First, thank you to Media Masters Publicity for providing a review copy of FITTING INDIAN. It tells a powerful story.
Nitasha wishes her parents were not so strict. They want her to be the perfect Indian daughter, but they don't understand the pressures she faces at school to earn top grades and fit in with friends who are white and able to do whatever they want. Nitasha also lives in the shadow of her brother and his successful career as a doctor.
Feeling abandoned by her best friend, Nitasha has turned to alcohol and cutting to relieve the pressure. She has a crush on Henry, but he doesn't seem serious about her, plus she knows dating is frowned on in her culture. When a video of her trying to impress Henry goes viral, shame leads to Nitasha deciding suicide is the only answer.
Fortunately, her brother finds her in time, and she wakes up in the hospital. After a 72-hour psychiatric hold, Nitasha goes home to an over-vigilant mother and a father who refuses to talk to her. Talking to a therapist reveals that the Indian culture doesn't acknowledge mental health issues as worthy of discussion or even treatment in some cases. With the help of a childhood friend, Nitasha opens up and decides therapy is just what she needs.
Author Jyoti Chand uses her own personal experiences to create Nitasha. Direct, straightforward dialogue reveals the difficulties in addressing mental health issues and the problems that causes in families. The graphic novel format makes FITTING INDIAN relatable for any reader.
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