RAINBOW

Arzu offers a coming-of-age story about the power of love to ignite collective change.

The story follows Black college basketball player Taylor “Tay” Dawson as she realizes that social change begins within. She becomes interested in the Millions More Movement and enraptured by speakers she admires at a Washington, D.C., march. After she triumphantly shouts her name in the crowd, she vows that if she achieves her dream of joining the WNBA, she’ll use her influence to make a difference in society. After her return to her Nashville campus, she begins a romantic relationship with Melony, a bold and enigmatic female student she met at the march. But Tay later pushes Melony away and even tries to dismiss her own attraction to women. It isn’t until she sees Melony with another player on Tay’s team that she realizes the consequences of her denial, and it leads to a confrontation. However, Tay finally publicly reveals her own sexual orientation and discovers overwhelming acceptance where she’d imagined rejection. Harkening back to her moment of awakening in Washington, she shouts her name once more in the presence of her peers, confirming her willingness to live without fear. Soon, she rekindles her relationship with Melony. Arzu’s tightly written work moves with speed and purpose, with basketball analogies that drive the narrative. Some may feel that the characterization is a bit undeveloped, but Arzu does well with the space she has. The rawness of characters’ unexpressed thoughts makes the work feel immersive, real, and compelling. Readers will hold their breath for Tay as she struggles and cheer for her when she finally embraces her identity as a lesbian woman of color. The novella’s uplifting message of self-acceptance as the heart of social change will inspire readers of all backgrounds, and its argument about the importance of self-actualization feels particularly timely. Arzu’s tale, replete with poetry and touching illustrations, is worthy of a sequel.

An engaging work about the freedom that comes with self-acceptance.