This propulsive debut pays homage to the classic movie Taxi Driver, but updates it to take place in today's ride-share culture. Guns's novel also speaks to the many issues bombarding the lives of today's young millennials.

Damani Krishanthan is the bisexual daughter of Indian immigrants who spends her days driving through an unnamed city giving rides to both regulars and new customers. She's unafraid of the work and outfits her car with knives, bleach, air fresheners, a crowbar, and anything else she'd need in an emergency. She spends her off-time lifting weights, hanging with her gig-work buddies, at the Doo Wop nightclub, and taking care of her mother, who's out of sorts since Damani's dad died of a heart attack while working his fast-food job. She zips through a city besieged with continual protests for the various issues of today, though Damani herself seems to only be on the peripheral of the anger and more concerned with lifting weights, listening to self-help podcasts, and making sure she and her mom don't get evicted and have enough food to eat.

Enter gorgeous, white activist Jolene. Damani is immediately smitten. Yet as they get closer, the cracks in Jolene start to show, particularly her white-privilege-tinged activism, which puts Damani and her gig friends (all people of color) in danger. By the end, Damani is sporting the mohawk of Taxi Driver's Travis Bickle and ready to finally let out her confusion, anger, and desperation.

Guns's commentary on capitalism, the immigrant experience, activism, and ALL the issues affecting the younger generations of today is absolutely affecting in a fun and sharp way. This book wasn't a 5-star for me, but you certainly will enjoy how Guns brings today's issues to the helm using a classic film's structure and Damani's distinct and powerful personality.

I enjoyed both the written version and Priya's own terrific narration of the audiobook. Thanks to @netgalley and @doubleday for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review!