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“Rising senior Arya Khanna’s older sister, Alina, is finally home, and the whole family is up to their necks in wedding preparations. Amid the planning and anticipation of an elaborate Punjabi celebration, Arya finds herself torn: Her two best friends, Andy and Lisa, have broken up after they recently started dating each other. …Written like a Bollywood movie, complete with intermission, the book has all the vital ingredients—family drama, an enemies-to-lovers romance, and lots of scrumptious food—not to mention the lineup of films that are constantly being watched. Desi references are woven naturally throughout, the romance is adorable, and the story is well paced.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment

Written by Arushi Avachat
Published by Wednesday Books

Shaadi preparations are in full swing, which means lehenga shopping, taste testing, dance rehearsals, and best of all, Arya’s sister Alina is home. The Khannas are together again, finally, and Arya wants to enjoy it. So she stifles her lingering resentment towards Alina, plays mediator during her sister’s fights with their mother, and welcomes her future brother-in-law with open arms. (Okay, maybe enjoy isn’t exactly right.)

Meanwhile at school, Arya’s senior year dreams are unraveling. In between class and her part-time gig as a bookshop assistant, Arya struggles to navigate the aftermath of a bad breakup between her two best friends and a tense student council partnership with her rival, the frustratingly attractive Dean Merriweather.

Arya is determined to keep the peace at home and at school, but this shaadi season teaches Arya new realities: Alina won’t always be in the bedroom down the hall, Mamma’s sadness isn’t mendable, friendships must evolve, and life doesn’t always work out like her beloved Bollywood movies. But sometimes, the person you least expect will give you a glimpse of your dream sequence just when you need it most.

Primary ISBN: 9781250895110
Publication Date: January 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 13 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Discussion Guide

Source: Macmillan