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February 07, 2006

REVIEW: How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life

I admit, I wasn't expecting to like Kaavya Viswanathan's debut novel, How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life. I'm not a big fan of chick lit, and from the cover, I was expecting a shallow little book intended for adult women who cared more about shopping and men than about anything else.

But instead, I found a charming YA (young adult) novel, about a too-serious, too-driven girl who tries to learn to loosen up, makes a fool of herself in the process, and eventually does manage to learn how to be herself and be happy. The section on Harvard was particularly delightful, and made me nostalgic for my days at the U of C, reminding me of how much fun it can be when a whole bunch of geeks who were isolated for years finally find each other and start having fun.

The novel is entirely unrealistic all the way through, from the Indian parents who actually try to help their daughter get kissed to the high school students' solving of a major physics problem (with the help of a chance remark). But that over-the-top quality only added to the charm. I think this would be a great book for the S. Asian teenager in your life, or for any adult who wants to spend a few hours back in high school with all its social madness, anxiety, and sheer goofiness. Recommended.

Posted by Mary Anne Mohanraj at February 7, 2006 07:51 AM

Comments

I wasn't really expecting very much, and like you, was pleasantly surprised. I thought this was a witty novel with a good pace and a strong voice. I have mixed feelings about the lack of realism though. On one hand, the Mehta parents are such hysterical characters and really do come to life through Kaavya's descriptions. On the other hand, I just kept thinking, "This is just not possible." Either way, it was an enjoyable read--and I'm curious to know what the larger reception will be to this debut.

Posted by: sandhya [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 8, 2006 03:53 PM

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