The Best at It

Throughout the story, Rahul thinks that to be respected, he has to become the “best” at something. Using examples from the novel, explore whether this belief holds true. How do Rahul’s attempts to become the “best” affect his mental health, relationships, and self-esteem?

How do Rahul’s friends and family support him? How does this support help Rahul understand himself, his identity, and his mental health better? Are there moments where their support changes how Rahul sees himself?

How does Rahul go about accepting and celebrating his sexuality and his Indian heritage? What factors challenge this acceptance, and how does he finally overcome them?

Brent is an archetype of a school bully, but his interactions with Rahul also reveal deeper complexities. How do Brent’s actions, such as outing Rahul or his behavior at the audition, drive the plot forward?

How does this book portray obsessive-compulsive disorder? Research what OCD is like on reputable medical sites. Is the portrayal accurate, compassionate, and helpful in terms of a general understanding of OCD?

How does Rahul’s perception of physical perfection ultimately harm his self-image? How might the celebration of Holi challenge and mend Rahul’s issues with colorism?

Write an essay about the types of symbols in the novel that relate to identity. Which symbols relate to Rahul’s resistance to his identity? Which symbols relate to his acceptance?

What roles do Chelsea and Bhai play in the novel? In what ways do their roles as friends and family differ, and how does this impact Rahul’s journey?