It’s not often you get to read a book set in State College that doesn’t involve football. Penn State alumna Annika Sharma’s book titled ‘The Rearranged Life,’ chronicling the story of two students attending Penn State, is set to be released on May 15.

The main character, Nithya, is a type-A, overachieving college student who has ambitions of medical school. This determined college senior has always known what she has wanted: a successful career in medicine and love from her family. Valuing her family’s heritage and culture more than anything, all she desires is their love and respect.

However, there’s a catch.

During her senior year, she falls for a smart, challenging, and heart-breakingly handsome boy named James St. Clair. Unfortunately, James is an American, leaving Nithya to question her highly valued family traditions.

Nithya, coming from a traditional Indian family, is expected to fall into an arranged marriage leaving her with a life-changing decision to make.

As Nithya and James fall in love, she questions the future that she has always grown to accept. Now, Nithya must choose between two options. Will she become a doctor and a good Indian bride, or stray away from from her family and centuries of culture and tradition to forge her own life path?

“It seems only appropriate since it was a huge part of my life and the story is set there,” Sharma said.

Celebrating her successful publication with Penn State, Sharma will host a book signing at the Penn State bookstore on Friday, April 24 from 12 to 2 p.m.

Be sure to check out Sharma’s new book and support her success at the Penn State Bookstore. As a Penn State student, what could be more engaging than a good read that takes place on your very own campus?

Image: Kate L. Mary