RANA JOON AND THE ONE AND ONLY NOW

Rasha Zamamiri offers an expressive performance in this coming-of-age story set in 1990s California. Rana Joon doesn't fit the mold of the stereotypical female Iranian teen. She loves rap and other women. The one person who truly knew her has died; now she's going to enter a rap contest in memory of him. While there are plenty of secondary characters that flesh out this story, Zamamiri's narration focuses on Rana Joon. She's depicted as a bold, fearless young woman who is determined to achieve her goals. Interestingly, scenes of conflict between Rana Joon and her classmates, family, and friends are the most entertaining parts of the story, not because of their narrative gusto but because they're performed so realistically. Listeners will empathize with Rana Joon's struggles and passions. G.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2023]