A review by candacesiegle_greedyreader
Gold Diggers by Sanjena Sathian

4.0

Neil Narayan is growing up in an Atlanta suburb, attending Okefenokee High School, struggling to keep up with his immigrant parents' high expectations. His friends are a bunch of Indian-American kids and some Asians (Indians were not "South Asians" then.) He and his childhood friend Anita may be the only ones who are not completely involved in preparing for Harvard from grade 9. But Anita is changing. Suddenly she is trying out for Miss India Georgia, she's talking about the Ivies and has a kind of glow. Neil feels left out, and the only thing that keeps him from sinking into mediocrity is his terrifying debate partner Wendi Zhao, who attempts to kick him into competence in debate--his only extracurricular activity. Wendi plans on Harvard, and since Neil is her assigned debate partner he HAS to perform. A reconnection with Anita reveals her secret--her mother's gold-based alchemical concoction that allows the drinker to imbibe the traits of the gold's owner.

"Gold Diggers" will follow this group into young adulthood, ending with a convoluted heist to boost their prospects. The result is not what anyone expects.

This is a charming book, very readable, a coming-of-age story about first generation immigrants finding their way amidst impossibly high expectations. Throw in alchemy, and you are glued to the page.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this fine title!

~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader