Another day, another stop on a book tour! Today we have the Girl Who Couldn’t Lie by Radhika Sanghani, a middle grade contemporary with just a hint of magic. We follow a girl named Priya whose grandmother died about a year ago and left behind a bangle she claimed was magical.
Priya is overwhelmed with school, her social life, her home life and her training for the Teen Olympics, and her people pleasing tendencies have subsequently got out of control. One night, she puts on the bangle and quickly realises her Ba was not joking about its magical properties… suddenly she is forced to tell the truth.
Her life starts to change, mostly for the better after a rocky start, and I think this is a great endorsement for mot trying to please everyone so much you forget about what you want yourself. I’ve read a piece by the author saying that she hopes this inspires others to do the same (sans bangle) and I know it’s given me a push to make an effort with it. My ex-therapists would be so proud!!
Priya is a phenomenal character that I think everyone will find something to relate to in, and I loved her friendships with Sami and Mei; the way she finds the courage to stand up to her bully and also confess her crush to Dan Zhang; the effect her bravery has on those around her, especially her parents. There’s also a lot of laughs to be had and as I often say in books including grandmotherly grief, it means a lot to me and makes me think of my own gran who died a few years ago.
The tantalising teaser for the author’s next book at the end has me very excited for more from her!
Golden Books Girl 