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softgalaxy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really liked Sausun as a character. She really shook things up for Janna. Tatiyana was kinda frustrating at times, but I remember being a teenager and being kinda obsessed with romance, so in case she was well written.
I’m really glad Janna got the justice she wanted.
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Islamophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Car accident
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
My main thing is I wish there were consequences for the abuser mentioned in the book. It felt like a rushed conclusion.
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Islamophobia, Grief, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Infidelity and Alcohol
aishallnot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Ultimately, this book was okay.
We have our main character Janna, who is a typical Muslim-American teenager with her issues. We see her go through troubles with family, having a crush, and someone from her mosque attempting to sexually assault her. Ali really knows how to bring tough conversations within the Muslim community into a story and I applaud her for that. After reading her other books, it's clear that her characters have a strong sense of justice and speaking up when its right which reflects Ali's beliefs. As someone who was once a teen, I deeply relate to these characters.
What fell short for me at times while reading was the plot. I felt like there were a lot of plot points and to me, there wasn't much of a clear focus of what the story could be about bc a lot happens in the book. Even with the many storylines in the book, there were some, if not all that I thought could have been explored more. For example, her family and how Janna's relationship with her parents and brother have changed since the divorce. I think that might be explored in the second book. I also had issues with the pacing, especially toward the end. The story felt rushed and I didn't feel as though the conflict was fully resolved between Janna and the community member who assaulted her.
Despite my feelings about this book, I do appreciate SK. Ali as an author (Muslim one at that) and how she handles such topics. I have been on a journey of reading Ali's books throughout the year and I've craved to read more Muslim stories, especially in YA. Something about that feeling is a bit nostalgic for some reason bc it reminds me of the beauty of Islam and why I'm Muslim. I know the phrase "I wish I had this book when I was young" is used a lot, but for a good reason. I do want to read the sequel hopefully within the new year.
Graphic: Sexual assault
Minor: Death and Islamophobia
kaybeehome's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Good ending, but I wanted to see more of
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Death
bookmarkedbylauren's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Death and Rape
space_bandit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
thedisabledreader's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Grief, and Toxic friendship
coffeeatthebeachwoodcafe's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Islamophobia
emmykyhil's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Islamophobia
Minor: Death and Gaslighting
kalzeb's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Death