''Rani Patel in Full Effect'' is a young adult,

historical fiction Historical fiction is a literary genre in which the plot takes place in a setting related to the past events, but is fictional. Although the term is commonly used as a synonym for historical fiction literature, it can also be applied to other ty ...

novel by

Sonia Patel Sonia Patel is an American psychiatrist and author of young adult novels. Biography Patel is a first-generation Indian immigrant. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Stanford University and her medical degree from the John A ...

, published October 11, 2016 by

Cinco Puntos Press Cinco Puntos Press is an imprint of publishing company Lee & Low Books. It is a general trade publisher that has received attention for its bilingual children's books and fiction and non-fiction focusing on the Mexico–United States border regi ...

Plot

''Rani Patel in Full Effect'' takes place in 1991 on the Hawaiian island of Moloka’i. The novel follows Rani Patel, a Gujarati Indian teenager whose father has sexually abused her. Rani has kept the abuse a secret and at age 16, struggles with her identity and sexuality. After performing for an underground rap group, she begins to find herself as MC Sutra and becomes the island's first woman rapper. Meanwhile, Rani reveals her secret and begins to heal from her father's abuse.

Reception

''Rani Patel in Full Effect'' was generally well-received by critics, including starred reviews from '' Booklist,'' ''

Kirkus Reviews ''Kirkus Reviews'' (or ''Kirkus Media'') is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus (1893–1980). The magazine is headquartered in New York City. ''Kirkus Reviews'' confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fic ...

, Publishers Weekly,'' and '' School Library Journal.'' Reviewers highlighted Rani's personality, saying it, too, was in “in full effect.” ''Booklist'' said, "Rani’s voice ... will resonate with many, even those with little to no familiarity with Rani’s background."'''' ''Kirkus'' added, "A powerfully particular, 100 percent genuine character commands this gutsy debut."'''' Reviewers also noted that Rani's recovery is "unrealistically speedy and conclusive," which Patel, who is a psychiatrist, acknowledges in a concluding note.'''' Despite this, Patel hopes the story "can stand as a model for victims." Given this, ''Publishers Weekly'' noted, "Patel compassionately portrays Rani’s entangled emotions, lack of self-confidence, and burgeoning sense of empowerment as she moves forward from trauma."''''

Awards and honors

''Rani Patel in Full Effect'' was included in many "best of" and "must read" lists, including the following: * BookExpo America Editor's Buzz Selection of 2016 *

Best Teen Books of 2016 *

New York Public Library The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States (behind the Library of Congress ...

50 Best Teen Books of 2016 * BookPage Top 10 Best Teen Book of 2016 *

Multnomah County Library Multnomah County Library is the public library system serving Portland and Multnomah County, Oregon, United States. A continuation of the Library Association of Portland, established in 1864, the system now has 19 branches offering books, magazine ...

Best Books of 2016 * Volumes Bookcafe Staff's Best 20 of 2016 * Bustle's 15 Essential Novels Of The #MeToo Movement * Texas Library Association Top 10 Teen Books of 2017

References

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External links

YA for Changing Times
2016 American novels American historical novels Novels set in Hawaii Novels about Indian women Novels set in the 1990s Cinco Puntos Press books