National Network for Equitable Library Service

Serena Singh is tired of everyone telling her what she should want-and she is ready to prove to her mother, her sister, and the aunties in her community that a woman does not need domestic bliss to have a happy life. Things are going according to plan for Serena. She is smart, confident, and just got a kick-ass new job at a top advertising firm in Washington, D.C. Even before her younger sister got married in a big, traditional wedding, Serena knew her own dreams did not include marriage or children. But with her mother constantly encouraging her to be more like her sister, Serena can not understand why her parents refuse to recognize that she and her sister want completely different experiences out of life. A new friendship with her co-worker Ainsley comes as a breath of fresh air, challenging Serena's long-held beliefs about the importance of self-reliance. She has been so focused on career success that she has let all of her hobbies and close friendships fall by the wayside. As Serena reconnects with her family and friends-including her ex-boyfriend-she learns letting people in can make her happier than standing all on her own.