Have been following Jyoti Chand on social media and was thrilled to get my hands on her 1st book. This book addresses so many issue 1st generation American born immigrants face. Irrespective of which nationality they belong to teenage hormones, peer pressure and desire to fit in and be accepted is such a common concern. She has put it so beautifully. Its not just a good read for young adults its great for adults too. Unknowingly we do things that might push our teenager away from us and into society that is ready to tear them apart.

I will for sure buy a copy and let my kids read when they are mature enough.

Incredible graphic novel! This one deals with so many issues facing young people today -- might benefit from trigger warnings, but real, honest, and encouraging.

This was so hard to read because I could relate a lot to Nitasha and life in high school. Being Indian, I could also relate a lot to the family dynamics and the role of the "Indian daughter," but not in an American setting. Really loved this.

4.5 stars, rounded down

I have followed Jyoti on social media for a few years, so when I saw her soon-to-release graphic novel on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to take a peek at the ARC.

I was sold with the description of "perfect for fans of Never Have I Ever since I absolutely adored and devoured that show on Netflix. Aside from having a main character that is an Indian high schooler trying to navigate their coming of age, Fitting Indian certainly tackled some different (and even heavier) issues than NHIE did, and it was better than I expected it to be.

Do be mindful of the trigger warnings because much of the storyline focuses on insecurity, self-harm, alcoholism, and suicide. I thought it was all addressed really well, though I did knock off a half-star for how tidy the recovery process was portrayed.

I absolutely loved this. The art is stunning, and the design of the main character reminded me of Arasha Lalani, which made her feel even more real to me. The story itself broke my heart. I read it in a café, and by the end, I had tears running down my face in public.

What struck me most was how carefully and realistically the story was told. While some plot points were expected (it is a teen story, after all), the final recovery arc was beautifully handled and deeply moving. The small details throughout the narrative made it feel incredibly authentic. Like the line, “What are you two doing sitting in the sun getting dark?” It wasn’t even explicitly addressed, but it spoke volumes about Nitasha’s life and the pressures she faces.

The story explores how hard it is to break away from deep-rooted familial traditions and find the strength to stand up for yourself. I also appreciated that the so-called teen villains were just teens in the end—not cartoonish bullies, but real people navigating their own struggles. And while the ending was predictable (the girl gets the boy), it felt earned and deeply satisfying.

Yes this is a romance, but it’s also a story about the messiness of human relationships. There are no clear heroes or villains, just people with complex inner lives. It’s a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated story.

Oh this was so much!! So many feelings! The art style was excellent, and the story was difficult but so well executed. Making a graphic novel about mental health, particularly suicide attempts, is difficult to do well, but this one absolutely did.

Rep: Indian MC and side characters

Spice: none, but discussion of sex

Tw: revenge porn, cyber bullying, teen drinking, self harm, attempted suicide, 72 hour psych hold, discussion of past suicide attempts, discussion of suicidal ideation

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily. There are some trigger warnings for this book: depression, anxiety, self-harm, alcohol abuse, suicide attempt.

Fitting Indian is such a powerful graphic novel for teens. It deals with so many of the issues teens feel today, including self-harming, alcohol abuse, and anxiety and depression. Nitasha, the main character, comes from a South Asian family that does not talk about anything of importance, especially mental health issues.

There’s a video of Nitasha in her underwear, dancing on a table, drunk out of her skull. Someone films this with their phone and next thing you know, it’s gone viral. This causes Nitasha to spiral to a very dark place. Her parents are mortified. Fortunately, her older brother is a doctor and gets her some help, along with help from friends and a therapist.

This is such a powerful and important graphic novel for readers of all ages, regardless of their background.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Before diving into *Fitting Indian*, I highly recommend readers take a moment to read the content warnings. This graphic novel explores some heavy, deeply emotional themes that deserve to be approached with care.

That said, this book was absolutely beautiful. The storytelling delivers so much depth—it doesn’t shy away from the real, often painful issues that many teenagers face. It also tackles the weight of generational trauma and the courage it takes to break cultural stigmas in such a powerful and authentic way.

One of the standout elements for me was the coloring. Every page was stunning—visually rich, expressive, and incredibly intentional in how it supported the emotional tone of each scene.

I also adored the mother-daughter relationship. It was layered, heartfelt, and so impactful to witness as it developed.

Overall, this was such a meaningful and moving read. I’m so glad I picked it up and I honestly can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy—it’s one I’ll definitely want to revisit and keep on my shelf

Fav quote:
I made a lotus.
A lotus grows deep in the mud, yet it emerges so pure and beautiful.
It symbolizes new beginnings.
I had a hard year.
I was in the mud, but I grew from it, even though I was in there awhile. Lotus flowers never grow alone. They bloom one after another. I couldn't have come out of the mud without my family.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher
HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperAlle for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a well-written graphic novel that sheds light on the struggles girls face in many Indian households. Told through beautiful illustrations, I was deeply moved by the characters.

As an Indian reading about an Indian girl, I felt a deep connection to the story. It made me very emotional, and I even teared up a bit. Even now, mental health awareness isn’t fully normalized, and in many places, daughters are still not treated equally to sons simply because of their gender.

This is a good book that explores important topics that need to be discussed. Telling the story through illustrations makes it even more impactful and easier to understand without losing its depth. It's a quick read, and I highly recommend it to everyone to see it through this teenage girl's perspective.

This book made me cry too much. That's not bad, I just didn't expect it. I understood the main character when it came to mental health and her handling. It was a read I feel needs to be read. I highly recommend this book!

Jyoti Chand’s *Fitting Indian* is a heartfelt and humorous coming-of-age novel that explores identity, cultural expectations, and self-acceptance through the lens of a first-generation Indian American protagonist. Blending witty storytelling with deep emotional insights, Chand crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place between two worlds.

The novel follows the journey of a young Indian American woman navigating the complexities of her dual identity. Caught between the traditions of her immigrant family and the pressures of American society, she grapples with career choices, relationships, and personal ambitions—all while trying to meet her family’s expectations. Chand’s writing shines in its ability to balance humor with poignant moments of self-discovery, making the protagonist’s struggles feel both relatable and deeply personal.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its authentic portrayal of the cultural push-and-pull experienced by many children of immigrants. Chand captures the nuances of family dynamics, the pressures of living up to an idealized version of Indian culture, and the sometimes-hilarious misunderstandings that arise from straddling two different worlds. The novel’s humor is sharp yet never cruel, allowing readers to laugh while also empathizing with the protagonist’s challenges.

Beyond its cultural themes, *Fitting Indian* is a universal story of self-acceptance and growth. The protagonist’s journey is not just about reconciling her heritage with her American identity, but also about realizing that she doesn’t have to “fit” into any singular mold to be happy. This message of embracing one’s unique path is what makes the novel so impactful.

Overall, *Fitting Indian* is a refreshing, entertaining, and heartfelt read that will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction, especially those who enjoy stories about cultural identity and personal growth. Jyoti Chand’s debut is both thought-provoking and delightfully fun, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds.

I feel like a lot of people are going to connect with this book because there are so many cultures that think mental health should not be discussed or that it’s not even a real problem in the first place. This book really demonstrated how important it is to have support from not only family and friends but also a wider community because eventually someone we love will hurt us and we need other people that we can turn to for advice and care.

I really appreciated how open Chand was to showing the realities of being a teenager who has a sex drive and friend drama and undeveloped coping skills because so many teens live it every single day and they need to know they aren’t alone or stuck.

A brilliantly executed debut graphic novel by @mamajotes.
It was a n amazing read, with real emotional moments and felt so honest in it's content.
Lots of triggers in this one, but it tackles all the sensitive topics so well. Jyoti Chand has done a wonderful job of highlighting the importance of discussions around mental health, physical desires and alcohol addiction in the South Asian communities.
Following her content on Instagram, I have always found it a fresh realistic take on life and have greatly appreciated the unfiltered way she has presented her South Asian American Life with all it's beauty, chaos and vulnerabilities. So I was extremely excited and keen to read this book. I am happy to say that it was truly a step in the right direction, and I would look forward to seeing more of her in the literary world.
Kudos on a job well done!

Also a special shout-out to Tara Anand for her graphic art. It is vivid, eye catching and absolutely immerses the reader into Nitasha's world.

I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Alley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I'm not crying, you are!!
This book will really get you in the feels if you've ever had to experience anxiety and depression, especially when you have to hide it from everyone close to you. It does have triggering moments so be safe if you wish to read it.

Received a free copy from NetGalley.

Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand is a ground-breaking coming of age story that breaks the chains of generational trauma. From trying to fit in to not hiding what you’re going through, this graphic novel depicts a myriad of teenage struggles along with the cultural experience of being in a South Asian household. I know many teens out there will read this and learn they belong, their feelings are valid, they are not alone, and to be yourself. This book depicts talk of mental health, self-harm, and banishment. I love the group therapy scene with Nitasha’s (the main character) mother standing up and finally speaking out about her experience and being there for her child that was going through something similar. I also loved the depiction of Nitasha slowly building up her boundaries and refusing to let the generational trauma pull her into line after rehabilitation. 10/10 A read well worth reading again.

Fitting Indian was such a hard-hitting graphic novel that really speaks to the experience of growing up as a first-gen daughter of an immigrant family -- specifically of a South Asian family. It was a great conversation about the ways the stigmatization of mental health hold us back and hurt us, and how freeing and healing it is to break that cycle and seek help in community. This was a beautiful story and I'm so glad I got to experience it.

An at times intense story that explores parental expectations, rebellion, and the lack of openness about mental health concerns within Asian communities. Everything ties up a bit too nicely with a bow to feel real, but the conclusion does provide immense help. Excellent resources for readers experiencing mental health concerns are included. TW: self harm, attempted suicide, alcohol abuse, and domestic violence.

This novel was a hard hitting piece. It didn't pull any punches when it came to the realities of mental health in the South Asian community. Nitasha's being pushed towards unrealistic goals is one that is seen a lot in media featuring South Asians. This is often especially true for girls.

What isn't often shown is the way some teens struggle to cope with these pressures. I've not seen the the abuse of alcohol on page before, though I'm sure it happens in these communities. I was especially surprised to see the cutting on page as well. Because again it doesn't come up very often in media about this demographic but I'm sure it happens.

I also especially liked the way Nitasha's mother's story was brought into the piece. It is shown later on that Nitasha isn't the only one that has struggled with mental health issues. Her mother becomes a staunch ally and helps her effect change in their community. Despite her father's insistence that they keep things quiet.

Her father does eventually come around though and I like the way that is addressed as well. Overall, this is a great piece for the art. It is also commendable for the story and the hard-hitting look at mental health in South Asian communities.

I would suggest this for older teens. Especially those from this background or who don't have a supportive family. I'd rate this book four stars. It was very

Nitasha is expected to be the perfect Indian daughter. She must listen to her parents no matter what they say, become a doctor, and a good Indian wife. In certain cultures, there are mental health stigmas and Nitasha is growing up in one. How she feels and the culture she has grown up in does not mesh and it causes her undue anxiety and depression. Like any normal teenager, Nitasha makes bad choices and spirals. If you give this one a chance, you will find a very touching story. It is worth the read.

#ThxNetGalley #JyotiChand #FittingIndian

A graphic novel has NEVER made me cry before, and I bawled at least 3 times! This is a powerful, heartfelt, and moving story of a south asian teen navigating high school and family pressure while balancing tradition and culture with self expression and individuality. Nitasha never feels American enough to feel accepted by her peers or Indian enough to feel accepted by her family or community. You watch painfully as Nitasha spirals down with lies, self-harm, smoking, and drinking. This book addresses the stigma of mental health in the Indian community, and I loved watching not only Nitasha, but her family and friends learn and grow together to better support each other. I cried both happy and sad tears while reading this book. I can't even begin to imagine how incredibly validating and uplifting this story will be to other teens struggling with similar cultural expectations and pressures. As a white woman, I won't be able to truly understand, but I am grateful for the opportunity to read stories like Nitasha's to learn more about what others may have gone through/are going through.