A HOLLY JOLLY DIWALI

Narrator Richa Moorjani energetically portrays 29-year-old Niki, who books a last-minute flight to India for her friend's wedding after realizing that being practical hasn't gotten her anywhere. Trying to be "sensible," she became an analyst instead of a musician. But a lot of good that did her--now she's been laid off. Niki embraces her Indian roots while celebrating Diwali and her friend's marriage. When she meets Sam, a musician, they connect instantly. As her trip home nears, Niki must decide between returning to her old life or forging a bold new path. The sharp interrogative tone of a judgmental auntie contrasts with the soft, motherly voice of a caring one. Both characters display Moorjani's range. The drawn-out enunciation of a Punjabi word as Niki learns it exemplifies her feeling of being a fish out of water while on her journey. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2021]