All This Could Be Different

by Sarah Thankam Mathews

All This Could Be Different felt very much rooted in a Gen Z perspective, with its exploration of identity, friendship, work, and chosen family in a rapidly changing world. There were many funny, poignant, and genuinely moving moments, but the story is also underscored by the realities of racism and the ways it shapes the characters' experiences. Sneha is exceptionally well written, flawed, insightful, and compelling enough that I remained invested in her journey even when I didn't agree with her choices. One unexpected reaction I had was developing a strong dislike for the neighbor, whose presence increasingly grated on me as the story progressed. Overall, it's a thoughtful, well-crafted debut that balances humor, heartache, and social commentary, even if some aspects felt geared toward a younger generation than my own.