I Wish We Weren't Related - by Radhika Sanghani (Paperback)

About the Book

"After a shocking phone call from her mother, Reeva Mehta's life starts to sound like the plot of a Bollywood drama. From the outlandishly funny author of 30 Things I Love About Myself comes a hilarious, heartwarming novel about love, family, and new beginnings. Thirty-four-year-old Reeva thought her life couldn't possibly get more complicated, until her semi-famous Bollywood mother calls to tell her that she's been lying to her daughters for decades-the father they thought died thirty years ago has been alive this whole time. Only now he actually is dead. Worse? His dying wish was for Reeva and her sisters Sita and Jaya to attend his funeral prayers-which means spending a fortnight together at his house, surrounded by relatives they never knew existed. Reeva already has more than enough going on in her life. She's an overworked London lawyer, her hair is falling out due to stress-induced alopecia, she can't decide if her new boyfriend, Nick, is really as wonderful as he appears to be, and her brand-new cat is playing hard to get (even for a cat). And now she has to spend two weeks with the sisters she hasn't spoken to since Jaya stole her boyfriend and Sita took her side. But as Reeva slowly learns more about their father and his life-with the help of his sister, aka her new, wise Satya Auntie-she starts to uncover the complicated truth of their past...and realizes she needs Jaya and Sita more than she ever could have imaggined"--]cProvided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

After a shocking phone call from her mother, Reeva Mehta's life starts to sound like the plot of a Bollywood drama. From the outlandishly funny author of 30 Things I Love About Myself comes a hilarious, heartwarming novel about love, family, and new beginnings.

Thirty-four-year-old Reeva thought her life couldn't possibly get more complicated, until her semi-famous Bollywood mother calls to tell her that she's been lying to her daughters for decades--the father they thought died thirty years ago has been alive this whole time. Only now he actually is dead. Worse? His dying wish was for Reeva and her sisters Sita and Jaya to attend his funeral prayers--which means spending a fortnight together at his house, surrounded by relatives they never knew existed.

Reeva already has more than enough going on in her life. She's an overworked London lawyer, her hair is falling out due to stress-induced alopecia, she can't decide if her new boyfriend, Nick, is really as wonderful as he appears to be, and her brand-new cat is playing hard to get (even for a cat). And now she has to spend two weeks with the sisters she hasn't spoken to since Jaya stole her boyfriend and Sita took her side.

But as Reeva slowly learns more about their father and his life--with the help of his sister, aka her new, wise Satya Auntie--she starts to uncover the complicated truth of their past...and realizes she needs Jaya and Sita more than she ever could have imagined.

Review Quotes

"Hilariously funny, totally heartfelt and completely original - a perfect comedy about family, sisterhood and self-discovery. I learned so much about Hindu culture and really related to the stresses of dealing with difficult friendships, family drama and alopecia to boot. Radhika Sangani is a huge talent!"
--Laura Price, author of Single Bald Female

"A heartwarming novel about families and how to survive them."
--Sheila O'Flanagan, author of What Eden Did Next

"If you thought the Kardashians were dramatic, wait until you meet the Mehta sisters. ... With her signature wit and relatable characters, Sanghani delivers dramatic hijinks mixed with relevant themes (family dysfunction, anxiety) and charm."
--Booklist

"Readers will enjoy the relatable characters, the snappy one-liners, and the wise and hip auntie who transcends the page and reminds readers to be kind to themselves."
--Library Journal

"A glorious warm hug of a book!"
--Harriet Minter, author of Working From Home

Praise for 30 Things I Love About Myself

"I adored everything about this hilarious, clever, uplifting novel! 30 Things I Love About Myself is a laugh-out-loud, feel-good novel that will leave you inspired and hopeful and downright happy! A truly gifted storyteller...Sanghani's charmingly flawed characters are so lovable and authentic you'll feel like you're part of the Mistry family. In turns uproariously funny and tenderly touching, 30 Things I Love About Myself is the perfect antidote for today's stressful world."
--Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

"Radhika Sanghani's 30 Things I Love About Myself is absolutely charming! Nina Mistry's life has completely unraveled, but a randomly discovered self-help book shows her the way out...Touching, clever, poignant, and hilarious. Readers will cheer for Nina as she discovers the most important lesson in life--to love yourself. A brilliant and timely read!"
--Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of Wait For It

"...readers will follow Nina on a journey to self-acceptance and confidence. ... 30 Things I Love About Myself is a timely read at the beginning of the new year when resolutions are abundant. It also can be laugh out-loud funny."
--The Associated Press

"This comedy-drama is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects amid the often hilarious saga of a British Indian journalist and her journey toward self-love and acceptance."
--Shelf Awareness

"A heartwarming read about self-acceptance and the idea that it's possible to learn to love your imperfect self."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Sanghani's latest is a sweet and funny contemporary novel about learning to embrace yourself, flaws and all. Discussions on racism and depression add depth, keeping the tone from becoming saccharine. Readers will be inspired to create their own self-love lists."
--Booklist

"Funny and charming."
--Pandora Sykes

"This! So good!! Funny, fresh, touching. I'm completely in love with Nina the heroine. I love the way Radhika writes."
--Jane Fallon, bestselling author of Worst Idea Ever

"Witty, warm and, most of all, brave and important."
--Catherine Gray, bestselling author of The Unexpected Joys of Being Single

"A heart-warming and uplifting read, exactly what we all need right now . . . This is going to fly!"
--Nikki May, author of Wahala

"A treat. Just lovely, funny, life-affirming storytelling."
--Lauren Bravo, author of How To Break Up With Fast Fashion

"Takes you on a heart-warming, affirming journey of what self-love looks like beyond the social media one-liners. An ideal read for any young woman struggling to see her worth and wondering how choosing herself might look."
--Megan Jayne Crabbe, author of Body Positive Power

"Felt like a big, warm hug! This book is filled with lots of gems, heartfelt moments and plenty of LOLs. I rooted for Nina all the way. Well done to Radhika for writing such an unconventional rom-com. We need more of these!"
--Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

"I absolutely loved this book . . . A witty, relatable and heart-warming novel about the obstacle course of adulthood and learning to, in time, be your own compass, self-help guide and best friend."
--Emma Gannon, author of Olive

"A charming novel. I loved spending time with Nina, Meera, Rupa, Auntie Trish and the whole gang. Typical Sagittarius."
--Nell Frizzell, bestselling author of The Panic Years

"Just brilliant. I want to give it to every woman I know."
--Nimco Ali, OBE

About the Author

Radhika Sanghani is an award-winning journalist and author based in London. She writes features for publications like the Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, and Grazia. She is the author of Virgin, Not That Easy, and 30 Things I Love About Myself. Radhika is also a body positive campaigner, and founded the #SideProfileSelfie movement to celebrate big noses.