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ktb_reads'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
3.0
medb_11's review against another edition
fast-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? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Domestic abuse
thephdivabooks's review against another edition
4.0
This is truly a story of friendship, family, and finding yourself when you’ve lost your way. The book centers on Serena Singh, who is an intelligent and career-focused Indian woman in her early 30s. Serena seems polished and as though she has it all. She’s independent, determined, and wants to be happy. Her sister has always been her best friend, but as her sister gets married and settles into her life, Serena feels lonely.
I liked that Serena decided to take charge of her life and find friendships that fulfill her. It was clear that Serena often feels pressure to be a good Indian girl, and she flips the script in more ways than one. She’s a character that readers can’t help but love and admire. She lives her life in a way that makes her happy, even if she is often searching for what happiness means to her.
When Serena befriends a woman at her office named Ainsley, she’s surprised by their closeness. Friendships can transform so many aspects of our lives. When they are good, friendships not only offer love and support, but they can open us up to new possibilities. Serena and Ainsley’s friendship is a catalyst for Serena, pushing her to reconnect with her parents whom she hasn’t always had the best relationship with. The theme of family is strong throughout the book. Serena and her mother seem so different, but their relationship was one of the sweetest parts of the story.
This is not a story about romance. Friendship and family are front and center and in my opinion the most important takeaways of this book. Serena is not a character who is seeking a romantic relationship, or at least doesn’t find it necessary for her to find happiness. But of course, those who root for love will find that there is a romantic relationship in the book. I personally responded the most to Serena herself. She is an imperfect character, but her flaws made her more relatable and someone I was cheering for.
A light and complex story that had a wonderful mix of funny, heartwarming, and touching moments. This book will have you wanting to connect with your own friends and family, and to become the best version of yourself, whoever that is!
I liked that Serena decided to take charge of her life and find friendships that fulfill her. It was clear that Serena often feels pressure to be a good Indian girl, and she flips the script in more ways than one. She’s a character that readers can’t help but love and admire. She lives her life in a way that makes her happy, even if she is often searching for what happiness means to her.
When Serena befriends a woman at her office named Ainsley, she’s surprised by their closeness. Friendships can transform so many aspects of our lives. When they are good, friendships not only offer love and support, but they can open us up to new possibilities. Serena and Ainsley’s friendship is a catalyst for Serena, pushing her to reconnect with her parents whom she hasn’t always had the best relationship with. The theme of family is strong throughout the book. Serena and her mother seem so different, but their relationship was one of the sweetest parts of the story.
This is not a story about romance. Friendship and family are front and center and in my opinion the most important takeaways of this book. Serena is not a character who is seeking a romantic relationship, or at least doesn’t find it necessary for her to find happiness. But of course, those who root for love will find that there is a romantic relationship in the book. I personally responded the most to Serena herself. She is an imperfect character, but her flaws made her more relatable and someone I was cheering for.
A light and complex story that had a wonderful mix of funny, heartwarming, and touching moments. This book will have you wanting to connect with your own friends and family, and to become the best version of yourself, whoever that is!
bluebirdsongs's review
emotional
inspiring
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
4.25
etakloknok's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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
not_asha01's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
3.5
lcolium's review against another edition
3.0
This was enjoyable and I’m glad to have seen Serena open up in the end but I also wished part of that self growth was going to therapy! What she was processing was very serious and heavy and having someone help with that can be super beneficial
abby_reads_stuff's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
drawmeabookreview's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.5
Moderate: Domestic abuse
ambikam08's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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