When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Posted June 28, 2017 by shooting in Book Review / 31 Comments

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Review by Lauren

source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own

Official Summary (add on Goodreads): Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right? 

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself. 

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not? 

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

Review: Yes, there are aspects of this book that are predictable, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great book. It definitely is and I would highly recommend to almost anyone, especially if you enjoy YA contemporary or diverse reads. Dimple doesn’t care about clothes, makeup, and finding the perfect husband, even though her mother does. Instead, she’d rather focus on going away to college and living her dream. She’s definitely shocked when her parents agree to pay for a summer program where the participants team up and create an app, possibly winning a big prize. She thinks it will be a great practice run for her future career. Boys are not on her radar.

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However, Rishi (rhymes with ‘fishy’ – I asked the author!) believes in a lot of his parents older, Indian traditions. He doesn’t mind an arranged marriage, as his parents were and they are very happy. This is why he ends up attending the same summer program to try and get to know Dimple. Only Dimple doesn’t realize her parents are trying to set them up, so she initially thinks Rishi is just a creepy guy talking about marriage when they first meet.

 

Obviously Dimple starts to warm up to Rishi and the two learn a lot from each other about tradition and following your own dreams instead of what’s laid out for you.  I loved that this gives readers a glimpse into being a modern Indian-American, when your parents were the immigrants, but this is the country you were born in. I also loved that Dimple bucks the tradition of wanting to get married young and be a housewife. This is fine for some, but it’s not something that can be forced on someone. Both of these characters were great and I loved getting to know them. I particularly loved Rishi; he’s just adorable and really sweet. Plus, he’s a comic book artist and how cool is that?

Great debut! Check it out.

31 responses to “When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

  1. I’ve read several reviews praising this story, and every time I read one I resolve to get a copy and read this. It does sound adorable, and I don’t necessarily mind the whole arranged marriage thing, as long as it’s not forced. I mean hey, I read about them all the time in historical romances, lol! Wonderful review, Lauren! 🙂

  2. This book sounds really good! I love a good love story and this sounds great and I love that there is a cultural aspect to it! I think I might have to check this one out!

  3. I just loved this one! I thought my heart would burst from the cuteness. 🙂 I loved the differences in Dimple and Rishi, loved how they brought out the best in one another, loved the way their families played such a big part. And Rishi especially… he was so precious I just wanted to hug him. ♥

  4. I was planning to purchase this book but distracted by another book and forgot about this. Your review makes me want to read it even more. Thank you for sharing. I love your review. ?❤️

  5. I have heard so many good things about this book! It sounds like it’s so well done, and reading about the two of them as they navigate their different worldviews – can’t wait to read it!

  6. Every review I read sings its praises. I actually know a couple whose marriage was arranged when he was 5 and she a few days old. They have been married for almost 25 years and have three beautiful children.

  7. I loved this cover so much that I bought it in hardback, but I haven’t read it yet. There’s so much love for this book! I can’t wait to read it.

    Great review.

  8. Jen

    Lauren this sounds like fun read. I am going to pick it up. I have been spending a lot of time in the hospital and Dr’s offices and this sounds perfect!

    I am sorry I have missed so much over here. I will try and do better 🙂

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