THE BOYFRIEND WISH

A wish for the perfect boyfriend causes a teen to rethink all her plans.

Seventeen-year-old South Indian American Deepa Josyula is on a mission to have the “perfect Edison High School experience.” She and best friend Lily even have The List filled with items to accomplish. But Deepa’s junior year isn’t going according to plan, thanks to a disastrous day that includes romantic rejection and being paired on a student council project with childhood nemesis (and neighbor) Vikram Mehta. Luckily, Amamma, her grandmother, gifts her the last jasmine bloom from their garden. According to Amamma, it’ll grant her heart’s greatest desire. Skeptical Deepa wishes for the boyfriend of her dreams. Enter Rohit D’Souza, the very handsome new boy next door, who not only looks just like the inspiration photo for her perfect boyfriend but also ticks off very specific details from The List. Deepa might have become a believer. To prove to the universe that she’s “earned the blessing” she’s been granted, Deepa creates a plan to woo Rohit. But is “picture perfect” enough? And what of the boy who’s always been next door? Caught up in her penchant for planning, Deepa will need to live in the moment and learn that a little chaos can be OK—great even. Filled with classic rom-com scenarios, this novel has plenty to delight readers. Deepa makes for an engaging lead, and her journey toward embracing uncertainty is satisfying.

Charming.