What I Meant...

Very Good book, but not for 12 year olds.

As a mother who lived through the teen years, I appreciated the story, and did enjoy reading it very much. However, I strongly disagree with the 12 yr. and up rating and feel it's more for the age group of the girl in the story (15-16 yr) or older. Some of the subject matter (content of her mom's diary especially!!! Was it necessary to make that part about a 13 year old?), was really not suitable for younger girls. Kissing a boy that wasn't her boyfriend, sneaking out to meet the boy for a date when she's supposed to be sleeping at a friend's house, then traipsing all over scary city streets following her friend that is running away, just not really what I want my 12 year old reading about. I think the lessons learned by Sangeet about boys and friendship were great and would go far for high school girls, but why put these "not your typical teenager" ideas in the head of a preteen?

AWESOME

This book was awesome. I read it in 3 days. It is by far my favorite book! Marie Lamba, PLEASE WRITE ANOTHER BOOK!!!!

A Funny, Realistic Read!

I loved this debut novel by Marie Lamba. It was hilarious and poignant, with a realistic depiction of being a teen. The plot never slows down. What I Meant is about Sangeet Jumnal, and how her life is turned upside-down when her evil aunt moves in. Her aunt makes her parents think she's bulimic and a thief and meanwhile Sang might just have a boyfriend- only she's not allowed to date! There are interesting facts about Indian culture and lots of cool characters that populate the novel. I highly reccomend What I Meant. You'll love it!

I stayed up WAY too late reading this!

Sangeet Jumnall has a problem. Well, actually, she has several, and they are all problems with which all young adult readers can relate. First, she is biracial. Her father is Indian (as in, from India) and her mother is from the United States. Her parents have put a moratorium on dating until she is sixteen, and she is in love. To complicate things further, Chachi, the wife of Sangeet¿s recently departed uncle, has come to live in their home since she has no other family in the US that can care for her. That would be fine, if Chachi weren¿t evil. To top it off, Sangeet¿s best friend will no longer have anything to do with her, and won¿t give any explanation for the sudden hatred. With masterful storytelling, Marie Lamba weaves a tale of teenaged angst and relationships. I found myself staying up way too late as I wondered whether Sangeet was going to be able to prove that Chachi was framing her, whether her best friend, Gina, would relent and they could renew their friendship, and whether Sangeet would successfully hatch a plan to meet up and go to the Stinking Monkey¿s concert with Jason. In spite of a plot that is deliciously unpredictable, there is a happy ending¿just not the one readers would expect. This would be a great curricular addition for English courses focusing on journal writing or any class that is delving into the murky waters of the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

One Of The Greatest

this book is totally awesome!! its really funny and the author understands teens. Anybody 12 and up should read this book!!! I can't wait 4 the sequal

THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!

I loved it!!! This book is one of the best books I've ever read!!! I highly recommend this book to any one who is twelve or older. I couldn't put it down!!! Even if you don't like to read you'll LOVE this book!!!!! I can't wait until the sequal comes out in July 2008 called 'What I Said'!!!!!

Great family read...bring on the sequel!

I couldn't put this book down, and upon completion it circulated through our adult family. Marie Lamba shows great insight into contemporary teen and family issues while touching on feelings and concerns of parents and teens from both perspectives. Multicultural issues are woven throughout the book in an informative and skillful way. This book is a delightful and humorous read. The ending leaves you calling out, 'Bring on the sequel!'

I loved this awsomely amazing book!!!!!!

This was a great book!!!!!! I can't wait to read the sequel! I couldn't put this book down! I loved that it was about a girl dealing with many of the same problems as me, like school, parents, and friends. I am very excited to read the sequel!!!!!!!!

A must read for teenagers and their parents

I just finished reading this book. I am amazed at how well Marie Lamba captures the heart and mind of a young adult ¿ the thoughts, the priorities and the struggles are all very well represented and make the reader really care for Sang, the protagonist. The bi-racial (Italian American and Indian) angle is seamlessly integrated throughout the book. Not only will teenagers find this a page-turner, I think it is a must read for all parents with teenage children as this book offers a unique window into the ¿complexities¿ of their lives, all while maintaining an even sense of humor.

A reviewer

This book was so great, I loved the plot and the fact that it was beased in my hometown...more people need to know about this book because I know they will absoultly enjoy it...can't wait for a sequal!!! I loved this book!!!!!

Good for moms, too

I took a couple of chapters to get into the story, but then I couldn't put it down. It's been decades since I've been in high school, but the characters and dialogue seemed very authentic, and the author does a great job with the plot. Maybe I was just caught up in the story, but I never felt like the plot was predictable. Some things work out, other things don't -- sort of like real life. Sang's parents are depicted from her point of view, so they're not completely fleshed out, but it's her feelings about them that I found very interesting. Reading this book made me think about how trust is established in a family. My daughter is a little too young for this adventure yet, but when she's a freshman, I'll be recommending this book to her and her friends. Well-written, enjoyable, worth the time.

When you buy Harry pick up Sang Jumnal, too!

A very good read for teens. You'll identify with Sang Jumnal as she deals with funny events where she's her own worst enemy. Then a serious threat emerges from an older and respected live-in relative bent on destroying the family framework while framing Sang in the process. Sang declares war, fighting not only for herself but for her family, and her family doesn't even know it. Some memorable characters here including one adult you will really learn to hate. Get to know Sang and her family. You won't be disappointed.

Couldn't put it down!

I really enjoyed this book! As a college student, I was unsure if I would still like reading about the life of a 15-year-old girl. However, I could totally relate to the characters, and this novel was addicting! It's funny yet realistic as well. It also has a surprising amount of action packed in. I would especially recommend 'What I Meant...' to teenagers, but it's great for all ages!

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