Always Be My Bibi

Gr 9 Up–Sixteen-year-old Bibi is surprised when her sister, Halima, announces her impending marriage to Sunny. Meeting the in-laws leads Bibi’s family to travel to Sylhet, Bangladesh, where Sunny’s family owns a renowned tea garden. It quickly becomes clear that the families are at odds; not to mention, a disastrous run-in with Sunny’s younger brother, Sohel, leaves Bibi worried about her sister’s future. Despite their animosity, Bibi and Sohel decide to team up to stop their siblings’ wedding. However, scheming forces Bibi and Sohel to spend ample time together where more than plotting begins to occur. Reminiscent of the film Clueless, Taslim builds a fun rom-com with a loveable hopeless romantic at its center. Bibi is the second child that yearns for someone to notice her vibrant self. Sohel is the determined younger sibling striving to build a better legacy for his family’s business. While opposites, both struggle with feeling inadequate next to their seemingly perfect older siblings. Bibi and Sohel’s connection feels natural as their often-comedic banter and adventures add vibrancy alongside the lush descriptions of the magical tea garden and food. Though some points are predictable (and quick to resolve), the second-chance relationships that blossom in this story are worth the read. Biodatas on Bibi’s potential love matches are sprinkled between chapters with cheeky notes from Sohel and Bibi, adding charm and laughs.