July 1, 2022
Azar Rossi hastens to put a band together in this stand-alone story featuring several characters from Abtahi's debut, Perfectly Parvin (2021). Self-conscious Azar loves writing song lyrics and drumming, but nodules on her vocal cords and frequent throat infections affect the sound of her voice, resulting in the already reserved ninth grader's avoiding not only singing, but talking. When she accidentally damages costly supplies in the janitor's closet, her principal suggests she represent their school at an upcoming battle of the bands. The winner gets $10,000--so she can show her contrition, possibly cover the expenses, and at least add one extracurricular to her record. Her adoring but overworked mom struggles to make ends meet, so Azar obliges, surprising even herself by asking popular White athlete Eben to be the lead singer. Bassist Nadim, a new student from Beirut, plus Argentinian American Matty on guitar fill out the rest of the band, forcing headstrong Azar to learn the art of compromise as she works with other talented musicians. Azar has an Italian American dad; her maternal grandparents are from Iran and Argentina. Cultural details about Azar's family enhance this positive story, with distinctive and hilarious first-person narration, of literally finding one's voice. Azar's cousin points out that Azar seems to fit the definition of demisexual, which tracks with her growing relationship with love interest Eben. A poignant, engaging, and affirming novel. (Fiction. 12-18)
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September 26, 2022
Azar Rossi, 14 and of Argentinian, Italian, and Iranian descent, must overcome her fears about using her voice in this uplifting novel, which features characters from Abtahi’s debut, Perfectly Parvin. Though Azar dreams of being a singer-songwriter, frequent throat infections as well as nodules on her vocal cords render her voice “scratchy and warbly,” making her too self-conscious to speak most days, let alone sing. After accidentally damaging “about a thousand dollars’ worth of equipment and school property,” however, her principal suggests she sign up to compete in a local Battle of the Bands competition and help repay the school. Now, Azar must go from barely speaking to trying to persuade three of her classmates into joining her ensemble. She eventually recruits white lacrosse player Eben, a hottie who has the perfect voice; Lebanese exchange student Nadim, a bassist; and Argentinian American guitarist Matty. The racially diverse and queer-inclusive cast add nuance to this upbeat tale; while discussing her growing feelings for Eben, Azar realizes she may be demisexual. Azar’s evolution from reclusive loner to social butterfly is well wrought, if somewhat predictable, and her frank first-person narration and struggle toward learning how to work in a team is humorous and endearing. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.