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mmc2153's review against another edition
5.0
A really well done novel about a young Indian boy who is different from his peers in so many ways. Written from the middle school perspective of Kiran, but in the voice of a much older soul, Kiran struggles to find his footing in school, at temple, and in his family. An awesome read that looks at how hard it is to be different, and how resilient the soul can be.
dmahanty's review against another edition
3.0
The book starts off with a bang, when you meet 12 year old Kiran putting on his mother's makeup. As you get to know Kiran through the story you see how he struggles to fit in and be accepted in his school world made consisting of all caucasian students, his indian world, and even being accepted by his parents. On top of it, his flamboyant nature and love of pink, his Strawberry Shortcake doll don't make his adjustment easier. Lot's of humor and extreme scenes. A good read.
twold's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual content
yarnbandit's review against another edition
4.0
Really interesting and entertaining read. Definitely would recommend.
betiana's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely coming of age story that shows how what makes us different also makes us special.
saorosco's review against another edition
2.0
Just no.
I wanted so much more from this book than what I got. Kiran, just came off as a little snot... I have Satyal's latest work but eh, I'm in no rush to get to it now.
I wanted so much more from this book than what I got. Kiran, just came off as a little snot... I have Satyal's latest work but eh, I'm in no rush to get to it now.
chrisiant's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fabulous book. The main character is delightful and awkward and hilarious and so authentic his seemingly odd little perspective on the world.
He's caught between his Indian immigrant/Hindu temple community and his central Ohioan middle school community and not able to express his developing queer and artistic identities easily in either of these places. His emerging identity doesn't fit into any of the little boxes the people around him would like, but he's so dear and earnest he's been trying to fit into them as best he can and now it's really not working so well and he's finding maybe he doesn't want to fit into those boxes after all.
His story comes forth in a way that alternately has you cackling at his antics, smarting at the injustices and complete lack of understanding he seems to face everywhere he turns, and praising his earnestness and unquenchable spirit in the face of it all.
Plus, like the author says in his little note at the back of the book - there isn't enough funny Indian literature out there, and this really helps to fill the gap. Totally, totally go read this.
He's caught between his Indian immigrant/Hindu temple community and his central Ohioan middle school community and not able to express his developing queer and artistic identities easily in either of these places. His emerging identity doesn't fit into any of the little boxes the people around him would like, but he's so dear and earnest he's been trying to fit into them as best he can and now it's really not working so well and he's finding maybe he doesn't want to fit into those boxes after all.
His story comes forth in a way that alternately has you cackling at his antics, smarting at the injustices and complete lack of understanding he seems to face everywhere he turns, and praising his earnestness and unquenchable spirit in the face of it all.
Plus, like the author says in his little note at the back of the book - there isn't enough funny Indian literature out there, and this really helps to fill the gap. Totally, totally go read this.
carryanneb's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the story but the language sometimes did not feel right for a character that young. it almost felt like an adult voice, which could have worked better for me if Kiran had told the story looking back.
knunderb's review against another edition
1.0
I couldn't get into this book. It's told from.a first person perspective, and the main character is an 8 year old boy. So, it makes no sense for him to use words like "gams," "gusto," and for him to know what "The Honeymooners" is. Were the story told from the 3rd person, or if Kiran were an adult retelling the story of his childhood the voice would have made more sense. Also, I felt that the author was being way to stereotypical with Kiran being trans-gender. The voice given to Kiran is way over the top and reads as stereotypically gay.
extemporalli's review against another edition
4.0
A debut of striking wit - Kiran is probably one of the most original child characters I've come across in recent years. Knocking off one star because of some clunky writing typical of debuts, but I suspect I'll be thinking about this one for a while. I definitely can't wait to read Satyal's next book (out now)!