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lisa_m's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I think this book was a very entertaining read. The main story is a classic romcom cliche (fake dating) but the rest of the book was anything but shallow.
Other themes of this book are: biphobia, parental expectations, complicated sibling relationships, faith, unfair treatment of minorities in school, pigeonholing, and many more. We got a very interesting view into the bengali community in Ireland, with mentions of food traditions and clothing that I had to look up myself.
The main thing I disliked about this book wasn't even a real flaw. Hanis friends just made me soo angry and I hated how she just let them treat her like that. It is an important part of the story and her growth but still I just hated reading about it.
All in all I would definitely recommend this book. Especially to a younger audience :)
Other themes of this book are: biphobia, parental expectations, complicated sibling relationships, faith, unfair treatment of minorities in school, pigeonholing, and many more. We got a very interesting view into the bengali community in Ireland, with mentions of food traditions and clothing that I had to look up myself.
The main thing I disliked about this book wasn't even a real flaw. Hanis friends just made me soo angry and I hated how she just let them treat her like that. It is an important part of the story and her growth but still I just hated reading about it.
All in all I would definitely recommend this book. Especially to a younger audience :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Islamophobia, and Toxic friendship
theemeraldgirl23's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.25
Humaira "Hani" Khan is one of the most charismatic and outgoing people at school. Ishita "Ishu" Dey, on the other hand, is the complete opposite, her intimidating and studious personality being often alienating.
One day, Ishu decides she want to be the "Head Girl" of the school to try and gain approval from her parents. So, she proposes an idea to Hani, the only other Bengali person in their school; they should fake date one another. It will be a win-win. Ishu will gain favor for "Head Girl" and Hani's friends will finally accept her bisexuality.
Along the way, they develop real feelings for each other and drama ensues as they have to struggle between their feelings and their relationships with their friends and family. In the end, they choose each other, with Hani standing up to her friends and Ishu defying her parents.
This was a very sweet story with some emotional beats that had me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed how everything was resolved between Hani and Ishu's POVs. It was so cool to see both of their inner worlds and separate misunderstandings. All of it came together to create a cohesive adventure and story of developing feelings from each side. I'm so glad the story ended with the reassurance that everything will be fine as long as they have each other. Not everything is going to be perfect all the time, but these two have each other to get through it, and I find that very endearing.
One day, Ishu decides she want to be the "Head Girl" of the school to try and gain approval from her parents. So, she proposes an idea to Hani, the only other Bengali person in their school; they should fake date one another. It will be a win-win. Ishu will gain favor for "Head Girl" and Hani's friends will finally accept her bisexuality.
Along the way, they develop real feelings for each other and drama ensues as they have to struggle between their feelings and their relationships with their friends and family. In the end, they choose each other, with Hani standing up to her friends and Ishu defying her parents.
This was a very sweet story with some emotional beats that had me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed how everything was resolved between Hani and Ishu's POVs. It was so cool to see both of their inner worlds and separate misunderstandings. All of it came together to create a cohesive adventure and story of developing feelings from each side. I'm so glad the story ended with the reassurance that everything will be fine as long as they have each other. Not everything is going to be perfect all the time, but these two have each other to get through it, and I find that very endearing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and Toxic friendship
dhatislandbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This was such a cute sapphic romance!
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, but oftentimes, the motivations of participating in a fake dating ploy can be quite ridiculous. However, in this instance, it made perfect sense since they both had something to ‘gain’!
Hani and Ishu also plays into the grumpy x sunshine trope and the girls’ opposing personalties complimented each other well.
The book also manages to perfectly balance the romance with the heavier topics such as prejudice, assimilation, abandonment, and the fear of failure.
Unfortunately, the ending felt a bit rushed. The main antagonist didn’t face any repercussions for her abhorrent behavior and was essentially rewarded for it!
We also didn’t get closure on certain plot points. This disappointed me because I felt that some of these points were very essential to the story.
All in all, would still recommend if you’re looking for a delightful read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Racism, Islamophobia, Lesbophobia, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Gaslighting and Abandonment
ctara2123's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Cursing, and Racism
Moderate: Bullying and Toxic relationship
Minor: Islamophobia
catsy2022's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia and Homophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Religious bigotry, and Toxic friendship
bookswithlauren's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Racism, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
isabelvegga's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Islamophobia, Lesbophobia, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
janka05's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Racism, and Lesbophobia
jadeandherbunny's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I really liked this!
I loved that Hani and Ishu, in their own way, are so close to my personality.
I loved the sisterly dynamic between Nik and Ishu because of the maturity of Nik and Parent-pleaser Ishu. I kind of thought I would hate Nik in the first half but she is the best side character. I
Hani is just the sweetest girl, I was/am kind of like her because of her not setting boundaries with her friends.
It is kind of slow-burn ? I thought there wouldn't be any kiss because there wasn't any until the end of the 3rd act conflict. Not that it would have been catastrophic since it is YA
I learned a lot about Desi people and liked it wayyy more than when I read Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma.
I'm just a bit sad that Ishu couldn't come out to her parents. But it is pleasing to know that a lot of queer teenagers felt seen reading about it since it is a harsh reality.
It did not get a higher rating because we didn't really know any character outside of Nik and Aisling. (And don't tell there's Dee we only know she's a doormat)
I loved that Hani and Ishu, in their own way, are so close to my personality.
I loved the sisterly dynamic between Nik and Ishu because of the maturity of Nik and Parent-pleaser Ishu.
Hani is just the sweetest girl, I was/am kind of like her because of her not setting boundaries with her friends.
It is kind of slow-burn ?
I learned a lot about Desi people and liked it wayyy more than when I read Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma.
I'm just a bit sad that Ishu couldn't come out to her parents. But it is pleasing to know that a lot of queer teenagers felt seen reading about it since it is a harsh reality.
It did not get a higher rating because we didn't really know any character outside of Nik and Aisling. (And don't tell there's Dee we only know she's a doormat)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Islamophobia, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Mental illness and Alcohol
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Adiba Jaidirdar tackles first love, toxic friendship, messy family dynamics, and so much more in Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating. The Bengali and Muslim culture throughout the book was so good! I adore the fact that Hani's parents were completely supportive of her queerness and Nikhita was ready to go to bat for Ishu. Hani is further proof that queerness and religion are not a dichotomy, and I'm always so excited to find new books that explore the relationship between the two.
The romance between Hani and Ishu was the best kind of slow burn, because we got to see them become each other's person and struggle with what it means to fall in love with someone. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this is a new favorite addition to the list. Do you love sapphic romance? Fake dating? Teens being teens? Pick this one up.
Hani's friends are going to get what's coming to them for all their crimes. We ride at dawn people.
The romance between Hani and Ishu was the best kind of slow burn, because we got to see them become each other's person and struggle with what it means to fall in love with someone. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this is a new favorite addition to the list. Do you love sapphic romance? Fake dating? Teens being teens? Pick this one up.
Hani's friends are going to get what's coming to them for all their crimes. We ride at dawn people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Islamophobia, Lesbophobia, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Gaslighting and Abandonment