A review by b00ksandqu0tes
The Knockout by Sajni Patel

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted 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

4.25

From beginning to end, I LOVED The Knockout and the journey that it takes you on! 

An #ownvoices novel that touches on pride in yourself and fitting in with your culture, The Knockout is about Kareena Thakkar whose choice in sports - Muay Thai - is far from being ladylike and acceptable to her Indian community. Not only does she struggle with feeling like she doesn't fit in, but Kareena is also trying to juggle her father's illness, losing some friendships, and a lack of funding for the US Muay Thai Open that she has been invited to compete in. Add on discovering the possibility of feelings for Amit Patel, her brilliant, perfect Indian classmate, and all the drama that goes with that, and you've got a packed premise for a novel. 

What I appreciated so much about this book was the pacing and tone. As a former competitor, when you are getting ready for an important competition your whole life seems to fly by. Everything is fast, everything is important, and your adrenal and energy skyrocket. It means that your responses to relationships and school and everything else is also heightened, because this preparation of your body and mind impacts everything else you are doing. This book felt like that. Through the pacing and the crazy energy and the go=go-go tone, I felt like I was back getting into competition mode with Kareena. It made the pitfalls and traps in her life feel that much more emotional and exhausting, and the wins were thrilling. 

This is definitely a book I'd put in my 8th grade classroom - it's clean and fun and the conversation around relationships - both romantic and friendly - are important ones to have, and they are discussed well in the novel.