[second read, April 2019]

3.5 stars

When I read When Dimple Met Rishi the first time, I gave it 5 stars. While I did enjoy it this time around, I no longer find it worth such a high rating.

I liked the focus on Indian culture, as well as Dimple’s headstrong, ambitious attitude. However, I wasn’t fond of her repeatedly mentioning that she doesn’t wear makeup, as if that makes her better than people that do. Rishi was a very sweet love interest, and while I liked him, there were moments where I thought he could stand up for himself better. Both of them did things I didn’t like; Dimple sent Rishi’s sketches to an artist he idolized, and Rishi sent the app prototype they’d been working on to the woman Dimple idolized. Neither of them knew what the other was doing, and though they each had good intentions, I think it was invasive.

Additionally, as many others have said before me, I wish coding had been a more prominent element in the novel. Nearly all of it takes place in a summer coding camp, yet as the story progresses, Dimple and Rishi’s romance overshadows that. The talent show had more page time than the coding competition itself, and I’m not quite sure what purpose the talent show served.

I also appreciate the side characters. Ashish is occasionally annoying, as all younger siblings are, but for the most part he’s a sweet, interesting character. I look forward to seeing him shine in Menon’s upcoming novel. Then there’s Celia, Dimple’s roommate at coding camp, who is Latinx and bi/pansexual. A specific label isn’t used, but I did enjoy her steadfast friendship with Dimple and her own subplot.

+1,000 points for the iced coffee scene. It‘s my favorite part of the story, and, in my humble opinion, is also the best.

When Dimple Met Rishi is a fun, diverse romantic comedy, and the representation is undeniably important. I didn’t love it the way I did when I first read it, but I think that’s because I’ve changed significantly as a reviewer in the past year and a half. I still enjoyed my reread, and I look forward to seeing what’s in store in the sequel novella and Menon’s other novels.

[first read, July 2017]

Sixth book of booktubeathon!

This was adorable, funny, and honestly just perfect. Dimple and Rishi are amazing characters and their romance is realistic and super cute. The iced coffee scene is my new favorite thing. I'd like more of their story, please. One of my top five fluffy contemporaries. ❤️

And that's all that *really* needs to be said. If you haven't read this yet, I highly, highly encourage you do so. Immediately. (*cough*ERIKA*cough*) 😊

(This has been one of Liv's Lazy Reviews™.)