This will be a classic YA for this generation. The plot mostly takes place over one night, but the pacing is superb. Reading this book was like reading a hug, even with the conflicts and disagreements. Navdeep Singh Dhillon is a marvelous writer, I can't wait to enjoy what he writes next. Thanks to NetGalley and Dial Books for the early edition.

This was such a fun debut novel! I loved learning about Punjabi culture through the eyes of an own voices author. I laughed out loud multiple times. This book is perfect for fans of cosplay! Not only is it a fun read, but it has an impactful subplot about grief around alcoholism and death of a family member. I really enjoyed this book!

This wonderful YA contemporary that reminded me of some of my favorite classics like ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’ and ‘The Sun is Also a Star’. Two individuals who are brought together in a moment in time under different circumstances, in turn they share an unforgettable night.
I appreciated the representation, I appreciated the realness, of what some would call reality.
A young boy, is figuring out life, after losing his older brother. Finding a new norm, if there is one. But there’s one thing he does know, he’s ready to be fearless. To take risks, and start taking chances.
It’s the beginning of an unforgettable night to be, and the most unexpected friendship you can imagine.
I loved this adventure, it was both cheer worthy, and emotional.

I tried, but I could barely get through the twenty pages which I always read before giving a thumbs down to a book. I could develop no sympathy for our "hero", because my background is different from his, I was to able to picture all those articles of clothing he was describing, and I saw no reason why the "f bomb" was dropped so often. Too many books on my to be read list to spend time with this one.

2.5 Stars


Given the synopsis, I thought I would instantly fall in love with Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions.

Instead, I felt lost.

Between the cosplay, anime, fandom, heavy metal and comic book references, I felt like I was reading a foreign language. Navdeep Singh Dhillon’s pacing and tone seemed on point, but everything is so interconnected that my lack of interest in the above ended up overshadowing the true storyline.

I read about 20 percent of the book before moving on to something else. Perhaps if I had been able to get to know the characters better before delving into and the other stuff, I might have liked the novel better. Or maybe it just wasn’t a good fit, which is more likely the case.

I suggest checking the book out from the library or reading the sample pages provided by the publisher on places like Amazon prior to purchase to ensure a good fit.

After the death of his brother, Sunny decides to reinvent himself and make a series of rash decisions. This book takes place over a 24 hour period where he sets off on his adventure to change himself and makes some friends along the way.

One thing in particular that I loved about this book was Sunny. Not only was he a fun and endearing character, it was also interesting to learn about his Sikh Punjabi culture. This book captures Sunny’s friend and his brother’s alcoholism in a way that is raw and real and vulnerable in so many ways. There were a lot of references to fandoms that were a bit over my head at times and it was a bit slow during certain sections. Overall, this book was a fun adventure and a great story of a boy finding himself through his grief.

Thanks to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This book really touched my heart. I absolutely love the characters, the way they connected and found their own while still going through their own things. I love the writing and the overall plot. .

I liked this book which is about Sikh boy who changed himself and decides to fill up his brother's rash decisions with a girl. It's so amazingly to see a Punjabi author write a book with a Sikh main character. As a Sikh myself, I enjoyed seeing this representation come to life because there aren't many books out here with Indian/Sikh representation.

For the writing, I have to say that it kind of felt more middle grade. It's not something I have read when it comes to contemporary romance and I don't know if it's because the MC is a boy and I'm a woman which makes it hard to feel what the MC is feeling. The storyline was very well done with many conflicts thrown into the story. Also there is a great amount of diversity in this book that I enjoyed as I learned about different cultures. I do have to say that the beginning was a tad slow for me and it did take me a while to get into the book. The story was very heartwarming and the only problem I had with the writing style was that it kind of felt middle gradish for me.

The main character in this book is Sunny who is the stuttering Sikh boy. I really enjoyed his character as he had a journey that was filled with grief and he grew throughout it. I enjoyed his character development in the book and his story. There are also many side characters in this book that I enjoyed. The main side character is Mindii and I enjoyed learning her Hmong culture. She was such a great friend for Sunny and I loved how she was such a supporting person. There is romance in this book which is friends to lovers trope. It wasn't my favorite romance and I rate it 0.5/5 level of steaminess.

I enjoyed the ending of this book as it was left open ended. Sunny has to still process the grief of his but he has friends to help him. This book was overall well written even though I didn't enjoy the pacing, romance and the middle grade style vibe. I will still of course read more books by the author in the future as I would love to see more Sikh representations in YA novels. I recommend reading this book to expend your diversity and learning about the Sikh culture.

Friends, I really need to stick away from books that straight up say fandom in the blurb. Because honestly, this sounded like a really awesome book, and it was, except I keep getting caught up on fandoms and fanfic. I know there are audiences that love it, but I am not them. I really did like Dhillon's writing style though so I will be checking out future works!

When I need a change from my usual mysteries and murder reading, I pick up a YA novel. The publisher's description of Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions sounded great - "For fans of Sandhya Menon and Adam Silvera, a prom-night romantic-comedy romp about a Sikh teen's search for love and identity." I adore rom-coms and quirky, out of step characters.

Dhillon's novel focuses on one night in Sunny's life - prom night. It's not somewhere Sunny expected to ever be, but he's trying to be different, live differently and grab life. So, he cuts his hair, dumps his turban and starts to make a list of things/decisions that are 'rash'. The impetus behind this is the death of his older brother.

I liked Sunny and think everyone could identify with his insecurities and his bravery in trying to step out of his comfort zone. I enjoyed learning about Sikh culture and customs. This Dhillon's debut novel and I do think he wrote a good story.

But I was unaware how much of the book cosplay, gaming etc takes up. It's not a world, trend or area I'm familiar with. Or interested in. I kept reading, but found myself starting to skim those descriptions/settings as it felt repetitive to me.

I called it a day at about 100 pages in. I did flip to the end to make sure there was a good ending. ;0)

So, I think this was a case of wrong reader for a right book. I don't feel like I can give a star rating, but it won't let me post without one, so I'll go with three.

It's not often that I miss the mark with choosing books to review. I appreciate the DRC.

3.5. I wanted to love this, and there are parts I genuinely adored. The representation is wonderful (Sink Punjabi, Hmong, British Nigerian, etc.), and as a fan of Bollywood films I internally squealed at the references to the 90s/2000s South Asian flicks. The bits about grief and dealing with a family member with alcoholism are also poignant and emotional. What I couldn't get into was the pacing. Sunny's inner dialogue feels frenetic and confusing, making it tough to follow at times. The romance also feels a little lackluster, though Mindii is a fun character.

Ultimately, the story doesn't quite balance of heavy topics and light pop culture references, but it's still a great read for the representation alone.

In place of his older brother Goldy’s remembrance, Sunny Gill goes to prom. He carries this notebook that belonged to Goldy as a keepsake, something to hold onto, something that would bring Sunny closer to him. Until it’s been stolen, and his series of rash decisions become a night-full of adventure, newly acquired cultural knowledge, and culinary experiences… only to discover a whole other side to his brother that he never knew.

For one, Punjabi representation. For two, the melting pot of cultures and subcultures that were also brought to light in the story. I learned about Nigeria, Ghana, Hmong, with snippets of Cambodia (hmm yes, donuts and pink boxes!). It was an adventurous story, but also packed with heavier themes that included death of family members and alcoholism being a disease. It was a bonding experience between the two main characters, and all the cosplay and fanfic details made it fun and nerdy (which I appreciated). Ultimately, I gathered it was about finding peace—change is never easy.

“Don’t just let life pass you by wondering what if. BE the if.”

Readers will be drawn in by this romcom prom night romp. After the death of his brother, Sunny G is trying to rebrand himself. He stopped wearing his turban and shaved his beard. Now he’s at prom, leaning into the promise of prom presented by romcoms from Bollywood favorites to 16 Candles. It doesn’t go as planned until he runs into Mindii. She turns his list of rash decisions into an all night adventure that has them sampling from cultures and experiences all over Fresno. What starts as a motorcycle riding, roller skating adventure evolves through a cultural sampling of Hmong sausage and boba tea, a lesson on Jollof Rice, & the celebration of a death anniversary. They end up at a cosplay session, “borrowing” an ice cream truck, and attending an open mic night poetry slam. Along the way Sunny G learns about himself, discovers a budding romance with Mindii, and learns some new things about his brother.

This big hearted book is reminiscent of Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist. There is a lot going on and frenetic pacing as Sunny and Mindii bounce from rash decision to rash decision. But, this book could be handed to middle school readers since the rash decisions allow for growth, understanding and friendship. The romance is lowkey. CW: Sunny G’s brother died of self induced alcohol poisoning. Discussion of his alcoholism is part of what Sunny G is managing. And there is a fair amount of profanity. But it has given Sunny a good understanding and convinced him to avoid drinking and the disasters that go with it. A fun, light hearted read that manages tough topics with a light touch, encouraging readers to lean into what they love, take risks to cultivate their authentic self, and focus on people who encourage and respect them. Sure to be a hit with readers who enjoyed Field Guide to the North American Teenager, Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love, and From Twinkle, With Love.

Who says angsty can't be fun??

Well, this book proved the haters wrong and delivered all the goods in a YA coming-of-age fashion!

I really enjoyed it that I will reread it again in physical copy that arrived last week.

Sunny G takes place in a day of making rash decisions after finding his brothers journal. You see his brother has died and Sunny has stumbled upon a journal he had behind his bookshelf from the time he had gone to rehab. This one book is what leads Sunny to reinvent himself to be more like his brother. He shaves his beard and removes his turban and puts a fun blonde streak in his hair. He even shows up at prom instead of a big event with his best friend. On his way to re-evaluate himself, Mindii steal the journal and the two of them have an adventure.

I really liked reading a book where I could submerse myself into someone else’s culture and learn some things. This book deals with grief, alcoholism, and rediscovery. The hardships of family and losing someone so close to you. I liked the relationship that developed between Sunny and Mindii. It was funny and sort of had the light hearted-ness only one could imagine to have to deal with grief. I also loved the Comic-Con appeal and Last Air Bender references.

Thank you so much, NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Dial Books, for the chance to read and review this book in exchange of an honest review.

Sunny G's brother left him a notebook when he died and Sunny is determined to fill it with his rash decisions, like stop wearing his turban, cut off his hair, shaving his beard and he will not look like a Sikh anymore. Or like himself, for that matter. When he decides to skip the big fandom's party, where he would normally be in cosplay and play with his band and best friend Nzogi, and to go to the prom, everything changes, expecially when he meets Mindii Vang. After stealing Sunny's notebook, Mindii and Sunny will find themselves in a night filled with adventures, wonderful and rash decisions and life changing ones.

Sunny G's series of rash decisions is funny, intriguing and a very joy to read. The story is a simple one, but it's filled with a series of important and rash decisions that will change a teen's life forever, all in a prom night. I loved reading this book, it was impossible not to love Sunny and Mindii and their adventures. I adored Sunny's journey in changing himself, while trying to understand and get who he is, in a search of identity and, also, love. Full of heart and funny moment, this book is a gem you absolutely can't miss. I love the characterization and even if the story is swift I loved the pacing, it felt really right for the whole book.
Moving, intriguing and beautiful, this book will stay with you for a long while.

I love reading books about culture different from my own, because it brings me into a world that I've never experienced and teaches me something. Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions did just that for me.

In this heartwarming and fast-paced novel takes place over a day, Sunny is hoping to completely reinvent himself after his brother's tragic death. The only thing Sunny has left of his brother is a notebook and he decides to make a series of rash decisions in order to live life to the fullest, which is far from his usual personality. When Sunny meets Mindii, the night starts to get interesting and what ensues is a journey of self-discovery and fun.

This is the first book I've read with a Sikh Punjabi main character. Sunny was such a fun hero and I found him incredibly endearing. From his stutter to his loyalty to friends and family, Sunny grew as a character (even in such a short timespan of the story). I appreciated his grief journey and how frank and honest he spoke about it throughout the book. I found myself highlighting many passages, as they are helpful with my own grief journey. I also loved Mindii's portrayal as reckless and impulsive, but then also enjoyed learning about her Hmong culture and history.

Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions was a fun and entertaining YA novel. It publishes February 8.

CWs: Alcoholism/Alcohol discussion and consumption, ableism, addiction to alcohol (side characters), bullying, child death, death, death of grandparent, grief, racial slurs, racism, xenophobia.

Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was such a great story, very heartwarming. Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions takes place in the course of one 24 hour ish period. Sunny has decided to reinvent himself after the death of his brother. The only thing he has left is his brother's notebook and he decides he needs to be more like him. To do this he's determined to make several rash decisions since his brother was always more impulsive than him.

He kicks this off by showing up to his high school Prom instead of going to the big fandom event with his best friend Ngozi and playing in their band. But when Mindii steals his notebook, he has to go after her. The two end up on a whirlwind all night adventure.

Y'all this book was so fun. Sunny and Mindii were so cute and so fun together. I loved seeing them get to know each other past the friendly school acquaintances. This was such a fast past book and the time frame of ~24 hours only added to it. This was such a love letter to all things nerd and specifically Avatar: the Last Airbender. Oh my god there were so many references to ATLA and I was living for it!

The ending of this is more open than I normally would prefer, but it really worked for this book. Sunny is still processing his grief, and learning to deal with his brother's alcoholism. He's also stressed because most of his friends are leaving while he still has another year of high school.

I loved this one so much. Between the disability rep and the relationships that develop in this book, it had my whole heart. Also seeing Ngozi make heart eyes at cute girls was such a damn mood. Definitely excited to see what Dhillon writes next.

Rep: Sikh Indian-American cishet male MC with a stutter, Hmong cishet female love interest, Sikh Indian-American gay male alcoholic side character (deceased), Sikh Indian-American gay male side character, multiple Sikh Indian immigrant side characters, Nigerian-British sapphic female side character.

CWs: Alcoholism/Alcohol discussion and consumption, ableism, addiction to alcohol (side characters), bullying, child death, death, death of grandparent, grief, racial slurs, racism, xenophobia.

Thank you Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an ebook of Navdeep Singh Dhillon’s SUNNY G’S SERIES OF RASH DECISIONS, a YA romcom that’s out on February 8!

It’s hard to believe everything that happens in this book is all on one night, the supposed-most-important night of any American high schooler’s night: prom night. Or so Sunny G thinks as he prepares for it by cutting and dying his hair, shaving off his beard, leaving his turban at home, and skipping a cosplay party that his best friend is currently at. His big plans are ruined when Mindii Vang comes in and steals his crocheted cosplay bag, along with the notebook that Sunny’s brother left him before he died. Thus begins a night of rash decisions that upends all of Sunny’s normal inclinations to overthink, to try and fit in, to update his socials and wait for likes, and to be something he is not. If you nerded out in high school—this is your crowd. Sunny and Mindii share a wholesome love for anime cosplay, crochet, and Bollywood films, as well as a penchant for talking history at every opportune moment.

The book painted a thorough picture of its characters and backdrops; there’s a diversity of characters represented that gives a wonderful view of Fresno—definitely a result of the author’s own trans-continental experiences over the years. From the acknowledgments, it looks like Sunny’s stutter comes from the author’s own experiences (yes!!!). But I did feel a little overwhelmed with the amount of things happening. In one night, Sunny doesn’t just let loose and come to terms with himself, his stutter, and his changing friendships, but he also begins to grieve and confront his feelings around his brother’s alcoholism while wheeling through prom, donut and pastry shops, romance, the cosplay party, a couple of history lessons, and his brother’s barsi marking the anniversary of his passing.

While not all parts of this book worked for me, I enjoyed the journey and can definitely see many teens finding comfort and joy in Sunny’s adventures ❤️

Sunny G's Series of Rash Decisions follows Sunny a Sikh, who has lost his brother to alcoholism. He has decided to live life to the fullest starting with going to prom. On his many exploits, he is joined by his new friend, Mindii whose family is Asian, but owns a Parisian bakery. I really enjoyed reading this book and following Sunny and Mindii along on their different trips to places they hadn't visited before, trying things they hadn't tried before. The writing was fast-paced making the book a fast read. the friendship between Sunny and Mindii felt genuine rather than forced like some books do. The characters are well thought out. Sunny is so gosh-darn likable in his innocence. All in all, it is a great book to sit down with on a Saturday morning with coffee in hand.