Born Confused

 

Disclaimer: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any form of compensation.

Description

A new paperback edition of the cross-cultural comedy about finding your place in America . . . and finding your heart wherever, from an amazing new young author.

Dimple Lala doesn't know what to think. She's spent her whole life resisting her parents' traditions. But now she's turning seventeen and things are more complicated than ever. She's still recovering from a year-old break-up and her best friend isn't around the way she used to be. Then, to make matters worse, her parents arrange for her to meet a "suitable boy." Of course, it doesn't go well . . . until Dimple goes to a club and finds him spinning a magical web of words and music. Suddenly the suitable boy is suitable because of his sheer unsuitability. Complications ensue.

This is a story about finding yourself, finding your friends, finding love, and finding your culture -- sometimes where you least expect it.

Review

For the most part, I really enjoyed this book.  The characters were really well written.  I do however, wish that Dimple just realized that Gwen was a user who was completely in to herself.  However, I do know what it is like to be a long time friend with someone like that and to keep running back to the friendship. 

This book is marketed for young adults which is defined as ages 12 to 18.  There were some things in this book that I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting a 12 year old read unless the parent were willing to discuss consequences and such with them.  For example, Dimple’s friends drink, have fake IDs, and smoke pot.  Dimple doesn’t want to be left out so she goes along with it.  I think that the author could have used those times to teach about not needing to give in to peer pressure to fit in.  Instead, the author allowed this underage girl to give in.  Plus let’s not forget that Gwen is having underage sex.  Oh and also one of the guys purposefully gets Dimple drunk in hopes of having sex with her.  So yea, there are a number of issues that I have on those fronts.

However, I really love the main storyline about trying to find a cultural identity when you come from a highly rigid cultural history but are being raised in another country.  She doesn’t feel she quite fits in with others of an Indian heritage, but doesn’t fit in with typical “Americans” either. 

Any book bought through the Amazon link below will have a portion of the sale go towards the Unitarian Fellowship of South Florida.

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