A review by lydiareads247
The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.5

 
“This cookie won’t crumble – and I’m the cookie. Even if it might get a bit disheveled.”

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for granting me an audiobook in exchange for an honest review. 

This book was so fun to read and exactly what I needed – it also helped me survive exam season. First, I have to highlight how good Priya Ayyar was. She truly brought the book to life and gave a different light to each of the characters, which is a tough job, but she did it wonderfully. I also appreciated the accents. 

The writing also helped the performance, since it paces the story well. There’s no rushed scenes or prolonged descriptions, everything is as it should. It also has a few small plot twists that had me gasping, mostly romantic related. 

The main character, Shireen, is interesting, talented and kind. Sometimes she has some stances that left me questioning but she’s a teenager, she’s doing all the right mistakes. I specially appreciated the ways the author showed us the different friendships in this book and the ways it evolves, adapts and changes. 

I appreciated the romance plenty, even though I wasn’t really rooting for them at the start. But, once I got a better understanding of their relationship and issues, I rooted for them as well. And how they schemed together. They have incredible moments of bonding and understanding that really grasped my heart. 

I also loved the mentor and how she guides Shireen, as well as Shireen’s relationship with her parents. The book also has expressions of racism and how they affect each of the characters, how it can molds people’s opinions and actions. There’s also plenty of fatphobic comments and  their repercussions – which Shireen fights, even though she should never have to. It’s still important representation and an important talk to have. 

No matter other losses, I think the ending was lovely and fit the storyline – the future is full of possibilities for Shireen. I strongly recommend this book for anyone searching for a sweet culinary pun-filled rom-com. 

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