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lawbooks600's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Score: Five out of ten.
I would've enjoyed When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon if it received some improvements. I wanted to read this one for a while but I put it off for a few months until I picked it up at a library. I glanced at the blurb, making it seem like a romance between two Indian American characters, but when I closed the final page, it was okay.
The low ratings were a sign I should avoid this one, but I read it anyway. It starts with Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel living separate lives in the opening pages, with Dimple wanting to go against her parents' expectations, instead wanting to attend a program for web developers like her. Rishi is the opposite of her, firmly believing in traditions, which leads to them attending a smaller version of Comicon named Insomniacon soon after, where they spend the rest of the narrative. When Dimple Met Rishi tries to go for a slow burn pacing, with a length of nearly 400 pages, but it didn't work as the characters lack depth, making it hard to connect or relate with them, especially considering Dimple hits people sometimes. She's less likable now when I think about it. Side characters, like Ashish Patel, don't get much dedicated page time, unlike Dimple and Rishi, which have a lot of time in the spotlight, but I guess I should expect that considering their names are literally in the title.
There's not a lot of plot to When Dimple Met Rishi other than the romance, except for the brief discussions on sexism and Indian cultural traditions, which I found intriguing but underexplored. Diving deeper into those topics would've improved the reading experience, though. There is, however, a subplot revolving around Dimple and Rishi entering a cosplaying competition, providing a much needed break from the romance, and at least I appreciated that part, but that was only toward the concluding few pages. Once the central storyline ended, there is some bonus content, including a novella, which I liked, but even that couldn't make me enjoy When Dimple Met Rishi more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
smoothlikebutter's review
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: Racism, Sexism, and Bullying
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: Alcohol, Racism, Misogyny, Chronic illness, and Sexism
calamitywindpetal's review
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: Sexism, Misogyny, and Racism
Minor: Alcohol
rileydobereading's review
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: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Classism, Bullying, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Violence, Vomit, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Blood
ruthhelizabeth's review
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
nannahnannah's review
2.0
A good friend recommended this to me, and I'm SO sorry I didn't enjoy this as much as she did! The concept of the story was so much more unique and interesting than the actual execution.
When Dimple Met Rishi is a boy meets girl type story in which Dimple Shah, an Indian-American girl with very traditional parents, is in an arranged marriage with Rishi Patel, and meets him at a coding camp called Insomnia Con. The only problem? She doesn't know about the marriage at all.
I loved the insight into some of the Indian-American experience. I love the fact that the book is part of the #OWNvoices hashtag, lending a lot of authenticity to these characters. The first half, too, was original, fresh, and the dynamics between Dimple and her family were incredibly interesting to read.
Unfortunately, after the great moment when Dimple threw her iced coffee at Rishi (their first meeting; and if someone came up to me claiming to be my future husband I'd do the same thing!), things got a bit cliche and uninteresting.
The book takes place at a coding camp, because it's Dimple's huge dream to become a coder. Her idol will be present to help the winner with their app (which they'll be working on during the entire summer). You'd think this girl would want to spend some actual time coding. I was SO looking forward to some details about this because I have absolutely No experience with anything in this field. Plus, diverse ladies in STEM!
But what I got was literally a paragraph of them working on the app, and the rest of the book centered around the romance. I knew it was a romance coming in, but I expected at least some effort going into the actual coding part of the plot. To make things worse, for some reason that never made sense, in the middle of this CODING camp, they had a talent show that gave the winner $1000 towards their app? A talent show?? How does that relate to coding in any way? It's a cheap trick to make create more scenes for Rishi and Dimple to be closer physically, add some Bollywood dancing, and have them fall over each other, etc.
The characters also became unbearable at Insomnia Con. I know it's been said before, but Dimple ... Oh, Dimple. For a self-proclaimed feminist, or whatever, she sure loves to hate on women. She's a typical "not like other girls" girl, judging any other woman who wears too much makeup or wears booty shorts or does anything that she Doesn't Approve Of. There could be cultural things/upbringing at work here, but Dimple is the most judgey fictional character who is never actually checked for her attitude. She's also nearly abusive, hitting Rishi over and over, and when Rishi comments on it, Dimple actually says something like, "you need to change your idea about how girls behave." AKA, I'm not like other girls --> I hit/abuse people ?? What exactly is she trying to say here?
Anyway, besides all this, the ending is on par with most Hallmark Holiday specials, making me cringe and speed read through it so I wouldn't be embarrassed. This book simply isn't for me, or maybe I'm just not the audience for it. I wanted more STEM stuff!
When Dimple Met Rishi is a boy meets girl type story in which Dimple Shah, an Indian-American girl with very traditional parents, is in an arranged marriage with Rishi Patel, and meets him at a coding camp called Insomnia Con. The only problem? She doesn't know about the marriage at all.
I loved the insight into some of the Indian-American experience. I love the fact that the book is part of the #OWNvoices hashtag, lending a lot of authenticity to these characters. The first half, too, was original, fresh, and the dynamics between Dimple and her family were incredibly interesting to read.
Unfortunately, after the great moment when Dimple threw her iced coffee at Rishi (their first meeting; and if someone came up to me claiming to be my future husband I'd do the same thing!), things got a bit cliche and uninteresting.
The book takes place at a coding camp, because it's Dimple's huge dream to become a coder. Her idol will be present to help the winner with their app (which they'll be working on during the entire summer). You'd think this girl would want to spend some actual time coding. I was SO looking forward to some details about this because I have absolutely No experience with anything in this field. Plus, diverse ladies in STEM!
But what I got was literally a paragraph of them working on the app, and the rest of the book centered around the romance. I knew it was a romance coming in, but I expected at least some effort going into the actual coding part of the plot. To make things worse, for some reason that never made sense, in the middle of this CODING camp, they had a talent show that gave the winner $1000 towards their app? A talent show?? How does that relate to coding in any way? It's a cheap trick to make create more scenes for Rishi and Dimple to be closer physically, add some Bollywood dancing, and have them fall over each other, etc.
The characters also became unbearable at Insomnia Con. I know it's been said before, but Dimple ... Oh, Dimple. For a self-proclaimed feminist, or whatever, she sure loves to hate on women. She's a typical "not like other girls" girl, judging any other woman who wears too much makeup or wears booty shorts or does anything that she Doesn't Approve Of. There could be cultural things/upbringing at work here, but Dimple is the most judgey fictional character who is never actually checked for her attitude. She's also nearly abusive, hitting Rishi over and over, and when Rishi comments on it, Dimple actually says something like, "you need to change your idea about how girls behave." AKA, I'm not like other girls --> I hit/abuse people ?? What exactly is she trying to say here?
Anyway, besides all this, the ending is on par with most Hallmark Holiday specials, making me cringe and speed read through it so I wouldn't be embarrassed. This book simply isn't for me, or maybe I'm just not the audience for it. I wanted more STEM stuff!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
mnatale100's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Chronic illness, Sexual content, Alcohol, Classism, Domestic abuse, and Blood
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: Sexism and Racism
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny