Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger - 17yr old Samar (Sam) lives with her mother in New Jersey. Sam's mother felt too restricted by her Indian parents, cutting all family ties. Sam knows many things but she is clueless about her Indian heritage. Her mother made it a point to stress their sameness, the two have fully assimilated into Western culture. Everything changes when Uncle Sandeep, knocks on their door. Sandeep, seeks out this lost family branch after the attacks of 9/11. Sam doesn't know what to make of this turban wearing man at her door but she quickly deems him a nice guy. With Uncle Sandeep entering Sam's life again she wants to know more about what it means to be an Indian, Sikh. Many teens of color will be able to relate to Sam's attempts to find balance - hanging with the majority, while still claiming who she is and hanging with her people. Sometimes this can be difficult and Sam doesn't have an easy time with it. I think its nice for teens of color to see a character of color struggle with finding where they fit in. What makes this novel so good is Sam. Meminger has created a wonderful character in Samar, I loved her. The author creates two opposing characters in Sam's best friend Molly and boyfriend, Mike. Sam begins to evaluate who her friends are, Mike doesn't make the cut. Its nothing overly oblivious, subtle things Sam may have missed or dismissed before Uncle Sandeep knocked on their door. I really enjoyed Shine Coconut Moon, the author writes with wonderful ease. Ages 12up. More Reviews
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Finally, if this sounds good try Skunkgirl by Sheba Karim, another wonderful new release for 09.
8 comments:
I'm ridiculously behind on reviews. Enjoyed yours and Andromeda's. Now, I have to say something you haven't said. :-)
You should check out the review over at Sikhchic.com its great
will do.
drop us a link at LLM. And show some love at CO. You haven't commented in a while. :-)
This sounds great; I love books about mixed race children, especially since our family has them. It's not such an unusual thing where they live - in D.C. - where every mix of every group and country you can think of is, making the most beautiful range of colors I could ever imagine! - but still, you know how it is, the adults always have their theories, but it's the kids who have to live it. So I will definitely be interested in checking out this book!
Now on my list! How do you keep up on your reviews? You are dynamite! Keep up the great suggestions.
Rhapsodyinbooks, Sam is full Indian. Now I will go back over what I wrote to see where I mislead you.
KB, its easy when the books are so good
Linked your review in my post (scheduled to publish on Wednesday). Thanks for the reco. Definitely enjoyed this one!
Casey
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