Content Warnings for racism, homophobia, and a character being outed.

This book was sweet, but lacked real guts for me. I didn't feel an attachment to the characters or their plight. I wanted to know more about Nishat's connection to her family and her culture. I enjoyed Nishat and Priti's sister relationship. The subject of culture appropriation was dealt with well, but the plot of Nishat's henna business felt weak. There just wasn't a huge pull. She seemed to give up too easily to Chyna, because that's the way things have always been.
Overall, The Henna Wars was ok. Sweet, but not much substance.