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That Thing about Bollywood
Bollywood takes over in this “effervescent” ( Booklist ) and magical middle grade novel about an Indian American girl whose world turns upside down when she involuntarily starts bursting into glamorous song-and-dance routines during everyday life.
You know how in Bollywood when people are in love, they sing and dance from the mountaintops? Eleven-year-old Sonali wonders if they do the same when they’re breaking up. The truth is, Sonali’s parents don’t get along, and it looks like they might be separating.
Sonali’s little brother, Ronak, is not taking the news well, constantly crying. Sonali would never do that. It’s embarrassing to let out so many feelings, to show the world how not okay you are. But then something strange happens, something magical, maybe. When Sonali gets upset during a field trip, she can’t bury her feelings like usual—instead, she suddenly bursts into a Bollywood song-and-dance routine about why she’s upset!
The next morning, much to her dismay, Sonali’s reality has shifted. Things seem brighter, almost too bright. Her parents have had Bollywood makeovers. Her friends are also breaking out into song and dance. And somehow, everyone is acting as if this is totally normal.
Sonali knows something has gone wrong, and she suspects it has something to do with her own mismanaged emotions. Can she figure it out before it’s too late?
You know how in Bollywood when people are in love, they sing and dance from the mountaintops? Eleven-year-old Sonali wonders if they do the same when they’re breaking up. The truth is, Sonali’s parents don’t get along, and it looks like they might be separating.
Sonali’s little brother, Ronak, is not taking the news well, constantly crying. Sonali would never do that. It’s embarrassing to let out so many feelings, to show the world how not okay you are. But then something strange happens, something magical, maybe. When Sonali gets upset during a field trip, she can’t bury her feelings like usual—instead, she suddenly bursts into a Bollywood song-and-dance routine about why she’s upset!
The next morning, much to her dismay, Sonali’s reality has shifted. Things seem brighter, almost too bright. Her parents have had Bollywood makeovers. Her friends are also breaking out into song and dance. And somehow, everyone is acting as if this is totally normal.
Sonali knows something has gone wrong, and she suspects it has something to do with her own mismanaged emotions. Can she figure it out before it’s too late?
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2021
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1062 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
July 12, 2023
Sonali’s parents are arguing all the time. And she knows that if they don’t manage to turn things around soon, they’re going to end up getting a divorce.
Sonali’s best friend Zara befriends Airplane O’Neil. Yes, that’s her actual name. Though she goes by Air, as there’s nothing plain about her. Zara befriends her because Air’s mother works in the movie business. And Zara aspires to be a movie star. This quickly makes Sonali feel like she’s the third wheel on the wagon.
Sonali doesn’t feel like she can talk to anyone about her problems anymore. All her emotions start building up inside of her until she’s ready to burst. One day she wakes up and hears a Bollywood tune, and it’s coming from deep inside of her. Then she explodes into a Bollywood song, as all the feelings that she’s been bottling up come bursting to the surface. She sings and dances like she’s graduated from Baburao Ladsaheb’s Bollywood dream factory in a matter of seconds. Can she stop this madness before her whole life turns into a Bollywood movie?
This story definitely feels like a tribute to Bollywood movies done right. And it could easily be adapted into a Bollywood movie. The story contains everything a good Bollywood movie should have. It’s a musical with a melodramatic plot about a girl whose parents fight all the time and are on the verge of ending their marriage. It’s completely exaggerated and doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s filmi magic. And it just aspires to be fun.
I also really like that the protagonist’s best friend is named Zara. Because it reminds me of a ridiculously catchy song called Zara Zara Touch Me from the Bollywood movie Race, which was more than a bit inspired by Leehom Wang's song Deep Within a Bamboo Grove. Her full name is Zara Zareena Khan and, much like the protagonist, I can’t seem to shake this feeling that she might have been based on an actual Bollywood actress.
One thing that feels a bit off is that the story is set in the present, and yet the teenage protagonist is only familiar with Bollywood movies from the 80’s and 90’s because she watches a Bollywood movie on VHS every week. The VHS part already feels like a relic from a distant past to be honest. Go back ten years or maybe even a bit further in time, and I can easily imagine that this was still a very realistic scenario, as Bollywood movies weren’t that easy to find outside of India. But nowadays, more modern Bollywood movies have become much more accessible. There are literally dozens of Bollywood movies on Netflix for example, just waiting to be watched.
What the story also could have done better is the use of either footnotes or a glossary to explain some things for people who are not that familiar with Hindi or Bollywood from the 80’s and 90’s. Because when they are singing in the beginning, it starts in Hindi. And there are no translations for those first couple of words. Thankfully, the lyrics quickly switch to English once the song has started though. Also, when the girls are quoting/singing famous Bollywood movie songs to each other, it’s never explained what movie or movies they’re taken from. Putting the movie title in a footnote would have been a very simple way to elevate the whole experience.
Overall, a fun and rather lighthearted read that can easily put a smile on your face. Though you might like this more if you’re already familiar with Bollywood movies from the 80’s and 90’s.
Sonali’s best friend Zara befriends Airplane O’Neil. Yes, that’s her actual name. Though she goes by Air, as there’s nothing plain about her. Zara befriends her because Air’s mother works in the movie business. And Zara aspires to be a movie star. This quickly makes Sonali feel like she’s the third wheel on the wagon.
Sonali doesn’t feel like she can talk to anyone about her problems anymore. All her emotions start building up inside of her until she’s ready to burst. One day she wakes up and hears a Bollywood tune, and it’s coming from deep inside of her. Then she explodes into a Bollywood song, as all the feelings that she’s been bottling up come bursting to the surface. She sings and dances like she’s graduated from Baburao Ladsaheb’s Bollywood dream factory in a matter of seconds. Can she stop this madness before her whole life turns into a Bollywood movie?
This story definitely feels like a tribute to Bollywood movies done right. And it could easily be adapted into a Bollywood movie. The story contains everything a good Bollywood movie should have. It’s a musical with a melodramatic plot about a girl whose parents fight all the time and are on the verge of ending their marriage. It’s completely exaggerated and doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s filmi magic. And it just aspires to be fun.
I also really like that the protagonist’s best friend is named Zara. Because it reminds me of a ridiculously catchy song called Zara Zara Touch Me from the Bollywood movie Race, which was more than a bit inspired by Leehom Wang's song Deep Within a Bamboo Grove. Her full name is Zara Zareena Khan and, much like the protagonist, I can’t seem to shake this feeling that she might have been based on an actual Bollywood actress.
One thing that feels a bit off is that the story is set in the present, and yet the teenage protagonist is only familiar with Bollywood movies from the 80’s and 90’s because she watches a Bollywood movie on VHS every week. The VHS part already feels like a relic from a distant past to be honest. Go back ten years or maybe even a bit further in time, and I can easily imagine that this was still a very realistic scenario, as Bollywood movies weren’t that easy to find outside of India. But nowadays, more modern Bollywood movies have become much more accessible. There are literally dozens of Bollywood movies on Netflix for example, just waiting to be watched.
What the story also could have done better is the use of either footnotes or a glossary to explain some things for people who are not that familiar with Hindi or Bollywood from the 80’s and 90’s. Because when they are singing in the beginning, it starts in Hindi. And there are no translations for those first couple of words. Thankfully, the lyrics quickly switch to English once the song has started though. Also, when the girls are quoting/singing famous Bollywood movie songs to each other, it’s never explained what movie or movies they’re taken from. Putting the movie title in a footnote would have been a very simple way to elevate the whole experience.
Overall, a fun and rather lighthearted read that can easily put a smile on your face. Though you might like this more if you’re already familiar with Bollywood movies from the 80’s and 90’s.
November 4, 2021
Sonali has a case of Bollywooditis. Her daily life has had a filmi magic makeover. She has a constant soundtrack and breaks into solo numbers at unexpected times with her companions becoming background dancers. What. Is. Happening? Why don't her family and friends remember what life was like before? Could her parents announcing their separation have anything to do with it? Most importantly, how can Sonali get her old life back? Could it be that squashing down her real feelings is the problem and not the solution? Cue up "Dil Le Gayi Kudi Gujuarat Di" and get your Bollywood on. Supriya Kelkar gives readers a front row seat to living in the midst of Indian and Pakistani households and working through big family changes together.
November 5, 2022
Hi friends, thank you for reading THAT THING ABOUT BOLLYWOOD!
I grew up in a town that didn't appreciate diversity and was regularly bullied about my Indian-American culture. To make matters worse, I never got to see myself in an American book, TV show, or movie. They weren't publishing books with South Asian American characters in them. And South Asian American actors weren't getting roles in TV shows or movies.
But there was one place where I found a little of the representation I was looking for. And that was in Bollywood movies. Bollywood gave me a space where people who looked like me were heroes, and where their food and culture and languages were celebrated. I grew up watching 3 Hindi movies a week on VHS tape and learned Hindi from them too.
I even became a Bollywood screenwriter when I grew up. And I worked in Bollywood for over a decade.
So when I became an author, I tried for the longest time to find a way to put my love for Bollywood into a book. And one day I got the idea for That Thing about Bollywood.
It is about learning to express yourself, being proud of your emotions and who you are, divorce, changing friendships, and of course, some magic involving Bollywood. Hope you enjoy it!
I grew up in a town that didn't appreciate diversity and was regularly bullied about my Indian-American culture. To make matters worse, I never got to see myself in an American book, TV show, or movie. They weren't publishing books with South Asian American characters in them. And South Asian American actors weren't getting roles in TV shows or movies.
But there was one place where I found a little of the representation I was looking for. And that was in Bollywood movies. Bollywood gave me a space where people who looked like me were heroes, and where their food and culture and languages were celebrated. I grew up watching 3 Hindi movies a week on VHS tape and learned Hindi from them too.
I even became a Bollywood screenwriter when I grew up. And I worked in Bollywood for over a decade.
So when I became an author, I tried for the longest time to find a way to put my love for Bollywood into a book. And one day I got the idea for That Thing about Bollywood.
It is about learning to express yourself, being proud of your emotions and who you are, divorce, changing friendships, and of course, some magic involving Bollywood. Hope you enjoy it!
Want to read
November 2, 2020November 2, 1010: I missed the cover reveal but that's my loss because how cute and desi is this cover, oh my heart-
October 19, 2020: After giving away my heart to American As Paneer Pie , I'm here for everything Supriya Kelkar writes. But also, a girl who LOVES BOLLYWOOD? Involuntarily bursts into glamorous song and dance routines? UM, THAT'S TOO MUCH LIKE ME. So yeah, waiting for this book!!!!
October 19, 2020: After giving away my heart to American As Paneer Pie , I'm here for everything Supriya Kelkar writes. But also, a girl who LOVES BOLLYWOOD? Involuntarily bursts into glamorous song and dance routines? UM, THAT'S TOO MUCH LIKE ME. So yeah, waiting for this book!!!!
February 24, 2021
This book is exactly the kind of book I needed when I was in elementary and middle school! A wonderfully filmy book riddled with Bollywood references this book was thoroughly enjoyable. Kelkar blends American and Indian culture seamlessly and includes a cast of characters from many different backgrounds. This book also touches on the very taboo topic of divorce within the South Asian communities.
The Bollywood references would have been perfect when I was 11 years old but seeing as how that was nearly a decade ago, the references were just a bit outdated for kids today. References to more 00’s and 10’s movies like Jodhaa Akbar, 3 Idiots, or Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania would be more relatable to 11 year olds today.
The Bollywood references would have been perfect when I was 11 years old but seeing as how that was nearly a decade ago, the references were just a bit outdated for kids today. References to more 00’s and 10’s movies like Jodhaa Akbar, 3 Idiots, or Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania would be more relatable to 11 year olds today.
July 5, 2021
Sonali has learned early in life that when she has a feeling, it's best to shove it way, way down. But when her parents announce they're getting divorced, suddenly it gets a lot harder to do this. Sonali finds herself in an alternate reality where everything is like it is in a Bollywood movie, and every time she has a feeling, she starts singing and dancing about it, whether she wants to or not. To get back to her own reality, it seems like she needs to get those pesky emotions under control, but how?
I always love contemporaries with a slightly supernatural twist, and this was a really fun and charming one, with a main character who goes through a lot of growth.
I always love contemporaries with a slightly supernatural twist, and this was a really fun and charming one, with a main character who goes through a lot of growth.
April 18, 2021
This middle-grade book is a jumbo-sized metaphor to teach younger readers about the benefits of expressing their feelings instead of bottling them up.
Sonali has always loved her Bollywood movie nights with family, but she herself couldn't be further from the singing, dancing, overacting, emotional expression of the movies. Tension and fighting between her parents has wounded her so deeply over the years that she thinks the only way to cope is not to feel. Then her family starts to split up for real.
In a fantastical, magical twist, suddenly Sonali's world is turned into a Bollywood extravaganza, where everyone has their own soundtrack and everyone sings or dances their feelings at the drop of a hat. Including Sonali herself. She's horrified at the way her feelings are starting to escape her. The longer it goes on, the more Bollywood her life becomes. Will she ever get out of this absurdity? The only hope is if she can learn to genuinely speak her feelings to the people around her.
The message is a truly worthy one, and I really liked the discussion that Sonali finally has with her best friend Zara about how friends aren't mind readers and that they have to tell each other what they're feeling.
But the device of a magically-Bollywood-infused world goes on rather too long and could have been more effective in a somewhat shorter book. Also, different readers may have different reactions to the supposedly inevitable split-up of Sonali's family, which to me was the most regrettable part of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for this advance review copy.
Sonali has always loved her Bollywood movie nights with family, but she herself couldn't be further from the singing, dancing, overacting, emotional expression of the movies. Tension and fighting between her parents has wounded her so deeply over the years that she thinks the only way to cope is not to feel. Then her family starts to split up for real.
In a fantastical, magical twist, suddenly Sonali's world is turned into a Bollywood extravaganza, where everyone has their own soundtrack and everyone sings or dances their feelings at the drop of a hat. Including Sonali herself. She's horrified at the way her feelings are starting to escape her. The longer it goes on, the more Bollywood her life becomes. Will she ever get out of this absurdity? The only hope is if she can learn to genuinely speak her feelings to the people around her.
The message is a truly worthy one, and I really liked the discussion that Sonali finally has with her best friend Zara about how friends aren't mind readers and that they have to tell each other what they're feeling.
But the device of a magically-Bollywood-infused world goes on rather too long and could have been more effective in a somewhat shorter book. Also, different readers may have different reactions to the supposedly inevitable split-up of Sonali's family, which to me was the most regrettable part of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for this advance review copy.
November 3, 2021
For readers who like real life events but in a fantastical story.
Divorce is such a hard thing for adults to go through. Can you imagine seeing your parents fight every day? Sonali and her little brother Ronak, are witnessing their parents fight every day over small things, like forgetting a water bottle. Sonali is told by her parents to keep their family matters between them. Sonali is hopeful that their family nights watching her grandfather's Bollywood collection would be enough to keep their family together but life isn't always like the movies... until.... One day Sonali had enough of her parents arguing and tells them how she feels then runs off to her room. As she dozes off and wakes up the next day her entire world changes! She is now living in a Bollywoodesque world where everything is sung and nothing is held back. Sonali finds it difficult to navigate this world where everything everyone is going through or feeling is out there for all to see. Can Sonali finally find her voice and escape this Bollywoodesque world she seems to be trapped in? Will her parents finally figure out what is best for their family?
Available at Vernon Area Public Library as a book or audiobook.
Reviewed by: Miss Nessa Villarreal, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library
Divorce is such a hard thing for adults to go through. Can you imagine seeing your parents fight every day? Sonali and her little brother Ronak, are witnessing their parents fight every day over small things, like forgetting a water bottle. Sonali is told by her parents to keep their family matters between them. Sonali is hopeful that their family nights watching her grandfather's Bollywood collection would be enough to keep their family together but life isn't always like the movies... until.... One day Sonali had enough of her parents arguing and tells them how she feels then runs off to her room. As she dozes off and wakes up the next day her entire world changes! She is now living in a Bollywoodesque world where everything is sung and nothing is held back. Sonali finds it difficult to navigate this world where everything everyone is going through or feeling is out there for all to see. Can Sonali finally find her voice and escape this Bollywoodesque world she seems to be trapped in? Will her parents finally figure out what is best for their family?
Available at Vernon Area Public Library as a book or audiobook.
Reviewed by: Miss Nessa Villarreal, Youth and School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library
June 10, 2021
I really liked this book. The cover alone is GORGEOUS and what's inside is very good too, so it's not a typical, "gorgeous cover, less than stellar interior". The cover matches the interior.
I don't know much about the culture that was being depicted in this book and I really enjoyed reading it and learning a little about it through the book. I do enjoy listening to watching Bollywood movies on occasion and the premise of the book, that by repressing her feelings and not sharing her thoughts, the MC's life was turning into a Bollywood movie was an entertaining one.
My only quibble was it took the MC FOREVER to figure out how to stop it so she could have her life go back to normal. Though honestly, having a Lambo as the family car isn't a bad compensation for breaking into song and dance when your emotions run high, just saying.
I highly recommend this book. Excellent for middle grade readers. Somewhat heavy on the moral to share your feelings and not to bottle them up, but done in a fun way. 4, highly entertaining, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I don't know much about the culture that was being depicted in this book and I really enjoyed reading it and learning a little about it through the book. I do enjoy listening to watching Bollywood movies on occasion and the premise of the book, that by repressing her feelings and not sharing her thoughts, the MC's life was turning into a Bollywood movie was an entertaining one.
My only quibble was it took the MC FOREVER to figure out how to stop it so she could have her life go back to normal. Though honestly, having a Lambo as the family car isn't a bad compensation for breaking into song and dance when your emotions run high, just saying.
I highly recommend this book. Excellent for middle grade readers. Somewhat heavy on the moral to share your feelings and not to bottle them up, but done in a fun way. 4, highly entertaining, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2021
Initial thoughts: This was so cute and I loved that it discussed such an important topic.
This was such a wholesome and fun read! I really related to the main character, especially because she felt like she had to be emotionless in order to cope with being overwhelmed. I think this was funny and brilliant and heartfelt all at once and definitely did a great job incorporating a love of bollywood music while also spreading the message that it's absolutely okay to share your emotions and be open even when you think you might be burdening others. I liked that it talked about being open with your parents and calling them out when they unintentionally hurt you even when they are trying to do something they think is good for you.
I loved the scenes that were described with the musical numbers. I could easily see this being a cute movie! The interactions between Sonali and her brother especially near the end! Of course, I was frustrated with Sonali as she had a lot of growing and self realization to go through, but I also understood her on a deep level and really loved being in her mind, especially as she tried to navigate this upside down world and friendships and family drama.
I would definitely recommend this to fans of bollywood, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, singing and dancing your heart out (quite literally), keeping family secrets because of reputations, and trying to juggle new friendships and not be jealous! I loved the friendship dynamics and the sibling relationship, so if you enjoy platonic deep relationships like that, this would definitely be something you enjoy, not to mention just the wild and fun way that this story was told with bollywood magic!
This was such a wholesome and fun read! I really related to the main character, especially because she felt like she had to be emotionless in order to cope with being overwhelmed. I think this was funny and brilliant and heartfelt all at once and definitely did a great job incorporating a love of bollywood music while also spreading the message that it's absolutely okay to share your emotions and be open even when you think you might be burdening others. I liked that it talked about being open with your parents and calling them out when they unintentionally hurt you even when they are trying to do something they think is good for you.
I loved the scenes that were described with the musical numbers. I could easily see this being a cute movie! The interactions between Sonali and her brother especially near the end! Of course, I was frustrated with Sonali as she had a lot of growing and self realization to go through, but I also understood her on a deep level and really loved being in her mind, especially as she tried to navigate this upside down world and friendships and family drama.
I would definitely recommend this to fans of bollywood, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, singing and dancing your heart out (quite literally), keeping family secrets because of reputations, and trying to juggle new friendships and not be jealous! I loved the friendship dynamics and the sibling relationship, so if you enjoy platonic deep relationships like that, this would definitely be something you enjoy, not to mention just the wild and fun way that this story was told with bollywood magic!
March 3, 2021
That Thing About Bollywood is a middle grade novel that features an Indian family, and learning how to embrace and express emotions, even when they're painful. Sonali is an 11 year old girl , whose parents have a long history of fighting, and decide to separate. Sonali is known by her friends and family for being almost 'robot' like, and hiding her true feelings. After she finds out that her parents will be separating, she develops 'Bollywood-itis', where it becomes normal to sing and dance your feelings on a daily basis. Sonali is the only one who remembers life before Bollywood-itis struck. Sonali ends up learning a lot about emotions for not only herself, but her friends and family as well.
I felt that this book was a little slow and disconnected at the beginning, but it definitely grew on me, and by the end, it totally had my heart. I thought the concept of Bollywood-itis was really unique, and a great way to feature the cultural aspects of Bollywood and Hindi traditions. As a white woman, a lot of the things presented in the book were unknown to me (although, I do eat a lot of Indian food, yum). For me, I see it as a good way to learn more and expand my horizons, but I could see it leaving some non-Indian readers a little lost at times. But, I definitely love seeing more representation for South Asian readers, so I think this book brings a lot of value to the table in that aspect. It would also be a good book for children who are experiencing a parental separation, to see a character experiencing some of the difficult feelings they may be feeling as well.
All in all, I think this is a sweet, cozy book, that still manages to tackle some difficult subjects for middle grade readers.
I received this book as an eARC thanks to NetGalley!
I felt that this book was a little slow and disconnected at the beginning, but it definitely grew on me, and by the end, it totally had my heart. I thought the concept of Bollywood-itis was really unique, and a great way to feature the cultural aspects of Bollywood and Hindi traditions. As a white woman, a lot of the things presented in the book were unknown to me (although, I do eat a lot of Indian food, yum). For me, I see it as a good way to learn more and expand my horizons, but I could see it leaving some non-Indian readers a little lost at times. But, I definitely love seeing more representation for South Asian readers, so I think this book brings a lot of value to the table in that aspect. It would also be a good book for children who are experiencing a parental separation, to see a character experiencing some of the difficult feelings they may be feeling as well.
All in all, I think this is a sweet, cozy book, that still manages to tackle some difficult subjects for middle grade readers.
I received this book as an eARC thanks to NetGalley!
August 21, 2021
3.5 stars.
I grew up with Bollywood just like Supriya Kelkar, so it was a lot of fun to spot all the references made in this book. This is a middle grade story about eleven-year-old Sonali dealing with her parents' separation and eventual divorce along with other things in her life falling apart.
The topic of divorce was excellent, especially because to this day, it's such a taboo thing in the Indian community and there's a lot of shame associated with it. I loved that this matter was brought to light as something that still happens and that doesn't need to be hidden away. I definitely think there should be more books about how children deal with divorce.
That being said, the story dragged on a lot and it was hard to keep up interest sometimes. The main character is in severe denial and takes too long to have her epiphany on how to stop her "Bollywooditis." Kelkar does tie up all the loose ends but the story could've been a lot shorter.
Overall, I'd recommend it. It has a good message and interesting concept.
I grew up with Bollywood just like Supriya Kelkar, so it was a lot of fun to spot all the references made in this book. This is a middle grade story about eleven-year-old Sonali dealing with her parents' separation and eventual divorce along with other things in her life falling apart.
The topic of divorce was excellent, especially because to this day, it's such a taboo thing in the Indian community and there's a lot of shame associated with it. I loved that this matter was brought to light as something that still happens and that doesn't need to be hidden away. I definitely think there should be more books about how children deal with divorce.
That being said, the story dragged on a lot and it was hard to keep up interest sometimes. The main character is in severe denial and takes too long to have her epiphany on how to stop her "Bollywooditis." Kelkar does tie up all the loose ends but the story could've been a lot shorter.
Overall, I'd recommend it. It has a good message and interesting concept.
June 12, 2021
I had a lot of hope for the premise of learning to not suppress your emotions through song and dance, but it didn’t really turn out. It was very repetitive. It just kept repeating the same scenario where the bollywood magic happens because the MC suppressed her emotions. But she doesn't figure that important information out till the very end even though it's been happening for the whole book! The best thing about this was the indian culture. The book never made an effort to explain anything to a non-indian audience, it just made you take day-to-day indian culture in stride. I would not blame an indian american kid for reading this for the representation, I'm just sorry it is not a better book.
Read
May 28, 2021That Thing About Bollywood has the most adorable concept, sort of like Crazy Ex Girlfriend but with entirely different themes. In this case, she's mostly singing about the disconnect with her bestie and her feelings about her parents separating. The themes are great for middle grade readers. However, I did feel this would work better in a visual medium, and the songs themselves were pretty terrible? But that may have been a joke about translated Bollywood lyrics? I'm not sure.
May 25, 2022
Far too long but a great and worthwhile message.
August 6, 2021
First sentence: You know how in Bollywood movies, people sing and dance on mountaintops when they're in love? I wonder if they do the same when they're splitting up?
Premise/plot: Sonali, our heroine, loves, loves, loves watching Bollywood--something she especially treasured doing with her grandfather (before he died). Every Sunday the family gathers together and watches vintage Bollywood--on VHS tape. But things at home are far from ideal. Her parents fight and argue all the time--over matters big and small and everything in between. She hates it. She hates it that she's not allowed to be honest about anything going on at home and in the family--even with her friends. But her dad has a strict rule that NO ONE should know the family's private business. So no matter what she's feeling--and how intense she's feeling it--she has to keep the mask on that everything is just fine....
But one day that all changes...one day she finds that suddenly EVERYONE has a soundtrack and can burst out into SONG and DANCE expressing everything they're feeling. These big musical numbers come straight from Bollywood--and include a few makeovers. (Like her room is suddenly painted YELLOW and has tons of posters of herself on the walls. Like the cars her parents drive.)
Sonali's solos can't be contained--and she hates it, fights it. Yet glimpses of how she is really truly feeling keep coming...showing her true self to her teachers, classmates, family, friends, and strangers. To the world everything is 100% normal--the way it's ALWAYS been. Only Sonali remembers what life was like before...
Can Sonali find a way to return the world to normal?
My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. I liked the focus on family and friends. She's struggling with both. I believe she's in sixth grade? possibly seventh grade? And she's struggling with her relationship with her best friend. Everything keeps changing too fast and she's worried about losing her best friend. I think this is so relatable. And she's also, of course, struggling with her home life. Her parents are separating and she has so many mixed feelings. On the one hand, she wants a divorce and not a separation--and on the other hand she wants her family to be happy together. But she knows that her parents just don't know how to live with each other and get along. She hates that each parent seems to want her to pick a side. (I think they do this by accident without realizing it).
There are some humorous scenes--like when she disrupts a math class before a test--by singing a huge solo number. But there are plenty of scenes with DEPTH and substance.
Quotes:
Mom patted my shoulder. "I hope to get to hear you sing more. It reminded me of the gold old days."
"When I sang about grape popsicles and thermal underwear," I muttered.
Mom laughed. "They were silly, nonsensical songs, but they were an expression of who you were. That's important. Expressing yourself." She gave me a knowing look.
Why was I feeling so angry? It felt like a bubble of crabbiness was starting to grow bigger and bigger and rise to the surface. Was this the Bollywooditis? Or was this the real me, and the magic was tearing away at the mask I always put on?
"Divorce is like spinach stuck in someone's teeth," I said. "It makes you uncomfortable, but you ignore it and eventually you forget about it and no one is bothered."
Ronak just looked at me.
"What? You're kidding right?" he asked.
"About spinach?"
"You don't ignore it. You bring it up. You talk about it. It doesn't make you weak to express yourself. It's as brave as it gets, like Mom always says. I mean, what kind of person wouldn't tell a friend they have food stuck in their teeth?"
If the whole world, including me, got taken over by filmi magic, I'd lose all those moments--the bad, but also the good. Despite all the Bollywood tremors I'd been experiencing, I definitely wasn't prepared for that.
Premise/plot: Sonali, our heroine, loves, loves, loves watching Bollywood--something she especially treasured doing with her grandfather (before he died). Every Sunday the family gathers together and watches vintage Bollywood--on VHS tape. But things at home are far from ideal. Her parents fight and argue all the time--over matters big and small and everything in between. She hates it. She hates it that she's not allowed to be honest about anything going on at home and in the family--even with her friends. But her dad has a strict rule that NO ONE should know the family's private business. So no matter what she's feeling--and how intense she's feeling it--she has to keep the mask on that everything is just fine....
But one day that all changes...one day she finds that suddenly EVERYONE has a soundtrack and can burst out into SONG and DANCE expressing everything they're feeling. These big musical numbers come straight from Bollywood--and include a few makeovers. (Like her room is suddenly painted YELLOW and has tons of posters of herself on the walls. Like the cars her parents drive.)
Sonali's solos can't be contained--and she hates it, fights it. Yet glimpses of how she is really truly feeling keep coming...showing her true self to her teachers, classmates, family, friends, and strangers. To the world everything is 100% normal--the way it's ALWAYS been. Only Sonali remembers what life was like before...
Can Sonali find a way to return the world to normal?
My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. I liked the focus on family and friends. She's struggling with both. I believe she's in sixth grade? possibly seventh grade? And she's struggling with her relationship with her best friend. Everything keeps changing too fast and she's worried about losing her best friend. I think this is so relatable. And she's also, of course, struggling with her home life. Her parents are separating and she has so many mixed feelings. On the one hand, she wants a divorce and not a separation--and on the other hand she wants her family to be happy together. But she knows that her parents just don't know how to live with each other and get along. She hates that each parent seems to want her to pick a side. (I think they do this by accident without realizing it).
There are some humorous scenes--like when she disrupts a math class before a test--by singing a huge solo number. But there are plenty of scenes with DEPTH and substance.
Quotes:
Mom patted my shoulder. "I hope to get to hear you sing more. It reminded me of the gold old days."
"When I sang about grape popsicles and thermal underwear," I muttered.
Mom laughed. "They were silly, nonsensical songs, but they were an expression of who you were. That's important. Expressing yourself." She gave me a knowing look.
Why was I feeling so angry? It felt like a bubble of crabbiness was starting to grow bigger and bigger and rise to the surface. Was this the Bollywooditis? Or was this the real me, and the magic was tearing away at the mask I always put on?
"Divorce is like spinach stuck in someone's teeth," I said. "It makes you uncomfortable, but you ignore it and eventually you forget about it and no one is bothered."
Ronak just looked at me.
"What? You're kidding right?" he asked.
"About spinach?"
"You don't ignore it. You bring it up. You talk about it. It doesn't make you weak to express yourself. It's as brave as it gets, like Mom always says. I mean, what kind of person wouldn't tell a friend they have food stuck in their teeth?"
If the whole world, including me, got taken over by filmi magic, I'd lose all those moments--the bad, but also the good. Despite all the Bollywood tremors I'd been experiencing, I definitely wasn't prepared for that.
November 18, 2021
That Thing about Bollywood is a middle grade contemporary with a touch of magical realism written by Supriya Kelkar. It centers on sixth grader Sonali, who learns a dramatic lesson about emotional honesty.
It features Oceanview Academy middle schooler Sonali, whose stoicism contrasts with her love of Bollywood films and its melodrama. Stuck in a Los Angeles home with constantly arguing parents and her sensitive nine-year-old brother Ronak, Gujarati American Sonali, tries to make sense of her world through the Hindi movies she's seen all her life.
Ever since an earnest public attempt five years ago to stop her parents' fighting led to widespread embarrassment in front of family, Sonali has resolved to hide her emotions and do her best to ignore her parents' arguments. However, her efforts prove futile when her parents decide to try the nesting method of separation, where they take turns living in the house with Sonali and Ronak.
The contemporary narrative takes an entertaining fabulist turn as Sonali's life begins to transform into a Bollywood film with everything she feels and thinks made apparent through her Bollywooditis.
That Thing about Bollywood is written rather well. Sonali's first-person perspective is sympathetic as she navigates friendship and family drama, and Kelkar successfully infuses a resonant narrative with Bollywood magic, offering a tale with universal appeal through an engaging cultural lens.
All in all, That Thing about Bollywood is a love letter to Bollywood that offers heartfelt encouragement to the lonely.
It features Oceanview Academy middle schooler Sonali, whose stoicism contrasts with her love of Bollywood films and its melodrama. Stuck in a Los Angeles home with constantly arguing parents and her sensitive nine-year-old brother Ronak, Gujarati American Sonali, tries to make sense of her world through the Hindi movies she's seen all her life.
Ever since an earnest public attempt five years ago to stop her parents' fighting led to widespread embarrassment in front of family, Sonali has resolved to hide her emotions and do her best to ignore her parents' arguments. However, her efforts prove futile when her parents decide to try the nesting method of separation, where they take turns living in the house with Sonali and Ronak.
The contemporary narrative takes an entertaining fabulist turn as Sonali's life begins to transform into a Bollywood film with everything she feels and thinks made apparent through her Bollywooditis.
That Thing about Bollywood is written rather well. Sonali's first-person perspective is sympathetic as she navigates friendship and family drama, and Kelkar successfully infuses a resonant narrative with Bollywood magic, offering a tale with universal appeal through an engaging cultural lens.
All in all, That Thing about Bollywood is a love letter to Bollywood that offers heartfelt encouragement to the lonely.
March 25, 2023
I admit my interest in this book was led by the narrator Soneela Nankani - I could listen to her read a phone book! Sonali’s parents’ breakup is very upsetting to her, she’s unable to keep her feelings inside, bursting into Bollywood style sing and dance moves. She is even more upset when no one else notices anything different as her world turns into a Bollywood movie. Can’t miss the message that holding in feelings might be dangerous to your well being. I think the parents at the end were unusually quickly resolved. My only experience with anything remotely Bollywood was the ending of the movie Slum Dog Millionaire.
October 10, 2023
A girl who's used to bottling up her feelings reaches her limit ... and the world suddenly warps, changing into the over-the-top expressive, song-and-dance style of the Bollywood movies that she and her family have always loved. Separation. Divorce. Cancer. Indian culture. Keeping secrets. Drama club. Best friends. Learning to let people help.
October 6, 2024
This was such a fun idea! I totally thought I was going to be reading some realistic fiction though, so it did throw me for a loop at the beginning. I really liked the focus on process and being honest about feelings, but the really explicit repetition of that theme did feel didactic. This wasn't my favorite Supriya Kelkar book, but I'll definitely read more from her! 3.5 stars rounded up.
September 19, 2021
What if every time you felt strong emotions--happy or sad--you burst into song and dance? With full orchestral accompaniment, back up singers and beautifully costumed dancers? Like a Bollywood movie! After years of hiding her true feelings and putting on a happy face, Sonali, an Indian American girl, growing up in Los Angeles, finds almost everything around her turned into a real life Bollywood movie. Her parents have fought with each other as long as she and her little brother can remember. Now they've decided to separate. All of this change makes it really hard for Sonali to keep it all inside. So, she doesn't. Cue the pulsing music, the bright colored backgrounds, the cheesy songs and vibrant dancing. I've found a new film genre I must explore.
July 8, 2021
💃🏻 What a fun twist on an important topic! 💃🏻
.
.
.
Sonali is an Indian American girl whose family is coming apart. Her parents fight all the time, but Sonali is keeping it a secret from all her friends. Now she is refusing to face her emotions about her parents’ separation, which is causing problems in her relationship with her best friend, Zara.
.
.
.
Then something weird happens -- her life turns into one long Bollywood movie! She wakes up one day to discover that she has a personal soundtrack that plays all the time in the background and occasionally people break into song to express their emotions. When Sonali expresses amazement at the changes, everyone around her is surprised -- this is the way the world has always been for them! At first, Sonali thinks that she needs to hide her emotions even better to make “Bollywooditis” go away, but it doesn’t work. In fact, things get even more extreme. Eventually, Sonali discovers that she needs to be in touch with her emotions and that allowing herself to feel sad and angry will help bring the world back to normal.
.
.
.
Understanding and allowing yourself to feel emotions when difficult things happen is really important. Sonali has unfortunately learned that it’s better to keep her emotions hidden; this is a common problem that can snowball into many other problems, as it does in this book.
.
.
.
Kelkar deftly examines the importance of sharing all your inner messiness with those who love you most; having that courage builds relationships and helps foster inner growth, as well!
.
.
.
As a side note, I really love the cover of this one! Everything about it -- the color, the jewelry, the shape of the dance move is really appealing.
.
.
.
#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary
[Laura holds That Thing about Bollywood against a white wall]
.
.
.
Sonali is an Indian American girl whose family is coming apart. Her parents fight all the time, but Sonali is keeping it a secret from all her friends. Now she is refusing to face her emotions about her parents’ separation, which is causing problems in her relationship with her best friend, Zara.
.
.
.
Then something weird happens -- her life turns into one long Bollywood movie! She wakes up one day to discover that she has a personal soundtrack that plays all the time in the background and occasionally people break into song to express their emotions. When Sonali expresses amazement at the changes, everyone around her is surprised -- this is the way the world has always been for them! At first, Sonali thinks that she needs to hide her emotions even better to make “Bollywooditis” go away, but it doesn’t work. In fact, things get even more extreme. Eventually, Sonali discovers that she needs to be in touch with her emotions and that allowing herself to feel sad and angry will help bring the world back to normal.
.
.
.
Understanding and allowing yourself to feel emotions when difficult things happen is really important. Sonali has unfortunately learned that it’s better to keep her emotions hidden; this is a common problem that can snowball into many other problems, as it does in this book.
.
.
.
Kelkar deftly examines the importance of sharing all your inner messiness with those who love you most; having that courage builds relationships and helps foster inner growth, as well!
.
.
.
As a side note, I really love the cover of this one! Everything about it -- the color, the jewelry, the shape of the dance move is really appealing.
.
.
.
#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary
[Laura holds That Thing about Bollywood against a white wall]
August 25, 2021
A fun premise and good message is bogged down for being too long and, honestly, having a real drag of a main character. This was a chore to get through.
April 18, 2022
*1.5
It was a good idea, but it wasn't executed well. I got bored about halfway through the book.
TW/CW
~Mention of divorce
~Separation
~Mention of cancer
It was a good idea, but it wasn't executed well. I got bored about halfway through the book.
TW/CW
~Mention of divorce
~Separation
~Mention of cancer
May 4, 2021
I have a soft spot for Bollywood and was thrilled to get my hands on this ARC, hoping that it would hold all the magic and fun of the productions. This book not only does that but so much more.
There's one big rule in Sonali's family—never give outsiders a reason to gossip and embarrass the family. In other words, keep your mouth shut about personal issues. This works fine, normally, but with her parents' increasing fights and sudden pause from each other, Sonali's walls are needing extra fortification. Add that her best friend seems to have found a new friend she likes more...plus, her falling grades...and well, it's a bit much. But she can take it. Unfortunately, as she learns to hold it all back, strange things start happening...things no one else notices. But could her world really be turning into a musical, Bollywood reality?
There are several tough themes in this book, ones very fitting for the age group. While facing parents' separation and divorce is a common issue, this one also addresses the problem of changing friend groups and learning to stand up for what you really think. Sonali has a lot on her plate, but the problems are ones many readers will identify with.
I love Sonali's glow. I'm just going to call it that because her personality...even when she's bottling things up...is really a shining one. She's a positive person, who cares very much about those around her. She loves fun and joy and happiness, and is silly in her own way. Those around her are also very supportive people, but even when there is a lot of positivity, it doesn't mean it always radiates through everything or makes life perfect. But it's this glistening inner part of Sonali, which allows the magical elements to hold the perfect fairy tale atmosphere and Bollywood to come across as if it naturally should be there. The mix of magic and reality is simple well done. Plus, the addition of some of India's culture was nice.
There is a lot going on in these pages thanks to the various issues, and that did mean a little less depth for some of the side characters. There were a couple, I would have loved to get to know a little better. The ending also hit a little off. At first, I thought it might be too quick, but this really isn't the case. It rounds of nicely and wraps things up well. But the main message of the book warped slightly. While Sonali learns her lesson and has a chance to correct her mistakes, one of her parents happens to have the exact same trouble that she does. While this mistake is admitted at the end, it's treated as if its too late and while admitted, the parents doesn't even think of trying to find a way to make amends. It reflects the reality of such situations and, of course, has it's own important meaning, but it cheapened the overall lesson for me.
But this was an awesome read, and I have no doubt any middle graders who know anything about Bollywood will enjoy it.
There's one big rule in Sonali's family—never give outsiders a reason to gossip and embarrass the family. In other words, keep your mouth shut about personal issues. This works fine, normally, but with her parents' increasing fights and sudden pause from each other, Sonali's walls are needing extra fortification. Add that her best friend seems to have found a new friend she likes more...plus, her falling grades...and well, it's a bit much. But she can take it. Unfortunately, as she learns to hold it all back, strange things start happening...things no one else notices. But could her world really be turning into a musical, Bollywood reality?
There are several tough themes in this book, ones very fitting for the age group. While facing parents' separation and divorce is a common issue, this one also addresses the problem of changing friend groups and learning to stand up for what you really think. Sonali has a lot on her plate, but the problems are ones many readers will identify with.
I love Sonali's glow. I'm just going to call it that because her personality...even when she's bottling things up...is really a shining one. She's a positive person, who cares very much about those around her. She loves fun and joy and happiness, and is silly in her own way. Those around her are also very supportive people, but even when there is a lot of positivity, it doesn't mean it always radiates through everything or makes life perfect. But it's this glistening inner part of Sonali, which allows the magical elements to hold the perfect fairy tale atmosphere and Bollywood to come across as if it naturally should be there. The mix of magic and reality is simple well done. Plus, the addition of some of India's culture was nice.
There is a lot going on in these pages thanks to the various issues, and that did mean a little less depth for some of the side characters. There were a couple, I would have loved to get to know a little better. The ending also hit a little off. At first, I thought it might be too quick, but this really isn't the case. It rounds of nicely and wraps things up well. But the main message of the book warped slightly. While Sonali learns her lesson and has a chance to correct her mistakes, one of her parents happens to have the exact same trouble that she does. While this mistake is admitted at the end, it's treated as if its too late and while admitted, the parents doesn't even think of trying to find a way to make amends. It reflects the reality of such situations and, of course, has it's own important meaning, but it cheapened the overall lesson for me.
But this was an awesome read, and I have no doubt any middle graders who know anything about Bollywood will enjoy it.
April 29, 2021
Sonali's parents fight. All. The. Time. So much that, in 1st grade, she decided to make a presentation about why her parents shouldn't fight and display it during an extended family dinner. Naturally, it didn't go over so well, and ever since then, she's learned to bury her emotions deep within where no one can get at them. She gets called a robot sometimes, but its fine, because she won't get hurt or show weakness by showing emotion.
Until her parents decide to seperate. It's really a trial-run at the moment, but Sonali can't help but feel a little upset. But why should she since it would be better for everyone involved anyways? Still, upset as she may be, she won't bear her emotions out for the whole world to see, even to her best friend, Zara.
And then one day, she wakes up to a world where people sing and dance like in a Bollywood movie. Its completely normal in this new world, and no one seems to remember a world without it. But it's a nightmare for Sonali - displaying her emotions by singing and dancing? Absolutely mortifying. But nothing she does will stop it. The harder she tries, and the more feelings she tries to hide, the more her world resembles Bollywood. She suspects her world could permanently resemble Bollywood after the "grand finale", but can she figure out how to stop it from happening?
A very moving and vivid book, there were multiple moments when I just wanted to hug Sonali, but as it was, I had to settle for managing the lump in my throat from not crying. Obviously, the book was about managing your emotions properly and the difficulties of parental seperations and friendship trouble, but I also loved how seamlessly the author blends the world of an Indian-American. Many writers will write about a main character who is the odd-one-out due to their race or write about racism or defying cultural expectations or really anything that would make a character stand-out because of their race, but Supriya Kelkar does a magnificent job of showcasing that Indian-Americans can just simply be themselves. I love how the focus shifts away from being Indian-American to mental health, especially since it is such an important issue in modern society, specially among Asians in general, many of whom think acknowledging mental health is a sign of weakness. But anyways, what I mean to say is that That Thing About Bollywood is a really vivid, beautiful, and emotional book, and I would recommend it highly for anyone interested in both cultural representation and/or mental health.
Until her parents decide to seperate. It's really a trial-run at the moment, but Sonali can't help but feel a little upset. But why should she since it would be better for everyone involved anyways? Still, upset as she may be, she won't bear her emotions out for the whole world to see, even to her best friend, Zara.
And then one day, she wakes up to a world where people sing and dance like in a Bollywood movie. Its completely normal in this new world, and no one seems to remember a world without it. But it's a nightmare for Sonali - displaying her emotions by singing and dancing? Absolutely mortifying. But nothing she does will stop it. The harder she tries, and the more feelings she tries to hide, the more her world resembles Bollywood. She suspects her world could permanently resemble Bollywood after the "grand finale", but can she figure out how to stop it from happening?
A very moving and vivid book, there were multiple moments when I just wanted to hug Sonali, but as it was, I had to settle for managing the lump in my throat from not crying. Obviously, the book was about managing your emotions properly and the difficulties of parental seperations and friendship trouble, but I also loved how seamlessly the author blends the world of an Indian-American. Many writers will write about a main character who is the odd-one-out due to their race or write about racism or defying cultural expectations or really anything that would make a character stand-out because of their race, but Supriya Kelkar does a magnificent job of showcasing that Indian-Americans can just simply be themselves. I love how the focus shifts away from being Indian-American to mental health, especially since it is such an important issue in modern society, specially among Asians in general, many of whom think acknowledging mental health is a sign of weakness. But anyways, what I mean to say is that That Thing About Bollywood is a really vivid, beautiful, and emotional book, and I would recommend it highly for anyone interested in both cultural representation and/or mental health.
May 20, 2021
* Thank you to Edelweiss+ for a digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
The story is different in a variety of ways, but hone it down to its essence and it is about learning how to deal with your emotions. We see a great deal about Social Emotional Learning, and in this story, Sonali is struggling with her parent's divorce, changes in friendships, and the general realities of being in middle school. Part of the problem is that Sonali's father has taught her that it is not good to show feelings, not okay to let anyone know that not everything is going swimmingly. Squash it down instead. That works, right? Cue Elsa.
In the magical land of fiction, Sonali's life becomes a Bollywood film. Everything is brighter and people break out into song and dance at the drop of a hat. Everyone has their own soundtrack and feelings are shared through song. Sonali is the only one who remembers life before Bollywood-itis and is desperately trying to get back. Much like Groundhog Day, she has to figure out her issues and deal with them before she can make things normal.
While the book isn't perfect and took some time to get into, I do appreciate the fact that Sonali has to learn to face her emotions instead of running away from them. It is okay to show people that you are afraid of something or angry. It is good to talk to your friends and ask them for help when you are dealing with a difficult situation. Keeping everything hidden and only showing people your social media happy face will break you at some point. These things eat away at you like a cancer. Our friends are not mind-readers but they do usually want to help when they can.
It is great to see a book with South Asian culture and one that deals with divorce. I have a page of bibliotherapy books and there are so few in that category. But divorce is a real issue that our kids have to deal with. Sonali's best friend Zara shines throughout the book, being a great voice of reason encouraging Sonali to be more open about what is going on. A very different story that many will enjoy.
The story is different in a variety of ways, but hone it down to its essence and it is about learning how to deal with your emotions. We see a great deal about Social Emotional Learning, and in this story, Sonali is struggling with her parent's divorce, changes in friendships, and the general realities of being in middle school. Part of the problem is that Sonali's father has taught her that it is not good to show feelings, not okay to let anyone know that not everything is going swimmingly. Squash it down instead. That works, right? Cue Elsa.
In the magical land of fiction, Sonali's life becomes a Bollywood film. Everything is brighter and people break out into song and dance at the drop of a hat. Everyone has their own soundtrack and feelings are shared through song. Sonali is the only one who remembers life before Bollywood-itis and is desperately trying to get back. Much like Groundhog Day, she has to figure out her issues and deal with them before she can make things normal.
While the book isn't perfect and took some time to get into, I do appreciate the fact that Sonali has to learn to face her emotions instead of running away from them. It is okay to show people that you are afraid of something or angry. It is good to talk to your friends and ask them for help when you are dealing with a difficult situation. Keeping everything hidden and only showing people your social media happy face will break you at some point. These things eat away at you like a cancer. Our friends are not mind-readers but they do usually want to help when they can.
It is great to see a book with South Asian culture and one that deals with divorce. I have a page of bibliotherapy books and there are so few in that category. But divorce is a real issue that our kids have to deal with. Sonali's best friend Zara shines throughout the book, being a great voice of reason encouraging Sonali to be more open about what is going on. A very different story that many will enjoy.
August 17, 2023
An Indian American girl must find her way out of an alternate reality and confront her feelings about her parents fighting.
Sonali, an eleven-year-old girl, is going through many changes. Her parents constantly fight, pretending that everything is okay on the outside. Her best friend, Zara, is becoming more chummy with her other friend, Airplane O'Neil, or Air for short. Finally, when her parents announce to Sonali and Ronak (her little brother) that they're separating, something changes in the world overnight. Everything in Sonali's life turned into an alternate Bollywood movie. Will Sonali find the root of the cause of her "Bollywooditis"?
First, what a stunning and colorful cover; "Don't judge a book by its cover?" Unfortunately, that's not true; I was dragged by it and wanted to read it immediately.
I had heard of Bollywood before but needed to know what it meant. Bollywood is a humorous nickname for the Indian cinema industry. They produce movies with many songs and dances, lavish sets, and glamorous costumes. The Bollywooditis was wacky, and I loved the solos that Sonali and the others sang.
The book perfectly matches August's theme of BeTWEEN the Bookends box; "Life is a Movie, and you are the Star."
When Sonali can't control her emotions, she is suddenly transported into a Bollywood song-and-dance act. She is the show's star.
But she can't indefinitely hide behind the stage curtains. Her parents are separated, and I felt terrible about Sonali and Ronak's situation. It was very emotional when I read those parts regarding the parents. I also can relate to the friends growing apart.
Sonali is a complicated person and very relatable. She doesn't show emotion but feels it underneath, like me. Ronak is a cute and very touching boy. I had a lot of complicated feelings about their parents. I wasn't too fond of how Zara was acting towards Sonali. Air was an intelligent and kind girl despite the situation with Zara and Sonali.
Give this magical book to any kids struggling to express their feelings.
Sonali, an eleven-year-old girl, is going through many changes. Her parents constantly fight, pretending that everything is okay on the outside. Her best friend, Zara, is becoming more chummy with her other friend, Airplane O'Neil, or Air for short. Finally, when her parents announce to Sonali and Ronak (her little brother) that they're separating, something changes in the world overnight. Everything in Sonali's life turned into an alternate Bollywood movie. Will Sonali find the root of the cause of her "Bollywooditis"?
First, what a stunning and colorful cover; "Don't judge a book by its cover?" Unfortunately, that's not true; I was dragged by it and wanted to read it immediately.
I had heard of Bollywood before but needed to know what it meant. Bollywood is a humorous nickname for the Indian cinema industry. They produce movies with many songs and dances, lavish sets, and glamorous costumes. The Bollywooditis was wacky, and I loved the solos that Sonali and the others sang.
The book perfectly matches August's theme of BeTWEEN the Bookends box; "Life is a Movie, and you are the Star."
When Sonali can't control her emotions, she is suddenly transported into a Bollywood song-and-dance act. She is the show's star.
But she can't indefinitely hide behind the stage curtains. Her parents are separated, and I felt terrible about Sonali and Ronak's situation. It was very emotional when I read those parts regarding the parents. I also can relate to the friends growing apart.
Sonali is a complicated person and very relatable. She doesn't show emotion but feels it underneath, like me. Ronak is a cute and very touching boy. I had a lot of complicated feelings about their parents. I wasn't too fond of how Zara was acting towards Sonali. Air was an intelligent and kind girl despite the situation with Zara and Sonali.
Give this magical book to any kids struggling to express their feelings.
March 27, 2021
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and #NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of That Thing about Bollywood by Supriya Kelkar. This middle grade novel will be published May 18, 2021. All opinions are my own.
Sonali has always had a hard time sharing her feelings. Ever since she can remember, her father has drilled into her that their family business is their business and no one else's. Because of this, she bottles up her feelings and tells everyone she is okay. This is the exact opposite of the Bollywood movies she loves where everyone's emotions are apparent and the lyrics reflect their feelings. Now, Sonali's parents are separating and her life is turned upside down. First, background music appears (and no one but Sonali thinks it's weird). Then, during a school field trip, Sonali bursts out into song and performs a Bollywood solo. After this, everything in her life seems brighter and the solos become more frequent as Sonali struggles to control her emotions. Everyone is acting like it's all normal, but Sonali knows something is wrong and she has to figure out what before her Bollywooditis becomes permanent.
While at first glance this book appears to be a fun, whimsical novel about a girl whose life suddenly becomes a Bollywood movie, its message is so much deeper than that. Kelkar expertly uses the filmi magic and Sonali's story to teach readers about the importance of expressing our feelings and talking about what is troubling us. It also deals with divorce and changing friendships. I enjoyed the filmi magic and the fact that though Sonali wasn't always truthful with her friends, her pain and struggle is apparent to the reader. I think she is a character that many readers will be able to relate and connect to.
Sonali has always had a hard time sharing her feelings. Ever since she can remember, her father has drilled into her that their family business is their business and no one else's. Because of this, she bottles up her feelings and tells everyone she is okay. This is the exact opposite of the Bollywood movies she loves where everyone's emotions are apparent and the lyrics reflect their feelings. Now, Sonali's parents are separating and her life is turned upside down. First, background music appears (and no one but Sonali thinks it's weird). Then, during a school field trip, Sonali bursts out into song and performs a Bollywood solo. After this, everything in her life seems brighter and the solos become more frequent as Sonali struggles to control her emotions. Everyone is acting like it's all normal, but Sonali knows something is wrong and she has to figure out what before her Bollywooditis becomes permanent.
While at first glance this book appears to be a fun, whimsical novel about a girl whose life suddenly becomes a Bollywood movie, its message is so much deeper than that. Kelkar expertly uses the filmi magic and Sonali's story to teach readers about the importance of expressing our feelings and talking about what is troubling us. It also deals with divorce and changing friendships. I enjoyed the filmi magic and the fact that though Sonali wasn't always truthful with her friends, her pain and struggle is apparent to the reader. I think she is a character that many readers will be able to relate and connect to.
October 11, 2022
Sonali has learned all too well from her father that she must never show her feelings or let anyone else know what is going on in her family--her father doesn't want people knowing that his sister had cancer, or that he and Sonali's mother fight continually and are now separating. So Sonali holds it all in (unlike her emotional younger brother), which infuriates her best friend, Zara. She thinks friends should tell each other how they feel, and can't stand that Sonali is like a brick wall. But then, something happens to Sonali. She and her family love old Bollywood movies, but now, Sonali's life seems to be turning into one! Suddenly she's dancing and singing, with a mysterious wind ruffling her glorious hair, and her room has gotten a Bollywood makeover, and on and on. The worst thing is, everyone else thinks this is normal life--no one believes Sonali that things weren't always like this. She has to figure out a way to stop the "filmi" (sp?) magic before the world is permanently changed.
2.5 stars. This was a short story idea artificially elongated into a repetitive novel. Sonali is like Johnny One-Note--she goes on and on about how to stop the magic, and how she can't show her feelings, and it is SUPER OBVIOUS to readers that she has to start showing her feelings, and why is she so incredibly dense for months on months, chapter on chapter. I think that if the magic weren't there, it would be a better book, because the drama is all there in the fracturing family and friendship dynamics. And what is the point of having Bollywood magic if it is utterly stripped of its joy and cathartic melodrama and chaotically cheerful brightness, and turns into a burden to overcome? Not a win for me overall, unfortunately.
2.5 stars. This was a short story idea artificially elongated into a repetitive novel. Sonali is like Johnny One-Note--she goes on and on about how to stop the magic, and how she can't show her feelings, and it is SUPER OBVIOUS to readers that she has to start showing her feelings, and why is she so incredibly dense for months on months, chapter on chapter. I think that if the magic weren't there, it would be a better book, because the drama is all there in the fracturing family and friendship dynamics. And what is the point of having Bollywood magic if it is utterly stripped of its joy and cathartic melodrama and chaotically cheerful brightness, and turns into a burden to overcome? Not a win for me overall, unfortunately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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