LitPick Review
Fitting Indian is a YA Graphic novel written by Jyoti Chand and illustrated by Tara Anand. The story follows Nitasha, a teenage girl caught between two worlds, which are the traditional Indian values upheld by her family and the modern lifestyle of an American high school student. It seems like Nitasha has everything: a loving family, supportive friends, and academic success, but she silently battles against her inner demons. Her story gives a heartfelt look at what it’s like to grow up between different cultures, and how confusing and lonely it can sometimes feel. The author uses this story to explore themes like alcoholism and mental health in a way that feels emotional and relatable.
Opinion:
Reading Fitting Indian was very enjoyable. What stood out to me the most was that the storytelling was so gripping that I couldn’t put the book down. Even though it’s a simple story about a teenage girl, the author brought in many deeper themes such as cultural identity, mental health issues, and the pressure to fit in. The illustrator beautifully drew the illustrations, adding so much emotion and meaning to the story. I felt so seen while reading the book because as an Indian teen girl the story spoke to me. Nitasha and her family dynamics, her emotional struggles, and problems faced by her were so relatable. Honestly, I didn’t find anything to dislike in the book.
Overall, I would recommend this book to a wide range of readers. Even though it’s categorized as a YA novel, it didn’t feel limited to just that; the themes and emotions are something people of any age can connect with. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5, and I especially recommend it to those who enjoy shorter, impactful reads. The book includes sensitive topics like alcoholism, self-harm, and depression, so it’s important to be aware of those trigger warnings before diving in.
