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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Interesting read with lots of issues to think about. Wish we would have gotten some of Ajay’s POV and felt that Baker family’s conversations were not realistic. People don’t really talk like that.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed the Secret Daughter by this author and this book has been making the rounds and it didn’t disappoint.
The story highlights the importance of being true to oneself and that the American dream is not all it’s cracked up to be. Wealth, fake friendships, big houses and fancy cars don’t make one happy and that is the most important lesson these characters learn.
Powerful themes of immigration, racial profiling and coming of age under parents who grew up in a different culture are explored as are the importance of family and community.
Priya and Ashok are so blinded by the American Dream that they fail to see the truth of what is actually going on around them. It isn’t until their youngest child is arrested that they begin to realize what is truly important.
While so much is going on the story, it isn’t long and is an excellent example of a character study. My only comment is that there may be too many characters and at times, it’s hard to keep them all straight.
The Shah family has recently moved to a rich neighborhood and everything seems like it's working out for them. While Priya and Ashok are at a dinner party, their children are supposed to be studying, with friends, and at robotics club. But Deepa doesn't pick up her younger siblings, Maya and Ajay because she's protesting in Tijuana. Ajay decides to leave robotics practice to fly his drone on the grounds of an airport and police tackle and arrest him.
Priya and Ashok try to explain that their son is only 12 (the cops have assumed he's older) and get him out.
From there, the police investigate the incident, with some cops pushing to charge the boy. The Shahs find out who their real friends are as they deal with the case, speak to reporters, and try to put this nightmare behind them. Deepa and Maya both continue to engage in risky behaviors.
This hit all the notes I expected it to--discussing racial bias by police, the divided nature of the U.S. through current issues, the immigrant experience, and solidarity among minority groups. It didn't feel particularly revolutionary.
Priya and Ashok try to explain that their son is only 12 (the cops have assumed he's older) and get him out.
From there, the police investigate the incident, with some cops pushing to charge the boy. The Shahs find out who their real friends are as they deal with the case, speak to reporters, and try to put this nightmare behind them. Deepa and Maya both continue to engage in risky behaviors.
This hit all the notes I expected it to--discussing racial bias by police, the divided nature of the U.S. through current issues, the immigrant experience, and solidarity among minority groups. It didn't feel particularly revolutionary.
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
sad
medium-paced
emotional
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
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes