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Right as Rain
"I was struck by lightning and now there's rain following me around. I was struck by lightning and now there's rain following me around."
Recent high-school graduate Megh Rashid has plans to escape to the other side of the country for college and leave behind the stormy household she’s been trapped in for years. But things are complicated when she gets struck by lightning right before the start of a prestigious summer internship that’s key to her getting accepted to her dream university, and she wakes up to a storm cloud that follows her everywhere, seemingly attuned to her every emotion.
Megh’s struggles with depression, fear of leaving her home and loved ones, and uncertainty about her future cause the cloud to act up, creating rainstorms that dampen her spirits and her hopes of making an impact at her internship. With the help of fellow intern Lev Osman, a boy whose warmth makes her feel less alone, Megh has to find a way to control her feelings and decide what she’s willing to sacrifice in order to secure her desired future.
Recent high-school graduate Megh Rashid has plans to escape to the other side of the country for college and leave behind the stormy household she’s been trapped in for years. But things are complicated when she gets struck by lightning right before the start of a prestigious summer internship that’s key to her getting accepted to her dream university, and she wakes up to a storm cloud that follows her everywhere, seemingly attuned to her every emotion.
Megh’s struggles with depression, fear of leaving her home and loved ones, and uncertainty about her future cause the cloud to act up, creating rainstorms that dampen her spirits and her hopes of making an impact at her internship. With the help of fellow intern Lev Osman, a boy whose warmth makes her feel less alone, Megh has to find a way to control her feelings and decide what she’s willing to sacrifice in order to secure her desired future.
Hardcover
First published March 10, 2026
14 people are currently reading
4510 people want to read
About the author
Tashie Bhuiyan
9 books2,426 followersTashie Bhuiyan is the author of Right as Rain, I'll Pretend You're Mine, and several other novels. She is a New Yorker through and through, and hopes to change the world, one book at a time. She loves writing stories about gaining agency through growth and surviving against all odds. When she's not doing that, she's probably traveling, attending a concert, or bothering her cat, Zuko.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 15, 2026
First I have to take a moment to compliment the cover, that has to be the prettiest book cover I've ever seen, I'm obsessed. Now onto the book.
I like when the characters are smart. Megh doesn't know why the cloud happened but she immediately clocks that it is attuned to her emotions and finds a way to deal with it. To me it seems believable, and that's something I love about Tashie's writing, her characters feel real.
I related to the main character from the get go, I somewhat understood her home life and I was rooting for her to get to go far away as she wanted. I really wanted to see her succeed. I got really invested really fast, to the point I felt deeply all her emotions. I love LOVE Lev, he is such a perfect character, he made me laugh in a love confession I didn't even think it was possible.
To be fair Right as Rain made me incredibly emotional throughout the entire book. I lost count of how many times I cried. This was a very painful book, but it was also comforting and hopeful at times. A bit like a hug and a “everything will be okay eventually”, and I appreciate it more than I can say.
The cameos from I'll pretend you're mine characters made me miss that book so much(it's still a favorite of the year btw).
One thing about this author's books is that they always leave me wanting more(I would quite literally read thousands of pages, the characters' entire lives even), and this one is no different. I was absolutely not ready for it to be over, I don't feel ready to leave these characters. When I saw “acknowledgements” I when to the previous page because I couldn't believe it was over already. I don't know if I devoured it or if it is just a short book.
Ps: whatever you do DO NOT listen to Matilda by Harry Styles while reading this book, I did this mistake and I had to take a break for crying.
Thank you so much to Tashie for another perfect book, as long as you're writing I'll be reading. Also thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan for the ARC!
I like when the characters are smart. Megh doesn't know why the cloud happened but she immediately clocks that it is attuned to her emotions and finds a way to deal with it. To me it seems believable, and that's something I love about Tashie's writing, her characters feel real.
I related to the main character from the get go, I somewhat understood her home life and I was rooting for her to get to go far away as she wanted. I really wanted to see her succeed. I got really invested really fast, to the point I felt deeply all her emotions. I love LOVE Lev, he is such a perfect character, he made me laugh in a love confession I didn't even think it was possible.
To be fair Right as Rain made me incredibly emotional throughout the entire book. I lost count of how many times I cried. This was a very painful book, but it was also comforting and hopeful at times. A bit like a hug and a “everything will be okay eventually”, and I appreciate it more than I can say.
The cameos from I'll pretend you're mine characters made me miss that book so much(it's still a favorite of the year btw).
One thing about this author's books is that they always leave me wanting more(I would quite literally read thousands of pages, the characters' entire lives even), and this one is no different. I was absolutely not ready for it to be over, I don't feel ready to leave these characters. When I saw “acknowledgements” I when to the previous page because I couldn't believe it was over already. I don't know if I devoured it or if it is just a short book.
Ps: whatever you do DO NOT listen to Matilda by Harry Styles while reading this book, I did this mistake and I had to take a break for crying.
Thank you so much to Tashie for another perfect book, as long as you're writing I'll be reading. Also thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan for the ARC!
July 16, 2025
I'm soooo excited to share my newest book with all of you! RIGHT AS RAIN is a speculative contemporary novel about a girl living with depression who, after being struck by lightning, must find a way to get rid of the storm cloud attuned to her emotions that's begun to follow her around.
more soon!
more soon!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
➳ 3.75 ☆! ⛈️ spoiler free + mini review
⤷ so emotional and unique, im glad i got the opportunity to try this 🤍
arc! @ netgalley
⋆˚࿔ 6th review of the year
₊‧꒰my thoughts꒱ ‧₊ 🫂
⤷ let me start off by saying i REALLY enjoyed this!! when i applied for it i kind of went in blind but was so intrigued by the B E A U T I F U L cover!! im glad my instincts paid off bc this book was a need 🤍 it follows are fmc, megh, who gets struck by lightning one day and a cloud follows her around nyc, of course no one knows this, but now she also controls the WEATHER. so i found that super interesting! ofc there's a romance too dw
⤷ the main thing abt this book tho is the mental health rep! once you read the story you'll know what im talking about, but im very glad the author touched up on depression. i wanted to give megh the biggest hug ever. shoutout emily, sadia, and lev!
⤷ my main qualms were that i couldnt fully connect with the characters and i wish we got more of the magical realism aspect. i feel like i havent found a book where the magical realism is so prominent/its the perfect amount. i feel like this wouldve been way more whimsical! anyways, thats fine. and then the love story was sweet espc towards the end, i understand how megh was feeling though i cannot relate 💌
🌦️| overall, i do recommend and if this ever comes out in paperback i'd def pick it up!! im excited to see what ms tashie has next up her sleeve, and again, so glad i got to read a story as cool as this 🤍
➳ "for loving me in a thunderstorm. for keeping me alive when it mattered most."
➳ it sounds a lot like "im living" and i think i finally am.
➳ "promise me you wont forget that the sun will always be there waiting for you after the rain."
"i promise."
₊‧꒰info!꒱ ‧₊
⤷ find my book review on goodreads @elliexreads
⤷ recommend for young adult! 14/15+
⤷ contemporary young adult story w mental health rep + magical realism
publishing: march 10, 2026
₊‧ all ratings and opinions are my own ₊‧
⤷ thank you @netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review !🫂
there'll be no sunshine, if i loose you baby
---------------
₊‧꒰1.11.26꒱ ‧₊
⤷ YAY!! thank you sm @netgalley for the arc of this. the cover is GORGEOUS and the prose is very interesting. i can't wait to share my thoughts. ive been wanting to read this authors' work for a bit now! 💌
⤷ so emotional and unique, im glad i got the opportunity to try this 🤍
arc! @ netgalley
⋆˚࿔ 6th review of the year
"the people who love you always find a way to come back to you."
₊‧꒰my thoughts꒱ ‧₊ 🫂
⤷ let me start off by saying i REALLY enjoyed this!! when i applied for it i kind of went in blind but was so intrigued by the B E A U T I F U L cover!! im glad my instincts paid off bc this book was a need 🤍 it follows are fmc, megh, who gets struck by lightning one day and a cloud follows her around nyc, of course no one knows this, but now she also controls the WEATHER. so i found that super interesting! ofc there's a romance too dw
⤷ the main thing abt this book tho is the mental health rep! once you read the story you'll know what im talking about, but im very glad the author touched up on depression. i wanted to give megh the biggest hug ever. shoutout emily, sadia, and lev!
⤷ my main qualms were that i couldnt fully connect with the characters and i wish we got more of the magical realism aspect. i feel like i havent found a book where the magical realism is so prominent/its the perfect amount. i feel like this wouldve been way more whimsical! anyways, thats fine. and then the love story was sweet espc towards the end, i understand how megh was feeling though i cannot relate 💌
"he wants me to leave because he loves me"
"my parents want me to stay because they dont"
🌦️| overall, i do recommend and if this ever comes out in paperback i'd def pick it up!! im excited to see what ms tashie has next up her sleeve, and again, so glad i got to read a story as cool as this 🤍
➳ "for loving me in a thunderstorm. for keeping me alive when it mattered most."
➳ it sounds a lot like "im living" and i think i finally am.
➳ "promise me you wont forget that the sun will always be there waiting for you after the rain."
"i promise."
₊‧꒰info!꒱ ‧₊
⤷ find my book review on goodreads @elliexreads
⤷ recommend for young adult! 14/15+
⤷ contemporary young adult story w mental health rep + magical realism
publishing: march 10, 2026
₊‧ all ratings and opinions are my own ₊‧
⤷ thank you @netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review !🫂
there'll be no sunshine, if i loose you baby
---------------
₊‧꒰preview ᝰ.ᐟ꒱ ‧₊🌧️⛈️
₊‧꒰1.11.26꒱ ‧₊
⤷ YAY!! thank you sm @netgalley for the arc of this. the cover is GORGEOUS and the prose is very interesting. i can't wait to share my thoughts. ive been wanting to read this authors' work for a bit now! 💌
March 14, 2026
7 July 2025
OMG WE’RE ACTUALLY GETTING THE MOVIE FROM I’LL PRETEND YOU’RE MINE?! HELL YESSS
14 March 2026
Three things I need to add:
1. Why was this so short? I wanted more
2. Can I please erase Megh’s parents off the face of the earth please?
3. WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT ENDING HELLO?!
OMG WE’RE ACTUALLY GETTING THE MOVIE FROM I’LL PRETEND YOU’RE MINE?! HELL YESSS
14 March 2026
Three things I need to add:
1. Why was this so short? I wanted more
2. Can I please erase Megh’s parents off the face of the earth please?
3. WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT ENDING HELLO?!
August 19, 2025
4.5 Stars
Right as Rain follows Megh Rashid; after she gets struck by lightning, she must find a way to get rid of the storm cloud attuned to her emotions that’s begun to follow her around or lose her internship, which is her ticket to UCLA and her ticket out of her parents’ emotionally draining house.
Depression representation:
I have always loved the way Tashie has represented mental health in her books, and I was excited to see her representation going one step further in this book. I found tons of lines in Right as Rain that I related way too much to; one such line was "That's the thing. Nothing happened, and I'm still this fucking sad. What the hell am I supposed to do?"Many young readers will find solace in Right as Rain; I’m sure everyone will find something to relate to in this book.
Romance:
Miss Tashie KNOWS how to write a romance; Lev Osman was an amazing love interest. From the first meeting to their last meet, I could see the affection they had for each other. I believe healthy relationship representation is of immense importance, especially in young adult books, so that these teens who are soon going to be adults know what to look for in their partners. The author shows us that a person who loves you will be willing to send you to another state if it means you will feel safe and secure.
Magical Realism:
I liked the concept of a storm cloud following Megh and being attuned to her emotions a lot; it was fun to see her deal with the cloud with Lev. The only reason I reduced my rating was because we never get a proper explanation for how this cloud even came into existence.
If you loved Ann Liang’s If You Could See the Sun, you should pick this book up.
Right as Rain follows Megh Rashid; after she gets struck by lightning, she must find a way to get rid of the storm cloud attuned to her emotions that’s begun to follow her around or lose her internship, which is her ticket to UCLA and her ticket out of her parents’ emotionally draining house.
Depression representation:
I have always loved the way Tashie has represented mental health in her books, and I was excited to see her representation going one step further in this book. I found tons of lines in Right as Rain that I related way too much to; one such line was "That's the thing. Nothing happened, and I'm still this fucking sad. What the hell am I supposed to do?"Many young readers will find solace in Right as Rain; I’m sure everyone will find something to relate to in this book.
Romance:
Miss Tashie KNOWS how to write a romance; Lev Osman was an amazing love interest. From the first meeting to their last meet, I could see the affection they had for each other. I believe healthy relationship representation is of immense importance, especially in young adult books, so that these teens who are soon going to be adults know what to look for in their partners. The author shows us that a person who loves you will be willing to send you to another state if it means you will feel safe and secure.
Magical Realism:
I liked the concept of a storm cloud following Megh and being attuned to her emotions a lot; it was fun to see her deal with the cloud with Lev. The only reason I reduced my rating was because we never get a proper explanation for how this cloud even came into existence.
If you loved Ann Liang’s If You Could See the Sun, you should pick this book up.
April 24, 2026
Current rating: 4.25 stars
Another wonderfully heartfelt book by Tashie Bhuiyan! I devoured this in a day, and even had a dream about it right after I finished it(?!)
This book was so incredibly raw and does not hold back in the way it showcases the effects of living with depression. My heart broke for Megh, and the way her "parents" treated her made me sick to my stomach. The writing genuinely made me so emotionally invested!
The magical realism was so intriguing, and although I wish it could have been explored more, I do see that this kind of magical realism (like in I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang) mostly functions as a metaphor brought to life, so the magical part isn't a huge focus, more so the impact of it, if that makes sense.
I grew to love these characters: Megh, Lev, her best friend Emily, and her cousin Sadia were all so special. So glad that Megh was supported, and one scene in particular between her and Sadia I found to be really touching. I will say that I wasn't as invested in the romance in this one, but I did like the scenes where Megh slowly started to let Lev in as they formed a sweet friendship.
Overall, this had a great message, and I'm so glad that I read it. Also, I obviously enjoyed seeing the little references to other characters in the Tashie-verse!! Looking forward to reading her next works <3 As of now, my ranking of all the books in the Tashie-verse (I love them all) is:
1. Stay With My Heart
2. Counting Down With You (i have a soft spot for this one as the first book by Tashie I ever read)
3. I'll Pretend You're Mine (now that i think about it, this could be interchangeable with 2)
4. Right as Rain
5. A Show for Two
Again, I adore all these stories and characters, and I have a very strong urge to reread them all!
Another wonderfully heartfelt book by Tashie Bhuiyan! I devoured this in a day, and even had a dream about it right after I finished it(?!)
This book was so incredibly raw and does not hold back in the way it showcases the effects of living with depression. My heart broke for Megh, and the way her "parents" treated her made me sick to my stomach. The writing genuinely made me so emotionally invested!
The magical realism was so intriguing, and although I wish it could have been explored more, I do see that this kind of magical realism (like in I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang) mostly functions as a metaphor brought to life, so the magical part isn't a huge focus, more so the impact of it, if that makes sense.
I grew to love these characters: Megh, Lev, her best friend Emily, and her cousin Sadia were all so special. So glad that Megh was supported, and one scene in particular between her and Sadia I found to be really touching. I will say that I wasn't as invested in the romance in this one, but I did like the scenes where Megh slowly started to let Lev in as they formed a sweet friendship.
Overall, this had a great message, and I'm so glad that I read it. Also, I obviously enjoyed seeing the little references to other characters in the Tashie-verse!! Looking forward to reading her next works <3 As of now, my ranking of all the books in the Tashie-verse (I love them all) is:
1. Stay With My Heart
2. Counting Down With You (i have a soft spot for this one as the first book by Tashie I ever read)
3. I'll Pretend You're Mine (now that i think about it, this could be interchangeable with 2)
4. Right as Rain
5. A Show for Two
Again, I adore all these stories and characters, and I have a very strong urge to reread them all!
August 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️!!
I absolutely loved this book! This was my very first story by Tashie, and honestly, I regret not picking up her other works sooner because she absolutely nailed this one.
After Megh, our fmc, was struck by lightning, a cloud started to follow her, connected to her emotions. Because of this, Megh tried to keep her feelings at bay, but it wasn’t easy since she struggles with depression, not to mention the constant fighting between her parents that only made things worse. And yet, despite all of this, Megh kept pushing forward toward her dreams. Watching her slowly find strength, learning to live with her depression instead of letting it consume her, was honestly so satisfying.
Behind all the pressure from her parents, Megh is not completely alone. She has people who genuinely support and care for her, like her cousin Sadia and her best friend Emily. I loved both of their relationships with Megh, but if I’m honest, I preferred her dynamic with Sadia more. Sadia was always there for Megh, every second, never failing to take care of her, and always making sure she was okay whenever she was at her lowest.
And then there’s Lev, our mmc, my sweet Lev 🫠💟. He’s such a sweetheart, he's caring, selfless, and willing to do anything to make Megh happy, even if it meant making sacrifices, always putting others before himself absolutely melted me. He’s the very definition of a green flag, truly. I found their romance wasn’t an instant “boom", but rather a slow build of sparks into something tender and sweet. I do think the romance was pushed a little too far back in the book, but when it came, it was so worth it.
Tashie also succeeded in making me furious with Megh’s parents. Every time they spoke even just a word, I wanted to scream and slap them. And while I don’t personally live with depression, this book made me feel Megh’s pain,the heaviness, the exhaustion, the frustration of it all.
As for the ending… I won’t give anything away, but let’s just say I was a mess of tears. If possible, I’d love nothing more than a second book about Megh and Lev 🥹.
---
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC!!💟💟
I absolutely loved this book! This was my very first story by Tashie, and honestly, I regret not picking up her other works sooner because she absolutely nailed this one.
After Megh, our fmc, was struck by lightning, a cloud started to follow her, connected to her emotions. Because of this, Megh tried to keep her feelings at bay, but it wasn’t easy since she struggles with depression, not to mention the constant fighting between her parents that only made things worse. And yet, despite all of this, Megh kept pushing forward toward her dreams. Watching her slowly find strength, learning to live with her depression instead of letting it consume her, was honestly so satisfying.
Behind all the pressure from her parents, Megh is not completely alone. She has people who genuinely support and care for her, like her cousin Sadia and her best friend Emily. I loved both of their relationships with Megh, but if I’m honest, I preferred her dynamic with Sadia more. Sadia was always there for Megh, every second, never failing to take care of her, and always making sure she was okay whenever she was at her lowest.
And then there’s Lev, our mmc, my sweet Lev 🫠💟. He’s such a sweetheart, he's caring, selfless, and willing to do anything to make Megh happy, even if it meant making sacrifices, always putting others before himself absolutely melted me. He’s the very definition of a green flag, truly. I found their romance wasn’t an instant “boom", but rather a slow build of sparks into something tender and sweet. I do think the romance was pushed a little too far back in the book, but when it came, it was so worth it.
Tashie also succeeded in making me furious with Megh’s parents. Every time they spoke even just a word, I wanted to scream and slap them. And while I don’t personally live with depression, this book made me feel Megh’s pain,the heaviness, the exhaustion, the frustration of it all.
As for the ending… I won’t give anything away, but let’s just say I was a mess of tears. If possible, I’d love nothing more than a second book about Megh and Lev 🥹.
---
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC!!💟💟
March 13, 2026
genuinely how do I continue with my day. this book is so special - it has pieces of Sara (her winning it as the ARC signed edition) and me (coming out on my birthday) in it. in honor of a new book in the TBCU, I decided to reread EVERYTHING and what a joy. I still love Mira and Ace as they have my heart but Megh has my soul. but more on that in a minute. reading all the books - I feel seen and understand which considering all her characters have ISSUES is not the issue here. I stopped reading fanfiction to read the TBCU and honestly, cried. both would've made me cry but anyway to RIGHT AS RAIN. Megh my darling you are abosuelty going to get out and you did and I will get out one day too. This book made me cry more than Annabeth Chase (but barely to give annabeth credit) and HTTYD fanfiction (and considering its hiccup and his dad) YEAH WTF MEGH/TASHIE. anyway tashie noticed me again on TikTok so you best believe my ass also cried to that. Megh and her parents - while my parents are not that bad they are eerily so similar that the quotes that Megh's parents said are the EXACT SAME THING MINE HAS SAID TO ME. anyway I am still in their house so yeah I CRIED. More on Megh in a MINUTE. we gotta talk about my boy Lev. while his name is still odd to me, I love lev. sunshine reincarnated, Lev loves like I would one day wish to be loved and hope I love. ANWYAY they are so the great divide coded (and considering porch light came out today my ass was shackled to Noah kahan). Megh is so so SO relatable and I love her and yes her sucidial brain is again eerily same as mine she is my everything. I love her stupid little cloud and her depression always keeping her tied down (this book lowkey made me realize a few things regarding that but again ANWYAY). her cousin and her - I love them. I love that Sadia and Lev and Emily all her out. Megh got out and so will I. I am half debating getting whatever quote (tho I ALREADY KNOW SINCE SHE POSTED MY BOOK ON TIKTOK) tashie wrote labeled on my diary (the highest honor considering your girl doesn't do tattoos) LEV BUYING HER TICKET TO CALIFORNIA. evil. made me cry. her whole maybe if I stay in New York I will be happy - yo YO. I stayed in New York and now I am crying at the MERE THOUGHT OF GETTING OUT OF MY TOWN. oh and her not but almost long distance friendship with Emily - as a girl in one too many long distances friendship I SENT PICTURES AND EVEN SENDING MY FRIEND WHO IS GOING TO BOSTON THIS FUCKING BOOK BECASUE. AGAIN. I CRIED. "a mix of understanding and grieving" yeah tashie again WHAT. THE. FUCK. so many instances regarding her parents happened exactly the same to me but we will get into THAT later. her internship was so fun - I loved reading about it. SEEING MINA AND EMMITT AND THIRD EYE (M Y. B O Y S) and HAVING SUMMER'S SONG PINK ALSO KNOWN AS THE PART OF 'I'll pretend your mine' that MADE ME CRY AND WRITE TWO POEMS BASED OFF IT IN THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING AND I GOT SO EXCITED and SEEING EMMITT yeah he was so comforting. literally texted Sara going I NEED to reread aSfT. "can you lock me up the rest of my life" they did to me Megh. "no one deserves to have a daughter like you" TASHIE DO YOU READ MY DIARY CAUSE AGAIN WTF. anyway the scene of the well and the iconic wish and Lev's whole parents wanting to be together (also I wrote before this book that Tashie is gonna write about divorced parents since she hasn't done that - got two dead moms and a dead dad and many neglectful parents but no divorce and I WAS RIGHt) yeah I love Lev and wish to get to know his running - eating healthy - ass. I actually lied it wasn't Megh's depression and sucidal self alongside her parents or her love for her friends (or her tendency to say that she is loved as she counts how many people love her even though I been doing that since I was 12 and now I am 20 and I still think to myself I am loved beyond my own home just like Megh) that I found super duper relatble. it was actually her hatred for running. yeah. that got my ass. ANWYAY I loved her internship and her creating the change for HERSELF. and how relatable it was to absouety breakdown when your idol and your chance to get out sees you (and even tho she messed up and bawled which again so GODDAMN RELATBLE she stuck it out and) ugh. Megh you got out by YOUR OWN MEANS even if you did in secret. you got out.
anyway FOR THE LAST TIME. I love this book and definitely have more to say but I WILL END ON A HAPPY NOTE.
it has pieces of my soul y'all there's more I missed but that's all I got at 2:14 in the morning
listened to while reading:
do I wanna know BBC live: Hozier
Isimo: bleachers (all of Tashie's but especially Mina, Mira and Megh are ISIMO CODED)
porch light: noah kahan (I told y'all it came out today)
my tears richoet: Taylor (made me cry TWICE IN ONE DAY)
its time to go: Taylor (the song I said I will get tattooed on me. "but I got me" Megh's got me as she got out)
Matilda: harry styles (this was just for fun)
you're gonna go far: Noah kahan (again just for fun)
funeral: Phoebe Bridgers (this one was recommended via spotify and so ya know I had to)
the great divide: Noah Kahan
love this book <3
anyway FOR THE LAST TIME. I love this book and definitely have more to say but I WILL END ON A HAPPY NOTE.
it has pieces of my soul y'all there's more I missed but that's all I got at 2:14 in the morning
listened to while reading:
do I wanna know BBC live: Hozier
Isimo: bleachers (all of Tashie's but especially Mina, Mira and Megh are ISIMO CODED)
porch light: noah kahan (I told y'all it came out today)
my tears richoet: Taylor (made me cry TWICE IN ONE DAY)
its time to go: Taylor (the song I said I will get tattooed on me. "but I got me" Megh's got me as she got out)
Matilda: harry styles (this was just for fun)
you're gonna go far: Noah kahan (again just for fun)
funeral: Phoebe Bridgers (this one was recommended via spotify and so ya know I had to)
the great divide: Noah Kahan
love this book <3
March 25, 2026
*3.75 stars
I usually adore all of Tashie Bhuiyan's books but this one didn't hit quite as hard. The protagonist was great and the conversation about mental health was as poignant as always. But Lev as the love interest was under developed and I never believed they actually fell in love with each other. I almost wish this story didn't have a romance element at all.
I did really enjoy the easter eggs dropped in for her other books, and I'm still very much looking forward to her next one!
I usually adore all of Tashie Bhuiyan's books but this one didn't hit quite as hard. The protagonist was great and the conversation about mental health was as poignant as always. But Lev as the love interest was under developed and I never believed they actually fell in love with each other. I almost wish this story didn't have a romance element at all.
I did really enjoy the easter eggs dropped in for her other books, and I'm still very much looking forward to her next one!
March 14, 2026
This was a sad read, the author was able to depict depression so well that I was occasionally moved to tears while reading.
Meg’s parents are such terrible people I wished she was confident and told them off before she left.
Lev was a ray of sunshine in her life, I loved how he didn’t give up on her despite how cold she seemed in the beginning. Emily and her cousin were both very good support systems, it was refreshing to know she had people who had her back.
The magic realism with the rain and cloud was brilliantly written, I loved how it’s different from anything I have read. I also loved how after the rain and storms, she finally had sunshine.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting my ARC
Meg’s parents are such terrible people I wished she was confident and told them off before she left.
Lev was a ray of sunshine in her life, I loved how he didn’t give up on her despite how cold she seemed in the beginning. Emily and her cousin were both very good support systems, it was refreshing to know she had people who had her back.
The magic realism with the rain and cloud was brilliantly written, I loved how it’s different from anything I have read. I also loved how after the rain and storms, she finally had sunshine.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting my ARC
April 2, 2026
The cover truly portrays the beautifully emotional journey this book took me on. My heart felt for Megh on so many levels, and I cried so much reading this book. CWs-depression, suicidal thoughts, and mental abuse. I was so proud of Megh for making seemingly impossible decisions. My heart broke for her on many occasions. Her and Lev are everything to me and I can’t wait for them to make a cameo in Tashie’s next ya contemporary book. I think this book required an intense amount of empathy from the reader, which isn’t for everyone, but I really enjoyed Megh’s story.
Read
March 30, 2026I absolutely LOVE thunderstorms so unfortunately if this plot premise happened to me, it would lead to the befuddling paradox where any thunderstorm evoked by a bad mood would IMMEDIATELY be cancelled out by my resultant joy! What if it gets stuck in an infinitely repeating erratic weather loop…
This felt like a parallel universe expansion of A Show For Two if Mina Rahman ended up with the California plotline !!
This felt like a parallel universe expansion of A Show For Two if Mina Rahman ended up with the California plotline !!
April 23, 2026
Ah, sad to say this did not hit like all of Tashie's other books have. ☹
November 21, 2025
I looved this book! I recieved an ARC through NetGalley. I loved Megh and Lev together and I loved them separately. Tashie is always good at writing parental angst and this was no different. I liked how Megh's emotions and depression played into the weather aspect and how that affected their lives. This might be my new favorite book of hers.
March 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
3 10/10 books in a row proves Tashie is one of my favorite authors. Probably in my top 3 romance writers tbh. I can’t read a book of hers and not cry at the end. Every single emotion I have goes into reading these books and I enjoy them so much.
Megh is one of Tashie’s most relatable characters to me so far. In the sense of her having major depression. The way she felt I feel sometimes. This highlights how important a community and people who love you and understand you is. Friends, family, & everything in between. Megh and Lev were so stinking cute. Some of the best chemistry. I just loved seeing them banter. Megh wishes to leave her abusive parents and follow her dreams of going to California. And people who love you will find a way back to you. While the themes of depression and anxiety made this a heavier read, this was so easy to get through and enjoy. But all of Tashie’s books are for me. Also, this is a fave cover of the year so far. It just highlights the story so well!
3 10/10 books in a row proves Tashie is one of my favorite authors. Probably in my top 3 romance writers tbh. I can’t read a book of hers and not cry at the end. Every single emotion I have goes into reading these books and I enjoy them so much.
Megh is one of Tashie’s most relatable characters to me so far. In the sense of her having major depression. The way she felt I feel sometimes. This highlights how important a community and people who love you and understand you is. Friends, family, & everything in between. Megh and Lev were so stinking cute. Some of the best chemistry. I just loved seeing them banter. Megh wishes to leave her abusive parents and follow her dreams of going to California. And people who love you will find a way back to you. While the themes of depression and anxiety made this a heavier read, this was so easy to get through and enjoy. But all of Tashie’s books are for me. Also, this is a fave cover of the year so far. It just highlights the story so well!
March 13, 2026
tashie!!!!! i love this story!!!!
☀️🌞🌇🌦️🌤️💕☺️
☀️🌞🌇🌦️🌤️💕☺️
July 29, 2025
Rating: 4.2⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for providing this arc. This book follows Megh as she navigates life in a toxic household, while struggling with her mental health. On top of all that she has a rain cloud following her around.
I really enjoyed reading about Megh and Lev’s relationship develop throughout the book. I also found Megh’s connection with her cousin Sadia and her friend Emily really sweet.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this arc. This book follows Megh as she navigates life in a toxic household, while struggling with her mental health. On top of all that she has a rain cloud following her around.
I really enjoyed reading about Megh and Lev’s relationship develop throughout the book. I also found Megh’s connection with her cousin Sadia and her friend Emily really sweet.
June 17, 2025
Tashie never fails to deliver a beautifully tragically written book with an amazing MMC and a funny and heartbreaking fmc. Had me hooked since counting down with you and I’m so excited I can hardly wait till march! ( yes this is five stars, no I don’t even have to read)
April 16, 2026
I absolutely adore Tashie Bhuiyan’s books and I fell in love with this one! Tashie has a way of telling unique stories that feel comforting that deal with some difficult topics whilst pulling in comforting references.
What do you do when you hear some great news about an internship that could change your life and suddenly you’re hit by a lightning strike, which gives you a personal rain cloud that is tied to your emotions? Dealing with depression, massive conflict with parents, trying to do well at an internship that you’re passionate about, and seeing if you get into your dream college, are all things that can make someone very emotional. How do you deal with this when your emotions are causing freak rainstorms in New York that meteorologists can’t explain? When the boy who helped you on your interview day keeps trying to befriend you and you begrudgingly tell him about this, he tries to find ways to make you happy to hopefully change the weather. Will Megh and Lev be able to find something to help Megh regulate her emotions? Will the quest involve them becoming closer to each other?
I think this was such a great concept of having a person’s depression symptoms manifest into a very physical thing, in this case a personal ‘rain cloud’. Megh very outwardly says she doesn’t want to deal with this while internally not doing things to change her situation. Which is how her depression is being displayed. It was very easy to relate to Megh’s character and become invested in her story. Will she end up getting off of the UCLA waitlist? Will her personal rain cloud go away? Will she admit that she does like Lev? I enjoyed how passionate Megh and Lev were about their internships and their relationship development.
This book does deal with some heavy topics like depression and some familial relationships that play a pivotal role in the plot of the story, just be aware of this going into it.
What do you do when you hear some great news about an internship that could change your life and suddenly you’re hit by a lightning strike, which gives you a personal rain cloud that is tied to your emotions? Dealing with depression, massive conflict with parents, trying to do well at an internship that you’re passionate about, and seeing if you get into your dream college, are all things that can make someone very emotional. How do you deal with this when your emotions are causing freak rainstorms in New York that meteorologists can’t explain? When the boy who helped you on your interview day keeps trying to befriend you and you begrudgingly tell him about this, he tries to find ways to make you happy to hopefully change the weather. Will Megh and Lev be able to find something to help Megh regulate her emotions? Will the quest involve them becoming closer to each other?
I think this was such a great concept of having a person’s depression symptoms manifest into a very physical thing, in this case a personal ‘rain cloud’. Megh very outwardly says she doesn’t want to deal with this while internally not doing things to change her situation. Which is how her depression is being displayed. It was very easy to relate to Megh’s character and become invested in her story. Will she end up getting off of the UCLA waitlist? Will her personal rain cloud go away? Will she admit that she does like Lev? I enjoyed how passionate Megh and Lev were about their internships and their relationship development.
This book does deal with some heavy topics like depression and some familial relationships that play a pivotal role in the plot of the story, just be aware of this going into it.
October 22, 2025
Someone please take this girl to the hospital I'm literally begging.
November 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Review to come.
July 19, 2025
I usually LOVE Tashie’s books, but I sort of knew going into this one that it wouldn’t be for me.
Firstly, I’ve never loved a book that’s 90% normal with one random magical plot point that’s never really explained. It’s why One Last Stop was not the book for me either. It always ends up feeling a little ridiculous to me, and this book was unfortunately not the exception.
Secondly, I did not enjoy reading from the MC’s POV. I have sympathy for her and I understand that many people will relate very heavily to her experiences— I am not denying these things. However, she’s such a drag to live in the mind of. The first 40% of the book was just catastrophizing and anxiety over, frankly, stupid decisions. I do not deny the realistic element to it, but it just made the book feel like a chore. Again, I’m not a monster, I have compassion and understanding for Megh and people in her scenario, it just did not make for a good reading experience for me.
Now, all that said, this book is not atrocious by any means. I have a feeling there are many people who will love it very dearly. As usual, Tashie writes in such a fluid and natural way that reading her works is a breeze. I finished this in well under 24 hours. The many cameos and connections to her other works are also very appreciated. The romantic relationship is sweet, if slightly rushed, and I liked how it wasn’t treated as a cure all for mental illness.
All this to say, I did not particularly like this book, but it will definitely not discourage me from picking up Tashie’s next book the moment it’s released. She’s still a wonderful writer with a great talent for depicting romance. This book just didn’t click for me. It felt very personal and that’s not a bad thing. Can’t wait to see what she drops next!
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Firstly, I’ve never loved a book that’s 90% normal with one random magical plot point that’s never really explained. It’s why One Last Stop was not the book for me either. It always ends up feeling a little ridiculous to me, and this book was unfortunately not the exception.
Secondly, I did not enjoy reading from the MC’s POV. I have sympathy for her and I understand that many people will relate very heavily to her experiences— I am not denying these things. However, she’s such a drag to live in the mind of. The first 40% of the book was just catastrophizing and anxiety over, frankly, stupid decisions. I do not deny the realistic element to it, but it just made the book feel like a chore. Again, I’m not a monster, I have compassion and understanding for Megh and people in her scenario, it just did not make for a good reading experience for me.
Now, all that said, this book is not atrocious by any means. I have a feeling there are many people who will love it very dearly. As usual, Tashie writes in such a fluid and natural way that reading her works is a breeze. I finished this in well under 24 hours. The many cameos and connections to her other works are also very appreciated. The romantic relationship is sweet, if slightly rushed, and I liked how it wasn’t treated as a cure all for mental illness.
All this to say, I did not particularly like this book, but it will definitely not discourage me from picking up Tashie’s next book the moment it’s released. She’s still a wonderful writer with a great talent for depicting romance. This book just didn’t click for me. It felt very personal and that’s not a bad thing. Can’t wait to see what she drops next!
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
March 21, 2026
I cherished every minute I spent reading this book. I have been a fan of Tashie’s books from Counting Down With You so this isn’t a surprise that I loved this one. This book made me laugh just as much as it made me cry (which was frequently!) I think this book depicts very realistic events with the added touch of magic. I think Megh’s journey was powerful. Depression is fucking sucks but I think this book just highlights that the good days are worth the bad ones. Her feelings and the way she handles situations were just so relatable. Her parents are insufferable but I think people can relate to dealing with people like them. LEV. Sunshine in human form. He is the much needed comedic relief in this story. Megh’s friends and cousins were also just such a delight to read about. Even when I knew Megh was struggling I felt good knowing she had this support system. I loved all the cameos we got from the Tashie Universe. I want a book 2 because I need to know how California goes for Megh! (My one big complaint was the ending seemed abrupt) 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Stop sleeping on Miss Tashie Bhuiyan!
“The people who love you always find a way to come back to you.”
“The people who love you always find a way to come back to you.”
March 14, 2026
As sure as the sun coming after the rain, Tashie’s books are truly a delight to read. I loved reading Megh’s story and the magical aspect of this was so interesting to see. My heart goes out to Megh and everything she endured but I’m also proud of her for it. Definitely would recommend this book and wish I could travel back in time and give it to my younger self.
March 27, 2026
“Promise me you won't forget that the sun will always be there waiting for you after the rain."
is just soooooooooooo
It's all waiting there for you
Can you hear that voice delivering the news?
It's all waiting there for you
It's all waiting there for you
coded I MEAN???? I MEAN!!!!!!!
i’m so lucky i get to read my favorite books and yell into my friends texts bc they wrote said books and i get to cry and laugh and yell directly to the source <3
is just soooooooooooo
It's all waiting there for you
Can you hear that voice delivering the news?
It's all waiting there for you
It's all waiting there for you
coded I MEAN???? I MEAN!!!!!!!
i’m so lucky i get to read my favorite books and yell into my friends texts bc they wrote said books and i get to cry and laugh and yell directly to the source <3
Want to Read
July 24, 2025i love how her name is megh and i'm pretty sure this book is going to leave me all emotional
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5/5 ★
Date Finished ~ 02.27.2026
Thank you to Macmillan and Netgalley for this eArc!
★ 𝖕𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖊 𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖊 - 𝖒𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖘 𝖘𝖕𝖔𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖗𝖘 ★
"𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚗 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔."
"𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸'𝚖 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎. 𝙳𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎."
""𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞," 𝙸 𝚜𝚊𝚢, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚜 𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛, 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜, 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚝𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚖. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝."
"𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗."
𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺 + 𝑺𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑬 ~
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Grumpy x Sunshine
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Found Family
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Mental Health rep
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ❌🌶️
↳ Please note this book discusses topics like severe family abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation.
𝑴𝒀 𝑩𝑰𝑮𝑮𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑻𝑨𝑲𝑬𝑨𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 ~
╰┈➤ Tashie paints such an accurate portrait of depression and this book was raw with emotion. I think the fact that she could also paint such a clear comparison of a depression spiral and how it feels like being in the middle of a thunderstorm, all with the magical elements of a real thunderstorm - it was utterly brilliant. She was unafraid to write the truth behind the lows, and especially the scary moments you hit rock bottom. I think a lot of readers who have experienced depression, YA and Adult alike, are going to resonate with Megh immensely.
╰┈➤ Something I surprisingly really enjoyed was the aspect that nobody knew just how bad Megh's parents treated her. I think as a reader, you want the MC to never battle anything difficult alone, and I found myself often thinking "Tell them! Rant, let it out, just let SOMEONE know how bad they are!" but then as I sat there and continued to think about it more, I realised how honest those moments were. When you face situations like that, the last thing you want to do is relive it. Yes I wished someone had witnessed just how abusive her parents were, but I also think it showed just how alone Megh felt. The thought of never wanting to burden anyone, or even worse, hear those same words by those she cares about.
╰┈➤ As a YA book, I think that Megh and Lev's love story is so refreshing to read, and that in the end Megh still chooses to follow her dreams (with Lev's utmost support of course). I think that those who read this and are also going to college soon, are going to take a valuable lesson away from this that relationships can end for good reasons too. That following your dreams are important and that the only person who can give you true, lasting happiness is yourself. Of course I 100% believe that Megh graduates UCLA, moves back to NYC to live with Sadia and work for Ida, and her and Lev get their HEA.
╰┈➤ I said this in my last review too regarding IPYM, but Tashie is an absolutely phenomenal author, and I think has one of the clearest narrations I've ever read time and time again. Her stories are always so detailed, so intentional, and this book was no exception. I CONSUMED this book, and found it so unbelievably hard to put down. I adored that this book brought back Summer and Jules (and Barbie), and it feels full circle in some cathartic way since these two stories essentially invented each other? Idk, it was just *readers kiss* perfection!
𝑰𝑵 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑬𝑵𝑫 ~
This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful, and I cannot begin to even explain how important this story is. Megh is going to help and save so many people, and I can't commend Tashie enough. I will forever be talking about her books, and recommending them to everyone because I genuinely cannot fathom why she is so underrated and why her books are not in every single household. I recently purchased Counting Down with You, and I am really looking forward to reading it.
𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕖:
IG: @abitofmagick
TT: @abitofmagick
Date Finished ~ 02.27.2026
Thank you to Macmillan and Netgalley for this eArc!
★ 𝖕𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖊 𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖊 - 𝖒𝖞 𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖘 𝖘𝖕𝖔𝖎𝖑𝖊𝖗𝖘 ★
"𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚗 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔."
"𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸'𝚖 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎. 𝙳𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎."
""𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞," 𝙸 𝚜𝚊𝚢, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎 𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚜 𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚛, 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜, 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝚝𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚖. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝."
"𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗."
𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺 + 𝑺𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑬 ~
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Grumpy x Sunshine
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Found Family
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Mental Health rep
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ❌🌶️
↳ Please note this book discusses topics like severe family abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation.
𝑴𝒀 𝑩𝑰𝑮𝑮𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝑻𝑨𝑲𝑬𝑨𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 ~
╰┈➤ Tashie paints such an accurate portrait of depression and this book was raw with emotion. I think the fact that she could also paint such a clear comparison of a depression spiral and how it feels like being in the middle of a thunderstorm, all with the magical elements of a real thunderstorm - it was utterly brilliant. She was unafraid to write the truth behind the lows, and especially the scary moments you hit rock bottom. I think a lot of readers who have experienced depression, YA and Adult alike, are going to resonate with Megh immensely.
╰┈➤ Something I surprisingly really enjoyed was the aspect that nobody knew just how bad Megh's parents treated her. I think as a reader, you want the MC to never battle anything difficult alone, and I found myself often thinking "Tell them! Rant, let it out, just let SOMEONE know how bad they are!" but then as I sat there and continued to think about it more, I realised how honest those moments were. When you face situations like that, the last thing you want to do is relive it. Yes I wished someone had witnessed just how abusive her parents were, but I also think it showed just how alone Megh felt. The thought of never wanting to burden anyone, or even worse, hear those same words by those she cares about.
╰┈➤ As a YA book, I think that Megh and Lev's love story is so refreshing to read, and that in the end Megh still chooses to follow her dreams (with Lev's utmost support of course). I think that those who read this and are also going to college soon, are going to take a valuable lesson away from this that relationships can end for good reasons too. That following your dreams are important and that the only person who can give you true, lasting happiness is yourself. Of course I 100% believe that Megh graduates UCLA, moves back to NYC to live with Sadia and work for Ida, and her and Lev get their HEA.
╰┈➤ I said this in my last review too regarding IPYM, but Tashie is an absolutely phenomenal author, and I think has one of the clearest narrations I've ever read time and time again. Her stories are always so detailed, so intentional, and this book was no exception. I CONSUMED this book, and found it so unbelievably hard to put down. I adored that this book brought back Summer and Jules (and Barbie), and it feels full circle in some cathartic way since these two stories essentially invented each other? Idk, it was just *readers kiss* perfection!
𝑰𝑵 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑬𝑵𝑫 ~
This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful, and I cannot begin to even explain how important this story is. Megh is going to help and save so many people, and I can't commend Tashie enough. I will forever be talking about her books, and recommending them to everyone because I genuinely cannot fathom why she is so underrated and why her books are not in every single household. I recently purchased Counting Down with You, and I am really looking forward to reading it.
𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕖:
IG: @abitofmagick
TT: @abitofmagick
March 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—
i don’t think words could accurately portray how amazing the depression representation in this book was even if i tried to find them. this book is just full of highlights and annotations and notes about how good it is. i would post a million screenshots if i could.
it’s truly a testament to the fact that we are an amalgam of our circumstances and experiences, and megh illustrates that beautifully. we meet her at a low point in her life and the fact that we get to see her grow and cope and figure things out little by little was so important to see. i can’t say i’ve been exactly where she is, but i’ve definitely felt like the state that i was in was going to be my forever. it’s a terrifying and hopeless feeling that this book encapsulates so well. but much like i eventually learned that all feelings are temporary, so did megh.
the notion that love can fix everything is something that this book also handles really well. it seems like an oversimplification and a tired concept, but it does work to a certain extent. having people that love and support you, like megh had sadia and lev, can truly make a world of difference. speaking of lev, my goodness he is just the epitome of everything that’s sweet and loving and kind. when you’re someone struggling against your own mind, having a partner that’s so patient and understanding is exactly what you need.
i also thought that this book portrayed acceptance really well. when you’re clinically depressed, you’re often like that for the rest of your life. that’s a very sobering thought, and the idea that you can learn to be happy despite it seems almost impossible. maybe even counterintuitive. but that was the whole turning point of the book. and it’s something that’s also incredibly terrifying to face, because what do you mean this is the rest of my life? but once we face this, we begin to learn how to move with and through it. but the panic that you can feel in the beginning stages of accepting that fact is so real and so incredibly displayed here as well.
megh was a little annoying at times, but that’s so incredibly realistic. i get annoyed at my own depression thoughts all the time. i just wish they’d shut up. like, i hardly want to deal with me sometimes. that’s what made her character so good. whether you’re the person with depression or you love someone with depression, it can be exhausting sometimes. you just wish you could get out of your own way, and most likely so does your loved one.
megh’s parents were… something. it seemed almost like they were cartoonishly evil at times, saying things that you should never say to your child. but unfortunately some parents are like that, and that’s something that i think was also done incredibly. i was rooting so hard for megh to finally get away from them. i knew that she would thrive so much if she did.
this book was just point blank incredible. it’s something i will definitely be recommending to others.
—
i don’t think words could accurately portray how amazing the depression representation in this book was even if i tried to find them. this book is just full of highlights and annotations and notes about how good it is. i would post a million screenshots if i could.
it’s truly a testament to the fact that we are an amalgam of our circumstances and experiences, and megh illustrates that beautifully. we meet her at a low point in her life and the fact that we get to see her grow and cope and figure things out little by little was so important to see. i can’t say i’ve been exactly where she is, but i’ve definitely felt like the state that i was in was going to be my forever. it’s a terrifying and hopeless feeling that this book encapsulates so well. but much like i eventually learned that all feelings are temporary, so did megh.
the notion that love can fix everything is something that this book also handles really well. it seems like an oversimplification and a tired concept, but it does work to a certain extent. having people that love and support you, like megh had sadia and lev, can truly make a world of difference. speaking of lev, my goodness he is just the epitome of everything that’s sweet and loving and kind. when you’re someone struggling against your own mind, having a partner that’s so patient and understanding is exactly what you need.
i also thought that this book portrayed acceptance really well. when you’re clinically depressed, you’re often like that for the rest of your life. that’s a very sobering thought, and the idea that you can learn to be happy despite it seems almost impossible. maybe even counterintuitive. but that was the whole turning point of the book. and it’s something that’s also incredibly terrifying to face, because what do you mean this is the rest of my life? but once we face this, we begin to learn how to move with and through it. but the panic that you can feel in the beginning stages of accepting that fact is so real and so incredibly displayed here as well.
megh was a little annoying at times, but that’s so incredibly realistic. i get annoyed at my own depression thoughts all the time. i just wish they’d shut up. like, i hardly want to deal with me sometimes. that’s what made her character so good. whether you’re the person with depression or you love someone with depression, it can be exhausting sometimes. you just wish you could get out of your own way, and most likely so does your loved one.
megh’s parents were… something. it seemed almost like they were cartoonishly evil at times, saying things that you should never say to your child. but unfortunately some parents are like that, and that’s something that i think was also done incredibly. i was rooting so hard for megh to finally get away from them. i knew that she would thrive so much if she did.
this book was just point blank incredible. it’s something i will definitely be recommending to others.
August 24, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Farrah, Straus and Giroux for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Tashie Bhuiyan’s “Right as Rain” is a heartfelt, emotional, and often heavy young adult novel that focuses on contemporary realism with a touch of magical whimsy to explore depression, resilience, and the search for hope. Before going into this book, you should be aware of content warnings such as depression and suicidal ideation. I would recommend this book to more mature YA readers as the story and Megh’s emotions get pretty dark.
The story follows Megh, a teenager living in a toxic household where her parents’ constant fighting and verbal abuse leave her feeling unloved, unwanted, and blamed for everything, even her own depression. When Megh is literally struck by lightning, a mysterious rain cloud begins to follow her, mirroring her emotions and making visible what she has always felt inside. The premise may sound unusual, but it works as a powerful metaphor: depression isn’t invisible, it hangs over you, changing how you move through the world.
What makes “Right as Rain” so striking is its honest, sometimes unflinching depiction of mental health. Megh’s negative self-talk, spirals of hopelessness, and desperation to escape her home life are painfully real. This book doesn’t shy away from suicidal ideation or the crushing weight of depression, which (as stated earlier) makes it best suited for mature YA readers. But amid the darkness, there are rays of light, such as Megh’s cousin Sadia, her best friend Emily, and most of all Lev, the gentle and supportive new friend who becomes something more. Their banter, care, and slow-burn romance add warmth to the narrative without reducing love to a “cure” for depression.
Bhuiyan’s writing is fluid and engaging, bringing humor, tenderness, and raw honesty together. While I did find Megh’s perspective a bit difficult with her self-deprecation and catastrophizing are heavy to sit with, the emotional depth is what makes the story so resonant. Megh’s journey may feel deeply relatable, even healing, as the book illustrates that depression is not weakness, and that finding support and joy, however fleeting, can keep you moving forward.
There are moments where the magical element feels underexplored, and Megh’s growth at the end may seem a little abrupt, but the themes shine through: sunshine isn’t guaranteed, and happiness isn’t constant, but even small glimpses of light are worth holding onto. Lev’s reminder that Megh’s dreams matter more than any temporary comfort is one of the most powerful takeaways.
With a tender romance and an unflinching portrayal of mental illness, “Right as Rain” is a moving and important read. It’s a story for anyone who has ever felt the weight of their own rain cloud, and a reminder that while storms can last a long time, they don’t define you.
Tashie Bhuiyan’s “Right as Rain” is a heartfelt, emotional, and often heavy young adult novel that focuses on contemporary realism with a touch of magical whimsy to explore depression, resilience, and the search for hope. Before going into this book, you should be aware of content warnings such as depression and suicidal ideation. I would recommend this book to more mature YA readers as the story and Megh’s emotions get pretty dark.
The story follows Megh, a teenager living in a toxic household where her parents’ constant fighting and verbal abuse leave her feeling unloved, unwanted, and blamed for everything, even her own depression. When Megh is literally struck by lightning, a mysterious rain cloud begins to follow her, mirroring her emotions and making visible what she has always felt inside. The premise may sound unusual, but it works as a powerful metaphor: depression isn’t invisible, it hangs over you, changing how you move through the world.
What makes “Right as Rain” so striking is its honest, sometimes unflinching depiction of mental health. Megh’s negative self-talk, spirals of hopelessness, and desperation to escape her home life are painfully real. This book doesn’t shy away from suicidal ideation or the crushing weight of depression, which (as stated earlier) makes it best suited for mature YA readers. But amid the darkness, there are rays of light, such as Megh’s cousin Sadia, her best friend Emily, and most of all Lev, the gentle and supportive new friend who becomes something more. Their banter, care, and slow-burn romance add warmth to the narrative without reducing love to a “cure” for depression.
Bhuiyan’s writing is fluid and engaging, bringing humor, tenderness, and raw honesty together. While I did find Megh’s perspective a bit difficult with her self-deprecation and catastrophizing are heavy to sit with, the emotional depth is what makes the story so resonant. Megh’s journey may feel deeply relatable, even healing, as the book illustrates that depression is not weakness, and that finding support and joy, however fleeting, can keep you moving forward.
There are moments where the magical element feels underexplored, and Megh’s growth at the end may seem a little abrupt, but the themes shine through: sunshine isn’t guaranteed, and happiness isn’t constant, but even small glimpses of light are worth holding onto. Lev’s reminder that Megh’s dreams matter more than any temporary comfort is one of the most powerful takeaways.
With a tender romance and an unflinching portrayal of mental illness, “Right as Rain” is a moving and important read. It’s a story for anyone who has ever felt the weight of their own rain cloud, and a reminder that while storms can last a long time, they don’t define you.
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