Radha & Jai's Recipe for Romance
on Goodreads (2,691)
What’s inside...
To All the Boys I Loved Before meets World of Dance in this delectable love story that combines food, dance, and a hint of drama to cook up the perfect romance. Radha is on the verge of becoming one of the greatest Kathak dancers in the world until a family betrayal costs her the biggest competition of her life. Now, she has left her Chicago home behind to follow her stage mom to New Jersey. At the Princeton Academy of the Arts, Radha is determined to leave performing in her past, and reinvent herself from scratch. Jai is captain of the Bollywood Beats dance team, ranked first in his class, and an overachiever with no college plans. Tight family funds means medical school is a pipe dream, which is why he wants to make the most out of high school. When Radha enters his life, he realizes she's the exact ingredient he needs for a show-stopping senior year. With careful choreography, both Radha and Jai will need to face their fears (and their families) if they want a taste of a happily ever after. A delicious YA rom-com full of heart, flavor, and just enough heat. -JULIE MURPHY, New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin' A tasty treat! Nisha Sharma always delights. -MEG CABOT, author of The Princess Diaries A sumptuous tale of dance, food, and culture. I savored every last page! - PINTIP DUNN, New York Times bestselling author
Discussion points
What do you think is the most important ingredient in Radha and Jai's relationship?
How do Radha's dreams and challenges change throughout the story, and what does that teach us about facing our fears?
Jai helps Radha rediscover her passion for dance. Can you think of a time when someone helped you regain love for something you had lost interest in?
In what ways do Radha and Jai support each other’s growth? How important is support in achieving our goals?
The story also touches on cultural expectations. How does the book portray the balance between cultural traditions and personal desires?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ decisions and the obstacles they face. This can help them analyze their own choices and challenges.
Discuss the role of passion and perseverance in the book, and relate these themes to your child’s personal experiences in school or any extracurricular activities.
Highlight the importance of support systems, such as friends and family, as shown in Radha and Jai's lives, and relate it back to your child's own support network.
Explore the cultural aspects presented in the story. Discuss with your child how their own culture influences their personal and family life, drawing parallels to the characters.
Ask your child which character they felt most connected to and why. This opens up conversation on empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Radha demonstrates perseverance as she overcomes challenges in her dance career and personal life, showing resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through difficulties in schoolwork or hobbies, understanding that setbacks can be overcome with effort and persistence.
Example Lesson: Value of family and cultural heritage
Explanation: The story highlights Radha and Jai's strong connection to their Indian culture and family, encouraging them to embrace their heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to explore and take pride in their own family traditions and cultural background, enhancing their identity and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression and creativity
Explanation: Through dance and cooking, the characters express themselves and handle their emotions, showing creativity as a healthy outlet.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express themselves through art, music, or writing, using these tools to communicate feelings and thoughts constructively.
Example Lesson: Significance of teamwork
Explanation: Radha and Jai work together in the dance competition, learning to collaborate and support each other's strengths.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperation and how working with others can achieve greater results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Handling romantic relationships responsibly
Explanation: The book addresses young love with a focus on mutual respect, communication, and understanding, setting a healthy example of a romantic relationship.
Real-World Application: Teen readers can apply these principles to their own relationships, navigating them with respect and care.