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shealwaysreads 's review for:
American Betiya
by Anuradha D. Rajurkar
American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar is one of those quiet books that sneaks up on you. Soft, steady, and it will deeply resonant with so you, so that days later you’re still getting the goosebumps.
This novel is such an authentic and beautifully layered portrayal of what it means to be caught between cultures, between expectations, and between identities. Rani’s voice is sharp, thoughtful, and real. Her story doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of growing up—the push and pull of parental love, the way friendships shift like sand, and the raw, heady thrill of first love… and the way it can so quickly blur into something else entirely.
What I loved most is how American Betiya explores boundaries—not just between cultures, but emotional and personal ones. It doesn’t romanticize struggle; it honors it. There’s a quiet strength in Rani’s growth that made me want to hug the book after finishing it. And her relationship with her mom? Whew. It was complicated and familiar in a way that hit home.
This book is smart, moving, and full of nuance. If you’re someone who appreciates YA that trusts its readers to sit with discomfort and truth, this one’s for you.
This novel is such an authentic and beautifully layered portrayal of what it means to be caught between cultures, between expectations, and between identities. Rani’s voice is sharp, thoughtful, and real. Her story doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of growing up—the push and pull of parental love, the way friendships shift like sand, and the raw, heady thrill of first love… and the way it can so quickly blur into something else entirely.
What I loved most is how American Betiya explores boundaries—not just between cultures, but emotional and personal ones. It doesn’t romanticize struggle; it honors it. There’s a quiet strength in Rani’s growth that made me want to hug the book after finishing it. And her relationship with her mom? Whew. It was complicated and familiar in a way that hit home.
This book is smart, moving, and full of nuance. If you’re someone who appreciates YA that trusts its readers to sit with discomfort and truth, this one’s for you.