There is a lot that I liked about this one. The Indian American experience is often one of a model minority but at the same time experiencing a lot of racism and stereotypes. I was eager to see how this stabbing of a white male on school grounds was going to unfold with and a Black girl and Indian American girl being at the scene. The whole town, including Babur, makes presumptions.  

Babur (“Bobby”) Singh runs an Uber-type business, and he is a very interesting character who has a very black and white view of the world, as exemplified by how he treated his wife. He has been raising his daughter Angie as a single father, and when she makes the 911 call after the stabbing, his rigid views will be challenged. I really liked his character’s development and how he makes more effort with his daughter toward the end of the book.

Angie is a great character. I’m not sure I would have been that principled as a teenager. A bit too good to be true, but she was a good balance for her father and the character of Chris.   

There were some side plots that were either unnecessary (like Angie swimming in the pool without a lifeguard) or needed to be fleshed out more. I understand it’s a debut. I think the plot weaving might be more seamless in future books. I thought it was worth noting that a big chunk of this book read as young adult. I don’t necessarily mind that, but I think some readers would appreciate that heads up. 

I wanted to see Angie reunite with an important family member that she hadn’t seen in a long time and was bummed that it didn’t happen on the page. 

I think this one will stick with me and won’t hesitate to pick up another book by this author.