- Age Range: 12 and up
- Grade Level: 7 and up
- Lexile Measure: 890L (What's this?)
- Hardcover: 413 pages
- Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (October 1, 2002)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0439357624
- ISBN-13: 978-0439357623
Description
A new paperback edition of the cross-cultural comedy about finding your place in America . . . and finding your heart wherever, from an amazing new young author.Dimple Lala doesn't know what to think. She's spent her whole life resisting her parents' traditions. But now she's turning seventeen and things are more complicated than ever. She's still recovering from a year-old break-up and her best friend isn't around the way she used to be. Then, to make matters worse, her parents arrange for her to meet a "suitable boy." Of course, it doesn't go well . . . until Dimple goes to a club and finds him spinning a magical web of words and music. Suddenly the suitable boy is suitable because of his sheer unsuitability. Complications ensue.
This is a story about finding yourself, finding your friends, finding love, and finding your culture -- sometimes where you least expect it.
~My Impressions~
Wonderful book of a typical American teenager who wants to be heard, seen, free from parental restrictions and "normal." I was really worried that this book might harbor inside alot to typical stereotypes, but I was wrong. The book focuses on the story of Dimple Lala, American born but with deep Indian roots that her family expects her to hold onto. Dimple Lala is the typical confused 17-year-old girl from Jersey that is obsessed with her weight and the boy she broke up with. The story focuses on how Dimple tries to find her identity while dealing with how her culture affects her relationship while she is trying to become her own person.
Overall the book was great. There were really only 2 thing I did not like. One was how the author felt the need to explain everything South Asian to the reader in detail, often over explaining. It got old real quick and took away from the story and characters. The other thing I did not enjoy was the way the author breezed over some of the characters development such as Karsh and Radha while going overboard with the main characters. I felt some more time could have been giving to Karsh and Rahha that would have given them life and made the reader connect with them better. Outside of this the book was and enjoyable read.
I think what I enjoyed most about this book was how relatable it is for young girls who are searching for themselves. Its real. Its not the best plot or story line, but what makes this book enjoyable is how you can relate to what Dimple and the other characters are feelings,and going through, and to me that makes and breaks a book designed for children.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
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