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mslater116's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Drug use, Gaslighting, Racism, Suicide, Alcoholism, and Addiction
loverofvenus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
american betiya is about rani kelkar, a highschool student living in illinois. she's the daughter of indian immigrants. the book explores her struggle to reconcile american and indian values through her romantic relationship with a kid called oliver. rani, like many of us, isn't allowed to date, but when a guy finally takes interest in her, she decides to do so anyway. oliver is the tall, white, tattooed painter. his home life isn't great but for the most part, he seems like a sweet guy. they went on "dates" during their lunch period and bonded over their shared love of art. but, as the two fall further and further into love, oliver's microaggressions strain their relationship more and more.
as a desi girl myself, i found this book quite interesting. indians are constantly de-sexualized, so seeing a brown girl being fetishized was new and offered an interesting experience for me to consider.
Graphic: Grief, Cursing, Racism, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Mental illness, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Suicide, Drug abuse, and Death
Minor: Alcoholism, Addiction, Drug use, Bullying, and Domestic abuse
library_kb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Moderate: Gaslighting and Racism
Minor: Addiction and Suicide
antonique_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Addiction and Drug abuse
Minor: Suicide and Mental illness
emordnilap's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
but good read
important read
check cw(it won’t let me pick as a thing but microagressions are a big thing)
Graphic: Suicide, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Racism
myblackbookish_life's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Racism, Drug use, and Alcoholism
Minor: Suicide
lexireed's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Grief, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
erin_lovell's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Racism, Toxic relationship, and Drug use
Moderate: Suicide
ambi_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
As a person of Indian heritage myself, I was most definitely excited to read about its representation in the westernised world. I truly believe it is something we need more of.
I applaud the author for showcasing the discrimination that Indians also face on a daily basis. I applaud the author for showcasing the vibrancy and rich culture that we have - from our most amazing festivals, to the delicious food, to the respectable (to an extent) people, to the community we built, to the sacrifices made, to the language, to the clothing and so much more. I applaud the author for calling out persons who only accept certain parts of our culture while disposing of the rest showing why it SHOULD NOT be that way. This is the first novel of its kind that truly held ALOT of substance to the Indian culture I am proud to be a part of.
It most certainly hurt my heart and soul seeing the racism/discrimination being birthed from Oliver and his views on Rani and her culture. I definitely am a Rani. There are things in our households that are hard to explain to others but when we try, our family gets looked down at which hurts us in the process. The same was with Rani. I loved that the author showcased how the sacrifices our forefathers made has molded the way Indians think and act - they just want to protect their children from the harsh world that they know. I really did not like how Oliver could not understand this much nor respect the views following the fact that Rani did warn him beforehand. I loved that Rani was able to grow from this experience and cut ties from her toxic relationships to grow and truly identify real connections when they do show up.
On the other hand, I also really felt sorry for Oliver. Coming from a toxic home really takes on toll on someone and affects their personalities and their relationships with others as was seen with Rani and him. I did understand his view of art - it was the only way he could have truly expressed how he felt but sadly even through that medium, he was inconsiderate at times.
Overall, the character development was HIGH in this novel which I definitely enjoyed!
There were so many other themes I loved also:
1. Role Models and how they influence our view of the world
2. Friendships when strong enough truly knows no bounds
3. Family who is always there for you, love you and have the best intentions though we question their actions at times
Do be warned, some triggers present in the book are death of a loved one, suicide and drug abuse.
American Betiya had my emotions all over the place - from excitement to anticipation to hope to anger to frustration to pride to appreciation to love.
I really was unsure where the story would have ended but I am absolutely pleased with the choices made by all characters involved. This really is a remarkable book.
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
utopiastateofmind's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
American Betiya is a book I think more POC teens should read. Especially as we are cultivating a culture which talks more openly about cultural appropriation and racist comments. There are the hate crimes, the blatant racism, and the discrimination. But it's also in the little comments over dinners, nicknames, and emotional manipulation. At times, American Betiya was difficult to read, because as readers we can, hopefully, see the red flags. But as a woman of color, I can see their echoes in my life. The comments I brushed off, the phrases I heard in the corner of rooms, and the unspoken silences.
I wish that teen me had read this book. Knew not to laugh away those moments that made me uncomfortable. To recognize the comments for what they were. And what happens to Rani is worse than I ever experienced. American Betiya is about the lines that are so easily laughed off, but are ignorant and become insidious. A line between our attractions and fetishizing them. It's also a story about love, about toxic relationships, and the need for self-independence.
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Suicide