MAYA IN MULTICOLOR

A college romance with festivities at its heart.

Maya Sastry’s first week at Neadham University starts off in a hopeful way, with a meet-cute involving a boy with “heart-melting dimples” who helps her after she drops all her notebooks on the ground. However, despite this promising beginning, self-centered gamer Thomas turns out to most definitely not be the man of Maya’s dreams. Instead, Indian American Maya puts all her effort into her classes, baking, and putting together the best Holi bash Neadham has ever seen. As it turns out, getting involved with the Hindu Student Association’s event committee means working with gorgeous, charming upperclassman Nishant Rai. He and Maya have what seem to be very different plans for both the festival and life. Nishant, who’s a DJ, is imagining an “EDM festival meets old-fashioned Holi dance party with bhang,” a traditional drink containing ground cannabis. To Maya, Holi is a meaningful time, “the festival of renewal. A time to celebrate life and love…traditional and nostalgic.” But ideas meld, as do lives, and what follows is the distinct possibility of romance. The story, which is populated by a cast of well-sketched characters, explores the leads’ personal insecurities and toxic exes alongside the vagaries of college life and event planning. A small amount of family baggage gets checked in as well. Altogether these elements make for a bright and fun read.

A story of self-discovery and falling in love, with a dash of color and a sprinkle of breeziness.