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chelslynro's review against another edition
3.0
Short version of my review:
Lovely coming-of-age story of a queer, Indian-American kid who discovers his sexuality, his sense of belonging within his community, and connection to humanity. Great for anyone who's looking to read more diverse stories, but I want to note that there is a lot of sexual content (just in case that's not normally your scene, or if you're expecting a "PG" YA novel with it's 12-year-old narrator).
Find my whole review on my blog (Booked Club).
Lovely coming-of-age story of a queer, Indian-American kid who discovers his sexuality, his sense of belonging within his community, and connection to humanity. Great for anyone who's looking to read more diverse stories, but I want to note that there is a lot of sexual content (just in case that's not normally your scene, or if you're expecting a "PG" YA novel with it's 12-year-old narrator).
Find my whole review on my blog (Booked Club).
rkapil7's review against another edition
2.0
Rating 2.5
1. Extremely cliche language used.
2. Narration is that of a child but the language and the social science narrative of feeling of not fitting in are that of grown up person.
But had to tolerate this just to know about the unique theme dealt in Indian American literature.
1. Extremely cliche language used.
2. Narration is that of a child but the language and the social science narrative of feeling of not fitting in are that of grown up person.
But had to tolerate this just to know about the unique theme dealt in Indian American literature.
rgreenberg's review
5.0
This novel follows Kiran and his adventures in being a young Indian boy not quite sure who (or what) he is. This book is so heartbreaking and touching and hilarious and absolutely relatable to anyone who felt a bit off as a kid but especially those of us ballet-dancing, makeup testing, sports-hating future homosexuals. Absolutely loved this book!
rachelkc's review
3.0
The story of only child Kiran as he figures out who he is - son of immigrants, vibrant artist, smart child. Kiran doesn't fit in with the other Indian children, but neither does he fit in with the kids at his school - and maybe none of that matters if he is the god he believes he is.
First thoughts: This book has so much description - I could picture everything in each scene, down to the feelings in the air and on people's faces. It took me a bit to get used to the completeness and I had to reread the first few pages to absorb all of it.
Favorite character: Kiran is a character, for sure. How likable is he though? I wasn't sure how much to trust him. He's pretty judgmental and gets away with a lot that I never would have growing up.
Favorite quote: "The sky will soon lighten as it always does, and there is no more hopeful moment than that: when time is tomorrow but still carries a strain of today, when we're wiser and reborn all at once." -p244
Comparison thoughts: I can't help but find similarities to Jhumpa Lahiri (attention to detail and character development) and The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian (fun honesty and youthful perspective).
Final thoughts: Hmmm. Interesting. Playful, yet reverent. I learned about Hinduism through the lens of an Indian boy, and now I want to learn more from others.
First thoughts: This book has so much description - I could picture everything in each scene, down to the feelings in the air and on people's faces. It took me a bit to get used to the completeness and I had to reread the first few pages to absorb all of it.
Favorite character: Kiran is a character, for sure. How likable is he though? I wasn't sure how much to trust him. He's pretty judgmental and gets away with a lot that I never would have growing up.
Favorite quote: "The sky will soon lighten as it always does, and there is no more hopeful moment than that: when time is tomorrow but still carries a strain of today, when we're wiser and reborn all at once." -p244
Comparison thoughts: I can't help but find similarities to Jhumpa Lahiri (attention to detail and character development) and The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian (fun honesty and youthful perspective).
Final thoughts: Hmmm. Interesting. Playful, yet reverent. I learned about Hinduism through the lens of an Indian boy, and now I want to learn more from others.
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