aishallnot's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
this is more so a 3.75 maybe a four stars???
I will say this book is a bit better than the first one, and I really enjoyed the story that S.K. Ali chose. I also appreciated seeing Janna grow as a character, especially now that she is attending college. Some moments I relate to her in terms of figuring yourself in your character, relationships, and her sense of justice. I think Ali could be one of my favorite authors in general, but in regards to telling stories about being authentically Muslim, I'd say she is a favorite within that aspect without a doubt. It was nice seeing an adamzayneb cameo in the story as well (prob gonna reread their books).
I will say this book is a bit better than the first one, and I really enjoyed the story that S.K. Ali chose. I also appreciated seeing Janna grow as a character, especially now that she is attending college. Some moments I relate to her in terms of figuring yourself in your character, relationships, and her sense of justice. I think Ali could be one of my favorite authors in general, but in regards to telling stories about being authentically Muslim, I'd say she is a favorite within that aspect without a doubt. It was nice seeing an adamzayneb cameo in the story as well (prob gonna reread their books).
Moderate: Child death and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault and Alcoholism
calamitywindpetal's review
funny
hopeful
informative
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? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Death, Car accident, Alcoholism, and Racism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Alcohol
stuckinatimeloop's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
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
Graphic: Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault
onthesamepage's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In this much more lighthearted sequel, Janna has decided to finally tell Nuah that she likes him, too. But things get a bit muddled when two other young men suddenly pop into her life as a result of her brother's wedding. Between her feelings, the wedding, and her mother suddenly blushing at a man, Janna doesn't really know where to focus her attention.
While I enjoyed this book, it didn't impact me the way Saints and Misfits did. Janna is still a great character to follow, but the themes tackled here felt a lot more surface level compared to the first one. The author touches on racism/colourism amongst Muslims, and while Janna gets justifiably upset at this, other than a handful of brief discussions on the subject, we don't really dive very far into it.
Not to say that every book needs to be equally heavy; if you're looking for something more lighthearted, this is a good story to pick up. Most of it is about wedding preparations and Janna slowly exploring her feelings towards Nuah, Haytham and Layth. She's pretty indecisive, which was a bit frustrating to read about since she kept swinging between "I'm going to confess now!" and "nope can't do it I'm too shy". I did appreciate how the author handled the lingering trauma Janna still deals with because of the events of the first book. It's clear that she still has times where she really struggles, and I think it was good to show that it's okay to not be okay for however long it takes.
The pacing was a bit slow, and it took me a while to get into this. The Muslim representation is great, but that's always the case with S.K. Ali. And for fans of Love From A to Z, look for the cameos.
While I enjoyed this book, it didn't impact me the way Saints and Misfits did. Janna is still a great character to follow, but the themes tackled here felt a lot more surface level compared to the first one. The author touches on racism/colourism amongst Muslims, and while Janna gets justifiably upset at this, other than a handful of brief discussions on the subject, we don't really dive very far into it.
Not to say that every book needs to be equally heavy; if you're looking for something more lighthearted, this is a good story to pick up. Most of it is about wedding preparations and Janna slowly exploring her feelings towards Nuah, Haytham and Layth. She's pretty indecisive, which was a bit frustrating to read about since she kept swinging between "I'm going to confess now!" and "nope can't do it I'm too shy". I did appreciate how the author handled the lingering trauma Janna still deals with because of the events of the first book. It's clear that she still has times where she really struggles, and I think it was good to show that it's okay to not be okay for however long it takes.
The pacing was a bit slow, and it took me a while to get into this. The Muslim representation is great, but that's always the case with S.K. Ali. And for fans of Love From A to Z, look for the cameos.
Graphic: Racism
2freads's review
emotional
reflective
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
Love love loved. I loved Janna’s growth here, I loved the cast of characters we were reunited with and the hope this book gave. I love the discussions in the book people tend to shy away from but should be spoken about. I loved the authors writing, as usual, and highlighted many notable quotes and many of the parts I personally related to.
To me, it was a massive step up from Saints and Misfits which I also enjoyed but having a more mature Janna was lovely to read about, even with the character growth she she still needed to do.
I will always recommend a S.K Ali book for her fantastic and realistic and relatable Muslim and immigrant representation.
To me, it was a massive step up from Saints and Misfits which I also enjoyed but having a more mature Janna was lovely to read about, even with the character growth she she still needed to do.
I will always recommend a S.K Ali book for her fantastic and realistic and relatable Muslim and immigrant representation.
Minor: Car accident, Child death, Death, Racism, and Grief
hancaavdic's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Minor: Racism
anna_23's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual assault and Child death
utopiastateofmind's review against another edition
4.0
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Misfit in Love was a book I read in a matter of days. Ali balances a story full of heart and falling in love, with conversations about intercultural dating, racism, and heartbreak. Even though it's been a while since I read Saints and Misfits, I sunk right into the book. All in all, Misfit in Love describes all the things, the expereinces, and thoughts, that happen when life doesn't turn out as we planned. When we think we want small, cozy, familiar, and then all of a sudden things begin to change. The conflicts in our heart between attraction and sense, between love and jealously, support and calling out.
Misfit in Love was a book I read in a matter of days. Ali balances a story full of heart and falling in love, with conversations about intercultural dating, racism, and heartbreak. Even though it's been a while since I read Saints and Misfits, I sunk right into the book. All in all, Misfit in Love describes all the things, the expereinces, and thoughts, that happen when life doesn't turn out as we planned. When we think we want small, cozy, familiar, and then all of a sudden things begin to change. The conflicts in our heart between attraction and sense, between love and jealously, support and calling out.
Moderate: Racism
dez_blair's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Minor: Islamophobia, Racism, and Physical abuse
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