Brief synopsis: The novel follows Radha, a senior in high school who is an extremely talented bhangra dancer, a traditional folk dance originated in the Punjab region of northern India. Her mother’s domineering parenting style and insistence that she compete in international competitions to be crowned the best bhangra dancer, takes a toll and leads Radha to cease competing. Jai, on the other hand, comes from a less prominent Indian family that is very supportive of his academic and dance talent. Jai experiences a great deal of guilt in wanting to pursue college while his parents and brothers struggle financially to maintain the family business. When Radha relocates and joins Jai’s performing arts high school, they forge a bond that brings their school dance team and those they love together. The novel is as much a coming of age story in which the two lead characters must each learn on their own to trust their talents and pursue their dreams amidst the pulls of familial obligations and traditions, as well as a romance between them.

Recommendation: This was an entertaining read, and felt like an authentic representation of the experience of teens born in the United States to parents who are from India. I would recommend this book, and especially enjoyed learning about bhangra. The author’s descriptions at times were so vividly detailed that I felt like I was watching a Bollywood movie instead of reading a novel.