Our Best Intentions by Vibhuti Jain

OUR BEST INTENTIONS by Vibhuti Jain is leading my list for best book of the year. This debut novel is full of suspense and some troubling introspection by its lead character, high school swimmer Angie Singh. She is motherless and deals with an overly organized, over-protective, immigrant father. That relationship comes under increasing strain when Angie witnesses an altercation involving Henry, a sort of crush who is also her best friend’s brother. The police involvement and social dynamics, while unfortunately realistic, border on being “cringe worthy,” with underlying commentary about entitlement, the American Dream, economic prejudice, and systemic racism. Adults who know the kids best are either shunted to the side or voluntarily relinquish responsibility. That leaves Angie struggling with some moral dilemmas and will have high school age and adult readers very emotionally involved. Jain adeptly offers multiple perspectives and ties in a missing person, potential drug dealing, and physical abuse.The uncertainty, confusion, and doubt are pervasive - I am purposefully avoiding more details here as OUR BEST INTENTIONS is an excellent book group choice with much to discuss. Jain’s debut received starred reviews from Booklist (“a portrait of wealthy suburbia at its most toxic and insular … fans of Celeste Ng should take note”) and Publishers Weekly (“Jain excels at revealing each character’s motivations and fears”). Grappling with numerous social issues and coming of age angst, OUR BEST INTENTIONS merits wide readership.