in Asian households like mine, where you feel obligated to your family because of your relationship, tradition, or culture. So, a lot of your decisions tend to sway towards wanting to please them and be there for them, but also feeling like you have to hold back your true self. I felt this through Meddy and why she made the decisions she made. I kind of wished Sutanto delved into it a little bit more than a few quick interludes in between the humor and action of the story to fully acknowledge it or spend time to reflect on it. However, I liked how this book was never meant to be that heavy, but fun and light despite the whole dead body situation of course.

The central plot itself, surrounding Meddy and her family trying to deal with the man she accidentally killed on a date with the night prior, while at the same time catering a client’s wedding, was hilarious. A true bonding moment, if you will 😂. I laughed so many times and even the slight twists and turns related to the actual wedding had me surprised and amused. It almost felt like a romcom from the 2000s, especially with the return of Meddy’s ex-boyfriend, Nathan, getting involved in the madness. He doesn’t get enough credit for being a total book boyfriend.

I really enjoyed this one a lot and I can’t wait to see how Netflix adapts this into a film. I’m also looking forward to reading Four Aunties and a Wedding now.