Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating

"Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating" by Adiba Jaigirdar is a captivating queer young adult novel that weaves a tale of unexpected romance amidst the complexities of high school life. Hani Khan is effortlessly popular, known for her laid-back demeanor. However, when she reveals her bisexuality to her friends, they doubt her truth, insisting she can't be bisexual having only dated boys. In a moment of desperation, she claims to be in a relationship with Ishu Dey, a girl her friends dislike. Ishu is Hani's complete opposite—an ambitious academic striving to become head girl to secure her future at university. Her dilemma lies in the fact that being head girl is a popularity contest, and Ishu is not exactly winning in that department. The idea of fake dating Hani seems to be the perfect solution to boost her chances. As their charade unfolds, Hani and Ishu find themselves forming genuine feelings for one another, blurring the lines between reality and pretense. Yet, not everyone is pleased with the prospect of happiness for two Bengali girls defying expectations, and obstacles arise threatening their budding relationship. This heartwarming story, ideal for fans of Becky Albertalli, is published by Hachette Children's Book and brings a refreshing perspective on identity and love, with 352 pages of engaging narrative, available in a portable paperback format.