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mezzarella'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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When I read The Henna Wars and saw the amount of love, compassion, and accountability Adiba Jaigirdar puts into her writing, I knew I had to read her subsequent novel, Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating. While her debut novel was delightful and a fast-read, Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating is required reading. This novel is very much a story which celebrates diversity and culture, while also advocates for the characters (and therefore the readers) to stand up for themselves in difficult situations.
As a white reviewer, I cannot speak to the quality of the representation in this novel, but can point to the fact that Adiba Jaigirdar is an Own Voices author who uses her own experiences as a LGBT Muslim South Asian to help her write her stories. As far as queer representation is concerned, I appreciated that Hani's family was accepting when her friends were not. I also appreciated how the book discussed and addressed biphobia in the story. These characters are grappling with serious issues like peer pressure, biphobia, and family conflicts, but they act in ways which are reasonable to the situation and their age. These characters are teenagers, where simply talking out their issues pose their own challenges. I loved watching these characters learn to grow and stand up for themselves. There was a moment when I was reading where I reflected on my own challenges with my LGBT identity, family, and friendships, and thought that this book would have been perfect for a younger version of me. There is a part of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating where every reader can find something to relate to and love.
Words cannot express how much anyone should pick up this book and read it if they are a fan of YA. This is one of the best Young Adult/Teen novels I've read this year, representation aside. The fact that this book is so diverse is "icing on the cake". Please make sure to pick up a hard copy of this book at your local bookstore--I know I will be doing so.
As a white reviewer, I cannot speak to the quality of the representation in this novel, but can point to the fact that Adiba Jaigirdar is an Own Voices author who uses her own experiences as a LGBT Muslim South Asian to help her write her stories. As far as queer representation is concerned, I appreciated that Hani's family was accepting when her friends were not. I also appreciated how the book discussed and addressed biphobia in the story. These characters are grappling with serious issues like peer pressure, biphobia, and family conflicts, but they act in ways which are reasonable to the situation and their age. These characters are teenagers, where simply talking out their issues pose their own challenges. I loved watching these characters learn to grow and stand up for themselves. There was a moment when I was reading where I reflected on my own challenges with my LGBT identity, family, and friendships, and thought that this book would have been perfect for a younger version of me. There is a part of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating where every reader can find something to relate to and love.
Words cannot express how much anyone should pick up this book and read it if they are a fan of YA. This is one of the best Young Adult/Teen novels I've read this year, representation aside. The fact that this book is so diverse is "icing on the cake". Please make sure to pick up a hard copy of this book at your local bookstore--I know I will be doing so.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Racial slurs, and Toxic relationship