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A review by carlottag
Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
4.0
I've been meaning to read it since June of 2017 when I met Samira Ahmed at BookCon and got an ARC of the book. This is and #ownvoices story with Indian and Muslim rep. I cannot speak to either since I am not Indian or Muslim but I did learn about Indian movies, food, and customs. There wasn't a lot of talk about Islam other than some lines about Maya's parents praying or inviting her to accompany them to service. It did not feel forced or preachy at all so anyone can enjoy the book even if they aren't religious.
I really enjoyed the book, it might've been a 5-star read if certain things had been different and who knows? Maybe they were fixed since I did read an uncorrected proof. I will definitely be reading the final version to see if anything was changed and will adjust my rating if needed. Here are the reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars (mild spoilers):
In the beginning, I didn't like the way the teenagers talked because it didn't sound authentic to how teenagers actually interact but it did get better by the third chapter. I was also thrown off by the story that was mixed into the central story every chapter break: the one detailing the bombing or the events leading up to it and after. It was confusing at the beginning because the actual event happened halfway through the book. I don't think it added to the story and it could have been told through Maya watching the news or from the police officers. And lastly, the ending felt rushed. The book is a bit short already, under 300 pages, but I felt that some parts were extended unnecessarily and the important ones were done in 5 pages or less. (Spoilers) The confrontation between Maya and her parents was significant, it happened in the second to last chapter of the book and then I turn the page and get an epilogue that she is going home for the holidays but we don't actually see any reconciliation? I felt a bit cheated. Also, the whole book build up to Maya and Phil getting together and they finally do and again, I turn the page to the epilogue and Maya is going on a date with another dude. I'm sorry, I know this is supposed to reflect reality and how relationships- especially high school ones- don't always work out BUT I signed up for a fluffy romcom read. I would have been fine with them breaking up but at least showing that they meet up once in a while since their schools aren't that far away from each other or that they see each other every time they go home or that they text each other. Anything to maintain a healthy friendship after everything they've been through and what they meant to each other.
I really did enjoy this book so much and will do a full review talking about what I liked as well. Pick it up on January 16th and let me know what you thought!
I really enjoyed the book, it might've been a 5-star read if certain things had been different and who knows? Maybe they were fixed since I did read an uncorrected proof. I will definitely be reading the final version to see if anything was changed and will adjust my rating if needed. Here are the reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars (mild spoilers):
In the beginning, I didn't like the way the teenagers talked because it didn't sound authentic to how teenagers actually interact but it did get better by the third chapter. I was also thrown off by the story that was mixed into the central story every chapter break: the one detailing the bombing or the events leading up to it and after. It was confusing at the beginning because the actual event happened halfway through the book. I don't think it added to the story and it could have been told through Maya watching the news or from the police officers. And lastly, the ending felt rushed. The book is a bit short already, under 300 pages, but I felt that some parts were extended unnecessarily and the important ones were done in 5 pages or less. (Spoilers) The confrontation between Maya and her parents was significant, it happened in the second to last chapter of the book and then I turn the page and get an epilogue that she is going home for the holidays but we don't actually see any reconciliation? I felt a bit cheated. Also, the whole book build up to Maya and Phil getting together and they finally do and again, I turn the page to the epilogue and Maya is going on a date with another dude. I'm sorry, I know this is supposed to reflect reality and how relationships- especially high school ones- don't always work out BUT I signed up for a fluffy romcom read. I would have been fine with them breaking up but at least showing that they meet up once in a while since their schools aren't that far away from each other or that they see each other every time they go home or that they text each other. Anything to maintain a healthy friendship after everything they've been through and what they meant to each other.
I really did enjoy this book so much and will do a full review talking about what I liked as well. Pick it up on January 16th and let me know what you thought!