Dual narrators add dimension to this audiobook in which rom-com tropes tell a serious story. Despite their many personal differences, Bengali-Irish classmates Hani and Ishu strike a deal: They'll fake a relationship so that Hani can convince her skeptical friends of her bisexuality and Ishu can gain enough popularity to become head girl and win her parents' respect. Initially, the charade works, but even as they grow closer, the girls encounter the painful consequences of seeking external validation. Narrator Reena Dutt is light and emotive as the people-pleasing Hani, while Shubhangi Karmakar's husky tones and deliberate pacing are well suited to intense, prickly Ishu. Both narrate in Bengali-inflected Irish accents, delivering exactly the kind of authentic, well-characterized performances needed for a story of hard-won self-realization. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

Fans of fake dating, rejoice! I fell headlong into love with this book. A moving reminder that sometimes it takes a little pretending to discover what’s most real.” —PINTIP DUNN, New York Times bestselling author of the Forget Tomorrow series

“Charming, complex, and full of heart, the kind of book—the kind of characters—you just want to hug. Jaigirdar’s voice is compelling, unique, and absolutely unforgettable.” —ALECHIA DOW, author of The Sound of Stars

“This book gave me all the emotions, and I fell in love with Hani and Ishu’s fake relationship. Adiba has the ability to portray not only romantic love, but also family and friendship love, in a remarkable story that’ll stay with me for a long time.” —LUCAS ROCHA, author of Where We Go From Here

“Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating is like the best kind of date: It will surprise you, make you laugh, and, most of all, leave you smiling from ear to ear.” —ARVIN AHMADI, author of Down and Across and Girl Gone Viral

“The representation we need with the romance we love - a pure delight!” —NISHA SHARMA, author of My So-Called Bollywood Life

05/01/2021

Gr 9 Up—Despite being the only two Bengali students in their Irish high school, popular, unassuming Hani and intimidating, ambitious Ishu are barely more than passing acquaintances. But when Hani needs to convince her friends of her bisexuality and Ishu needs to stir up votes for Head Girl, they strike a deal. This book is charming and packed with rich and nuanced depictions of Desi culture (Ishu and Hani's families are significantly different despite their shared heritage). Whether drawn by the classic romance trope or the diverse representation, readers will appreciate how genuine Hani and Ishu's growing affection feels. Each girl is easy to cheer for as her relationship becomes a tool for escaping the toxic patterns she was immersed in alone. Jaigirdar tactfully weaves universal teen struggles like gossip and jealousy with issues of biphobia, racist microaggressions, and Islamophobia. Some Irish references may be unfamiliar to American readers, but don't weigh down the text. VERDICT A sweet queer romance with outstanding Desi representation. Recommended for all collections.—Amy Diegelman, Chicago P.L.

Dual narrators add dimension to this audiobook in which rom-com tropes tell a serious story. Despite their many personal differences, Bengali-Irish classmates Hani and Ishu strike a deal: They'll fake a relationship so that Hani can convince her skeptical friends of her bisexuality and Ishu can gain enough popularity to become head girl and win her parents' respect. Initially, the charade works, but even as they grow closer, the girls encounter the painful consequences of seeking external validation. Narrator Reena Dutt is light and emotive as the people-pleasing Hani, while Shubhangi Karmakar's husky tones and deliberate pacing are well suited to intense, prickly Ishu. Both narrate in Bengali-inflected Irish accents, delivering exactly the kind of authentic, well-characterized performances needed for a story of hard-won self-realization. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

★ 2021-05-19
Pretending to like one another turns into something more in this charming take on love, family, and personal integrity set in Dublin.

The only two brown girls in their year, Hani and Ishu, while both Bengali, are hardly friendly—and worlds apart. Hani is Bangladeshi Irish and in with the popular crowd, her Muslim faith brings comfort, and she is out to her family as bisexual. Ishu is Indian Irish and a studious, prickly misanthrope; an atheist from a Hindu family, she’s queer and closeted. Being friendless and living in the shadow of her perfect older sister, Nik, are difficult for Ishu. Hani’s two White best friends, Aisling and Dee, make her feel like she must hide her true self or be rejected. When Nik announces, to their parents’ horror, that she’s leaving medical school and getting married, Ishu seizes the chance to score points by running for Head Girl. Meanwhile, Hani comes out to her friends, who disdainfully dismiss her bisexuality as theoretical. Distressed, Hani blurts out that she is dating Ishu—who agrees to go along with the ruse if Hani helps her become popular enough to win the Head Girl vote. Deception, reflection, revelation, and hard-won growth ensue. Jaigirdar’s layered exploration of the many identities and relationships that make up our messy, complex, lovable selves is handled with a deft touch against the background of a delightfully romantic storyline enhanced by perfect pacing and well-rounded characterization.

An intelligent, insightful, and utterly swoon-y coming-of-age story. (Romance. 12-18)