Book Review: What a Desi Girl Wants by Sabina Khan
Published: July 18th 2023 by Scholastic
Rating: ★★★★ (4)
Genre: Young Adult // Contemporary Romance, LGBT
Quick Thoughts: Romantic, funny, charming and profound—everything I love about Sabina’s writing.
About The Book:
The romance of Becky Albertalli meets the nuanced family dynamics of Darius the Great is Not Okay in this YA novel from acclaimed author Sabina Khan.
Mehar hasn’t been back to India since she and her mother moved away when she was only four. Hasn’t visited her father, her grandmother, her family, or the home where she grew up. Why would she? Her father made it clear that she’s not his priority when he chose not to come to the US with them.
But when her father announces his engagement to socialite Naz, Mehar reluctantly agrees to return for the wedding. Maybe she and her father can heal their broken relationship. And after all, her father is Indian royalty, and his home is a palace–the wedding is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime affair.
While her father still doesn’t make the time for her, Mehar barely cares once she meets Sufiya, her grandmother’s assistant, and one of the most grounded, thoughtful, kind people she’s ever met! Though they come from totally different worlds, their friendship slowly starts to blossom into something more . . . Mehar thinks.
Meanwhile, Mehar’s dislike for Naz and her social media influencer daughter, Aleena, deepens. She can tell that the two of them are just using her father for his money. Mehar’s starting to think that putting a stop to this wedding might be the best thing for everyone involved.
But what happens when telling her father the truth about Naz and Aleena means putting her relationship with Sufiya at risk . . .
First Thoughts
I was first introduced to Sabina Khan’s books last year when I read Meet Me In Mumbai and adored it, so when the chance came up to read What A Desi Girl Wants, it was a no-brainer. The team at Scholastic are always so generous and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to get an early chance at reading more of Sabina’s books again.
My Review
Mehar hasn’t been to India since she moved to the USA with her mother when she was a little girl. Going back should give her a happy feeling, but she knows the reason she hasn’t gone back: her father. Back then, he made the choice not to come with them to America, staying behind. Ever since, their relationship hasn’t been the best. Strained and tainted by the past and everything that’s left unsaid, Mehar doesn’t think there’s any chance at repairing it. But when her father announces his impending wedding, Mehar begrudgingly agrees to go back to India to attend, only it’s not all smooth sailing ahead.
Hoping to repair their relationship, Mehar’s hopes are dwindled when she meets his soon-to-be bride, a socialite with an influencer daughter, that appears to have intentions that aren’t love, or so she thinks. Her father is Indian Royalty, and she knows that there’s a lot more in it for his almost-bride than meets the eye. But when Mehar meets Sufiya, it’s a plot twist she didn’t see coming. As her grandmother’s assistant, she’s spending a lot of time with her during the lead up to the wedding. Their friendship builds and blooms into great heights, but as it takes a turn into romantic territory, it’s whirlwind-after-whirlwind for Mehar—especially when telling the truth about everything she’s feeling and worried about puts her relationships with everyone into disarray.
Overall, What A Desi Girl Wants was romantic, funny, charming and profound—everything I love about Sabina’s writing. Whilst I would’ve loved to see more of the outcome of the Wedding after such a great lead-up for so much of the book, I still found so much to adore about the story. There was a big sense of second chances and loving family despite how messy it can get at times. Mehar’s relationship with her grandmother was so touching and was one of my absolute highlights. If you’re looking for a feel good book with depth, plus a sprinkling of glamour, this will be your next favourite read. A stunning four stars!
About The Author
Sabina Khan is the acclaimed author of WHAT A DESI GIRL WANTS, MEET ME IN MUMBAI, ZARA HOSSAIN IS HERE & THE LOVE AND LIES OF RUKHSANA ALI. She has lived in Germany, Bangladesh, Macao, Illinois and Texas before finally settling down in Vancouver, BC. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing with her adorable puppy, picking new songs for Karaoke or sitting in a coffee shop dreaming up new stories and characters.
Her books have received starred trade reviews; were a Junior Library Guild Selection, a Teen Indie Next Pick, were on the “Best Of” lists of Oprah Magazine and Seventeen, were featured on NBC News and the BBC, the NYT, Teen Vogue, as well as short-listed for the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize and the Ontario Library Association’s White Pine Awards.
Find her on Twitter and Instagram @sabina_writer
Website: https://sabina-khan.com/
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happy reading!
