#BookReview for In the Key of Nira Ghani by @Natasha_Deen

Synopsis: Nira Ghani has always dreamed of becoming a musician. Her Guyanese parents, however, have big plans for her to become a scientist or doctor. Nira's grandmother and her best friend, Emily, are the only people who seem to truly understand her desire to establish an identity outside of the one imposed on Nira by her parents. When auditions for jazz band are announced, Nira realizes it's now or never to convince her parents that she deserves a chance to pursue her passion. 

As if fighting with her parents weren't bad enough, Nira finds herself navigating a new friendship dynamic when her crush, Noah, and notorious mean-girl, McKenzie "Mac," take a sudden interest in her and Emily, inserting themselves into the fold. So, too, does Nira's much cooler (and very competitive) cousin Farah. Is she trying to wiggle her way into the new group to get closer to Noah? Is McKenzie trying to steal Emily's attention away from her? As Farah and Noah grow closer and Emily begins to pull away, Nira's trusted trumpet "George" remains her constant, offering her an escape from family and school drama.

But it isn't until Nira takes a step back that she realizes she's not the only one struggling to find her place in the world. As painful truths about her family are revealed, Nira learns to accept people for who they are and to open herself in ways she never thought possible. 

A relatable and timely contemporary, coming-of age story, In the Key of Nira Ghani explores the social and cultural struggles of a teen in an immigrant household.
This title will be released on April 9, 2019.

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About the Author:  Award-winning author Natasha Deen spent the first part of her life in Guyana, then her family moved to Calgary, Alberta, which she found terribly exciting until her first minus-forty-degree winter day, at which point she began to question the sanity of the grown-ups around her. She currently lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her husband, dogs, and cats, and regularly entices the muses to her office with offers of cupcakes and tea.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Review: This book I am happy to say was heavy on humor and light on the high school drama. Which for me was wonderful!! I mean it is a young adult so you just kind of expect there to at least some drama and that's fine.  But when authors go overboard with it is when I run the other way.  This author did a great job with the overall parts of this one. 

I will say that this is your run of the mill coming of age title with one twist.  This one deals with a lot of culture and one girl's steps to make it in her new world and how she wants to be.  I really loved learning about Nira's life and what she wanted for herself it was an eye-opening story that I hope more people check out.  

Mentions of everyday cultural traditions are welcome additions to this tale of a teen finding the courage to stand up for her individuality while honoring the people she comes from. A charming, honest, and heartwarming story that will leave readers satiated and happy.―Kirkus Reviews

A love-letter to complicated families and the challenges of the immigrant experience, In the Key of Nira Ghani is sparkling, soaring, and soulful--a devastatingly authentic, pitch-perfect story of longing and belonging.―Alison Hughes, author of Hit the Ground Running

Lovingly-crafted, poignant, and funny; In the Key of Nira Ghani is the story of a girl striving to find her melody amidst a cacophony of cultural expectations, traditional parents, and her own self-doubt. Nira's wry observations will delight you; her deep yearning will capture your heart. A fantastic addition to young adult bookshelves.
―Kate A Boorman, award-winning author of the Winterkill trilogy

Moving, uplifting, and written with a sharp sense of humor that had me laughing out loud more than once.―Robin Stevenson, author of A Thousand Shades of Blue

In the Key of Nira Ghani is a complex coming-of-age story that will resonate with all ages.―Jacqueline Guest, author of The Comic Book War

Witty, funny, and heartbreaking, often all on the same page. Expect to read this one all in one sitting.
―Lisa J. Lawrence, author of Trail of Crumbs

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Posted in: 4 Stars, Netgalley, Review, Running Kids Press, Young Adult