Bindi Babes

Bindi Babes #1

by Narinder Dhami

Meet Amber, Jazz, and Geena Dhillon—a.k.a. the Bindi Babes. They’re three fabulous sisters with a reputation for being the coolest, best-dressed girls at their school. But their classmates don’t know that the Dhillon sisters work extra hard to look perfect and together to all of their friends . . . while privately trying not to think how much they miss their mom, who died a year ago. What these struggling sisters certainly don’t need is an interfering auntie from India inviting herself into their household to cramp their style. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what their dad allows to happen.

Soon the sisters’ pushover dad is saying no to designer clothes and expensive sneakers, and Auntie is butting into every area of their lives. What are the Bindi babes to do? There’s only one way to be rid of marry her off to some unsuspecting guy. Will Amber, Jazz, and Geena find a man who can put up with Auntie before she completely ruins their lives? Or are Auntie’s new rules doomed to make the fabulous Dhillon sisters just . . . average?

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Teen, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, India, Childrens

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even as the demographics of this country are slowly shifting, the YA genre has been almost criminally slow to embrace the changing face of America (as well as other places around the world). Worse, the constant instances of whitewashing covers proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that publishers are still being dictated to by a small backwards contingent of people who more than likely don't even read. Also most novels featuring characters of color tend to be heavy-handed socio-politcal treatises centered around the issues of poverty, crime and other social ills, which limits both the scope and the appeal.

Hence, Bindi Babes is a wonderful breath of fresh air, even as it lightly deals with issues teens can relate to, all the while immersing the reader in the sounds, sights and smells of Indian-British culture. Reading Bindi Babes is like watching a Bollywood movie in glorious and riotous technocolor, 3D and THX. The Bindi Babes are the Dhillion sisters--Amber, Jazz and Geena--who are literally the coolest and cutest girls in their school. They're smart, fashionable and funny. They're the darlings of the teachers at their school and one would think all this attention would make them less than interesting. In spite of all the attention, the three sisters are quite down to earth, and like most teen girls into clothes, makeup and of course, boys.

There's only one BIG problem: their mother passed away, and by unspoken rule the girls pretend that everything is just peachy. They maintain the house in her place while their workaholic father gives them free reign and buys them whatever they want. That is, until their Auntie from India arrives to help take care of them. For the Bindi Babes who think they've been doing just fine on their own, thank you very much, Auntie's presence is totally unwelcome and they set out to send the sari-wearing interloper packing--firstly by trying to marry her off, then by misbehavior--all with comedic and unexpected results.

I love how author Narinder Dhami doesn't waste time trying to explain what samosas are or the practice of arranged marriages. She just assumes teens (and adults) are interested enough in Indian culture to want to discover these things for ourselves. This is a fun book with a lot of heart and like any good Bollywood movie, everything turns out great in the end for all parties involved. She shows us the multiracial Britain that many people do not see, how vibrant and fast-paced it is. I definitely plan to read more of the adventures of Amber, Jazz and Geena.

[a majestical egg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before you judge me and I judge you and bla bla bla bla, let me clarify something: I HAVE MY REASONS

I read this book a long time ago and I picked up this book for one particular reason..



Do my eyes deceive me? Are these actual brown people??


OK I'm a “brown” person. And let me be clear, there are hardly any books in which the hero/ heroine is of a race other than white, and even if they are, it is highly unlikely that the hero/heroine in question is from South Asia or the Middle East. So me being me, I picked up the book and I read it (I judged a book by its cover.)

For me, this book was like a guilty pleasure. The book itself was just a regular tween-ager kind of book that followed the story of three Indian sisters who work hard to be the coolest kids in school, but after their mum dies, one of their Aunties from India move in with them and starts to interfere with their lives.
The storyline is pretty predictable, but it was one of those books that went down easily- not heart wrenching or soul crushing like so many others *cough cough* The Book Thief *cough cough*.

Of the top of my head, the only ‘brown’ people I can think of who are popular in the media are:

Lily Singh – YouTuber


MIA- Recording Artist


And of course Ms Beyonce Pad Thai AKA Mindy Kaling


We need more Asian role models in media!!
This book is probably the first book I've seen in which a main character is coloured, which is great!

[Scarlet · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this a long, long time ago (please don't ask why). I don't remember much about it except it was cringe-worthy and horrible.

[Suraia Munia · Rating 4 out of 5]

when i am reading a book, i like to think of myself as the protagonist. For this book, it was extremely hard because i couldn't see myself connecting witht the character or didn't want to feel the connection. The story is not that special as well. three extremely bratty sisters gets freaked out when their auntie arrives from india. I love multicultural books but this one was not my cup of tea.

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

2020 EDIT: 'Bindi Babes' is much sweeter and more touching - and even more intelligent - than I remember, upon rereading this nostalgic trip. A short and light read is what I need right now, and 'Bindi Babes' delivers; while offering important messages on tolerance, empathy, understanding, love, and dealing with grief. A great gem for everyone, not just kids.

Dedicated to the memory of my Grandma, who had my copy signed by the author. Rest in Peace. I love you, and you are missed.

Final Score: 4/5





Original Review:



'Meet Amber, Jazz and Geena, the coolest chicks on the block.'

Narinder Dhami signed my copy of this book years ago, for my grandmother who originally owned it.

This is fun book that I'd read during my days at school. 'Bindi Babes' is about three Indian-British sisters who are model students. But then their auntie comes to stay and intrudes on their comfortable lives, and cramps their style. They band together to find ways of getting rid of her, even if it means - gulp - behaving badly at school and getting into trouble!

Told from the POV of Amber, the middle sister, much of what happens to the girls - particularly in school - I could relate to. They are young, spoilt and selfish despite being seen as good girls outside of their home. But they learn valuable lessons by the end of the book.

'Bindi Babes' is a bit cliche now that I remember it, with a few dated pop culture references, but it's still funny with memorable scenarios and likeable, human characters. A realistic depiction of English tact, friendship and family importance.

Overall, good middle school entertainment.

Final Score: 4/5

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have to say i was a little put off by the cocky attitude of the main character in this story. she treats all adults like idiots and the rest of her school like she’s (and her sisters are) the best thing that’s ever happened there. i guess that by the end, she’s realized that adults are more sharp than she gives them credit, but it’s sort of too little, too late. it was refreshing to read a “multicultural” book that wasn’t about underprivileged characters or all focused on the culture struggle. it was more about the struggle of a family to accept the death of the mother and how they all dealth with (or avoided dealing with) the situation.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! The plot, at first sight, may not seem like the most exciting thing in the world, but I liked the way it was executed and it was very fast-paced, which made this book very readable. The main characters had a great "we're cool and we know it" attitude, but humanity and depth at the same time. I've been a fan of this series for years and this re-read did not disappoint! Bring on the next one!

[Bcoghill Coghill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fun. Narinder will go on my list of books to pick up every now & again. Sort of what they call beach reads except the beaches where I live tend to rather wind swept and cold.

[Holly Eastwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's such a good teenager book, and really easy to read :) and i will be looking for the other books in the series soon :)
(it took me longer to read than usually because i have been very busy)

[Irsa ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2⭐️

REREAD

This series was literally my childhood, so when I came back to reading this book it felt like a warm hug. It’s so beautifully done and the sisters - Geena, amber & jazz all remind of my sisters too like the bond between them is so cute.

Grief is often such hard thing to go through but it was well portrayed in this book. I love south Asian rep and this was what my 13 year old self craved because it’s so nice seeing yourself in a book too.

At 24 years old I’m rereading this all over again but honestly this why I love narinders books because it takes me back to the early 2000s. This is your sign to reread your childhood books YALL ✨✨✨✨

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5

This is a cute middle grade story about three sisters: Geena, Amber, and Jazz. Ever since their mom died a year ago, the girls have an unspoken rule never to bring her up, and they strive to be perfect in every way so everyone sees how well they're coping and never has a chance to pity them. They're popular, well-liked by their teachers, and every boy is crushing on them. Best of all, their dad spoils them and never says no. But when their Auntie comes from India she starts interfering and the girls hatch a plot to get rid of her.

[Kascia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiled and privileged sisters are used to getting their way since their mom died. Everything changes when their aunt from India comes to live with them. The story entertained me, but there were multiple times when I thought the girls were really shallow.

[Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of doesn't feel right to say much about this when it's a kids books, but I was curious about what was on offer for young Asian girls now (when I don't remember having options) so I thought I'd read it.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this with my 12 year old. She really enjoyed it, but I wasn't a fan of the three sisters at the center of the story. The girls are grieving the loss of their mother, their father is checked out and the one person who is paying attention and parenting them, is the one they wage a war against, which was a real turn off for me.

[Tahmina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comfort read - as I read it remembered why I loved it as a child so much. There are some savage lines in here.

[Elaine Doe · Rating 5 out of 5]

its a brilliant read.i couldnt put it down.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

For upper key stage girls; I was given this book when I started brownies and was a great way to be introduced to another culture.

[Hendrix Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would've loved this growing up.

[Heddeile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ikke sååå braaa

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good young adult book. I found it in the library when I was the proper age group for reading and I enjoyed it.

[Kanupriya Goyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The three Dhillon sisters are a bit fluffy, but exactly the kind of girls I would have wanted to read about in upper elementary and middle school. These three sisters get on each others' nerves, but always have each others' backs when something goes wrong. Their mother passed away last year, and now, just when things are settling down again, their Auntie comes from India to care for them and their Dad. These sisters have problems that make your heart ache - not the fact that Amber doesn't get new trainers, but their mom is gone and they are trying to pick up the pieces. And in the end the three sisters come to understand their Auntie better and they all grow a little. I've mentioned before how much that theme - of learning from others and understanding someone else - is important to me.
I think this would be a very appealing story for kids who have lost a parent, for kids who have ever experienced some kind of culture shock (like when your Auntie from another country with very different ideas of what's appropriate comes to care for you), or who are looking for good characters to empathize with. Because as shallow and silly as these sisters are, they are likeable and make you care about them.
Nothing obviously objectionable.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. Things I like: it's about non-white, non-Christian characters; there is a non-traditional family (dad raising 3 girls alone, until Auntie steps in to help); there are mentions of people from multiple religions; it takes place in England with characters who originated in India. Things I didn't care for: the ending was a touch predictable (with a plot twist that I admittedly did not see coming), the author spent a looooong time talking about how perfect the girls are. Like, she beat me over the head with how perfect they are. I get that she is trying to create a contrast in that the girls are acting perfect to cover up the hurt they have at losing their mom, but it comes across as 50 pages of Amber bragging about how great they are great, with occasional reminders throughout. I think that some aspects of the girls were quite believable (wanting to do well, eating fast food every day, not wanting their Aunt to come in and enforce rules) so that was good. I could also tell that the author has some experience in education based on the characters of the story who are teachers and their interactions with non-teachers.

Overall, it was a nice, easy read but nothing I'm crazy about.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grade 4-7–Amber (10), Jazz (11), and Geena (13), three Indian sisters, live with their father in England. On the surface, they are perfect students who dress in perfect clothes and get along perfectly with each other. In reality, the girls are missing one big element in their lives, their mom. Ever since her death the year before, their father has indulged his daughters' every material wish, but is rarely at home. That suddenly changes when he invites his sister from India to live with them. The girls immediately plot how to get rid of her, including a plan to marry her off. Auntie is a delightful character who consistently manages to turn their plans around with hilarious results. The story has a nice blend of traditional culture, including a cousin's big fat Indian wedding and more modern discussions of boys and school. With solid writing and a sense of humor, Dhami weaves a tale of three material girls who discover the priceless value of family, friends, and neighbors. They also learn the importance of grieving for their mother and of not having to be perfect.– OK... there are others that are better. But this is nice becuase the main charaters are India(ans)

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is nice and pleasant, but beyond the details of Indian culture there's not much here that's extra-special. The story follows three sisters of Indian heritage living in England who have recently lost their mother. Their father, in his grief, has also withdrawn, leaving the three girls with a lot of freedom and the belief that they're doing just fine. Until their Indian auntie comes to watch over them, that is.

Most of this book end up being a fairly humorous account of how the sisters try to run their auntie off, with a somewhat touching substory of how they come to accept that A) they're experiencing grief and B) that's ok. I think that, as an adult, I would have enjoyed the book more if it had a meatier exploration of the emotional lives of the motherless kids and their grief-stricken dad, and frankly, of the self-sacrificing auntie who gave up her life in India to look after some unappreciative and bratty kids. But to be honest, this book was written at a j-fic level for a reason and I suspect that most kids will like the "responsible kids gone bad" aspect of the story.

[Leatha]

There are three Dhillon Amber, Jazz, and Geena. The girls are in shock after their mom’s death and are being raised by their dad. The girls are spoiled rotten and their dad buys them whatever they want. They are the envy of all the girls at school because they have everything nice. Things change when the girl’s aunt comes to live with them from India. She comes to stay to help their dad raise them. The aunt doesn’t think the girls should be so spoiled and get everything they want. The girls come up with a plan to get rid of their aunt. They try to find some to marry her. In the process they realize their aunt isn’t so bad even though she changed thing. They realize life as they have it isn’t so bad.

This is a great book. I would recommend it to every student 4th -8th grade; girls would especially like this book. This book focuses on family and the values families have. It shows that getting everything you want really isn’t the best thing in the world.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really good book to read why? Because is about these 3 girls named amber, Jazz and Geena Dhillon also known as the Bindi babes that they want to dress really good. One of them has to work really hard so that her sisters and she can dress good. They want to be the popular girls in school. Their mom died one year ago and they miss her a lot but nobody knows in school only them. The dad told them that they need to stop buying new things and expensive because he does not have that much money to be baying them a lot of things. They also have a aunty is from India is inviting herself to go and live a couple of months in their house. She is saying a lot of things that she doesn’t like from that house. The only thing that they need to do is try to get her married with someone so that she could just live the house. :)

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very lightweight read. Three Indians sisters - Geena, Amber, and Jazz - work hard to maintain their perfect facade. Since their mother died a year ago, they have the run of the house and their father wrapped around their little fingers. But their Dad invited their aunt to stay to take care of the three girls, and soon they are plotting ways to get Auntie to leave, including marrying her off.

I found Auntie to be a much more likeable character than the three sisters, who came across as spoiled and uncaring. By the end of the story the girls had learned their lesson in a neatly wrapped up conclusion, and there were some fun moments getting there. I liked that the characters' Indian heritage wasn't an obstacle in the novel, just a fact.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three sisters, Amber, Geena, and Jazz, try to be perfect at everything so that no one will know that they are grieving for their mother, who recently died. When their aunt comes from India to help their father raise them, they decide to take matters into their own hands. By observing their own relatives, it becomes clear to them that the only way to get rid of her is to marry her off. Chaos insues.

This book actually turned out to be not so bad after the first couple chapters. The writing was so poor, I felt like I had read every adverb and cheesy dialogue trick in the English language before the book got interesting.

[Phair · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blah. This tries to be a bit like Louise Rennison's kooky Georgia Nicholson books what with the friends, odd nicknames & goings-on at school. I had expected a more compelling look at British/Indian culture with conflict between the more Indian ways of Auntie and the modern English life of the girls. But there really wasn't enough to make this a useful multicultural reading experience and it seemed far too British to have strong appeal for American kids. I'm not sure teachers would be looking at British vs American for a multicultural assignment. The family crisis/healing part was OK but certainly nothing special.