Odd-One-Out

 “The Leavers” by Lisa Ko beautifully tells the story of a young boy named Deming whose mother abruptly left when he was young and his transition through foster care, school, and racial discrimination. Being an Indian-American, I can deeply relate to many experiences Deming has gone through. While reading this book, I find myself in a safe haven where I am understood.    

    In elementary school, Daniel (Deming’s preferred name) faced a lot of racial discrimination as in school, “Everyone he saw was the same color except for him”. This exact situation reminded me of when I was in elementary, middle, and even high school and was frowned upon in my extra-curricular activities. For example, at the time, I was the only Indian girl involved in western singing and musical theatre. During recitals, rehearsals, and competitions, people would judgmentally stare at my back as I made my way up to the stage and Ko perfectly described how the toxic environment felt: “their silence seeped into the air like a threat.” I felt like I didn’t belong up there, although it was what I loved to do.

I also relate to Daniel in the sense that being given the chance to pursue music in the future would be a dream. I love so many things but music is what truly fulfills me. However, I love my parents unconditionally and they have “put (themselves) on the line” for me, so I must respect their wishes as well. Just as Peter and Kay, Daniel’s adoptive parents, “wanted him to succeed in the ways that were important to them because it would mean that they had succeeded, too,” my parents have dreams that would fulfill them if I fulfilled them. Due to this and similar aspects of life, music is an emotional outlet for me, just as it is for Daniel. Still, just like him, I have been seeking for an opportunity, kind of like a “breakthrough moment”. But with a few great exceptions, the reality is that people of Asian descent don’t typically thrive in the American music industry.

Overall, I am very glad I chose to read “The Leavers”. It is truly a page-turner and I connect with it in many aspects, making it incredibly intriguing. It is nice to see relatable feelings and struggles portrayed in Daniel, from being the odd-one-out due to race to having to choose between two things you love.