In the Key of Nira Ghani, Natasha Deen
In the Key of Nira Ghani, Natasha Deen
1 Rating(s)
List: $24.98 | Sale: $17.49
Club: $12.49

In the Key of Nira Ghani

Author: Natasha Deen

Narrator: Kamali Minter

Unabridged: 8 hr 2 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/09/2019


Synopsis

A Guyanese girl must find the balance between her parents' "old world" expectations and traditions while pursuing her dream of being a great trumpeter in this contemporary, coming-of-age story.

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.

Amy Mathers Award Winner
MYRCA Award Nominee
R. Ross Arnett Award Nominee
American Library Association YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
Red Maple Award Nominee
Red Maple Honour Book
Barnes & Noble’s Top 25 Most Anticipated Own Voices Novels
Chapters-Indigo Most Anticipated Teen Books
Junior Library Guild Selection
CCBC Best Pick for Kids & Teens
CCBC Red Leaf Literature
OLA White Pine Teen Committee Summer Reading List

Reviews

Goodreads review by Gail on April 09, 2019

I feel very honored to write this review and only wish I could use all caps in an attempt to convey how much I loved this book! In the Key of Nira Ghani is an ownvoices story that follows teenager, Nira Ghani, as she navigates life in Canada after migrating from her home country of Guyana, with her......more

Goodreads review by Jay G on July 28, 2019

Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my youtube channel: [URL not allowed] *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review* 3.5/5 Stars This is an own voices novel that follows Nira, a Guyanese immigrant who travels to Canada with her family......more

This is one of the best 2019 YA contemporary releases I have read this year and it really took me by surprise! In the Key of Nira Ghani is an #ownvoices coming of age story about being a teen torn between the expectations of an immigrant family and wanting to forge your own path. It's funny and hear......more

Goodreads review by Sara on November 06, 2019

That's a tear-jerker. Also, pocket trumpets are cute!......more

Goodreads review by Jessica on August 06, 2019

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Review also found here at Booked J. (3.5-4 stars.) Here's the thing: I feel like maybe I wasn't in the right mood for this book? It's not that I didn't enjoy it (I definitely did!) but I did have a hard time focusing on it for prolonged periods of time, much like my exper......more