Rani Patel in Full Effect


Rani Patel in Full Effect is a young adult, historical fiction novel by Sonia Patel, published October 11, 2016 by Cinco Puntos Press.

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, 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:
YearAwardResultRef.
2016Booklist's Best First Novels for Youth: 2016Top 10
2017American Library Association's Amelia Bloomer List Selection
2017ALA Best Fiction for Young AdultsSelection
2017Booklist's Best Historical Fiction for YouthTop 10
2017William C. Morris YA Debut AwardFinalist
2017YALSA's Popular Paperbacks for Young AdultsTop 10