ANOTHER APPALACHIA Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place

Jeed Saddy performs this dazzling debut essay collection from author Neema Avashia. The daughter of immigrant parents, Avashia grew up as one of a number of Indian American families in southern West Virginia. Avashia describes being deeply rooted in her Appalachian community and considers many of her neighbors to be almost family. Identities can be messy, and Saddy's narration captures the emotional complexity of Avashia's life as a desi queer kid who didn't see anyone like her. As we follow Avashia through basketball games and Hindu holidays, Saddy imbues her performance with all of the tenderness and hope that Avashia has for her hometown and the people who helped make her the person she is today. K.D.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2023]