Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions

Sunny Gill is a Sikh teenager who has recently shaved his beard and stopped wearing his turban, a choice sparked by the grief of losing his older brother, Goldy. On prom night, a girl named Mindi Vang steals Sunny's 'Notebook of Rash Decisions,' which contains his most private thoughts and plans to live more adventurously. Sunny spends the night chasing her, resulting in a series of events involving cosplaying, community, romance, and reckoning with his past. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with the death of a sibling and the subsequent religious and cultural guilt. The approach is secular in its execution but deeply rooted in Sikh cultural identity. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on Sunny finding a way to honor his brother while being his own person. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story starts with a heavy sense of displacement and social anxiety. It builds momentum through humor and fast-paced adventure, ending on a high note of emotional clarity and self-acceptance. IDEAL READER: A high school junior or senior who feels stifled by their reputation or family legacy and needs a story about the freedom to change. It is particularly resonant for teens in immigrant families balancing tradition with personal agency. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might notice their child withdrawing from long-held cultural or religious practices, or expressing a desire to radically change their appearance or social circle. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of some mild profanity and references to the messy reality of teen parties. Read the early chapters describing Sunny's decision to cut his hair to understand the weight of that choice in the Sikh faith. AGE EXPERIENCE: Older teens (16-18) will appreciate the nuance of the 'rash decisions' and the romantic tension, while younger teens (14-15) will engage more with the quest-like structure and the humor. DIFFERENTIATOR: It stands out for its specific focus on Sikh-American male identity and its 'After Hours' style structure, blending heavy grief with high-energy comedy.