Picture an Indian-American storyteller who spun a tale of coding and arranged marriages into a New York Times bestseller—meet Sandhya Menon! With her vibrant young adult novels, Menon blends romance, humor, and cultural identity, capturing the hearts of teens and adults alike. Her stories, like When Dimple Met Rishi, are a refreshing take on love and self-discovery, rooted in her unique perspective as a daughter of Indian immigrants.
Born in Mumbai, Menon’s journey from a Bollywood-loving teen to a celebrated author is as captivating as her books. Her ability to weave Indian-American experiences into frothy rom-coms has made her a standout voice in contemporary YA literature, proving that brown teens deserve joyful, swoony stories too.
The Making of Sandhya Menon
Sandhya Menon was born in Mumbai, India, to Malayali parents and moved to the United States at 15, navigating the clash of Indian and American cultures. Growing up, she was a voracious reader, devouring Enid Blyton and Tin Tin comics, and scribbling stories on everything from her jeans to her mom’s cabinets. Despite her family’s push toward medicine, Menon’s heart was set on writing. After studying psychology and self-publishing under a different name, she caught the attention of a literary agent, leading to her breakout debut.
Menon’s love for Bollywood’s drama and romance shaped her storytelling. Now based in Colorado’s foggy mountains, she balances her writing career with being a devoted dog mom and mom to her two kids, all while dreaming up stories that celebrate love and identity.
Sandhya Menon’s Unforgettable Stories
Menon’s debut, When Dimple Met Rishi (2017), is a sparkling YA rom-com about two Indian-American teens whose parents plot an arranged marriage. Dimple, a fierce coder, and Rishi, a hopeless romantic, navigate love and tradition with humor and heart. The book’s success, landing on the New York Times bestseller list and inspiring the Netflix series Mismatched, cemented Menon’s place in YA fiction.
Her follow-up, From Twinkle, With Love (2018), follows aspiring filmmaker Twinkle Mehra, told through diary-like letters to female directors. This charming story of ambition and unexpected romance also hit the bestseller list. Other notable works include There’s Something About Sweetie (2019), a body-positive romance, and Of Curses and Kisses (2020), a fairy-tale-inspired tale set at an elite boarding school. Menon’s style—witty, warm, and culturally rich—blends lighthearted plots with deeper themes of identity and empowerment.
Under the pseudonym Lily Menon, she’s also ventured into adult romance with Make Up Break Up (2021), proving her versatility. Her stories consistently feature strong, relatable characters and a knack for making readers swoon.
Why Sandhya Menon Matters
Sandhya Menon’s work fills a vital gap in YA literature, offering South Asian teens mirrors to see themselves in fun, uplifting stories. Her novels challenge stereotypes, blending Indian traditions with modern aspirations, and resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Awards like the Colorado Book Award (2018, 2020) highlight her impact, while her vibrant online presence connects her with fans worldwide.
Menon’s legacy lies in her ability to make every reader feel seen, whether they’re navigating cultural expectations or chasing their dreams. Her stories remind us that love, laughter, and self-discovery are universal, no matter where you come from.
- Born: Mumbai, India
- Key Works: When Dimple Met Rishi, From Twinkle, With Love, There’s Something About Sweetie, Of Curses and Kisses
- Awards: Colorado Book Award (2018, 2020)
- Fun Fact: She’s a die-hard Bollywood fan, with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi as a favorite!
Snag When Dimple Met Rishi and dive into Sandhya Menon’s delightful world of romance and cultural celebration!