zeeeniiia's review against another edition
3.0
I guess it would be 3 stars?
I had no problem with the book on its own. I loved the story and the relationship aspect was super cute and I laughed and even teared up throughout the plot.
As a Pakistani/Muslim-Canadian teen, it was a little unrealistic, and I didn't feel like our story was portrayed the best that it could be. Obviously, everyone is different and so are our experiences but I just didn't feel like I could relate to Maya.
Nonetheless, it was a good book but definitely not on my top 10 list.
-Zee :)
I had no problem with the book on its own. I loved the story and the relationship aspect was super cute and I laughed and even teared up throughout the plot.
As a Pakistani/Muslim-Canadian teen, it was a little unrealistic, and I didn't feel like our story was portrayed the best that it could be. Obviously, everyone is different and so are our experiences but I just didn't feel like I could relate to Maya.
Nonetheless, it was a good book but definitely not on my top 10 list.
-Zee :)
lphel's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading Maya’s story and learning more about the Indian/Muslim culture. This book helps build empathy and has a strong, positive message: we are all human. Great read for young adults (and any age really!) in today’s world.
rlhugues's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book is going to be everywhere this year! There was so much hype before the book was even published. I get the feeling it will show up on some “best of” lists this year. The story appeals to a few types of readers as well. The YA aficionado, the Own Voices advocate, the romance lover, the social justice warrior, and the reader looking for diversity on their shelf. It offers a perspective that we don’t see every day in YA books. It may be hard for readers who don’t love contemporary romance to get through the first half, but trust me it’s worth it!
See full review at:
http://bookishlybecca.com/2018/01/19/book-review-love-hate-filters-samira-ahmed/
greenrain's review against another edition
3.0
The parts about Islamophobia and living up to your immigrant parents' expectations and being the only kid of color in the entire town were perfect. The romance part, not so much. It made the first half of the book difficult to get through for me, but I'm glad I kept going.
sc104906's review against another edition
4.0
I got this as an eARC through NetGalley.
Maya is an Indian Muslim navigating life in middle America. No one looks like her and many make assumptions about her. Maya's family has already decided her future, but she refuses to conform to society and her family's expectations. Maya wants to become a film director and possibly fall in love. Maya has applied to a prestigious college, where she can develop her film making, but her parents don't know yet. Also, she has met and begun a potential relationship with the perfect Indian boy, but her long-time crush is starting to finally show an interest as well. Maya is growing into her own and it is difficult for anyone to know what her ultimate choices will be.
I loved the voices in this book. I absolutely loved both love interests and found myself rooting and wanting the best for both. I thought the plot was compelling.
Maya is an Indian Muslim navigating life in middle America. No one looks like her and many make assumptions about her. Maya's family has already decided her future, but she refuses to conform to society and her family's expectations. Maya wants to become a film director and possibly fall in love. Maya has applied to a prestigious college, where she can develop her film making, but her parents don't know yet. Also, she has met and begun a potential relationship with the perfect Indian boy, but her long-time crush is starting to finally show an interest as well. Maya is growing into her own and it is difficult for anyone to know what her ultimate choices will be.
I loved the voices in this book. I absolutely loved both love interests and found myself rooting and wanting the best for both. I thought the plot was compelling.
notlikethebeer's review against another edition
3.0
As a white/non-Muslim reviewer, the representation in this book is really not for me to comment on. However, please check out some reviewers from Indian and/or Muslim reviewers, such as these:
Fuzaila (India)'s review
Warda's review
Fadwa (Word Wonders)'s review
Kav's review (American-Indian, not Muslim)
Neelam's review
I think the general consensus is that the portrayal of race was good, and the portrayal of Islamophobia was good but simplified, but that the portrayal of life as a Muslim teen was highly lacking.
From a reading point of view I found it quite hard to follow the subplot (following the terrorist) and to work out what was past versus present day. I did really like the 'twist' (?) with the terrorist though. I also liked that it looked at learning to swim as a young adult! Swim teachers represent!
Fuzaila (India)'s review
Warda's review
Fadwa (Word Wonders)'s review
Kav's review (American-Indian, not Muslim)
Neelam's review
I think the general consensus is that the portrayal of race was good, and the portrayal of Islamophobia was good but simplified, but that the portrayal of life as a Muslim teen was highly lacking.
From a reading point of view I found it quite hard to follow the subplot (following the terrorist) and to work out what was past versus present day. I did really like the 'twist' (?) with the terrorist though. I also liked that it looked at learning to swim as a young adult! Swim teachers represent!
christyq's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
random_spider's review against another edition
3.0
**Not yet a settled review**
I am sure this is my biggest disappoinment coming from a book. It started out powerful, and it shot my expectations to the sky. I legit believed this book would be a strong contender for my top books after I finished it.
Well...look at it now, with only 3 stars. *Sigh* My biggest problem with it is the pacing and the imbalanced prioritization of its themes. On the first half, the readers were focused on Maya's relationships. It was a bit cliche yet still enjoyable. On the second half, the book drags on and became melodramatic (which is a jarring contrast to its initial tone) as it prioritized the culture hate our protagonist was experiencing. The novel was a noble attempt albeit with flawed execution.
7/10 rating. Need fresh rereading for updates and justifications.
I am sure this is my biggest disappoinment coming from a book. It started out powerful, and it shot my expectations to the sky. I legit believed this book would be a strong contender for my top books after I finished it.
Well...look at it now, with only 3 stars. *Sigh* My biggest problem with it is the pacing and the imbalanced prioritization of its themes. On the first half, the readers were focused on Maya's relationships. It was a bit cliche yet still enjoyable. On the second half, the book drags on and became melodramatic (which is a jarring contrast to its initial tone) as it prioritized the culture hate our protagonist was experiencing. The novel was a noble attempt albeit with flawed execution.
7/10 rating. Need fresh rereading for updates and justifications.
storytimed's review against another edition
4.0
About a Muslim girl who finds resilience facing Islamophobia. Enjoyed the push and pull between her and her parents.