TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo is a delightful contemporary YA novel. Punjabi-Canadian high school students TJ and her cousin Simran become the subject of a meme, with pretty and popular TJ being the “expectation” of dating an Indian girl and Simran, a devout Sikh who doesn’t remove her body hair, the “reality.” TJ is enraged by this meme and decides to quit shaving and waxing to prove that she can still be beautiful even if she’s hairy. 

 

I love this book so much! TJ’s growth and journey to self-acceptance is genuine and relatable. I love how Simran also has an arc in this book, and reading about both of them dealing with their insecurities and learning to embrace themselves was emotionally fulfilling. And it was wonderful to see Punjabi culture and the Punjabi community in Kelowna represented in this book. 

 

The romance is cute and the love interest is supportive and understanding. I love his chemistry with TJ and how he constantly challenges her. Almost every character has some character development, and most of them are dealing with their own insecurities. From TJ’s friends on the soccer team Chandani and Piper, to fellow debate team members Yara, Charlie and Nate, and even TJ’s mom and auntie, the way insecurities are explored and overcome is well written. I’m sure the overall message of this book will resonate with teens and adults alike. 

 

Pick this up if you want to read a nuanced and inclusive story about self-acceptance and fighting beauty standards. This book is emotional but there’s a lot of humour, too. TJ Powar Has Something to Prove is the author’s debut novel and it’s amazing. I highly recommend it!