AMERICAN BETIYA

Narrator Soneela Nankani sounds warm, wry, and believably youthful as Rani, an Illinois high school student who finds first love and hard-won confidence in this coming-of-age audiobook. Responsible, smart, and talented in photography, Rani is surprised when she falls for Oliver, a charismatic fellow artist. Their chemistry is powerful, but their romance has to stay clandestine since Rani's traditional immigrant parents forbid dating. Moreover, as their relationship intensifies, Rani is forced to confront Oliver's exoticized view of her and his resentment of her deep family bonds. Throughout it all, Nankani's sensitive narration keeps listeners anchored in Rani's emotions, ensuring that her story resonates with listeners who are similar to Rani, as well as with those who simply relate to the challenge of defining one's true self. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2021]