This sophomore YA title from Sajni Patel (The Knockout) is a contemporary rom-com set during an Indian wedding that is a lavish and joyful celebration of family ties, first love and creative expression.
Zurika "Zuri" Damani plans to attend a performing arts college to study "violin and hip-hop and rock... the music that moved my soul." First problem: this pursuit conflicts with her Indian family's expectations. Second? Her dream school rejects her. When Zuri learns about a musical contest judged by college scouts that offers the winner a full-ride scholarship, she thinks it may be her only chance to achieve her goals. Unfortunately, the contest takes place during the week of celebrations leading up to Zuri's sister's wedding. Worse: Naveen, the charming relative of the groom with whom Zuri's mother is determined to set Zuri up, turns out to be a gifted singer and her biggest threat in the scouting competition. Somehow Zuri must survive the wedding chaos, conquer the competition and reconcile her own ambitions with her family's hopes for her future.
Patel describes "the love and splendor and energy" of an Indian wedding--including traditional ceremonies, clothing and food--in opulent sensory detail. Madcap wedding antics and Zuri's rapid-fire banter with Naveen provide humor while there are still plenty of genuine emotional moments between Zuri and her family. Patel's imagery dazzles, but her portrayal of the often messy, always loving relationships between her wide cast of characters is what truly makes My Sister's Big Fat Indian Wedding shine. --Alanna Felton, freelance reviewer