MY SISTER’S BIG FAT INDIAN WEDDING, by Sajni Patel, Harry N. Abrams, April 19, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult)
A talented violinist competes for a college scholarship while keeping her parents in the dark in My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding, by Sajni Patel.
Zurika Damani is a naturally gifted violinist with a particular love for hip hop beats. But when you’re part of a big Indian family, everyone has expectations, and those certainly don’t include hip hop violin. After being rejected by Juilliard, Zuri’s last hope is a contest judged by a panel of top tier college scouts. The only problem? This coveted competition happens to take place during Zuri’s sister’s extravagant wedding week. And Zuri has already been warned, repeatedly, that she is not to miss a single moment.
In the midst of the chaos, Zuri’s mom is in matchmaking mode with the groom’s South African cousin Naveen — who just happens to be a cocky vocalist set on stealing Zuri’s spotlight at the scouting competition. Luckily Zuri has a crew of loud and loyal female cousins cheering her on. Now, all she has to do is to wow the judges for a top spot, evade getting caught by her parents, resist Naveen’s charms, and, oh yeah . . . not mess up her sister’s big fat Indian wedding. What could possibly go wrong? —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
If you’re looking for the perfect book to curl up with before diving into the new school year, then look no further than My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding.
Author Sajni Patel has a cinematic writing style. Through her words, you find yourself immersed in all the festivities leading up to an Indian wedding. A minute later, you can practically feel the vibrations of the violin. Patel pulls you in and wants you to enjoy the ride.
Zuri and Naveen are both strong characters, but they’re even better because of people Patel surrounds them with. Besides the moments when Zuri is playing the violin, my favorite parts were Zuri’s interactions with her sisters. From their bickering to their teasing, everything about these relationships feels authentic.
My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding is a fast — I read it in one day — and entertaining read that celebrates art, life and family.
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