Maya in Multicolor

January 1, 2025
A college romance with festivities at its heart. Maya Sastry's first week at Neadham University starts off in a hopeful way, with a meet-cute involving a boy with "heart-melting dimples" who helps her after she drops all her notebooks on the ground. However, despite this promising beginning, self-centered gamer Thomas turns out to most definitely not be the man of Maya's dreams. Instead, Indian American Maya puts all her effort into her classes, baking, and putting together the best Holi bash Neadham has ever seen. As it turns out, getting involved with the Hindu Student Association's event committee means working with gorgeous, charming upperclassman Nishant Rai. He and Maya have what seem to be very different plans for both the festival and life. Nishant, who's a DJ, is imagining an "EDM festival meets old-fashioned Holi dance party with bhang," a traditional drink containing ground cannabis. To Maya, Holi is a meaningful time, "the festival of renewal. A time to celebrate life and love...traditional and nostalgic." But ideas meld, as do lives, and what follows is the distinct possibility of romance. The story, which is populated by a cast of well-sketched characters, explores the leads' personal insecurities and toxic exes alongside the vagaries of college life and event planning. A small amount of family baggage gets checked in as well. Altogether these elements make for a bright and fun read. A story of self-discovery and falling in love, with a dash of color and a sprinkle of breeziness.(Romance. 15-18)

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January 1, 2025
Grades 10-12 Maya Satry's college career kicked off with an adorable meet-cute that soured just as quickly, as her paramour refused to commit. After finally breaking things off with him, Maya dives into the Hindu Student Association (HSA) as an event planner, partnering with notorious campus playboy Nishant Rai, aka DJ Nish, to plan an epic Holi celebration. The two have a rocky start to their partnership, but the more time they spend together, the more Maya begins to see beneath the glamour of DJ Nish and into the heart of Nishant. But Maya wants a real relationship, and Nishant is scared of being hurt again, leaving their future together uncertain. Teerdhala's latest YA contemporary romance is heartwarmingly delicious--and not just because of Maya's demonstrated baking skills. The chemistry between Maya and Nishant vibrates off the page through their ceaseless banter and clear attraction to each other. The development of their relationship feels organic, and Teerdhala masterfully pulls off the slow burn of it all. Late teen and early college readers will swoon for this sweet, colorful love story.

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March 1, 2025

Gr 9 Up-Maya, a lovable protagonist with big dreams and a touch of sass, decides to transform her college experience by organizing a Holi celebration. But when she's paired with Nishant Rai-a campus DJ infamous as a heartbreaker-the event takes an unexpected twist. Maya's focus on tradition clashes with Nishant's vision of a flashy EDM festival, setting the stage for a heartwarming and entertaining story. Their opposing perspectives create engaging tension, while Maya's journey of self-discovery and her growing connection with Nishant add depth and charm. This book skillfully balances themes of personal growth, cultural identity, and the complexities of modern romance, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read. VERDICT Anyone heading to college will enjoy this novel, and it's a good fit for high school collections.-Jessica Siddharth

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