Teen Tuesday and Audiobook Review: There's Something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon

Image: Simon & Schuster

There's Something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon. Unabridged e-audiobook. ~12 hours. Read by Soneela Nankani and Vikas Adam. Simon & Schuster Audio, May, 2019. 9781508294900. (Review of finished e-audiobook borrowed from public library.)

Teen Tuesday features There's Something about Sweetie by Sandhya Menon. This is Menon's third book and something of a companion to her debut, When Dimple Met Rishi. This dual narrative is Rishi's brother, Ashish's story along with Sweetie Nair. Sweetie is the only child and dutiful daughter. She's also a track star who happens to be fat, something her well-meaning mother always reminds her of. Ashish lost his basketball mojo in the aftermath of being dumped by the beautiful and white, Celia. When Ashish's parents suggest making a match, he thinks, "Why not?" After all, they matched Dimple and Rishi and that relationship seems to be working out. What neither Ashish nor his parents expect is rejection. Sweetie's mother outright refuses Mrs. Patel, leading Sweetie to launch the "Sassy Sweetie Project." Though breezy, this novel has depth, exploring issues of fat-shaming and culture through two smart, sensitive and winning characters. There's Something about Sweetie can stand alone.