What a powerful story! This graphic novel is short but covers such heavy topics in a very realistic and painful way. The stigma around mental health in South Asian culture was represented well, and I enjoyed seeing the conversations with friends and family members about its importance. Content warnings are needed for this story, but it is one I would definitely recommend to teens who feel safe reading it.

I'm not gonna lie, this one was a hard read. Even in graphic novel form it was hard. I hope that you all really read the Content Warnings in this one and remember that this one is going to be alongside an image of it as well. Please take heed in those warnings.

Ok with that being said, I will say y'all know I don't read the synopsis or read anything about the book before I pick it up. However, I think this time I should have. This one was a doozy. Normally I don't have issues with reading books with those content warnings, but this time hit different. I usually come up with it in my own imagination. But seeing it on page like that really hit me. I sat there for a good while and cried. Not only because of the image, but also because of they WHY. All of this happened because someone was jealous. All while she was jealous of them. I hate it had to come to that.

The message in this one was so good tho. She was trying so hard to be Americanized and leave her culture behind. The people that mattered and that loved her wanted her to be exactly who she was. I also liked the ending that gave her and her family something to bond over. When all the secrets came out, it was very eye-opening, but also very sad. I did love that the main character helped to bring down a generational curse tho. She and everyone else involved deserved so much better. I DID want to see more of HER getting treatment and not so much on the other people, but I still liked it for the most part.

The artwork in this one was really good too. I loved how the one major color that was that blue-ish purple. It was striking and made everything more bold. This is different for me because usually I like when they're lighter. But I guess it makes sense because this book was also dark. The line work and the drawings were also really good. I also read it via my iPad, so I'd like to see what the physical one looks like. I like using my iPad more because I can blow it up and see every little detail. In the physical ones we won't get that, but I'd love to see this on the glossy paper. Definitely something to look forward to.

This was a good story, but I fear it skipped over a lot of how she came back from the bullying and getting better. I just felt like if they went that in-depth to showing what almost happened to her, they should have showed her getting all the help she needed. This book was good, but I think it could have been a bit more. I am happy that there is a good graphic novel focused on mental health for teens tho.

I was balling my eyes out on how sad, but yet very heartwarming. The cast of characters delved into so much more than their mistakes. I really felt for the FMC. The graphic novel was really good illustrations and easy to follow. It dealt with more than mental health. I loved how the novel explained why before and after of all the hard topics that were talked about. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC and making me cry haha

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC of Fitting Indian!
4 / 5 ⭐

Fitting Indian is a heartwarming graphic novel following Nitasha’s battle finding her bicultural identity, struggling with various forms of self destructive addiction, and breaking down cultural stigma around mental health. A quick but serious read, Fitting Indian depicts mental health, self harm, suicide, and isolation.

Nitasha identifies both as an American and an Indian, but also at the same time she can't identify as either, struggling to find her place in both communities. As many teens do, she rebels against her parents, sneaking out of the house, experimenting with substances, and hanging out past her curfew. But behind her sometimes reckless behavior is a girl struggling to figure out who she is, be accepted by those around her, and cope with her own mental health needs.

Chand's narrative work had me wondering halfway through my reading of this, "Why am I so invested in the drama of these seventeen-year-old girls?!" When I read realistic YA, I usually find myself a little disconnected being an older reader, but there was something about the inner machinations of these three girls that made me want to be a part of the gossip. I was shocked and appalled on Nitasha's behalf and literally snapped for her when she was able to stand up for herself. I was rooting for Nitasha like she was one of my friends, especially as the romantic subplot developed. While I felt immersed in the world of this book for the most part, there were some moments right before the climax that felt a bit too unrealistic for me (and potentially illegal?) that pulled me out of the narrative a bit. I think if that were scaled back a smidge, this would have easily been a 5 star read for me!

While parts of this book will likely not be appropriate for all young readers, the messages are important for teens who may feel the same as Nitasha. In 2025 especially, adults should be making space for teen voices and actually hearing what they have to say. This book shows not just teens, but also adults, why it's so important for everyone to feel like they hold space within a community and what potentially happen when they aren't given that space.

The only thing that I wish was different about this book was a clear statement that it was fictional at the beginning. The art is gorgeous. The family dynamics feel realistic. The teenagers are interesting. The arc of each character's growth is motivational. I know a lot of kids who are going to see themselves in this book, but I'm even more excited to give it to parents. Just because you're older doesn't mean you're done growing and Chand parlayed her "cool mom friend" brand into really showing adult growth.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

This graphic novel is a powerful and necessary addition to young adult literature. It offers an unflinching exploration of mental health, identity, and cultural expectations within the South Asian community. The author’s courage in sharing such a personal and resonant story is commendable, as it opens a dialogue on topics often stigmatized or overlooked.

The narrative follows Nitasha, a South Asian American teenager grappling with the pressures of being the “perfect Indian daughter” while navigating the complexities of high school life. Her struggles with anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse, and self-harm are portrayed with raw honesty, shedding light on the hidden battles many face. The way this book addresses these topics is discussed with reality, but also compassion and understanding. This work balances so many heavy topics in a way that resonates deeply, offering both representation and a platform for much-needed conversations about mental health in marginalized communities.

The illustrations employ a vibrant color palette that enhances the emotional depth of the story. The use of sepia tones for past events and vivid hues for present moments creates a dynamic visual narrative that complements Nitasha’s journey.

While this book may cover specific topics like the South Asian community, self harm, depression, extreme parental pressures, and substance abuse, this is such an important book for all readers dealing with many, one, or even none of these issues personally. This is an important read to open eyes and increase understanding, so I would highly suggest everyone pick up this book.

Fitting Indian is a powerful graphic novel about Indian high schooler Nitasha's mental health journey. She doesn't feel enough American or Indian to claim those labels and struggles to find her place while obeying her traditional parents. Things take a dark turn when Nitasha's family turns against her, but she's able to overcome and get the help she needs and in turn help her community grow as well. I love the art in this, and the story has themes anyone can relate to. Thanks to Netgalley and HarperAlley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I won this graphic novel in a Harper Collins YA giveaway and am so glad I did. I didn't have any expectations going into it; the most I knew about it was that it covers mental health issues.

The story follows a teenage girl named Nitasha who is struggling with depression and anxiety. She doesn't feel like she fits in since she's too "American" to be Indian and too "Indian" to be American; she's stuck in between. It also doesn't help that she feels a lack of freedom and understanding compared to her older brother, who is a doctor and engaged to a lawyer. Nitasha doesn't feel like she's good enough. She feels she is a constant disappointment, which leads to her self-harming and participating in excessive underage drinking, which eventually leads to her trying to commit suicide.

This novel hit closer to home than I expected. To be candid and vulnerable, I've struggled with anxiety and depression. I've had moments where I believed it would be better for everyone if I never existed, and I have a family member who attempted, so while reading, I cried... a lot.

It's comforting knowing others have experienced the same because it means you aren't alone in that pain, suffering, and dark place. What was also lovely about this is that it shines a light on how Nitasha's attempt affects everyone. She finally realized how many people care about and love her — a beautiful reminder. Even if we might not feel like it or believe it when we're in that dark place, at least one person is happy we're alive and in their life.

A powerfully intense but honestly raw depiction of one teenager’s journey toward exploring not only generational trauma but also mental health discussion / awareness. This debut graphic novel touches on what a lot of immigrant families (this highlights a South Asian family) don’t openly talk about. Pain, whether it’s internal or external, should not be constantly bottled up to please others. In addition to alcohol consumption, Nitasha unfortunately also engaged in self-harm to cope with pain. The trials and tribulations of growing up in a community that is set in the old ways can be impactful in a multitude of ways. Nitasha goes through a lot of growing pains. Chand and Anand (author & illustrator team) work hand in hand to bring this beautifully created story to life. I would recommend this to high school students as well as any adult who comes across this.
Trigger warning include - alcohol consumption, self-harm, attempted ending of life, anxiety/depression, family abuse done by in-law, pyschiatric stay.

Wow! Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand is an incredibly powerful YA graphic novel. The story follows Nitasha, an Indian teenager who is trying to find her place in the world. Her parents are putting a lot of pressure on her to do well in school, marry well, and have a good career. But she is trying to find her own way. As a white reader, I cannot speak to the Indian culture presented in the book, but the main character deals with a lot of disappointment by her parents and some extended family as she navigates school, family, dating, and more. There are a lot of triggering topics in the book including drinking, self harm, and bullying; however, each is presented with care for the character as she grows to find support and herself. This book is not for everyone because of the intense and serious topics, but it is also lighthearted at moments and contains some friendship and romance. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC.

With gorgeous artwork and a compelling story, Fitting Indian is an incredible contribution to the stories that are working to break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Nitasha's journey is a familiar one that reminded me of my own experiences with self destructive tendencies. I hope teens read this and feel less alone in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Fitting Indian was an incredibly honest book. I was unfamiliar with the creators, so I did not know what to expect. Honestly, the comparison to Never Have I Ever in the description made me think this graphic novel would tell a different story than the one that it did. However, I enjoyed the exploration of difficult themes and the generational struggles that Nitasha experiences. The art style was beautiful and captivating and pushed the story along. I adored the use of color in this work.

Note: I received a free e-arc from Netgalley in Exchange for an honest review.

I have my criticisms of this book, but ultimately, it was incredibly well done. I didn’t like how the mc seemed to wish she were white, but honestly, it’s something you expect from books abt kids of immigrants, and a lot of us have been there. Unlike most graphic novels, the character development was really well done, and the book didn’t feel incomplete. And the way it handled mental health and generational trauma? I was crying. I’m not a survivor because Islam kept me from ever attempting. But I saw myself in here. I saw my mom. I saw the cycles this community refuses to ever acknowledge. Everything was tackled with such grace, this is rep Thirteen Reasons Why wishes it had.

Fitting Indian was absolutely incredible. This is a heartbreaking story of a daughter of Indian immigrants and her mental health struggles with finding herself between traditional Indian standards and the social teen American life. Nitasha has so much pressure on her from so many places that she has some major struggles that no teenager should ever have to experience. I think Chand was so respectful with a lot of sensitive topics and I think she did spectacularly with it. I absolutely adored the story and the art style to this moving graphic novel

Some TWs: alcholism, underage drinking, verbal abuse, (minimal) physical abuse

Just to start: I really hope that people are mindful of the synopsis and the trigger warnings that are implied within it. This graphic novel thoroughly and directly illustrates self harm, suicide, and more.

Fitting Indian does an effective job exploring the complexities of living as an Indian American teenage girl. There's all of the dual, and often conflicting, expectations of both sides of the identity, whilst also feeling like you don't belong enough to claim either for yourself. Through Nitasha, we're able to delve into the cultural norms that shape her life in sometimes suffocating and toxic ways and how her relationship with her identity evolves in a healthy, realistic way. Most notably, there's a really nuanced look at mental health stigmas within the South Asian community. We see firsthand how those restricted views shape Nitasha's view of herself and how she copes with external stressors. The heavy topics are touched on thoughtfully, with nuance both culturally and socially as a teenage girl, and it's a satisfying overall arc. The portrayal of microaggressions was also authentically portrayed, as well. Very textured art design with the vibrant colors enhancing emotional moments throughout.

Fitting Indian was so raw and real, and I believe the illustrations only added to that. Many young girls deal with mental health issues, but I cannot imagine the stigma that would come from being Indian and your family never talking about it. I loved how everything turned around in the end, but sad that it took a suicide attempt to do it. But that is the reality of life unfortunately, and the author and illustrator executed it perfectly.

4 stars

This YA graphic novel features a strong protagonist, some intriguing cultural elements, and a number of complex motifs. Readers should approach this when they are ready to dig into *the issues* unflinchingly.

Nitasha is in high school, and she is balancing her parents' desires for her to behave in a way that pleases them and honors their culture, that gels with her older brother's example (he's a doctor and engaged to a person whom their parents consider pretty perfect), and that helps her maintain and build relationships with the cooler members of her high school crowd. As a more seasoned reader can guess, this is a recipe for disaster; not everyone will come out of this happy at all!

Readers understand early on that while Nitasha does face fairly typical pressures for many her age, her coping strategies are not healthy at all. As stress builds, Nitasha crumbles in some obvious and difficult to observe ways. She's also remarkably resilient, which makes the tough parts worth reading.

I'm a pretty avid YA graphic novel reader, and admittedly, this got darker than I anticipated. It's one I'll recommend to students, but I will be very, very careful about the TW / CW before doing so, and prospective readers of all kinds should be mindful of these for their own benefit, too. Read, with care, if you can manage the content.

CW: self-harm, suicidal ideation, sexual harassment, alcohol abuse (all among underage characters)

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.