
Title: My So-Called Bollywood Life
Author: Nisha Sharma
Genre: Contemporary
Category: Young Adult
Series info: Standalone
I picked up this book as part of the South-Asian Reading Challenge, and I was NOT disappointed. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to read it in January but after Kafka On The Shore I needed something light and this was perfect.
THE PLOT
The book stars Vaneeta “Winnie” Mehtaβa film enthusiast (particularly Bollywood films), type A Indian student, and dramatic enough to make Bollywood writers proud.
After Winnie is cheated on and dumped by Raj, whom she thought was “the one” because of an astrologer’s prophecy, she sets out to change her destiny in the stars.
Enter: Dev Khanna, a guy Winnie had a spark with in freshman year before starting to date Raj. A guy who, while not matching her true love prophecy, feels more right for her than Raj ever did.
My So-Called Bollywood Life is perfect for readers who like YA. But it’s even more perfect for Bollywood-lovers. Following Winnie’s complicated life about teenage love, future plans, and family dynamics with Indian traditions, this book will transport you into a fun world.
MY REVIEW
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
I cannot describe just how much I enjoyed this. It has all the Indian elements I ever wanted in a YA setting. As someone who loves YA and barely sees true Indian representation, this warmed my heart so much. I could cry.
All the things I loved:
(pretty much everything lol)
- Winnie Mehta is awesome. I absolutely loved reading through her perspective. She’s energetic, exuberant, and is very passionate about films. I adored her. β€
- EVERYTHING INDIAN. Of course, I have to mention this. Even the few Hindi sentences (smoothly translated in English for everyone else) were a huge addition. I felt included. *cries* The traditions, beliefs, everything was amazing to read about. #relatable
“Kamina, kutta, sala,” she said sweetly when she answered (the phone).
- Family presence. Winnie’s relationship with her family, especially her dad and grandmom, was so nice to see.
- It wasn’t just romance. A lot of YA novels tend to sideline everything else in the favour of scenes that contribute to the romance. That didn’t happen here. We saw enough about Winnie’s culture, other relationships, and mostly importantly her drive towards film. She was determined to do anything to get into NYU. The struggle and stress was shown.
- Winnie and Bridget. These two best friends were adorable to watch and I loved everything about their friendship.
- The romance. I mean, come on. Of course I’m going to mention this. As the heart of the story, the romance did NOT disappoint. Honestly, it gave me quite a few feels.
“I’m done with romance.”
Nani snorted. “You’re Indian! We live for romance.”
A book is not just made of major plot points, but also the small settings. My So-Called Bollywood Life was chock full of small scenes/parts which make a difference to the reader. From Winnie dreaming about her favourite actor to people belittling Indian beliefs, there were tons of moments that added to the experience.
OVERALL
Thoroughly enjoyed the book, and totally recommend it to all YA lovers.
I did notice that it’s not specifically targeted for Indian readers, as in that the traditions are subtly explained and Hindi terms are translated. So if you want to have a fun and light YA read, you can pick this up without any worries.
I’m so glad I was introduced to this book through the challenge because I doubt I would have come across it otherwise.
I rate this book…
4.5/5 stars
I haven’t heard of this author before but this book sounds utterly charming. I get the warmth through just from your review – one I’ll be looking out for. Great review!
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Thank you! I hope you are able to read it sometime and like it π
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I always keep my eye out for diversity in narratives because it’s so interesting to see things through the lens of another culture. This sounds great!
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Agreed! Diversity in books gives us an insight into other cultures which is always fun to see.
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Wonderful review and Iβm so glad you and many others are reading it because of SARC. Itβs one of my favorite YA contemporaries and Iβve been trying to get everyone of my friends to read it πππ
I loved the representation so much too. Itβs just so beautiful and the total love for Bollywood felt like seeing myself on page for the first time πππ
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Thank you! I absolutely love the representation too. It’s the most relatable YA book I’ve read so far π
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Great review, you made me want to look for the book. I love it when romance books step outside the confines of what’s expected and create a more complex world then just boy meets girl. I especially love it when there are extra layers like cultural backgrounds and family dynamics.
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Thank you! I hope you’re able to read it soon because you’ll like it π
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It’s good to know from an Indian that this book portrays being Indian so well! I’d love to learn more about the Indian culture, so this might be a 2020 read. π Thanks for the fabulous review! It helped a lot to make a choice.
.Lia.
liadospetti.com
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Thank you! I hope you enjoy reading it π
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Ahh what a wonderful review, I’ve had this book on my TBR for a little while now, but I have to admit I kind of forgot about it until just now. I’m SO glad I read your review, you made me want to find a copy right this second. This sounds like such a wonderful read β€ β€
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Thank you! I’m glad my review made you want to read the books ASAP π
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I love that this book is covering about Bollywood! It is a very cultural read and love that it makes the readers feel included. That was the same feeling when I experienced Crazy Rich Asians. Glad you loved the book overall!!
Nancy β₯ exquisitely.me
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Yep! It’s a book I wouldn’t have come across without SARC so I’m glad I’m participating π
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[β¦] January, I read one of the BOTMs which was My So Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma. I almost didnβt read it but managed to squeeze it in at the end of the [β¦]
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[…] was when someone asked me what I’m reading. I replied that I’m reading a book called My So-Called Bollywood Life and they scoffed. So much snob in one […]
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surely gonna read this book…:)
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Hope you like it!
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It’s a wonderful article.
Please check my feed and share your thoughts on my Blog.
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Thank you.
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Great review… Really makes me want to read the book π
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Thank you!
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