That Thing About Bollywood by Supriya Kelkar | Book Review

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An Indian American girl must find her way out of an alternate reality and confront her feelings about her parents fighting.

Sonali, an eleven-year-old girl, is going through a lot of changes. Her parents constantly fight, pretending that everything is okay on the outside. Her best friend, Zara, is becoming more chummy with her other friend, Airplane O’Neil, or Air for short. Finally, when her parents announce to Sonali and Ronak (her little brother) that they’re separating, something changes in the world overnight. Everything in Sonali’s life turned into an alternate Bollywood movie. Will Sonali find the root of the cause of her “Bollywooditis”?

First, what a stunning and colorful cover; “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Unfortunately, that’s not true; I was dragged by it and wanted to read it immediately.

I had heard of Bollywood before but needed to know what it meant. Bollywood is a humorous nickname for the Indian cinema industry. They produce movies with many songs and dances, lavish sets, and glamorous costumes. The Bollywooditis was wacky, and I loved the solos that Sonali and the others sang.
The book perfectly matches August’s theme of BeTWEEN the Books box; “Life is a Movie, and you are the Star.”
When Sonali can’t control her emotions, she is suddenly transported into a Bollywood song-and-dance act. She is the show’s star.
But she can’t indefinitely hide behind the stage curtains. Her parents are separated, and I felt terrible about Sonali and Ronak’s situation. It was very emotional when I read those parts regarding the parents. I also can relate to the friends growing apart.

Sonali is a complicated person and very relatable. She doesn’t show emotion but feels it underneath, like me. Ronak is a cute and very touching boy. I had a lot of complicated feelings about their parents. I wasn’t too fond of how Zara was acting towards Sonali. Air was an intelligent and kind girl despite the situation with Zara and Sonali.

Give this magical book to any kids struggling to express their feelings.

Thanks again, BeTWEEN the bookends, for sending us a well-crafted box with an excellent selection of books.
Remember to use my code: Paige10, for 10% off your first subscription.

Please read my review of the August book box here.

My rating