Common Sense Media Review
By Nayanika Kapoor
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet romance mixes with thin take on serious issues.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
96 WORDS FOR LOVE is about a newly graduated high schooler, Raya Liston, who feels a little bit lost. Her grandmother, who was her rock, just passed away, and Raya's not sure she still wants to attend UCLA, which has been her dream since she can remember. When her cousin Anandi asks her to go on an adventure to an ashram in India that their grandmother always talked about, Raya's sure her answers lie there. Her grandmother always knew what to say, and Raya knows that her grandmother left something for her there. New experiences await her there -- ones she wasn't expecting at all. Between romance, new friendships, and self-reflection, will Raya find what she needs before she goes back home to continue on her path?
Is It Any Good?
This novel does a good job of incorporating important social issues into a sweet love story, but it falls short of exploring them with depth and detail. The setting of 96 Words for Love is unique and gives readers a good introduction to Indian culture and religion and issues the country is dealing with. However, some of the writing and storylines seem forced at times, and the sex scenes in a religious ashram setting feel awkward and jarring. The number of different issues that the book attempts to tackle in one story can be overwhelming for readers.
Overall, the book is a fun read for older teens who are curious about social issues but enjoy a sweet romantic story as well. But it lacks the depth readers expect when tackling such serious issues.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the representation of India in 96 Words for Love. What impressions did you have of India before you read this book? Raya and Kiran talk about how India has lots of different facets: rich and poor, safe and unsafe. Do you see similar patterns in the United States?
How well do you think the author wove serious social issues into the central love story?
Before Raya goes to the ashram and discovers a love for teaching, Raya feels lost about what she wants to pursue in college. Have you ever felt confused about what you want to do when you're older? What things are you passionate about?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : jimmy patterson
- Publication date : January 15, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 0 - 0
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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