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mehvie's review
4.0
Some people have nice-looking husks with nothing inside. Some people have dried husks but there's fruit and even a nice kernel in there
I loved how realistic and relatable this book was and how S.K Ali described 'monsters' (those who look saintly from outside but filled with evil intentions) in the Muslim community. In my opinion this is such an important book for the young generation (and everyone who likes wearing rainbow colored glasses) as it talks about how actions speak louder than words and how not all people who look religious or have memorized religious texts have the best of intentions. S.K Ali handled the topic with a lot of care and got her message across loud and clear.
Not going to lie but it took me some time to start enjoying the book as I felt like some kid was rambling about how bad her life was. There were times where I felt was draggy and the ending was very dry! I expected a bit more but the book did pick up as it got to the main crux of the story.
The language was easy to understand and comprehend plus you'll be getting a lot of wisdom throughout the book! Jannah's character development was great, I like how she found the strength to confront the 'monster'. One downside was the gym scene with Jeremy and Jannah- I mean it went a bit over board with Jannah decking up and going out without hijab. But again when I put myself in Janna's shoes and saw the situation from her perspective (trying to fit in, and getting the attention of her crush) it is reality of girls nowadays.
My favorite character would be Mr. Ram, and his words of wisdom. The second favorite would be Muhammad (Jannah's brother), he was sweet, caring and funny. And was always concerned about his sisters well-being. Fizz annoyed the crap out of me ! She's the perfect portrayal of someone who's blinded by a person's outer religiosity and then who puts them on a pedestal of they can never do anything wrong. Nuah was the perfect gentleman !
On the whole, this book makes you aware of the masks that so-called religious people wear and would go to any extent to save their outer religious reputation. While scarring the people who they affected.
I loved how realistic and relatable this book was and how S.K Ali described 'monsters' (those who look saintly from outside but filled with evil intentions) in the Muslim community. In my opinion this is such an important book for the young generation (and everyone who likes wearing rainbow colored glasses) as it talks about how actions speak louder than words and how not all people who look religious or have memorized religious texts have the best of intentions. S.K Ali handled the topic with a lot of care and got her message across loud and clear.
Not going to lie but it took me some time to start enjoying the book as I felt like some kid was rambling about how bad her life was. There were times where I felt was draggy and the ending was very dry! I expected a bit more but the book did pick up as it got to the main crux of the story.
The language was easy to understand and comprehend plus you'll be getting a lot of wisdom throughout the book! Jannah's character development was great, I like how she found the strength to confront the 'monster'. One downside was the gym scene with Jeremy and Jannah- I mean it went a bit over board with Jannah decking up and going out without hijab. But again when I put myself in Janna's shoes and saw the situation from her perspective (trying to fit in, and getting the attention of her crush) it is reality of girls nowadays.
My favorite character would be Mr. Ram, and his words of wisdom. The second favorite would be Muhammad (Jannah's brother), he was sweet, caring and funny. And was always concerned about his sisters well-being. Fizz annoyed the crap out of me ! She's the perfect portrayal of someone who's blinded by a person's outer religiosity and then who puts them on a pedestal of they can never do anything wrong. Nuah was the perfect gentleman !
On the whole, this book makes you aware of the masks that so-called religious people wear and would go to any extent to save their outer religious reputation. While scarring the people who they affected.
ebrarkzlgl's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
blithesquesttoread's review against another edition
4.0
There's a good reason why I live S.K. Ali so much <3
hannahrhian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rachelbaack's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.5
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Janna is dealing with a set of normal teenage issues—crushes, negotiating spending time with her divorced mother and father, and deciding how she feels about her brother’s possible soon-to-be fiancée—but she has one big secret that is tearing her apart inside: a boy who everyone at her mosque believes is a wonderful young man has done something terrible to her, and she doesn’t know how to respond. Follow Janna’s story as she juggles these issues and, along the way, discovers who in her life is really going to be there for her and even meets some unexpected allies.
moh's review
4.0
This is a lovely YA novel. The central conflict takes a while to get going, but it is 100% worth the wait. The main character, Janna Yusuf, becomes more fully fleshed out as the plot develops and she faces different challenges, so that the effect is like getting to know someone better as she understands more about herself. I also appreciated how much I learned about Islam and how deftly S.K. Ali integrated that information into the narrative in ways that felt essential to the characters. There's a central theme of kindness throughout Saints and Misfits that I loved. But this isn't fluffy YA. The kindness is thoughtful, tested, and explored.
randiroo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
estanceveyrac's review against another edition
5.0
This book is hard. There is a lot of unanswered questions, but the book does a good job of not misleading the narrative. It opens up a lot of questions, it is very hard at some point but the resolution is both realistic to what a teenage girl would do & calming.
Not all issues are resolved, Janna grew up a bit but she is still a teenager, she just has a better understanding of the world & the people by her side to face it.
PS : I cringed so bad on the subway at all the Jeremy parts, I do not like that character. I was happily surprised by Tats who I initially didn't like & likewise my initial opinion of a lot of characters changed by the end. Except Nuah. I love Nuah.
Not all issues are resolved, Janna grew up a bit but she is still a teenager, she just has a better understanding of the world & the people by her side to face it.
PS : I cringed so bad on the subway at all the Jeremy parts, I do not like that character. I was happily surprised by Tats who I initially didn't like & likewise my initial opinion of a lot of characters changed by the end. Except Nuah. I love Nuah.