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the_bibliophilic_world's review against another edition
3.0
Original rating: 3.5
American Betiya is the story of Rani, an Indian-American teenager who meets an American boy, Oliver, and they both develop a relationship and start dating secretly. Like most of the brown parents, hers are also very strict. They want her to focus on her studies and her education with no distractions.
Rani loves photography but plans on becoming a pediatrician, and her parents desire the same. Rani's photographs are being exhibited at an event, and that's where she meets Oliver.
The representation of Indian culture is beautiful, and I loved reading about the pujas and the Indian events. The theme of the book comes out really well. I loved Rani's bond with her grandparents and her adorable relationship with her best friend, Kate.
The book is sex-positive and the family drama is delightful to read. However, I found it less gripping at some points. It was moving forward with dialogues. At some points, I found myself skimming over pages, as there was no glue to hold me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book for an honest review. This did not affect my opinions.
American Betiya is the story of Rani, an Indian-American teenager who meets an American boy, Oliver, and they both develop a relationship and start dating secretly. Like most of the brown parents, hers are also very strict. They want her to focus on her studies and her education with no distractions.
Rani loves photography but plans on becoming a pediatrician, and her parents desire the same. Rani's photographs are being exhibited at an event, and that's where she meets Oliver.
The representation of Indian culture is beautiful, and I loved reading about the pujas and the Indian events. The theme of the book comes out really well. I loved Rani's bond with her grandparents and her adorable relationship with her best friend, Kate.
The book is sex-positive and the family drama is delightful to read. However, I found it less gripping at some points. It was moving forward with dialogues. At some points, I found myself skimming over pages, as there was no glue to hold me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book for an honest review. This did not affect my opinions.
bookishends's review against another edition
3.0
I tried to read this book before it came out, but had to put it down because it wasn’t doing anything for me. Over two years later, I tried again and sadly it didn’t get much better for me. I loved that, for the most part, Rani wasn’t self-hating or ashamed of her culture. And I enjoyed seeing her reconcile with not being very religious but still partaking in religious customs and holidays. So, this book hit the mark for me when it came to the exploration of identity, but the romance made it a tough read.
Oliver was earnest but so very corny. And it was hard to like him because we never get a chance to really know him before the cringe happens, especially with his attempts at Indian references. I could understand why he was the way he was because of his upbringing, but his obsession with Rani and desire to be a part of her family was a lot. The only thing their relationship had going was the physical aspect.
The book also felt a bit too long, and there were several scenes that I thought went on for a while without adding anything to the story or our understanding of the characters.
The book did end up making me cry toward the end because of all the feels with Rani and her family, and the ending was satisfying in a bittersweet way. So I don’t hate that I read this, but it was average at best.
lyddo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
monakelkar's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing read that gives a real and raw view into the coming of age of an Indian American girl, the good, bad, and ugly. Compelling plot with flawed and robust characters. Loved it!
stuhlsatzg's review against another edition
5.0
What I would give to have read this book in high school. Just stunning.
notapiano's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
4.25
violet_primroses's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
storytimed's review against another edition
3.0
Most of the book is him saying something, her going, "well, that's a little racist!" but then continuing to stay with him because they can't break up until the end of the novel
I don't fault a teen for not having the words to say "hey weird that you're fetishizing my culture", but like... the author wanted to have her be simultaneously aware enough to call out the moments of racism (#girlboss style) and naive enough to fall for him anyway
Which doesn't 100% work. This is probably a good book for teens who may date white people in the future but to me it seemed kinda rote
southernbellebooks's review against another edition
4.0
What an awesome book. I loved Rajurkar's writing and storytelling. It was such an amazing look into a beautiful culture and a story of finding yourself.
reynanagpal's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0