Fitting Indian

“Debut author Chand emphasizes how intergenerational and cultural expectations exacerbate Nitasha’s mental health challenges, while unadorned panels by Anand (My Name Is Long as a River) highlight the supportive characters who help Nitasha, her parents, and their community at the temple reckon with these pressures’ aftermath. “Inspired by my own life,” as noted by Chand in back matter, this searing graphic novel directly and honestly confronts mature issues and suggests that healing is only possible if communities reject the societal stigma that prevents people from seeking life-saving support—a critical reminder for readers.” — Publishers Weekly”This keenly observed graphic novel touches on rarely discussed themes of alcoholism, mental health, self-harm, and emotional avoidance in South Asian communities… the portrayal of overbearing immigrant parents and the pressures of high school feel true to life. The illustrations make interesting use of color, with sepia-tinted panels for scenes from the past and pinks, blues, and purples enhancing more dramatic situations. A candid… exploration of mental health challenges in South Asian families.” — Kirkus ReviewsAnand makes excellent use of the graphic novel format, using color shifts to illustrate memories versus the present and wordless panels to draw the reader into the quiet, dark moments where Nitasha feels entirely alone and unable to resist self-harm; body language makes clear Nitasha is not okay no matter how many times she insists she is. An unguarded author’s note from influencer Chand identifies how much of this story is drawn from her own experiences, and a list of support resources for teens is a thoughtful addition. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books”Chand’s raw, vulnerable writing builds upon her own mental health struggles and alcohol misuse to challenge those who have sought to control the lives of South Asian women and girls rather than uplift their autonomy… Recommend alongside YA books addressing culturally specific stigmas around mental health.” — Booklist

Jyoti Chand, a.k.a. @Mamajotes across social platforms, is a dynamic writer, comedian, and passionate advocate for self-care and maternal mental health. Fitting Indian is Jyoti’s first book, and she is currently working on her second graphic novel with First Second Books, among other creative projects. Jyoti’s work inspires others to embrace the joy and authenticity in their own lives. With a foundation in stand-up comedy and improv, Jyoti captivates audiences through her highly engaging content across social and digital platforms, offering an unfiltered look into the realities of motherhood. Represented by Haley Henning at Glossary Artists, she holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. Originally from Los Angeles, she now resides in the Chicago suburbs with her family.

Tara Anand is an award-winning illustrator and visual artist from Mumbai, India, based in New York City. Her work has appeared in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the LA Times, on Netflix, and more. Fitting Indian is her debut graphic novel.