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Desi Girl Speaking
Tweety is struggling.
Battling depression and faced with parents and friends who don't fully understand what's happening, sixteen-year-old Tweety feels like no one is listening and there's nowhere to turn to. Until she stumbles across Desi Girl Speaking, a podcast by someone else who's struggling too. Through episodes and exchanged emails, Tweety and Desi Girl begin to confide in each other, but as Tweety's depression deepens, she'll have to decide whether to stay silenced or use her voice to speak up.
A powerful and compassionate novel about mental health and hope, for readers of Yasmin Rahman, Muhammad Khan and Danielle Jawando.
TRIGGER this book explores mental health, including discussion of depression, suicide and self-harm.
Battling depression and faced with parents and friends who don't fully understand what's happening, sixteen-year-old Tweety feels like no one is listening and there's nowhere to turn to. Until she stumbles across Desi Girl Speaking, a podcast by someone else who's struggling too. Through episodes and exchanged emails, Tweety and Desi Girl begin to confide in each other, but as Tweety's depression deepens, she'll have to decide whether to stay silenced or use her voice to speak up.
A powerful and compassionate novel about mental health and hope, for readers of Yasmin Rahman, Muhammad Khan and Danielle Jawando.
TRIGGER this book explores mental health, including discussion of depression, suicide and self-harm.
- GenresContemporary
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2024
6 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 8, 2024
I received an AD/PR copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Insta Book Tours.
Desi Girl Speaking is a YA story about a young Bangladeshi ( Desi ) teenager as she navigates mental health and depression.
Tweety hasn't been feeling herself and is confused with how she's feeling. After being given the lead in her dance schools and dance production, she should be feeling ecstatic if not nervous, too, but Tweety doesn't feel anything at all. She recognises that this is not normal for her as it's something she's wanted since first learning to dance. Tweety tries her best to hide her feelings and act normal, which in turn makes her feel even more exhausted, frustrated, and alone. When Tweety comes across a podcast called 'Desi Girl Speaking', she reaches out to the podcast host and strikes up a friendship via email. But as things spiral in her life and things begin to escalate, Tweety must face the truth and finally ask those she loves for help, support and understanding; for in the Desi community depression and mental health are taboo subjects not spoken about nor admitted as existing in their culture.
This was so tenderly, and compassionately written and navigates depression, anxiety, cultural differences, and mental health very well. I could relate to Tweety so much having been a sufferer of depression from a young age myself and my heart broke for her and those within community's where mental health/depression isn't accepted, believed or understood as its hard enough to be believed, supported and to navigate help and support without this as an obstacle too. I hope this book helps many teens and pre-teens to see they're not alone, there's nothing abnormal about feeling how they do and to reach out for help.
Trigger warnings: depression, anxiety, mental health, suicide, self harm.
Desi Girl Speaking is a YA story about a young Bangladeshi ( Desi ) teenager as she navigates mental health and depression.
Tweety hasn't been feeling herself and is confused with how she's feeling. After being given the lead in her dance schools and dance production, she should be feeling ecstatic if not nervous, too, but Tweety doesn't feel anything at all. She recognises that this is not normal for her as it's something she's wanted since first learning to dance. Tweety tries her best to hide her feelings and act normal, which in turn makes her feel even more exhausted, frustrated, and alone. When Tweety comes across a podcast called 'Desi Girl Speaking', she reaches out to the podcast host and strikes up a friendship via email. But as things spiral in her life and things begin to escalate, Tweety must face the truth and finally ask those she loves for help, support and understanding; for in the Desi community depression and mental health are taboo subjects not spoken about nor admitted as existing in their culture.
This was so tenderly, and compassionately written and navigates depression, anxiety, cultural differences, and mental health very well. I could relate to Tweety so much having been a sufferer of depression from a young age myself and my heart broke for her and those within community's where mental health/depression isn't accepted, believed or understood as its hard enough to be believed, supported and to navigate help and support without this as an obstacle too. I hope this book helps many teens and pre-teens to see they're not alone, there's nothing abnormal about feeling how they do and to reach out for help.
Trigger warnings: depression, anxiety, mental health, suicide, self harm.
November 8, 2023
it's my own book so... yeah. i'm giving it five stars x
May 25, 2024
I had always been under the impression that book could never make me cry…boy was I wrong! “Desi Girl Speaking” is a thought provoking and emotional story which follows Tweety as she battles her mental health. Although not from the desi community, I could completely relate to Tweety and how many people often shy away about the realities and struggles of having depression.
A really fantastic read and so wonderfully written by A.Hussain! (Just don’t forget your tissues!)
A really fantastic read and so wonderfully written by A.Hussain! (Just don’t forget your tissues!)
October 26, 2024
this book has a good concept and I liked the message - mental health in the brown community is something that is not addressed often.
but this book was not nuanced or even complex with these themes and issues: i found it a bit too surface-level and repetitive in delivering its message. i was so bored throughout and honestly it was through sheer stubbornness that i finished it - there was no well thought-out plot, no developed three-dimensional characters and not even engaging writing to keep me interested.
honestly this book basically reads as a failed attempt at a self-help book poorly disguised as contemporary fiction. i think this would be better as a self-help book based around how mental health is viewed in south asian community.
small note: i appreciated that the desi rep (specifically the bangladeshi rep as we are not represented often in fiction) - but i feel like the cultural elements were just thrown in your face and forced, as opposed to being woven in naturally and subtly as it should have been (in my opinion). that’s why it came off as more cringey and artificial, instead of genuine
but this book was not nuanced or even complex with these themes and issues: i found it a bit too surface-level and repetitive in delivering its message. i was so bored throughout and honestly it was through sheer stubbornness that i finished it - there was no well thought-out plot, no developed three-dimensional characters and not even engaging writing to keep me interested.
honestly this book basically reads as a failed attempt at a self-help book poorly disguised as contemporary fiction. i think this would be better as a self-help book based around how mental health is viewed in south asian community.
small note: i appreciated that the desi rep (specifically the bangladeshi rep as we are not represented often in fiction) - but i feel like the cultural elements were just thrown in your face and forced, as opposed to being woven in naturally and subtly as it should have been (in my opinion). that’s why it came off as more cringey and artificial, instead of genuine
April 28, 2024
Thanks to @Instabooktours for arranging the tour and @hotkeybooks for inviting me to join.
In Desi Girl Speaking, we are following Tweety as she finds herself dealing with mental health, anxiety and depression. Throughout this book, there is some exact representation of both of these mental health disorders, and I really felt for Tweety and how others in her community, especially her dance troupe and her best friend, did not see how Tweety was feeling.
'More like I couldn't find the strength this morning, and by the time I found it, I was already late '
I really like how we see the differences in Tweety's friends. All their lives are separate, and their troubles are, but they don't seem to notice Tweety is depressed. It was interesting also to learn that Desi doesn't have a word for depression. I loved how Pyria and Tweety's relationship is, but you can also see the teenager restrain them. I like how we see that throughout the dance troupe; they are part of that. There are some ups and downs.
The Desi Girl Speaking Podcast is a fantastic representation of this book. I love how Tweety makes a new friend and also realizes she is suffering from depression. I like how well the emails went with both of these girls and how the response did elect how those with depression and anxiety feel socially. I highly recommend this book and will be rereading it in the near future.
I finished this book in one sitting as I could not put it down.
In Desi Girl Speaking, we are following Tweety as she finds herself dealing with mental health, anxiety and depression. Throughout this book, there is some exact representation of both of these mental health disorders, and I really felt for Tweety and how others in her community, especially her dance troupe and her best friend, did not see how Tweety was feeling.
'More like I couldn't find the strength this morning, and by the time I found it, I was already late '
I really like how we see the differences in Tweety's friends. All their lives are separate, and their troubles are, but they don't seem to notice Tweety is depressed. It was interesting also to learn that Desi doesn't have a word for depression. I loved how Pyria and Tweety's relationship is, but you can also see the teenager restrain them. I like how we see that throughout the dance troupe; they are part of that. There are some ups and downs.
The Desi Girl Speaking Podcast is a fantastic representation of this book. I love how Tweety makes a new friend and also realizes she is suffering from depression. I like how well the emails went with both of these girls and how the response did elect how those with depression and anxiety feel socially. I highly recommend this book and will be rereading it in the near future.
I finished this book in one sitting as I could not put it down.
September 20, 2024
Superb depiction of the reality of depression.
August 13, 2024
I get the concept. I really do. I wish I could've enjoyed this book but I'd be lying if I said I didn't think of DNF'ing it a handful of times.
I agree mental illness is not talked about much in the South Asian community and the book sheds light on depression which is great but I just think it could've been carried out in a ... different way. Firstly, I do not need to be reminded every two lines that the mc is 'desi' and 'depressed'. This phrase is used so many times throughout the book I think I'd need about a hundred people to be able to count it on hands. It can't be hard to find a synonym. Also, like any other South Asian book, we are constantly being reminded of the fact that the mc is Bangladeshi, the author's putting in a bengali term every two pages and it's so damn infuriating like plz stop. I live in South Asia and don't feel as connected to my culture as this girl who literally lives in Bristol of all places
I also find the story a bit hard to believe because ur telling me ur friend convinced everyone to leave hate comments on a podcast about mental health?? And everyone saw her (the friend) as the hero?? For shutting down a platform helping others she deemed 'misrepresenting desis'?? Because its SOOOO bad to be perceived depressed?? Ur joking. Ur actually kidding and everyone just went on with it??? No one questioned her?? No that's not right. I don't believe that actually happened. Be fr it's the 21st century and we're talking about our youth, we're talking about teenagers who grew up alongside social media and the internet and KNOW about the effects of mental illness.That's so unbelievable dude and its a major plot hole.
Lastly, 'Criminal offensive side eye' was an actual quotation from the book. Need I say more?
I agree mental illness is not talked about much in the South Asian community and the book sheds light on depression which is great but I just think it could've been carried out in a ... different way. Firstly, I do not need to be reminded every two lines that the mc is 'desi' and 'depressed'. This phrase is used so many times throughout the book I think I'd need about a hundred people to be able to count it on hands. It can't be hard to find a synonym. Also, like any other South Asian book, we are constantly being reminded of the fact that the mc is Bangladeshi, the author's putting in a bengali term every two pages and it's so damn infuriating like plz stop. I live in South Asia and don't feel as connected to my culture as this girl who literally lives in Bristol of all places
I also find the story a bit hard to believe because ur telling me ur friend convinced everyone to leave hate comments on a podcast about mental health?? And everyone saw her (the friend) as the hero?? For shutting down a platform helping others she deemed 'misrepresenting desis'?? Because its SOOOO bad to be perceived depressed?? Ur joking. Ur actually kidding and everyone just went on with it??? No one questioned her?? No that's not right. I don't believe that actually happened. Be fr it's the 21st century and we're talking about our youth, we're talking about teenagers who grew up alongside social media and the internet and KNOW about the effects of mental illness.That's so unbelievable dude and its a major plot hole.
Lastly, 'Criminal offensive side eye' was an actual quotation from the book. Need I say more?
May 26, 2024
What a fantastic book! This is such a great resource for teenagers, especially Desi teenagers, whether they are or aren’t currently dealing with mental health problems or a developing/existing mental illness. It contains plenty of resources not just to help the person struggling but also ways to help your struggling friends, too.
We follow Tweety, who lives a good life - she has kind parents, plenty of friends, and is getting good opportunities in her dance group. One day, she wakes up, and she doesn’t feel excited or happy. As it goes untreated, it begins to get worse and worse, until she makes a connection with another Desi girl struggling with depression and Tweety learns she isn’t alone, and she might have a friend to help her cope through this.
It got very dark in some places, but was very raw and honest in its descriptions of what depression can be like and how it can affect anyone, but also about navigating that within the Desi community.
We follow Tweety, who lives a good life - she has kind parents, plenty of friends, and is getting good opportunities in her dance group. One day, she wakes up, and she doesn’t feel excited or happy. As it goes untreated, it begins to get worse and worse, until she makes a connection with another Desi girl struggling with depression and Tweety learns she isn’t alone, and she might have a friend to help her cope through this.
It got very dark in some places, but was very raw and honest in its descriptions of what depression can be like and how it can affect anyone, but also about navigating that within the Desi community.
December 7, 2024
2.5/5
Though some dialogue and events felt contrived in order to hit certain narrative or thematic beats, overall, it was a nice and interesting read with a creative setting and plot.
Some thoughts:
People won't believe I'm depressed because everyone knows "Desis don't get depressed" is reiterated on virtually every other page of this book. It gets repetitive and unfortunately the book doesn't have too much to say beyond what feels now to be the usual 'we should speak more about mental health and raise awareness and change attitudes'.
I don't wanna speak for all South Asian diaspora, but to me these sentiments feel antiquated. For one, people may undermine depression and mental illness but they don't tend to deny its existence like this? (but that's just my experience). There were few big ideas in this book beyond exploring the stigma associated with being depressed as a desi. All roads led back to that, and all the conflict stemmed from it. It just felt disingenuous. To the characters, who were otherwise more complex and felt like they should have a wider breadth and depth of thinking and struggle. And to the reader; yes this is YA but if it's about depression and similarly heavy topics, we should respect their intelligence and involve more nuance in our portrayal and discussion of mental health, right? And not make it artificially simple?
There were a lot of moments where I'd just go 'really? this is happening in 2024?'. It feels like we're beyond simply raising awareness and changing attitudes towards mental health to normalise and accept it. Not that mental health shouldn't receive more normalisation. But it's just unconvincing to me to read of a group of teens scared to utter the word 'depression' whilst simultaneously showing each other TikToks.
Another gripe is that I felt some of the discussion surrounding getting better was not well developed. This isn’t necessarily terrible as you wouldn't read this for help I suppose, but it would've been nice to see it given more attention. This is a long book, the space was there. And it's important.
One example is **SPOILER** Girl gets diagnosed and given antidepressants after a 15 minute brief discussion with a psychiatrist, who goes from saying "sounds like you have depression" to confirming she's depressed very quickly. And everyone is happy about this. This is not good; are we not just normalising pathologising people's mental experiences at this point?
Though some dialogue and events felt contrived in order to hit certain narrative or thematic beats, overall, it was a nice and interesting read with a creative setting and plot.
Some thoughts:
People won't believe I'm depressed because everyone knows "Desis don't get depressed" is reiterated on virtually every other page of this book. It gets repetitive and unfortunately the book doesn't have too much to say beyond what feels now to be the usual 'we should speak more about mental health and raise awareness and change attitudes'.
I don't wanna speak for all South Asian diaspora, but to me these sentiments feel antiquated. For one, people may undermine depression and mental illness but they don't tend to deny its existence like this? (but that's just my experience). There were few big ideas in this book beyond exploring the stigma associated with being depressed as a desi. All roads led back to that, and all the conflict stemmed from it. It just felt disingenuous. To the characters, who were otherwise more complex and felt like they should have a wider breadth and depth of thinking and struggle. And to the reader; yes this is YA but if it's about depression and similarly heavy topics, we should respect their intelligence and involve more nuance in our portrayal and discussion of mental health, right? And not make it artificially simple?
There were a lot of moments where I'd just go 'really? this is happening in 2024?'. It feels like we're beyond simply raising awareness and changing attitudes towards mental health to normalise and accept it. Not that mental health shouldn't receive more normalisation. But it's just unconvincing to me to read of a group of teens scared to utter the word 'depression' whilst simultaneously showing each other TikToks.
Another gripe is that I felt some of the discussion surrounding getting better was not well developed. This isn’t necessarily terrible as you wouldn't read this for help I suppose, but it would've been nice to see it given more attention. This is a long book, the space was there. And it's important.
One example is **SPOILER** Girl gets diagnosed and given antidepressants after a 15 minute brief discussion with a psychiatrist, who goes from saying "sounds like you have depression" to confirming she's depressed very quickly. And everyone is happy about this. This is not good; are we not just normalising pathologising people's mental experiences at this point?
May 2, 2024
This book… I absolutely loved it! I read it all in a day! It was such an interesting, eye opening and heart warming read. Having lived with a parent who has suffered with depression since I was little, this book really hit home for me and it really opens your eyes to the feelings, experiences and thought processes that people who suffer depression may have. I love how much awareness this book raises of different sensitive subjects and I think that every teenager who is struggling with life should read this book… in fact, just everybody should read it! I honestly think there is something that would be relatable to everyone in this story.
It really is ok not to be ok and it really is very important that we let people know that they have a voice and they deserve to be heard, no matter what age, gender, race or sexuality! There is support out there for everyone, even the ones living with the people who are suffering.
I really enjoyed the different texts as we read through different chapters which explored Tweety’s thoughts, text messages, emails and podcast episodes. Tweety was such an interesting and likeable character and I felt myself really empathising with her at times. I really enjoyed learning about the Bangladesh/Desi culture, community, some of their language and their belief’s.
Overall, a very well written YA book which highlights mental health and the impacts it can have on people, their families and their overall community.
It really is ok not to be ok and it really is very important that we let people know that they have a voice and they deserve to be heard, no matter what age, gender, race or sexuality! There is support out there for everyone, even the ones living with the people who are suffering.
I really enjoyed the different texts as we read through different chapters which explored Tweety’s thoughts, text messages, emails and podcast episodes. Tweety was such an interesting and likeable character and I felt myself really empathising with her at times. I really enjoyed learning about the Bangladesh/Desi culture, community, some of their language and their belief’s.
Overall, a very well written YA book which highlights mental health and the impacts it can have on people, their families and their overall community.
June 19, 2024
This was a very interesting read and I felt that Tweety really took me along with her on her journey down the cold and dark rabbit hole of depression. I felt my chest heavy reading her story and I was fully invested in finding out how it would all end.
It was very interesting understanding more about the way in which cultural influences hold people from acknowledging, accepting and dealing/supporting/ seeking help for mental health issues, even today when so much more knowledge and information is readily available and out there for us to develop our understanding and educate ourselves. There is still social stigma and in a multicultural society such as the one we live in here in the UK, it's heartbreaking to consider how many young people could potentially need help and support with their mental health and are not receiving it, ending up isolated and alone as a result. And very much like A.S. Hussain herself shares, this is a book she wishes was around when she was a teenager, I agree that access to such literary material is invaluable for these exact reasons. What if you feel alone, that's something is wrong with you but everyone around you fail to support you or you feel like you don't have anyone to turn to.
Highly recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy, all opinions are my own.
It was very interesting understanding more about the way in which cultural influences hold people from acknowledging, accepting and dealing/supporting/ seeking help for mental health issues, even today when so much more knowledge and information is readily available and out there for us to develop our understanding and educate ourselves. There is still social stigma and in a multicultural society such as the one we live in here in the UK, it's heartbreaking to consider how many young people could potentially need help and support with their mental health and are not receiving it, ending up isolated and alone as a result. And very much like A.S. Hussain herself shares, this is a book she wishes was around when she was a teenager, I agree that access to such literary material is invaluable for these exact reasons. What if you feel alone, that's something is wrong with you but everyone around you fail to support you or you feel like you don't have anyone to turn to.
Highly recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy, all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2024
The best book I have read so far in 2024!
Desi Girl Speaking by A. S. Hussain follows Tweety, an experienced teenage dancer from the Desi community, who is on a mental health rollercoaster since being made the principal dancer of her dancing troupe. Tweety feels truly alone due to the common misconception that Desis cannot get depressed, that is, until she comes across the Desi Girl Speaking podcast, which helps her to understand her symptoms and realise that she is suffering from depression; from speaking to Desi girl, Maya, and supporting each other via email. However, things get much worse before they get better, as the depression takes over Tweety's life and drags her down to an extremely low point. Tweety eventually acknowledges that she is not alone and is supported by those around her.
For my full book review please visit: https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
Desi Girl Speaking by A. S. Hussain follows Tweety, an experienced teenage dancer from the Desi community, who is on a mental health rollercoaster since being made the principal dancer of her dancing troupe. Tweety feels truly alone due to the common misconception that Desis cannot get depressed, that is, until she comes across the Desi Girl Speaking podcast, which helps her to understand her symptoms and realise that she is suffering from depression; from speaking to Desi girl, Maya, and supporting each other via email. However, things get much worse before they get better, as the depression takes over Tweety's life and drags her down to an extremely low point. Tweety eventually acknowledges that she is not alone and is supported by those around her.
For my full book review please visit: https://cembookportal.blogspot.com/20...
May 3, 2024
A book I didn't know I needed!
First the thing that stood out to me most while devouring this novel is Hussain's amazing mental health rep, you can tell this author took her time writing this because I felt so seen. Second I adored Tweety, when I finished this book I was actually so sad that I wasn't going to see Twety again because this mc grew on me so quickly, she felt real and relatable and I was rooting for her from the very beginning.
This is a book that inspires hope and positivity, at the end of every tunnel is a light. You get to see some amazing character development as well as learn some interesting facts about Desi culture which I had never known. This was such a good book for me that I read it in under ten hours and have not stoped thinking about it.
First the thing that stood out to me most while devouring this novel is Hussain's amazing mental health rep, you can tell this author took her time writing this because I felt so seen. Second I adored Tweety, when I finished this book I was actually so sad that I wasn't going to see Twety again because this mc grew on me so quickly, she felt real and relatable and I was rooting for her from the very beginning.
This is a book that inspires hope and positivity, at the end of every tunnel is a light. You get to see some amazing character development as well as learn some interesting facts about Desi culture which I had never known. This was such a good book for me that I read it in under ten hours and have not stoped thinking about it.
April 30, 2024
Wow, this book really delves deep into teenage mental health and is just what society needs, I wish it had been around when I was younger as it really spoke to me as an adult and would have helped me through my own mental health issues as a teenager. The author doesn’t shy away from laying it all out and doesn’t hold back.
I loved Tweety as a character and really felt for her. It was great to learn more about the Desi culture, a culture quite different to my own.
A must read for everyone adults and young adults alike. Always check the trigger warnings first though!
I loved Tweety as a character and really felt for her. It was great to learn more about the Desi culture, a culture quite different to my own.
A must read for everyone adults and young adults alike. Always check the trigger warnings first though!
April 30, 2024
This book.. Wow. It speaks so much truth. If you've ever gone through depression then this book will resonate with you in so many ways. It truly has a special place in my heart. Following Tweety on her journey through the sadness and not understanding why she felt the way she did, was a heartbreaking story but the overall message I took from this book is that we are never alone when facing depression, there is always help available no matter what stage your at. I found this book so wholesome..
February 3, 2025
Whilst I myself am not Desai, I am of an ethnic minority and, you guessed it, have been diagnosed with depression. This is an amazing narrative which truly reflects what it’s like to be from an ethnic background, dealing with the stigma of depression. I related to so much and am very grateful that the author wrote this book. I’m sure it will help many.
July 25, 2024
Where was this book years old? I was 15 years old Punjabi girl who was very silent about my depression and spent months in hospital, and my parents told our family and friends I was on holiday to India.
This book is great, and I read it in a day.
This book is great, and I read it in a day.
September 13, 2025
This book was one I couldn’t put down. It touches on some incredibly important topics. I do wish some of the relationships outside of desi girl one were explored in a little more depth to bring richness to the story, but it was refreshing to read
September 29, 2024
Really really good and I highly recommend
August 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book because all the characters were really fleshed out and have their own defining characteristics. Also, I loved how Maya realised that she'd made mistakes with her original podcast and it was so creative for Maya and Tweety to start their own podcast together.
June 23, 2024
16 year old Tweety is not in a good place and she feels she has no one to speak to. Until she listens to the podcast Desi Girl Speaking and reaches out to Desi Girl via e-mail and they strike up a friendship. Through Desi Girl Tweety learns that it’s ok to not be ok and that even if you are Desi you can be depressed.
I read this book during Mental Health Awareness Week and it was a very apt read. My initial thought when I finished reading is that I wish this book had been around when I was younger especially because of the issues that it deals with. I thought that this was a brilliant and sensitively written book that is very relevant. As someone from a South Asian background, mental health continues to be a subject that isn't really spoken about openly and is still considered a taboo subject. So there were definitely some aspects of this book that were very familiar to me.
When we meet Tweety it’s clear that she is struggling but no one around her realises it despite there being signs that Tweety is acting differently. To escape how she is feeling Tweety throws herself into dance classes, journaling and going for runs in the hope that she can escape the inner turmoil that she's feeling but that she just can't put a name to. She finds herself trying to tell people how she’s feeling but they don’t understand. Instead they look for physical ailments but because they can’t see anything they dismiss what Tweety is saying.
What I found really sad about this book was that all the people that are around Tweety don't actually see that she's struggling. Her family and friends assume it’s the dance performance but don’t consider mental health may be an issue and that Tweety may be depressed. This is when Tweety meets Desi Girl through the podcast and they strike up a friendship. They may not know each other but Tweety has found someone who is also of South Asian heritage that has struggled with their mental health. She finds someone that understands her that she can relate to and this is the turning point for Tweety because she no longer feels alone. It’s when Tweety’s mental health deteriorates significantly that her family and friends start understanding how she is feeling and what she is going through. This also means that people around Tweety have to acknowledge that mental health is as important as physical heath.
This was a very honest and accurate portrayal of a fictional character who is struggling with their mental health but which I think that many people can relate to especially if they are from the South Asian community.
A relevant read.
I read this book during Mental Health Awareness Week and it was a very apt read. My initial thought when I finished reading is that I wish this book had been around when I was younger especially because of the issues that it deals with. I thought that this was a brilliant and sensitively written book that is very relevant. As someone from a South Asian background, mental health continues to be a subject that isn't really spoken about openly and is still considered a taboo subject. So there were definitely some aspects of this book that were very familiar to me.
When we meet Tweety it’s clear that she is struggling but no one around her realises it despite there being signs that Tweety is acting differently. To escape how she is feeling Tweety throws herself into dance classes, journaling and going for runs in the hope that she can escape the inner turmoil that she's feeling but that she just can't put a name to. She finds herself trying to tell people how she’s feeling but they don’t understand. Instead they look for physical ailments but because they can’t see anything they dismiss what Tweety is saying.
What I found really sad about this book was that all the people that are around Tweety don't actually see that she's struggling. Her family and friends assume it’s the dance performance but don’t consider mental health may be an issue and that Tweety may be depressed. This is when Tweety meets Desi Girl through the podcast and they strike up a friendship. They may not know each other but Tweety has found someone who is also of South Asian heritage that has struggled with their mental health. She finds someone that understands her that she can relate to and this is the turning point for Tweety because she no longer feels alone. It’s when Tweety’s mental health deteriorates significantly that her family and friends start understanding how she is feeling and what she is going through. This also means that people around Tweety have to acknowledge that mental health is as important as physical heath.
This was a very honest and accurate portrayal of a fictional character who is struggling with their mental health but which I think that many people can relate to especially if they are from the South Asian community.
A relevant read.
December 31, 2024
why is this not famous it's so good.
June 17, 2024
Putting a magnifying glass to the reluctance to accepting mental illness in the Desi community, this book is both touching and important. Tweety , our teenage main protagonist, doesn't feel right and she doesn't know why. Over the course of time she begins to feel worse and worse until she starts to self harm, still feeling unable to discuss her feelings in a community that will not be sympathetic to her , but instead will almost certainly condemn her. Sensitively written , I hope this book promotes understanding in readers , and helps us to try and ensure that no young person ever feels this alone and ashamed because of their depression if we can help in any way.
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