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A review by toebean5
How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi
4.0
Wow, there are lots of reviews for this that are all about what it isn't. How odd. I wasn't expecting much- just wanted to preview this in advance of Banned Books Week (because yes, this was pulled from some school library shelves in this state) but I got sucked in. Amir is figuring it all out- identity, familial and cultural expectations, what to do with his life- and when everything comes to a head he decides to escape. But not by suicide or self-destructive choices, which can happen in YA books; but by flying to Rome. Yes, please. Amir gets to have this wonderful, incredible month abroad- meeting sophisticated, attractive Italians and expats who validate his identity, give him a cultural education I was shocked he was lacking in (he didn't know about drag queens?!), and have a glorious, fun time. For the first time.
There are some pretty unbelievable parts (he just, like, has an apartment? do people really make a living from editing Wikpedia articles? someone was carrying a giant plate of saucy meatballs by an unprotected Caravaggio?! )
But there are some very believable parts- the book made me hungry with all of the food descriptions, and the visit to the Sistine Chapel felt very accurate; also, Amir's realization that even attractive, sophisticated, comfortable-with-their-gayness adults don't always have it all together. That those who can provide the best sun can also provide the most shade (I loved that metaphor). That his parents love him, but they're figuring it out at their pace- not his. While I found myself annoyed with his decision to cut off communication with his family, and to prioritize the drama of a hook-up over healing his family separation, I realized that this was one of the most believable parts. He's 18- he doesn't know yet who will be there for him for life and who will be there for him for the good times.
Overall, I thought this was a very touching read that felt very personal. Also, I could see little teens out there googling the queer cultural references, and I love the idea of a new generation learning about Nina Simone and Joan Crawford.
There are some pretty unbelievable parts (he just, like, has an apartment? do people really make a living from editing Wikpedia articles? someone was carrying a giant plate of saucy meatballs by an unprotected Caravaggio?! )
But there are some very believable parts- the book made me hungry with all of the food descriptions, and the visit to the Sistine Chapel felt very accurate; also, Amir's realization that even attractive, sophisticated, comfortable-with-their-gayness adults don't always have it all together. That those who can provide the best sun can also provide the most shade (I loved that metaphor). That his parents love him, but they're figuring it out at their pace- not his. While I found myself annoyed with his decision to cut off communication with his family, and to prioritize the drama of a hook-up over healing his family separation, I realized that this was one of the most believable parts. He's 18- he doesn't know yet who will be there for him for life and who will be there for him for the good times.
Overall, I thought this was a very touching read that felt very personal. Also, I could see little teens out there googling the queer cultural references, and I love the idea of a new generation learning about Nina Simone and Joan Crawford.