What I Meant...

July 23, 2007
Lamba makes an impressive debut with this contemporary novel introducing Sangeet, a 15-year-old Indian American girl who at times feels like the whole world is against her. The trouble begins when Chachi, Sangeet’s widowed aunt from India, moves in with the family. When some items—food, money and some personal belongings—disappear from the house, it’s obvious to Sangeet that Chachi is the thief, but Sangeet’s parents blame their daughter. To make things worse, Sangeet’s best friend, Gina, is inexplicably angry with her. Then there’s the matter of Jason, Sangeet’s crush, who acts like he’s interested in her but stands her up after they plan to meet at the skating rink. The harder Sangeet works to prove her integrity and innocence, the less she is trusted. However frustrating her situation, misunderstandings do pave the way to some very funny moments. (At one point, Sangeet’s parents are mistakenly convinced that she has an eating disorder, because snacks are missing from the cabinet, and Sangeet is forced to visit a therapist—who happens to be the father of one of her close friends.) Given the book’s lighthearted tone, there will be little doubt that the wrongs Sangeet suffers will be righted, but dark undertones regarding the emotional instability of both Chachi and Gina could have been developed more fully. Ultimately, readers will find much to like in Lamba’s heroine, who ultimately survives a set of trials worthy of Job with grace and humor. Ages 10-up.

November 1, 2007
Gr 8 Up-Sangeet, 15, is the daughter of an Indian father and American mother. Her suburban Philadelphia life is getting complicated. An aunt is living at her house, stealing her stuff and turning her family against her; her best friend isn't talking to her; a lost schedule book leads to plummeting grades; her parents think she is bulimic; and she has boy troubles galore. The teen's family life and struggles will resonate with readers of all backgrounds, and fans of Narinder Dhami's "Bindi Babes" books (Delacorte) will enjoy this more mature, American take on similar issues. Lamba puts the present, first-person narrative to good use throughout most of the book, but glosses over some of the actions and reactions readers might expect from this intimate view into the girl's life. Sang's efforts to prevent the complete alienation of her best friend seem inadequate, the parental fallout from her escapades is mentioned only in passing, and a visiting uncle provides a deus ex machina of an ending. Still, teens will enjoy the interesting cast of characters and the book will have broad appeal, leaving readers wanting more."Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2007
Sangeet Jumnal, 15, has a crush on gorgeous Jason in her high school in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She knows he has noticed her and thinks she is exotic, but even if Jason asks her out, her strict Sikh dad forbids her to date until she is 16. But why does her American mom go along with that? Then Sangs best friend, Gina, suddenly stops speaking to her. Is Gina bulimic? Worst of all, Dads demonic, widowed sister-in-law, Chachi, has moved in, and she spies and steals and gets Sang into big trouble. Everything blows up when Sang tries for a secret date. That is just part of what is going on in this packed first novel, which gets too long and repetitive, with some awkward plot contrivances, including when Sang stumbles on Moms teenage diaries. But spies and secrets make for great drama, and many readers will not be able to get enough of Sangs hilarious, angry, hip narrative about her diverse family and friends.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2008
Sangeet has many problems typical of a fifteen-year-old girl (e.g., her best friend suddenly hates her), and a few slightly unusual ones, like dealing with a lying kleptomaniac aunt and a family that's coming apart at the seams. Though the plot is slow to take off, Sangeet's voice is funny and genuine.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)