WE ARE TOTALLY NORMAL

Seventeen-year-old Nandan knows everyone, goes to every party, and can talk up even the most unapproachable girls. But after he drunkenly kisses a dude, he starts wondering: obviously, a kiss doesn't need to mean anything, but - all his life he's felt this terrible sense of unworthiness, and, well, maybe the answer is that he's gay. Like, it'd almost be a relief if his problem turned out to be that simple.
While sorting through these emotions, Nandan bullies his way into the life of Bowtie Dave, an outcast who's desperate to get with nerd-girl Marisol. Nandan is put off by Dave's bitterness and resignation, but he's drawn to him in a way that's strangely tender and physical. He also really clicks with the witty and well-dressed Marisol (though he's not sure he's attracted to her). Nandan's feelings continue to confuse him, even as he relentlessly pushes Dave to admit to and take responsibility for his own loneliness. But when Dave's sketchy behavior starts to undermine Nandan's reputation, the older kid has to figure out what he truly wants from Dave and Marisol, and whether it's something they're even capable of giving.

A cross between The Spectacular Now and Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda, Kanakia's novel aims to stay true to the experience of so many teens in trying to attach a label to the hot mess inside their own heart.