Reviews

The Vibrant Years by Sonali Dev

kristinvb520's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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

4.0

 “Society’s opinions were not rules or sentencing, because there was no jury but herself.” 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was chalk full of personal development, character growth, humor, diversity, love, loss, feminism, and leadership. It was phenomenal to watch the (3) FMCs come to a varying amount of realization that just because they are Indian women and culture expects one thing from them, does NOT mean they should resolve to not having their own voice and independence. 

Plot Thoughts: The book started out a little slow, but didn’t take too long to pick up the pace. Once you figured out how the characters intertwined and they all got into the same physical space, the novel really took off. I enjoyed the concept of each leading lady having their own secrets, agendas, and passions that ended up relying on each other to resolve; it was beautiful to see the realization that they don’t have to tackle life alone just to maintain hold of the newfound independence I mentioned earlier. 

Character Thoughts: I enjoyed these characters! They were well thought out and experienced development throughout the story that was actually realistic (not the 180 degree turnaround we sometimes see in fiction). They each were their own different person/identity, but were similar enough to have the same morals and values that kept them bonded. I think the concept of wanting to do XYZ either because your parents did it and you loved it or because your parents did it and you feel trauma from it was beautifully done. Again, I just feel like it paralleled real life well, yet still was a bit flamboyant and exciting to escape from reality for a bit. 

👍🏻Would recommend! 

graceheller's review against another edition

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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

2.5

To me it all felt a bit predictable, that’s all. The characters were fun! I also have been in a reading slump and trying to climb out of, which isn’t the books fault. 

rnshack's review

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4.0

4 stars

What a wonderful book. These 3 women were everything and I loved them so much. I loved how this book highlighted not only women and the struggles we face but also family and how important the people you do life with are.

The only complaint I had, and the reason for 4 instead of 5 stars, was it was a bit slow and dragged at times. But overall this was such a feel good book and I’m glad to have met Bindu, Aly, and Callie.

thecaffeinatedbookworm's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

4.25

keraashley's review against another edition

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4.5

A daughter, a mother, and a mother in law figuring out life and dating together. I loved this book, Bindu, the mother in law is the best character by far. The plot goes around and around and keeps building and has such a satisfying ending. Cullie, the daughter is also great. Alisha, the mom, her journey was the least entertaining I think but she learns so much about standing up for herself and growing with Bindu and Cullie. A little slow building and slow in the middle but overall this book is great. Loved the switching perspectives between the three women.

rosemjoy's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective tense 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

4.0

abbye22's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a sweet book with a kinda juicy plot.
It was a good relaxing read but didn’t rock my world or anything.

shrootreads's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-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

4.5

seknight61's review against another edition

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4.0

4.75
Once again I fall in love with Sonali Dev’s characters. Their back stories, their pain, fear, and wants. I went from not having time to read more than 20% in a week to reading 80% of it within two days.

jaymoonneyyy's review

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4.0

A Vibrant story of a set of women, bound by family relationships and all in different stages of their lives. Mother-in-law, daughter-in-law and daughter/granddaughter navigate the precarious waters of dating in different stages of life. They develop and learn about themselves and each other as well. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I quite loved the main character Binji, as her vibrance really shown through all the pages. Certain points where I burst out laughing as I read this story; such an enjoyable read! I recommend to the romcom lovers.