by Sandhya Menon
2 stars
A fun, fairly light rom-com between a not-like-other-girls coder and a family-focused romantic. I loved the show adaptation so figured I’d read the book.
Dimple loves coding and will do whatever it takes to bring change to the world. Rishi is a hopeless romantic off to meet the girl of his dreams. When their worlds collide at Insomnia Con, a web development summer program, things don’t go according to plan for either of them. Told in alternating perspectives, the story explores themes of chasing your dreams and what happens when life throws you a curveball.
Overall, the story was fine. Decently written with some fun scenes. Nice Indian representation and an interesting look at differing views on arranged marriages. It’s fairly light on the coding storyline and focuses more on Dimple and Rishi’s developing relationship. There are definitely some problematic elements thrown in (Dimple’s habit of hitting Rishi, slut shaming, lying). Personally, I thought Rishi was a little creepy and him thinking about how cute and beautiful Dimple was got old very quickly.
The story works in various microaggressions, stereotypes, and discrimination based on sex, class, and ethnicity. Also discusses family expectations, supporting friends, and consent.
A mostly-sweet, simple book with a feel-good ending.