It All Comes Back to You

A year after their mother’s death, rising UPenn freshman Kiran Noorani isn’t thrilled when her sister Amira reveals her impending marriage and subsequent move. Worse, however, is when she discovers that the groom’s younger brother is Kiran’s “one and only ex,” Deen Malik. Online, Kiran and Deen anonymously talk nightly through their game personas in MMO game Cambria, but in real life, Deen’s abandonment of Kiran three years ago has left an indelible mark on their bond. Alternating chapters reveal both of their emotional lives: though Kiran has been accepted to UPenn’s premed track, she yearns to be a dancer. And even though Deen is a dedicated student, his troubles at home, past and present, prevent him from achieving his best. All the while, the mystery of why Deen ghosted Kiran years ago hovers throughout the story, building tension and moving the narrative along at a fast pace. Readers familiar with Bollywood tropes may foresee some plot points, but Rishi (I Hope You Get This Message) brings nuance and freshness to the familiar You’ve Got Mail dynamic with desi Muslim teenagers in this deftly layered novel. Ages 13–up. (Sept.)