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The Vibrant Years: A Novel Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 14,446 ratings

“Bursting with humor, banter, and cringeworthy first dates, Sonali Dev’s The Vibrant Years is a joyful and fun read, but it’s also very much a timely tale about a group of underestimated women demanding respect and embracing their most authentic selves.” —Mindy Kaling

Living on their own terms means being there for one another.

When sixty-five-year-old Bindu Desai inherits a million dollars, she’s astounded—and horrified. The windfall threatens to expose a shameful mistake from her youth. Desperate to keep the secret, Bindu quickly spends it on something unexpected: a condo in a posh retirement community in Florida.

The impulsive decision blindsides Bindu’s daughter-in-law, Aly. At forty-seven, Aly still shares a home with Bindu even after her divorce from Bindu’s son. But maybe this change is just the push Aly needs to fight for the segment she’s been promised for years at the news station where she works.

As Bindu and Aly navigate their new dynamic, Aly’s daughter, Cullie, is faced with losing the business that made her a tech-world star. The only way to save it is to deliver a new idea to her investors—and of course they want the half-baked dating app she pitched them in a panic. Problem is, Cullie has never been on a real date. Naturally, enlisting her single mother and grandmother to help her with the research is the answer.

From USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev comes a heartfelt novel about three generations of hilarious, unconventional, ambitious women navigating bad dates, a spiteful HOA board, reemerging exes, and secrets that refuse to remain hidden. Join the Desai women on a shared journey of self-discovery as they dare to live their most vibrant lives.

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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An Amazon Best Book of December 2022: Looking for a novel full of family, fiery women, and lucky/unlucky in love vibes? If so, The Vibrant Years will give you all those rom-com feels and then some. It’s funny and warm-hearted about a gregarious and gorgeous grandmother (spoiler, she steals the show), her daughter, and her granddaughter (a very successful app developer) who ban together to confront pesky HOAs, bosses who squash dreams, ex-boyfriends and ex-husbands, and ultimately, work together to try and develop an app to help those looking for love. Inevitably hijinks ensue, especially when the grandmother is mysteriously bestowed a million dollars and they each try their luck in the dating pool. Published by Mindy Kaling’s imprint, The Vibrant Years is teeming with inter-generational banter, joy, and the invincibility of these women who dare to be themselves. —Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor

Review

“These Indian American women and their struggles will appeal to readers from every age and culture.” Washington Post

“An intergenerational tale of self-discovery and the relationships that matter most…A cozy cup of chai for the soul.” Kirkus Reviews

“Dev easily gets the reader to root for her well-rounded characters, and the intertwined story lines wrap up with a delightful ending. This effervescent tale is sure to please the author’s fans and win her new ones.” Publishers Weekly

“Three generations of Indian American women strive to find what makes them happy in this heartwarming rom-com about the compromises that held them back and how they finally reclaimed their freedom.” Booklist (starred review)

“Dev weaves humor and romance through her tale of three generations of women.” —Audible

“A super-fun, bingeable story about three generations of vibrant women navigating relationships, friendships, mishaps, and ambitions.” Ms. magazine

“Fun and heartfelt.” —BookRiot

“A sweeping intergenerational tale showcasing the importance and value of family, relationships, and finding oneself as the world does what the world does: change.” —Apartment Therapy

“A laugh-out-loud story full of love, regrets, and secrets.” Marie Claire

“I would give this book five stars for the concept alone, but it’s Sonali Dev’s trademark character depth and beautiful writing that really make The Vibrant Years shine. A gorgeous story of evolving female relationships and how love, hilarity, and the bonds between three generations of women help them thrive in even the fiercest winds of change.” —Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Soulmate Equation

“Oh, what a glorious tangle of love, career, the past, and family is The Vibrant Years! Sonali Dev writes beautiful prose and complex, delightful characters in this story of rediscovery and girl power for three generations of the Desai women. A delicious treat.” —Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author

“A vivid and touching story of the relationships between three women who love each other and their quest to find each other’s soul mates. Funny, fast paced, and insightful, The Vibrant Years gracefully explores questions of meaning and hope and regret and most of all the love between women. A beautiful book!” —Barbara O’Neal, bestselling author of This Place of Wonder

“I loved this story of three generations of women navigating life, love, and the patriarchy. Sonali Dev’s writing is lush and evocative, her characters vibrant with rage, humor, and wisdom.” —Virginia Kantra, New York Times bestselling author of Meg & Jo and Beth & Amy

“Sonali Dev has done it again in this sparkling page-turner about the unbreakable bonds of women and the necessity of forging an authentic path. Three generations of women from one dynamic family band together to navigate each chapter of life proving that, with the right people by your side, they can all be vibrant years. Dev’s storytelling shines!” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil

“Just the kind of book I love to get lost in. Great characters, tons of energy, perfect pacing. Sonali Dev absolutely nailed it. Loved it!” —Susan Elizabeth Philips, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09QKWJD79
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mindy's Book Studio (December 1, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 315 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 14,446 ratings

About the author

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Sonali Dev
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Award winning author, Sonali Dev, writes Bollywood-style love stories that let her explore issues faced by women around the world while still indulging her faith in a happily ever after.

Sonali’s novels have been on Library Journal, NPR, Washington Post and Kirkus Best Books of the year lists. She has won the American Library Association’s award for best romance, the RT Reviewer’s Choice award for best contemporary romance, the RT Seal of Excellence, and is a RITA Finalist.

Sonali lives in the Chicago suburbs with her very patient and often amused husband and two teens who demand both patience and humor, and the world’s most perfect dog. Find out more at sonalidev.com.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
14,446 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and relatable. They appreciate the rich, well-crafted storyline and thought-provoking themes. The characters are well-developed with vibrant personalities that resonate through the pages. Readers enjoy the humor and poignant moments in the book.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

226 customers mention "Readability"219 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging with well-written characters and a heartwarming story. The book is described as an easy, fun read that appeals to readers of all genres. Readers mention it's a good beach vacation book and a nice book club selection.

"...Definitely worth the read!" Read more

"THE VIBRANT YEARS by Sonali Dev is a delightful and heartwarming story of three generations of women who end up on a journey of self-discovery that..." Read more

"...The history of East India culture was so well presented. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into this culture...." Read more

"...This one was sweet and it was funny and I really enjoyed it." Read more

200 customers mention "Story quality"181 positive19 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find it relatable, emotional, and touching. The story covers timely topics like ageism, sexism, and love. Readers appreciate the well-written structure and quotable moments.

"This is a very well-written book. It was very captivating and such a relatable and touching story of family, freedom, hope, and living life to the..." Read more

"...I thought this was a beautifully told story with a range of emotions and humor. Definitely worth the read!" Read more

"...This emotional story covers many timely and relevant topics such as ageism, sexism and racism in a sensitive and thought-provoking way...." Read more

"Such a beautiful story of 3 generations of women finding their way both as individuals and together as a unit. I’m blown away." Read more

140 customers mention "Thought provoking"137 positive3 negative

Customers find the book insightful and heartwarming. They find the ending satisfying and fulfilling, inspiring them to reevaluate their choices. The characters' trials and joys are believable, making the story come alive. The message is meaningful, about following your dreams and doing things you're scared of. The vibrant Indian culture and people make this a delightful rom-com with a thoughtful perspective.

"...captivating and such a relatable and touching story of family, freedom, hope, and living life to the fullest." Read more

"THE VIBRANT YEARS by Sonali Dev is a delightful and heartwarming story of three generations of women who end up on a journey of self-discovery that..." Read more

"Steeped in Indian culture and history, despite being a very modern book...." Read more

"...Each character was well thought out and interacted so well together...." Read more

117 customers mention "Character development"111 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find them engaging and love each one. The characters' personalities shine through the pages, making you want to know them better. Readers appreciate their pain, shame, and true selves, not being what others expect.

"...is a slow starter as the author builds the background and develops the characters...." Read more

"...Cullie is a great character." Read more

"...The character development and storyline were wonderful. Each character was well thought out and interacted so well together...." Read more

"...I enjoyed these characters, the cultural flourishes and the fun descriptions of life in a retirement community...." Read more

91 customers mention "Humor"86 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it entertaining with heartbreaking moments and funny parts. The book explores love stories, dating, and life in a retirement community. It's enjoyable to follow the journey of Bindu, Alisha, and Callie as the central characters.

"...thought this was a beautifully told story with a range of emotions and humor. Definitely worth the read!" Read more

"...This one was sweet and it was funny and I really enjoyed it." Read more

"...characters, the cultural flourishes and the fun descriptions of life in a retirement community...." Read more

"...The humor is unique to me as each character makes choices about the modern way of dating...." Read more

82 customers mention "Writing quality"74 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it insightful, enticing, and easy to read. The author uses beautiful words that make passion and romance come alive. It's described as descriptive and lyrical, transporting readers into the characters' lives like words woven into a comfortable blanket.

"This is a very well-written book...." Read more

"...The story is a slow starter as the author builds the background and develops the characters...." Read more

"...The family ties that Bindhu creates around those she loves are beautifully described. Cullie is a great character." Read more

"...was a touch melodramatic, but the story was engaging and I read it quickly. "..." Read more

81 customers mention "Love story"77 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the warm love story between a man and woman and their family. They appreciate the questions about love, loyalty, self-fulfillment, and self-doubt. The love between the women and their insight into one another is also mentioned. The book brings up age, love, and sex in an engaging way.

"...It was very captivating and such a relatable and touching story of family, freedom, hope, and living life to the fullest." Read more

"...I enjoyed this compelling story of family and love and highly recommend it. THE VIBRANT YEARS was my Amazon First Reads selection for November." Read more

"...It's about racism. It's also about love, chasing your dreams, and living your best life...." Read more

"...development, for example - yet the relationships felt so honest and loving that I couldn't stop thinking about the story...." Read more

64 customers mention "Female empowerment"64 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable and empowering. They appreciate the different perspectives of the three women, who are strong role models. The characters have depth and are independent. The plot weaves love, duty, and past together. Readers mention that the book addresses women's struggles and discrimination. Overall, they feel the book is a beautiful tribute to aging, womanhood, sisterhood, family, and change.

"...emotional story covers many timely and relevant topics such as ageism, sexism and racism in a sensitive and thought-provoking way...." Read more

"...I loved how the author brings women's rights and the stereotypes women live with throughout the world to light...." Read more

"...This book was a lot of things. It's about the importance of family bonds...." Read more

"...I loved it, especially the amazing woman Bindu. I could read a series with Bindu’s getting even with the HOA coven of women...." Read more

beautiful
5 out of 5 stars
beautiful
I can’t stop thinking about this book and these characters. The Vibrant Years by @sonali.dev was BEAUTIFUL. I mean…is @mindykaling ever wrong??This story weaves together the experiences and emotions of three generations of badass women. Though there is romance, dating apps/mishaps, and relationship drama, this story is truly about the multifaceted strength and resilience of women and their relationships with each other and themselves.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2025
    This is a very well-written book. It was very captivating and such a relatable and touching story of family, freedom, hope, and living life to the fullest.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2023
    I almost put this book down; I’m glad I didn’t! The story is a slow starter as the author builds the background and develops the characters. It is the story of Cully, her mother Aly, and her grandmother Bindu. Each woman is facing a life altering situation and their strength is their love and support for each other. As they move forward and deal with life’s curve balls, each woman must face her own fears and dreams. All three are forced to find their true feelings and motivations creating growth. I thought this was a beautifully told story with a range of emotions and humor. Definitely worth the read!
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2022
    THE VIBRANT YEARS by Sonali Dev is a delightful and heartwarming story of three generations of women who end up on a journey of self-discovery that will set them on a new path to happiness and living their lives on their own terms. Sixty-five-year-old Bindu Desai is mother-in-law to Aly who is in her late forties and grandmother to twenty-five-year-old, Cullie. Aly shares a home with Bindu despite Bindu’s son having divorced her. Cullie is a tech whiz in Silicon Valley that will lose her business and everything she’s worked for if she doesn’t deliver the investors a new app. Everything changes when Bindu mysteriously inherits a million dollars from someone in her past – a secret past in India that no one knows about. She impulsively decides to use the money to buy a condo in an elite retirement community in Florida. But when a shocking incident occurs at the complex, Bindu, Aly and Cullie come together to protect everything they care about. At times hilarious and heart-breaking, the three women navigate their restrictive cultural norms and family traditions to find a way to pursue their dreams. This emotional story covers many timely and relevant topics such as ageism, sexism and racism in a sensitive and thought-provoking way. I enjoyed this compelling story of family and love and highly recommend it. THE VIBRANT YEARS was my Amazon First Reads selection for November.
    18 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2025
    Steeped in Indian culture and history, despite being a very modern book. The family ties that Bindhu creates around those she loves are beautifully described. Cullie is a great character.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2022
    I enjoyed this book so much!
    The character development and storyline were wonderful. Each character was well thought out and interacted so well together.
    I loved how the author brings women's rights and the stereotypes women live with throughout the world to light. I am also thankful that in the U.S., most women are not shunned or killed for perceived dishonor brought to their families.
    The history of East India culture was so well presented. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into this culture. The rich cuisine was brought to life so well....makes me wish I was given those spicy dishes as a child so I could enjoy them now!
    Also, how the author stresses the importance of strong family ties and the deep love parents and grandparents have for their children.
    I would have liked seeing where the other characters end up....perhaps a sequel is in order!
    19 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025
    Such a beautiful story of 3 generations of women finding their way both as individuals and together as a unit. I’m blown away.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2023
    Bindu, Aly and Cullie are three generations of Indian American women. Bindu is 65 and has just come in to some money which she uses to move in to a fancy retirement community. Aly is Bindu's daughter in law. Well, ex, but Bindu chose to continue living with Aly after the divorce. And Cullie is their 25 year old prodigy who developed an anxiety app at age 16 and is trying to figure out her next step.

    This book was a lot of things. It's about the importance of family bonds. It's about women standing up to the patriarchy and the expectations that come with being a woman, both in India and America. It's about racism. It's also about love, chasing your dreams, and living your best life.

    This one was sweet and it was funny and I really enjoyed it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2022
    Three generations of women grapple with bad life choices, limiting fears and personal crises while trying to support each other.

    "She always said loving yourself is a foundational requirement of knowing how to love anyone else and that most meanness in the world comes from self-loathing."

    Sixty-five year-old Bindu Desai inherits a million dollars from a man she had known when she was a young actress in India, whom she has kept secret from her family. Telling no one how she is able to afford it, Bindu moves into an upscale retirement community in Florida where she rebels against a group of sneering busybodies and meets some interesting men she enjoys dating. While Bindu settles into life on the beautiful coast, her ex-daughter-in-law Aly is fighting for the chance to make her mark at the news station where she works, and is sad that Bindu has moved out of her apartment. Aly's daughter and Bindu's grand daughter Cullie is a tech-genius but needs new inspiration in order to maintain control of her creative work. All three women have suffered from a previous heartbreak and are ready to create the vibrant and unconventional lives they envision.

    I enjoyed these characters, the cultural flourishes and the fun descriptions of life in a retirement community. Sometimes the narrative was a touch melodramatic, but the story was engaging and I read it quickly.

    "Managing your energy and your assets was the key to aging right."

    Hardcover 316 pages, Audiobook 11 hours.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • T. Pulice
    5.0 out of 5 stars A story of 3 strong women
    Reviewed in Canada on November 10, 2022
    Loved the story of how the 3 generation women in this family have such a strong love for each other and different strengths. It was a great read!
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Like a delicious meal
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2023
    I loved this book. It was so cleverly written; the story unfolded elegantly and with humour and emotion. The characters became my friends, their stories mine. Read it!
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a beautiful,fun and engaging story!
    Reviewed in India on February 12, 2023
    I really enjoyed this amazing book which covers three generations of women. The story made me laugh,think and tear up!
    Bindu,Aly and Cullie are amazing!
    Looking forward to read more books from you Sonali.
  • avid reader1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book
    Reviewed in Australia on November 24, 2022
    I loved this book, easy to read but not predictable and examined the roles of women across three generations in a witty, clever engaging way. A very special read.
  • PETER J FLETCHER
    4.0 out of 5 stars Reading fun and a great story!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 6, 2022
    Reading was easy, picturing the characters and identifying with a few of them made this an enjoyable book.

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