Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance

Light, Indian-dance-themed romance has positive messages.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance, by Nisha Sharma (My So-Called Bollywood Life), is about a romance between two Indian American teens who are navigating family, following their passions, and mental health issues. Radha has a very complicated relationship with both of her parents: one parent who controls most of her life, and the other who's largely absent. In one argument, Radha's mother slaps her. Radha has panic attacks throughout the novel, and goes to therapy and uses dance to cope with her anxiety. She and her family take mental health seriously, and they discuss how mental health and therapy can often be stigmatized in the South Asian community. Radha and Jai are both very connected to their culture, and this book is a very good introduction to Indian culture and teens who have a great relationship with their roots. Both teens are very passionate and ambitious, and use dance as an outlet for creativity and culture. There's some strong language, including one use of "f--k," "asshole," "badass," "bulls--t," but it's not common. There is a mention of smoking weed, but none of the characters partake. There are many descriptions of kissing, but not much else. One of the characters has a stroke and almost passes away, which can be difficult for younger readers to read.
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What's the Story?
In RADHA & JAI'S RECIPE FOR ROMANCE, Radha and Jai find each other right in time. Radha has just left the Kathak dance world, for good, after an embarrassing incident at the International Kathak Classics competition in London. She moves to New Jersey, desperate for a fresh start, while struggling with anxiety and panic attacks every time she steps on a dance floor. Jai, the captain of the Bollywood dance team, is desperately trying to put together a routine for the Winter Showcase, and is convinced that he has to give up his dreams of going to Columbia in order to take care of his family. Quickly, Radha and Jai realize that they can help each other dance through the difficulties of family, figuring out your future and overcoming fear. With lots of Bollywood movies, a family recipe book and a stellar dance routine, Radha and Jai remember how important it is to follow your dreams and find joy in what you do.
Is It Any Good?
This book cute, feel-good story will have readers rooting for the sweet romance between Radha and Jai. Fans of Indian food and Bollywood culture will love the recipes and movie references sprinkled throughout that spice up the story. Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance does a good job of destigmatizing mental health struggles and panic attacks, and makes sure that the characters aren't seen as weak or powerless. However, sometimes, the arguments between characters can seem rushed and unresolved. Even though some of the underlying problems are not addressed, the book rushes into a happy ending that feels nice but leaves some questions unanswered and can come across as unrealistic.
Overall, this is a fun, light read for romance fans interested in learning more about Indian culture and what the Indian American experience looks like for different people, but lacks the depth required for some of the topics that it broaches.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Radha and Jai find their own relationships to their culture, even though they are very different, in Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance. How do you connect to your family and culture? How is that different from how your friends celebrate their roots?
Radha spent her whole life dancing, and then recreated her passion in another way. What are you passionate about? How do you share that?
Jai was very supportive of Radha when she was struggling with panic attacks. How do you support friends who might be going through difficult things or mental health issues?
Book Details
- Author: Nisha Sharma
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Children's Books
- Publication date: July 22, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 16
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 26, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love romance and stories with South Asian characters
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