Serena Singh is tired of everyone telling her what she should want–and she is ready to prove to her mother, her sister, and the aunties in her community that a woman does not need domestic bliss to have a happy life.

Things are going according to plan for Serena. She’s smart, confident, and just got a kick-ass new job at a top advertising firm in Washington, D.C. Even before her younger sister gets married in a big, traditional wedding, Serena knows her own dreams don’t include marriage or children. But with her mother constantly encouraging her to be more like her sister, Serena can’t understand why her parents refuse to recognize that she and her sister want completely different experiences out of life.

A new friendship with her co-worker, Ainsley, comes as a breath of fresh air, challenging Serena’s long-held beliefs about the importance of self-reliance. She’s been so focused on career success that she’s let all of her hobbies and close friendships fall by the wayside. As Serena reconnects with her family and friends–including her ex-boyfriend–she learns letting people in can make her happier than standing all on her own.

Goodreads

Well, this book took me completely by surprise. I kept thinking the book was going in a more romantic direction, but it’s really about a 30 something year old woman figuring out her wants and her goals in life.

As someone who was in a very similar situation romance and adult wise when reading this, it was refreshing to read an adult literary novel that explores more than romance. It’s about finding a work/life balance, familial strains, and finding friends as an adult. Though parts were a little slow for me, it was an overall enjoyable and unique read.

I recommend this novel if you enjoy: coming of age; self-discovery; romantic elements but more than romance; own voices; focus on culture; focus on platonic friendships; family connections.

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