Reviews with content warning for Homophobia - How It All Blew Up

Audiobook - 3 hours - This book was enjoyable enough, but I can't help but feel a lot of it was unnecessary. There was too much 'filler' for me, as a lot of the parts describing his time in Rome just felt there for the sake of it, and didn't further the plot, or my understanding of the characters at all. I also thought the parts in the interrogation room felt incredibly unrealistic - there's no way anyone would speak that way to someone questioning them, especially not when they'd been targeted based on islamophobia. Overall, I suppose I felt this book felt conflicted between trying to be serious and trying to be lighthearted and fun, and fell awkwardly in the middle instead. That being said, as a light read, it held my attention well enough, and was a decent read.

Content Warnings

onyxisalive's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I really enjoyed this book, it was ana amazing read- I really connected with the main character of this book and following along on his journey was emotional. The main reason It isn’t four stars is due to the writing of the

interrogation scenes

it wasn’t my favourite, but the rest of it was really emotional and a lovely read

Content Warnings

aus10england's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

How did this end up being one of my faves of the year?????? I adored this a story. Amir has my whole heart. Great read for the end of a school year. Highly recommend the audiobook as well.

Content Warnings

cerebellum's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Content Warnings

amelia_22's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

danileah07's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced

3.0

Content Warnings

tynathereader's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

longlost's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

i liked how loosely this book was written - i enjoyed reading about amir's time in rome and how his friendships with johan & the others developed, even if at some points it got a little messy. part of the story being told by the entire family via airport interviews was also a really creative touch that i feel added to the atmosphere of the story + a reality check into what it's like to be a muslim in this day and age.

Content Warnings

More...