Scan barcode
dramagirl2003's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.5
i really enjoyed this! the love triangle was very well written, there was no clear winner to root for until right near the end. i think it was my first time reading a book with a desi background (i buy my books secondhand and scotland does not have much diversity in reading), so i am delighted that simonteen offered this as a free read! i do know a few desi families, and this book reminded me of them
thoughts while reading
18%: yes i was just thinking that. you are definitely behaving pretty ditzy
19%: you’re absolutely right, on the cover page i can see that harun totally looks like he’s from CW
"I can't do this," I grouse to the Zahra in the mirror, releasing the breath I didn't know I was holding.
NO NOT THE BREATH LINE
It would be sweet if I didn't suspect he has a potentially fatal case of gingivitis.
GIRL 💀
43%: nayim is so in love with zahra
44%: NOOO the auntie network is so onto them!!
47%: urmm…no
It is a truth universally acknowledged among Bangladeshis that a guest on one's doorstep must be in want of at least two helpings of curry.
sounds about right by indian standards
49%: 😂 why does every kid like cocomelon
58%: resna is so cool for that, i love when little kids are protective
59%: NO too far zahra!!
63%: bro wrote a song for her 🥹
65%: dammit
"For someone so smart, you can be awfully dense sometimes, Khan."
not the cliche dude confession
88%: imagine if nayim is actually nasrin shah’s kid. he won’t be, but that would be a twist
89%: 😱😱😱
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Cursing, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
lkristin2018's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
This is a delightful Bangladeshi diaspora YA romantic comedy. I learned a great deal about Bangladeshi culture and beliefs and language. The characters were written in-depth, and not one dimensional. I appreciated the inclusion of a lgtbq+ character. There was enough serious content to make the book meaningful, but the overall effect was still light and fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Misogyny and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content and Suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts is not precisely accurate, but readers should be aware that a suicidal expression is used sarcastically by one of the characters.katrinaeames'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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Classism
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia
betweentheshelves'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
4.0
This book has all of the elements necessary for a great romance; fantastic characters, interesting premise, good setting. And a large dash of Bangladeshi culture! Zahra is trying hard to have everything, working to save money to go to college, helping to support her family. Just when two boys enter her life and love throws a wrench into all her plans.
On the one hand she has her momo's choice for her: Harun. A kind of aloof, devishly handsome boy from a good family. On the other hand, there's Nayim, the new boy at Chai Ho, inspiring her to follow her dreams. As you'd expect, rom-com elements follow, and it's just an overall joy to read.
Outside of Zahra, the side characters are just as fleshed out and have their own things to contribute to the plot. Definitely a great romance to add to your summer TBR!
On the one hand she has her momo's choice for her: Harun. A kind of aloof, devishly handsome boy from a good family. On the other hand, there's Nayim, the new boy at Chai Ho, inspiring her to follow her dreams. As you'd expect, rom-com elements follow, and it's just an overall joy to read.
Outside of Zahra, the side characters are just as fleshed out and have their own things to contribute to the plot. Definitely a great romance to add to your summer TBR!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Death of parent, and Classism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Xenophobia, and Grief
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, and Colonisation
trayslays's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
drraytay's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Fatphobia, Miscarriage, Colonisation, War, and Classism
lettuce_read's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
imstephtacular's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Sexism, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
words_with_wendy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Death of parent, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying and Misogyny
Minor: Cancer and Islamophobia
katiemack's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Before reading this, I had no idea about the gaps in my knowledge of Bangladesh and its culture, but the cultural framing Priyanka Taslim puts into her book is effective; I felt like I learned a lot, and Zahra is such a compelling protagonist that I couldn't put the book down. Her struggles with familial devotion, compromising her life plans, and trying to make time for her best friends are relatable to me as an adult and will definitely resonate with younger readers too. The romance is also dramatic and angsty in a way that works well with the narrative--while Zahra makes some cringe-worthy decisions, the climax of her romance with her chosen suitor is satisfying. (I wish we had gotten to see more of their relationship at the end, though!)
If you're a fan of South Asian Cinema (Bolly-, Tolly-, Dhallywood, etc.), you'll love this.
Before reading this, I had no idea about the gaps in my knowledge of Bangladesh and its culture, but the cultural framing Priyanka Taslim puts into her book is effective; I felt like I learned a lot, and Zahra is such a compelling protagonist that I couldn't put the book down. Her struggles with familial devotion, compromising her life plans, and trying to make time for her best friends are relatable to me as an adult and will definitely resonate with younger readers too. The romance is also dramatic and angsty in a way that works well with the narrative--while Zahra makes some cringe-worthy decisions, the climax of her romance with her chosen suitor is satisfying. (I wish we had gotten to see more of their relationship at the end, though!)
If you're a fan of South Asian Cinema (Bolly-, Tolly-, Dhallywood, etc.), you'll love this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Death of parent