Young Adult Book Reviews

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Kareena Thakkar, a 17 year old high school student of Indian descent, excels in a sport called Muay Thai, which is a type of fighting. Due to this interest, many people in their Indian community have shunned her and her parents because they don’t think it’s an appropriate activity for a proper young lady. Kareena’s parents have been nothing but supportive, especially since her father is very ill and they have suffered financial difficulty due to his bills and inability to work. She has shied away from telling too many people at school, however, because she is afraid of what the reaction will be, but when she is offered the chance to attend the US Muay Thai Open she knows word will get out. Plus, she desperately needs to raise enough funds to actually go to the competition that her coach thinks she has a chance of winning. To make matters more exciting, there is talk of making Muay Thai an Olympic sport. Once other female athletes begin to hear about her sport they are very supportive and want to help her reach her goal of attending this prestigious competition. She has also begun tutoring a young Indian guy who is very charismatic and smart but seems preoccupied and exhausted most of the time. She doesn’t feel she can press him on what is bothering him without sharing her goals for Muay Thai and her father’s illness in return. Also, when his traditional parents hear about her untraditional aspirations they are less than supportive. Can Kareena manage to be there for her parents, keep up with her studies, and train for the US Muay Thai? Can she trust her friends to accept her for who she is, even if it doesn’t conform to Indian traditions? Can she find time to begin a relationship with her new Indian friend?

This story does a great job of illustrating how difficult it can be for anyone to adhere to the expectations other set on them. Kareena is very lucky to have supportive parents and friends, but it’s obvious how much it weighs on her when people judge her and her decisions unfairly. Many high school students of all backgrounds will be able to identify with a character who doesn’t feel she is accepted by those around her. This book also illustrates how times are changing and it’s becoming more and more celebrated to be who you want to be with your individual strengths and goals. Stress and familial pressure are another theme in this story which is another thing young adults struggle with. Recommended for anyone looking for an engaging read.