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rita_reads_cda's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Loved it
foggy_rosamund's review
4.0
Kiran feels dislocated everywhere: both in his elementary school among his white classmates, and at temple and parties among other Indian-Americans. At only 12, he's precociously clever and imaginative, but very isolated. He enjoys ballet, playing with make-up and dolls, and singing and performing. Eventually, he decides he's not the freak other kids think he is: he's actually a mortal reincarnation of the god Krishna.
I really enjoyed this book, though it's a flawed narrative. Kiran's engagement with Hinduism, beauty, performance and spirituality are all beautifully explored. This book is also unflinching in its look at pre-adolescent sexuality, and Kiran's obsession with male and female bodies. It's also heartbreaking at times when Kiran is bullied and feels like his sexuality and gender expression make him unworthy of being part of society. This is told in first person, and Kiran's narrative voice is often very funny and interesting, but does not feel at all like a 12-year-old. This disconnect between the age of the narrator and the maturity of his voice felt very jarring at times. The plot also bags in places, and I think a tighter narrative would have improved this novel. That being said, the emotional impact of this book more than makes up for its flaws, and I found the last few paragraphs both beautifully expressed and deeply moving. I'm consistently cheering Kiran on throughout, and his tenacity as a character makes this narrative hopeful, and makes the reader believe Kiran will find happiness in the end.
I really enjoyed this book, though it's a flawed narrative. Kiran's engagement with Hinduism, beauty, performance and spirituality are all beautifully explored. This book is also unflinching in its look at pre-adolescent sexuality, and Kiran's obsession with male and female bodies. It's also heartbreaking at times when Kiran is bullied and feels like his sexuality and gender expression make him unworthy of being part of society. This is told in first person, and Kiran's narrative voice is often very funny and interesting, but does not feel at all like a 12-year-old. This disconnect between the age of the narrator and the maturity of his voice felt very jarring at times. The plot also bags in places, and I think a tighter narrative would have improved this novel. That being said, the emotional impact of this book more than makes up for its flaws, and I found the last few paragraphs both beautifully expressed and deeply moving. I'm consistently cheering Kiran on throughout, and his tenacity as a character makes this narrative hopeful, and makes the reader believe Kiran will find happiness in the end.
bexi's review against another edition
I like this so far but I'm having a hard time focusing on the audiobook for some reason. I think I'll have to read this one with my own eyes.
mmc2153's review
5.0
A really well done novel about a young Indian boy who is different from his peers in so many ways. Written from the middle school perspective of Kiran, but in the voice of a much older soul, Kiran struggles to find his footing in school, at temple, and in his family. An awesome read that looks at how hard it is to be different, and how resilient the soul can be.
dmahanty's review
3.0
The book starts off with a bang, when you meet 12 year old Kiran putting on his mother's makeup. As you get to know Kiran through the story you see how he struggles to fit in and be accepted in his school world made consisting of all caucasian students, his indian world, and even being accepted by his parents. On top of it, his flamboyant nature and love of pink, his Strawberry Shortcake doll don't make his adjustment easier. Lot's of humor and extreme scenes. A good read.
twold's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual content
betiana's review
4.0
A lovely coming of age story that shows how what makes us different also makes us special.
saorosco's review
2.0
Just no.
I wanted so much more from this book than what I got. Kiran, just came off as a little snot... I have Satyal's latest work but eh, I'm in no rush to get to it now.
I wanted so much more from this book than what I got. Kiran, just came off as a little snot... I have Satyal's latest work but eh, I'm in no rush to get to it now.
chrisiant's review
4.0
This is a fabulous book. The main character is delightful and awkward and hilarious and so authentic his seemingly odd little perspective on the world.
He's caught between his Indian immigrant/Hindu temple community and his central Ohioan middle school community and not able to express his developing queer and artistic identities easily in either of these places. His emerging identity doesn't fit into any of the little boxes the people around him would like, but he's so dear and earnest he's been trying to fit into them as best he can and now it's really not working so well and he's finding maybe he doesn't want to fit into those boxes after all.
His story comes forth in a way that alternately has you cackling at his antics, smarting at the injustices and complete lack of understanding he seems to face everywhere he turns, and praising his earnestness and unquenchable spirit in the face of it all.
Plus, like the author says in his little note at the back of the book - there isn't enough funny Indian literature out there, and this really helps to fill the gap. Totally, totally go read this.
He's caught between his Indian immigrant/Hindu temple community and his central Ohioan middle school community and not able to express his developing queer and artistic identities easily in either of these places. His emerging identity doesn't fit into any of the little boxes the people around him would like, but he's so dear and earnest he's been trying to fit into them as best he can and now it's really not working so well and he's finding maybe he doesn't want to fit into those boxes after all.
His story comes forth in a way that alternately has you cackling at his antics, smarting at the injustices and complete lack of understanding he seems to face everywhere he turns, and praising his earnestness and unquenchable spirit in the face of it all.
Plus, like the author says in his little note at the back of the book - there isn't enough funny Indian literature out there, and this really helps to fill the gap. Totally, totally go read this.