mads2007's review against another edition
challenging
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? Yes
3.75
jerihurd's review against another edition
2.0
So disappointing. Ignore the hype. I've been aching for the Muslim version of The Hate U Give. This isn't it. Overwritten, superficial, and it's not a good sign when you're gagging over lines in the first 10 pages. As the protagonist films a potential love interest: "The camera was drawn to his eyes, and so was I."
😩 😳
😩 😳
mirpanda277's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked how the author had these vignettes from others' perspectives that sometimes had a thriller effect on me (as it was leading to the climax), which kept me at the edge of my seat when I was getting a little bored with the classic teen romance and teen-parent trouble. (I like to read the occasional contemporary YA book, but I just prefer fantasy YA, so that near boredom is no way a reflection of the author's story or talent, which is great.) The vignettes were a brilliant idea.
Overall, this is a beautiful story that addresses the ugliness in people but leaves me hopeful.
The title is brilliant.
Overall, this is a beautiful story that addresses the ugliness in people but leaves me hopeful.
The title is brilliant.
luv4eilish's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
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? No
3.25
emdowd's review against another edition
4.0
I tried really had to not constantly compare this to “From Twinkle With Love”. They’re really very different books and Maya and Twinkle don’t have much in common beyond being smart, lightly sarcastic Indian-American filmmakers.
But I liked that we got to see Maya make her movies...that was kind of missing with Twinkle.
I also appreciated the open ending!
But I liked that we got to see Maya make her movies...that was kind of missing with Twinkle.
I also appreciated the open ending!
siena_916's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.75
louandlife's review against another edition
3.0
This book... this book was such a mixed bag for me. I struggled to get into the first 100 pages. Every time that I put it down, I wanted it to be the last time that I put it down. It just wasn't sitting well with me. I finished this book because it was short, not really because I was particularly enjoying it. The blurb of this book makes you think that it's going to be a hard hitting book that's all about Islamophobia, and prejudices, but really it felt like a forbidden romance with racist elements. I was expecting this book to have the impact of [b:The Hate U Give|32075671|The Hate U Give|Angie Thomas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476284759s/32075671.jpg|49638190]... instead I got a romance...
The Plot:
The blurb of the book makes you think that near the beginning there's going to be a terrorist attack, and Maya has to deal with the fall out. The terrorist attack doesn't happen until slightly over half way through... I kept on waiting for something to happen, and I had to be 50% complete for the main plot to actually come into play... The book needed to be longer. The length of this book was it's weakest point. Because it is so short, you hardly develop a relationship with the characters, and they were barely developed. The emotions I felt whilst reading this book would have been amplified had the book be longer and the plot be more fleshed out. The romance was a disappointment, and felt insta-lovey. The ending sucked too. It was too realistic for me.
If it wasn't for the Indian representation, I would have given this book a 2.5/5 rating. I was disappointed by this book.
The Characters:
My favourite character was Maya's only friend Violet. I loved how she wasn't slut shamed, how Maya never judged her, but respected her. I loved how strong Violet was depicted to be, and how she uses her femininity as a weapon to navigate the world. I loved how she supported Maya, and how she had her back.
Maya. I related to Maya quite a bit culturally. But I didn't really connect with her personality. I also questioned her sanity when she basically ran away. I loved Maya's aunt though.
Phil was so underdeveloped that his characterisation is literally a jock who wants to be a emergency paramedic. This could be because Maya hardly really knows him, but it could be because hardly any time was focused on his character.
Overall, I think this book was overhyped because of it's diversity/representation and topic matter. It's a cute story, but it wasn't as hard hitting as I thought it would be. I was expecting to feel a range of emotions when I read this book, instead I just felt anger when the world was against Maya. I wish this book didn't disappoint me as it did.
Spoiler
Which I felt cheated by the time that I finished this book, because the main couple don't even end up together. It's realistic because a high school romance would never work out, but I don't want a realistic love story. I want a magical one.The Plot:
The blurb of the book makes you think that near the beginning there's going to be a terrorist attack, and Maya has to deal with the fall out. The terrorist attack doesn't happen until slightly over half way through... I kept on waiting for something to happen, and I had to be 50% complete for the main plot to actually come into play... The book needed to be longer. The length of this book was it's weakest point. Because it is so short, you hardly develop a relationship with the characters, and they were barely developed. The emotions I felt whilst reading this book would have been amplified had the book be longer and the plot be more fleshed out. The romance was a disappointment, and felt insta-lovey. The ending sucked too. It was too realistic for me.
If it wasn't for the Indian representation, I would have given this book a 2.5/5 rating. I was disappointed by this book.
The Characters:
My favourite character was Maya's only friend Violet. I loved how she wasn't slut shamed, how Maya never judged her, but respected her. I loved how strong Violet was depicted to be, and how she uses her femininity as a weapon to navigate the world. I loved how she supported Maya, and how she had her back.
Maya. I related to Maya quite a bit culturally. But I didn't really connect with her personality. I also questioned her sanity when she basically ran away. I loved Maya's aunt though.
Phil was so underdeveloped that his characterisation is literally a jock who wants to be a emergency paramedic. This could be because Maya hardly really knows him, but it could be because hardly any time was focused on his character.
Overall, I think this book was overhyped because of it's diversity/representation and topic matter. It's a cute story, but it wasn't as hard hitting as I thought it would be. I was expecting to feel a range of emotions when I read this book, instead I just felt anger when the world was against Maya. I wish this book didn't disappoint me as it did.
laurieisreading's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 Stars actually. I expected this book to go deep, but I was disappointed. It was a very quick read with some room for thought, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. For me, it was too quick, too shallow and definitely too predictable. When I came to certain parts in the book, I somehow saw it coming. There is not much plot twist, which makes the book quite boring in my opinion. I know my opinion is unpopular, but I just didn't feel anything with this book. Therefore, I won't review it on my blog. It was just done and move on.
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.