What a Desi Girl Wants

This Young Adult novel follows Mehar, a teenager who hasn't seen her father since she was four. When he announces his engagement to a socialite in India, Mehar reluctantly travels to his royal palace for the wedding, hoping to reconcile. While there, she grapples with her father's continued distance, a suspicious future stepmother, and a blossoming queer romance with Sufiya, her grandmother's assistant. The story explores themes of cultural identity, family loyalty, first love, and the courage to speak truth to power, all set against a glamorous Indian backdrop. It's a compelling read for teens navigating complex family dynamics and discovering their own identity and desires.

The romance of Becky Albertalli meets the glam family dynamics of Crazy Rich Asiansin this YA novel from acclaimed author Sabina Khan. Mehar hasn't been back to India since she was four.She hasn't visited her father, or any of her family. Why would she? Her father made it clear that she's not his priority when he chose not to come to the US with her and her mum. But when her father announces his engagement to socialite Naz, Mehar reluctantly agrees to return for the wedding. Maybe she and her father can heal their broken relationship. And after all, her father is Indian royalty, and his home is a palace. While her father still doesn't make the time for her, and she hates Naz and her social media influencer daughter, Mehar barely cares once she meets Sufiya, her grandmother's assistant. Though they come from totally different worlds, their friendship slowly starts to blossom into something more . . . Mehar thinks. But she can tell Naz is using her dad for his money and putting a stop to the wedding might be the best for everyone involved. What happens when telling her father the truth about Naz and Aleena means putting her relationship with Sufiya at risk . . . PRAISE FOR SABINA'S PREVIOUS NOVELS: Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali "This book gave me all the feels" The Lesbian Review "A coming-out story featuring diverse characters and a richly rendered international setting." Kirkus Reviews "hard-hitting and hopeful story is a must-purchase for any YA collection." - School Library Journal Zara Hossain is Here "A vivid account exploring issues many immigrant teens face." Kirkus Reviews "This is a great addition to books that start conversations about immigration in the U.S., with the added layer of being an out queer immigrant from a country that is not accepting of queer people. I highly recommend it." Lesbrary "an insightful novel that gives a glimpse into the experience of families and teens caught up in the America immigration system and all the uncertainty that this can cause people." ReadingZone Meet Me In Mumbai "spotlights fiercely independent South Asian Muslim girls triumphing over the insurmountable odds... an emotionally satisfying ride that is sure to entertain." Quills & Quire "an engrossing and consuming read." YA Books Central "a beautiful novel that explores the concept of identity and family"Rich In Color