#tj powar has something to prove

[traeumenvonbuechern]

Which books would the Exocolonists read?

Happy Exo-versary! 🚀I Was a Teenage Exocolonist came out one year ago, and I want to celebrate by recommending some books I think the main characters would love.

Book titles:

Sol: The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

Cal: Taproot by Keezy Young

Anemone: Blazewrath Games by Amparo Ortiz

Marz: TJ Powar Has Something To Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo

Dys: How to Get over the End of the World by Hal Schrieve (comes out October 3, 2023)

Tangent: Unwieldy Creatures by Addie Tsai

Tammy: The Tea Dragon Society by K. O'Neill

Nomi: Lark and Kasim Start a Revolution by Kacen Callender

Rex: So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens

Vace: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Sym: Two Dark Moons by Avi Silver

[butchnavi]

“People will try to make you feel good by saying everyone is beautiful, but what they really mean is written into all those empty beauty campaigns where they only ever show people who still fit the standard or are just a tiny bit deviant from it— just enough to still be acceptable. Maybe they’ve got body hair, but it’s only some peach fuzz and a bit of stubble under their arms. Maybe they’re plus-sized, but they still have the correct chest-to-waist-to-hips ratio. Maybe they’re going makeup-free, but their skin only has a few small imperfections to begin with. Then everybody pats themselves on the back because they’re so inclusive, wow, everyone is beautiful.” ― Jesmeen Kaur Deo, TJ Powar Has Something to Prove

[jdeowrites]

Announcing my next book!

It's true! I finally get to tell you, I've got another book coming!

See above the formal deal announcement. The way I pitched it to friends, however, was, “Think YA Breaking Bad but Walter White is a teenage mathlete and instead of cooking meth, she becomes the bookkeeper for a gang to help her friend pay off his debts.” And I can’t wait to share it in fall 2025! 

REASONS WE BREAK is a standalone YA rom-drama. However, for those who’ve read TJ POWAR HAS SOMETHING TO PROVE, it’s also a spinoff, and you’ll find several familiar faces in it. Including the two main characters… because yes, it’s Simran and Rajan’s story!

If you’re one of the people who’ve asked me about these two, I hope you’re at least half as delighted about this news as I am. :) But for those who need their memory jogged, Simran is TJ Powar’s straight-A, “good-girl” cousin; Rajan is the resident troublemaker-slacker of their class. I first had the idea that I wanted to write a book about them while writing TJ POWAR’s earliest drafts in 2019. I had stuck them in a scene together for convenience’s sake, and something clicked, chemistry-wise. So naturally I wanted to get into their heads.

Fast forward to 2020, when I was on submission to editors with TJ POWAR. I didn’t know if that book was going to sell, but I’d already decided that either way, I wanted to write a book about Simran and Rajan. By summer of 2021, the plot had taken shape. I wrote several more drafts feverishly through the rest of 2021. And it turned out to be a different sort of story. 

Although it’s a bit darker and ended up sold to another publisher, I still like to think of REASONS WE BREAK as TJ POWAR’s cousin. I mean, it literally is about TJ Powar’s cousin, but also thematically. Asides from the familiar characters, it also deals with plenty of coming-of-age issues, this time including: second gen immigrant guilt, grappling with your parents’ mortality, figuring out romance when you feel “behind” your peers in that realm, and the many ways in which gangs target vulnerable teens. The gang aspect in particular will be recognizable to Canadian readers, as it has a very non-fictional inspiration: the bloody history of Indo-Canadian organized crime, with young South Asians often its greatest victims. It’s a very nuanced topic that I could never hope to fully capture, but I at least attempted to explore one facet: how and why this specific group of immigrant kids, many of whom come from seemingly “normal”, stable families, get targeted and recruited into a life that attempts to destroy them. 

It’s a slight departure from the very lighthearted contemporary that my debut novel was but I hope you’ll come along for the ride. Initially, I actually did try to write a story that was more tonally similar—but I had to let go of that. My instincts told me to let these characters take me wherever they wanted to go. And Simran and Rajan really begged me to let them spread their wings and show me the most complex parts of themselves. After all, everyone you know growing up is struggling with different problems. Sometimes, very different problems. For example, you could be worrying about whether you missed a spot shaving while the kid sitting in the desk next to you is wondering whether they’ll make it alive to next week (totally RANDOM examples here obviously). Although both experiences are completely real and valid, this story is an ode to the latter. The kids who grow up too fast. The ones who endure horrors and shoulder burdens that even many adults could barely comprehend. 

How could I deny Simran and Rajan the opportunity to tell that story? A story that gave *me* just as much growth as it gave them? I COULD NOT. Which is why, even though it made it a bit harder to publish, you’re getting this story exactly as it was intended—and for that, I could not be happier.

Add Reasons We Break to StoryGraph!

[katesharmasheart]

books i read in 2022♡ TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo

“The truth of it is that humans are ugly little creatures by our own standards, and no one's inmune to being human, although some of us try to hide it.”

[pageburn]

Book review: TJ Powar Has Something to Prove.

this book was something nineteen year old me needed so desperately to read and i am so glad i did. it teaches such a strong lesson about the journey towards self-acceptance, and how it is not easy nor without disruption.

after a hateful meme goes viral of she and her cousin, tj powar chooses to stop waxing as a form of resistance. that is all i will say as i do not want to give any wrong impressions. this book handles this topic in such a clever and realistic way that i feel will resonate with many people. i don’t want to say much but what i will say is that this is not an instance of tj’s entire self-worth being dependent on a boy or any one person.

the romance in this book was very lovely and truly not overbearing or shown in a way which took away from the main focus of the book. i would give everything to read it for the first time again. i really adored the debate chapters, they were genuinely so fun and entertaining it made me smile so hard.

[radedneko]

"That's the thing, isn't it?" TJ says softly. "Those little comments are the hardest to shake off. It just cycles through your head forever." ~TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo

[booknsinbollywood]

hi soniya's

my name is Lola

💙: I’m 18 💙: she/her

💙: TJ Powar Has Something to Prove, Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment, Queen Bee, Six of Crows 💙: Kamli, You are my Soniya, Maahi Ve, Kamariya, Barso Re, Teri Ore

💙: this blog is a love letter to brown girl books. I spent years of my life searching for books with brown girl representation

💙: I never want another girl to long for books that represent her

[blueberreads]

Books good: all my 5 star reads of 2023

I didn’t realize before starting Jade Shards how much I missed The Green Bone Saga’s characters! It was such a treat getting more of their background. A reread of the whole series is imminent!

TJ Powar Has Something to Prove was so addictive I listened to the audiobook in one sitting. It was the perfect funny, light-hearted contemporary read.

I expected to like Tiger, Tiger, but not to completely fall in love with it! I had to immediately catch up with the webcomic after I finished book one. These characters are everything to my pirate rotten brain.

Ten Thousand Stitches was just as sweet and charming as Half a Soul, the first book in the series. Olivia Atwater is simply becoming one of my favorite authors.

Obviously, after reading it for the third time, The Unspoken Name remained the best book to be ever written. I’m forever grateful for this book’s world-building, simultaneously dark and hilarious story telling and the best queer found family of idiots.

The Sword of Kaigen was a surprise new favorite, with its amazing characters, complex family dynamics and stunning fighting scenes.

Imogen, Obviously was another cute and funny contemporary. A clueless, idiot teenager who thinks she isn’t even allowed to be queer? Not something that speaks to me though. Nope.

I rarely rate non fiction books, but I had to give all the stars to All Boys Aren’t Blue. It was a super emotional and interesting read.

Hey, it’s Olivia Atwater again! A gender fluid fallen angel tempting humans and stealing chocolate was all it took to make Small Miracles the sweetest romance.

Far From the Tree was another addictive audiobook I finished in one sitting. I enjoyed the complex family dynamics and totally get the comparisons with the This is Us tv show.

Ellen Outside the Lines was a delightful middle-grade story, about an autistic kid making friends and trying out new pronouns. I also had a great time mentally revisiting Barcelona—where I briefly lived—along with the MC!

After the second season of the tv series starring my emotional support angels, I had to reread Good Omens! This book has been one of my favorites for fifteen years and it’s still as funny and feel good as the first time I read it.

Moonstruck was such a stunning, sweet and funny graphic novel about mythical creatures navigating life—and at some point a magician trying to steal their powers.

In Other Lands was another addictive read. I loved the characters and magic school setting.

[shittily-reviews-books]

YA Novels that are Worth your Time

Spoiler warning given before review

The Lies of Locke Lamora 10/10

100%yes. Heist adventure, dark themes, revenge, angst a rollercoaster of emotions. Just a beautiful book.

2. The Secret History 8/10

Honestly don't read for the plot, read for the vibes and the good writing because it transports you until you feel like a 'romantic classics student' that 'no one could ever understand', because they don't 'appreciate the arts'. It's pretty cool.

3. TJ Powar has something to Prove 8/10

Just yes. Realistic Desi portrayal?? War against the concept of a beauty standard???? 200% yes.

4. The Final Gambit 6/10

Ngl kinda disappointed in the whole 'climax' scene that lasted a page. She really took Rick Riordan's advice. BUt the characters are still extremely dramatic so slay.

5. Daughter of the Moon Goddess 7/10

Beautiful writing, sexy male leads, smart female lead. Love.

6. The Theft of Sunlight 10/10!!!

I'm sorry poc female lead who doesn't have any powers but is smart, cunning, courageous and reaps chaos wherever she goes???? Murdering thief that loves her to bits??? YESSSS

7. The Stolen Heir 10/10

Spoiler Ahead for TSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

This whole book was a villain origin story and I didn't even realise it because I honestly don't consider chaining hot faerie princes in your basement bc they lied to you, as morally wrong.

Spoiler ended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8. Chain of Thorns 9/10

Honestly was just there to have each couple (Herondaisy, Jucy, Talastair) smash. I wanted more of them being happy and in love and less of plot. Still really good though.

9. The Kinder Poison 9/10

It's really hard to find fantasy novels in which the lead doesn't have any special powers but is just trying their best to have courage and be kind. I think that's the ultimate superpower so yes, loved this book.

10. Love on the Brain 9/10

Enemies to lovers, smart NASA scientist, and good *smashing* scenes. what else do u need???



[victoriagleasuredesigns]

“Your worth is definitely not debatable.” TJ Powar Has Something to Prove, by Jasmeen Kaur Deo

Today’s @owlcrate @OCthenest @words.and.whimsy Good Vibrations photo challenge is: Best Book of the Month.  I do not often read YA contemporary books, but this one stands out. Jesmeen Kaur Deo writes a relatable story about High school, and the pressures of body image especially for women. TJ Powar comes to terms with what beauty means to her.

What was your favorite book this month?

This book is pictured on the Sunflower Quilt, available in our Etsy shop at VictoriaGDesigns or www.victoriagleasuredesigns.com

[lainahastoomuchsparetime]

2024 Reading Challenge Update April-June

I’M BACK. I hope. Every year I like to do reading challenges, and one of them is the FOLD Reading challenge. The reading slump is slumping and your girl is once again behind. Let’s talk about what I have read for this, though. April’s challenge was a book by a Sikh Author and I read: TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo Published: June 7th, 2022 by Viking Books for Young…

[starshipviolet]

thanks for tagging me! tagging @transxfiles @renearmoral :)

Last song: Not Strong Enough by boygenius is really good, I’ve been loving their record

Currently Watching: Ted Lasso! So close to the end of season 3 & holding out hope it won’t be the last one

Currently reading: Gender Failure by Rae Spoon and Ivan E Coyote which is like two older genderqueer folks telling stories about their lives and when I get stuck with that I read TJ Powar Has Something To Prove which is a really good, fun YA about smashing beauty standards as a debate kid. (Also Loveless is wild)

Current obsession: Still paint pens I found for free, theyre so fun to work with, i made this for my friend and the first day of pride. (Also subway surfers pride edition might be a lower tier obsession for me too).

getting to know folks better!

tagged by @the-ipre i am looking 👀👀👀

Last song: Dear Arkansas Daughter by Lady Lamb,,,,,,, thinking about who has the dark curls and who has the watercolored eyes in my most recent ttrpg campaign (looking at you ash) has me Thriving

Currently Watching: Dimension 20s The Ravening War

Currently Reading: the fun little au fics for Sore Must Be The Storm, but I also just finished Loveless by Alice Oseman and It Was Wild

Current Obsession: ohhhhhh, thinking about my magical boys (gender neutral) (recent ttrpg) SO much,,,,,, got a tattoo for the main boy and planning on getting another soon

tagging @averyho @starshipviolet @godsspecialprincess

[butchnavi]

DID SOMEONE SAY NEW JESMEEN KAUR DEO??!

[jdeowrites]

I'm going to the Frankfurt Book Fair this year!

Which is next week! Going to the biggest book fair in the world, as a nominee for one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Germany, at the invitation of my German publisher, are three things I never would've imagined a few years ago. But here we go, all those things together! I've also never been to Europe, so I'm excited, even though it'll be a short trip.

And I'm doing a signing while there!

October 19, 2024 at 1:30pm Frankfurt local time: Ya girl will be signing at the Arctis booth (Hall 3, C83)! Please come say hi and give me company! :)

[publishedtoday]

TJ Powar Has Something to Prove - Jesmeen Kaur Deo

When TJ Powar—a pretty, popular debater—and her cousin Simran become the subject of a meme: with TJ being the “expectation” of dating an Indian girl and her Sikh cousin who does not remove her body hair being the “reality”—TJ decides to take a stand. She ditches her razors, cancels her waxing appointments, and sets a debate resolution for herself: “This House Believes That TJ Powar can be her hairy self, and still be beautiful.” Only, as she sets about proving her point, she starts to seriously doubt anyone could care about her just the way she is—even when the infuriating boy from a rival debate team seems determined to prove otherwise. As her carefully crafted sense of self begins to crumble, TJ realizes that winning this debate may cost her far more than the space between her eyebrows. And that the hardest judge to convince of her arguments might just be herself. 

tw: ableism, body shaming, bullying, fatphobia, misogyny, racism, sexism

[deesi-academia]

'TJ Powar has something to prove' is a book that tackles this issue and I am so excited to read it!!

Anyways, the fuck is up with the disgust towards bodyhair?