Born Confused
Born Confused
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2002
Book Brief
512
Novel • Fiction
New Jersey • 2000s
2002
YA
14-18 years
890L
Super Short Summary
Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier explores the life of Dimple Lala, a sixteen-year-old Indian-American girl navigating cultural expectations and personal identity in New Jersey. She grapples with parental pressures, an evolving friendship with Gwen, and a complicated romance with Karsh Kapoor, all while pursuing her passion for photography and discovering who she truly wants to be.
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Humorous
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
5,475 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier captivates with its rich portrayal of Indian-American adolescence, blending cultural identity struggles with vibrant storytelling. Readers appreciate its relatable protagonist and evocative prose. However, some critique it for pacing issues and occasional overextension of plot elements. Overall, it remains a compelling read.
Who Should Read Born Confused?
Fans of The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri or To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han will enjoy Born Confused. The novel is perfect for readers who are intrigued by themes of cultural identity, diaspora, and the coming-of-age experiences of South Asian teens in America.
5,475 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
512
Novel • Fiction
New Jersey • 2000s
2002
YA
14-18 years
890L
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