Bindi babes Book

Even as the demographics of this country are slowly shifting, the YA genre has been almost criminally slow to embrace the changing face of America (as well as other places around the world). Worse, the constant instances of whitewashing covers proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that publishers are still being dictated to by a small backwards contingent of people who more than likely don't even read. Also most novels featuring characters of color tend to be heavy-handed socio-politcal treatises centered around the issues of poverty, crime and other social ills, which limits both the scope and the appeal.

Hence, Bindi Babes is a wonderful breath of fresh air, even as it lightly deals with issues teens can relate to, all the while immersing the reader in the sounds, sights and smells of Indian-British culture. Reading Bindi Babes is like watching a Bollywood movie in glorious and riotous technocolor, 3D and THX. The Bindi Babes are the Dhillion sisters--Amber, Jazz and Geena--who are literally the coolest and cutest girls in their school. They're smart, fashionable and funny. They're the darlings of the teachers at their school and one would think all this attention would make them less than interesting. In spite of all the attention, the three sisters are quite down to earth, and like most teen girls into clothes, makeup and of course, boys.

There's only one BIG problem: their mother passed away, and by unspoken rule the girls pretend that everything is just peachy. They maintain the house in her place while their workaholic father gives them free reign and buys them whatever they want. That is, until their Auntie from India arrives to help take care of them. For the Bindi Babes who think they've been doing just fine on their own, thank you very much, Auntie's presence is totally unwelcome and they set out to send the sari-wearing interloper packing--firstly by trying to marry her off, then by misbehavior--all with comedic and unexpected results.

I love how author Narinder Dhami doesn't waste time trying to explain what samosas are or the practice of arranged marriages. She just assumes teens (and adults) are interested enough in Indian culture to want to discover these things for ourselves. This is a fun book with a lot of heart and like any good Bollywood movie, everything turns out great in the end for all parties involved. She shows us the multiracial Britain that many people do not see, how vibrant and fast-paced it is. I definitely plan to read more of the adventures of Amber, Jazz and Geena.