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vanessamariebooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I read this for my Diversity is Lit bookclub, but this just wasn't for me. I can see why others like it, but I was just really bored throughout it. My full thoughts here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Af2pR2L0SWw?si=0AV_X3T9midIX20W
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Chronic illness, Islamophobia, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Cultural appropriation, and War
notsobinaryart's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Islamophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Car accident, Murder, Gaslighting, Colonisation, and War
Minor: Animal cruelty, Genocide, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, and War
Additional content warning: heavy usage of Harry Potter references, especially Hogwarts Houses. Written in 2019, so before JK Rowling was out as a known TERF, but please know there are at least a dozen references to Harry Potter throughout the booksnikhtha's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
This was a cute story and Adam and Zainab are wonderful, vibrant characters. I especially connected with Adam, which surprised me. I also loved the portrayal of a Muslim relationship with coming-of-age characters and thought it was really well done. The pacing is great, and the weird third-person narration that comes in sometimes is also super cute.
On the other hand, being Muslim, some parts where they speak on their identity just didn't fully connect with me. Which makes sense- people don't all have the same experience. I also thought that the hurdles standing in the way of their relationship were pretty unsubstantial, especially on Zainab's part. I think if it focused more on her inner conflict with the relationship rather than the outside problems stopping her, I would've understood it more, as I did with Adam's problems.
I also would've liked more scenes of Adam and Zainab just talking and connecting. The scenes we did get were some of my favorites, so I wish there were more of those just sprinkled throughout the book. Enjoyable overall!
On the other hand, being Muslim, some parts where they speak on their identity just didn't fully connect with me. Which makes sense- people don't all have the same experience. I also thought that the hurdles standing in the way of their relationship were pretty unsubstantial, especially on Zainab's part. I think if it focused more on her inner conflict with the relationship rather than the outside problems stopping her, I would've understood it more, as I did with Adam's problems.
I also would've liked more scenes of Adam and Zainab just talking and connecting. The scenes we did get were some of my favorites, so I wish there were more of those just sprinkled throughout the book. Enjoyable overall!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Cultural appropriation, and War