The Sticky Note Manifesto of Aisha Agarwal - by Ambika Vohra (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Bank Street Best Book of the Year TAYSHAS Reading List title

In this heartfelt and hilarious debut from Ambika Vohra--that's Netflix's Never Have I Ever meets Jenny Han--one girl tackles a question that changes the trajectory of her senior year: "How have you gotten out of your comfort zone?"

That's the Stanford admissions prompt that valedictorian shoo-in Aisha Agarwal can't answer. Comfort zone? Her life's been homework and junk food for as long as she can remember. Not exactly the thing college essays are written about. So, when her crush, Brian, asks her to winter formal, Aisha thinks her fate is changing . . .

. . . until Brian stands her up.

As if on cue, a banged-up Volkswagen arrives outside the dance; the driver--a guy her age--profusely apologizing for being late to pick her up. Does Aisha know him or what he's talking about? No. Does the Stanford essay convince her to take him up on the ride? Absolutely.

To Aisha's relief, seventeen-year-old Quentin Santos isn't a kidnapper, but he is failing math. So, they strike a deal: If Aisha helps Quentin pass math, he'll help push her out of her comfort zone, using a series of sticky note to-do's--dares--that will not only give Aisha content for her essay but will turn her into the confident person she's always wanted to be.

From New Year's Eve kisses to high school parties, Aisha's sticky note manifesto is taking off. But when she falls for the wrong guy, hurts her best friend, and still can't finish her essay, victory feels far from reach. Is winning worth it if you end up losing yourself in the process?

Review Quotes

"If you've ever had to balance curfews, strict parents, and never-ending homework, this book proves you're the main character of your own story. The Sticky Note Manifesto of Aisha Agarwal feels like a warm hug to anyone who's afraid of the future and what lies ahead." -- Mae Coyiuto, author of Chloe and the Kaishao Boys

"Fun and heart-warming. A lovely coming-of-age story about getting out of your comfort zone, and how it can change your life. Aisha and Quentin's chemistry is palpable and leaves you wanting more--sparks were flying off the page! Ambika Vohra's debut novel is one I'd read again and again." -- Tashie Bhuiyan, author of Counting Down with You

"With equal parts humor and gravity, the narrative tackles subjects such as self-acceptance, anxiety, differences in socio-economic status, and cultural and religious traditions. A lovable cast of characters, laugh-out-loud scenes, and a slow-but-steady romance all make for a breezy yet earnest read. A charming debut with real substance." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Finally, the vibes of Netflix's Never Have I Ever are here in book format. Peppered with laugh-out-loud humor and deeper themes of inadequacy and self acceptance, Vohra's debut brings memorable characters and a unique new voice to the YA landscape." -- Booklist