Rating: 
Summary: A Revolutionary Read
Review: This is a beautifully written story about a young woman coming of age. Dimple Lala experiences both the more familiar angst of growing up in the West as well as the more complex dilemma of growing up American with an Indian heritage. You will fall in love with the characters in this poetic work; you will cry with them, introspect with them, and laugh hard with them. Yes, if you are of Indian heritage you will "get" more of this story. And, you will just adore Dimple's parents. If your heritage is of another beautiful place, you will still be mesmerized by Dimple's journey and you will care to reach the end with her.
Rating:
Summary: much more than culture barrier issues
Review: When I first glanced at the summary of this amazing book, I thought that it was going to be another sappy teen romance with a twist of culture talk. A few short pages into the book, I was both surprised and hooked. The book focuses on the story of Dimple Lala, American born but with deep Indian roots. Her best friend is the "Marilyn Monroe for this generation" and each has something that the other finds irresistable. When Dimple's parents decide to find her a suitable Indian boy, it all goes downhill- not only is the boy suitable for Dimple, but her best friend sets her sights on him also. What is surprising about the book is that it is more about Dimple realizing that it is wonderful for her to be photo-taking self, expressing herself through her insightful photography. The story is as much about cross gender issues, cross-generational issues, how to deal with family and friends that seem both to close and to far away. It also exposes the insatiable american craving for the cultural traditions of other countries. While some parents might find certain elements unattractive, its difficult issues are presented with care and truth. I certainly would encourage both those who have difficulty fitting in, whatever culture they may hail from, as well as those who seem to find their place so easily because it truly is a book for everyone.
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Summary: My Favorite Book.
Review: Born Confused enlightened me about the wonders of the Hindu culture. This is my favorite book of all history. I fell in love with Dimple's character/personality. This book really expanded my boundaries of thinking and helped me think "out of the box," so to speak. Born Confused was a perfect example of one of the book's prime themes: Sometimes you have to lose yourself to be found. My only negative comment is this: When's the sequel, Tanuja?!
Rating:
Summary: ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!
Review: this book was fantastic! i'm not even of indian descent and i could relate to the conflict of trying to be part of two different cultures. i learned more about another culture that i've always been interested in, and i got to get help with my own teen-angst type problems about finding your indentity and dealing with relationships. if only i knew a guy like that karsh fellow...P.S.- EVERYONE MUST READ THIS BOOK, AND GET TANUJA DESAI HIDIER'S CD, which is based on the book. it's good. ok, i've said my bit.
Rating: 
Summary: Gives a wrong impression of Indians
Review: Very, very substandard - in my opinion. Could not read beyond a few pages.
Anonymous.
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Summary: THE BEST BOOK EVER, IMHO!
Review: I've read this book 3 times. The first time I thought it was slightly strange but somewhat enjoyed the plot. The second time I read it, I picked up on so much more and begin to truly appreciate the subtleties of the author's writing style. It's written in almost a poetic prose, with no quotations breaking up the clean lines, just simple dashes. At first this bothered me, but I soon got used to it. Today I just finished the book for the third time and have decided I've never read a better book. Desai Hidier's style is so beautiful, I drank in every word. I lived through the feelings of Dimple, but more just appreciated the hidden humor and enchanting wording. I think it's destined to be a great piece of classic literature.
Rating:
Summary: The BEST!!!!!!!!!
Review: I don't care what anyone else said about this book. I have read it 3 times, and I think that it is awesome. So what if it is a teenager-driven book, it is not ment for intellectual harvard grads to nitpick. I am 16, and I am a pretty tough judge of books, but I thought that this book was great. You love Dimple, hate her friend Gwen, and vice versa, throughout the whole book. It's no Da Vinci Code, but if you're looking for a great book that is fun and dramatic, then choose this one. FIVE STARS!
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Summary: Ugh. x _ x
Review: This book just disgusted me. I am what the book termed as am 'abcd' but without the "c". I was born in India and yet I raised here, and found the book highly lacking in most aspects. She goes to the movies with a guy, gets drunk, the guy tries to sleep with her, and the feelings she feel are..embarressment!?! and worse yet, she wants to go out with him AGAIN!? is she mad! and gwyn seems nothing but a control freak. ugh. I also didn't like the fact that it seemed she didn't know any type of indian culture perhaps besides the food and the jewlery. It might be different for other desi's residing in america / canada, but my parents insist on cultural traditions, and it's impossible to walk in the neighborhood without seeing some other desi friends of mine. I myself do dance and have been doing it since i was 6 years old. The book is totally unrealistic, the supposed 17 year old has thoughts and feelings of a 12 year old. and the writings aren't totally in a continuous flow. a major dissappointment, and yet I hear so many rave reviews of the false.
Rating:
Summary: Teenee Bopper Novel
Review: If your 13 this book is for you. But if you're an adult reader who has already formed your likes and dislikes please dont even bother, you wont be able to get past the frist few chapters.
This book is a total teenee bopper book. The author does not wrestle any serious issues that South Asians face comming into America. Rather, she just plays the I'm Indian and different card which to be honest is played out in itself.
Today's Asian American generation is strong enough to hold on to thier own culture and values and still be a part of the American world, gracefully if I may add. There is no longer that awkard stange.. or atleast its not any different then that of an "American" teenager.
Another huge downfall in the book, the authors lack of respect to time. The clothes the characters are wearing and talking about are definately from the disco era yet she referes to SMS messages and often indicates that cell phones are as common as they are today.
As an passionate book collector (esp. south indian literature) I've decided to sell my copy.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful story of growth, love and cultural bonds
Review: Musical. Magical. Sheerly beautiful. If you are looking for a book complete with deep cultural glimpses, trials of growth, and the deep forge of friendship...then look no further. You've found it.
PLOT: Dimple Lala is finding herself in a swell of loneliness as her best friend is found spending every last minute with her boyfriend. Other complications occur when Dimple is prompted by her mother and father to get to know a suitable Indian boy. Having resisted her parents much of her life at attempts to bring her closer to her Indian heritage, this is yet another problem to overcome. When she is introduced to her own Indian culture at a club, Dimple feels herself not fitting in with her own culture or with those outside it. Until she picks up her camera and begins shooting---and finds that the "suitable boy" might be more interesting then he appears. However, when her best friend falls in love with him, Dimple must be torn once again---until she finds who she herself is.
A truly amazing story!
POSITIVE POINTS: Everything. Hidier creates a wonderful setting and can make you feel at home while you're reading. The South Asian culture is wonderfully brought to life...and anyone can benefit from experiencing it.
NEGATIVE POINTS: The only problem (and this really is a minor problem that probably only bothers me) is that when people are talking, there are no quotations, but a dash line. Again, I don't feel that it will or should bother many. You get used to it after a while.
Recommend? Definitely.
RATING: PG-13 :)
MOOD: Extremely light and heartfelt.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Listen to some great Indian tunes while you read. And have some curry. :D
HAPPY READING!
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