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thepearlyjournal's review against another edition
Idk I wasn't feeling it and then she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
lvanher's review against another edition
funny
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? Yes
4.5
A very fun, lighthearted read! I loved the relationships in this.
mehvie's review against another edition
1.0
Yeah I've grown up... couldn't handle the plot line found it repetitive and just overused by debut novels. The dialogue felt kiddish tbh.
I have read much better books with the same plot. Skim read till the very end
I have read much better books with the same plot. Skim read till the very end
caroline_norrish's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
apurva20's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Part of my attempts to read more South Asian authors. Good book but it’s definitely for a younger audience. There were parts of the book that felt very much like the little mermaid and Aladdin - rushed love, lack of freedom, family pressure. It was enjoyable but not something I’d read again. Liked that the author included a lot of Bangla in the book without having to cater to a white audience.
zprh17's review against another edition
5.0
I'm actually really glad I picked this up. I liked reading about how conflicted a girl feels being a brown Muslim barely of age being engulfed in the storm that is the extended brown community and their expectations. I do think while Zahra's halal-to-haram ratio is not quite like mine that the religion aspect was represented pretty well.
The family drift between first gen immigrant parent with different values and daughter was also well shown too. The cultural references really makes this feels so realistic and contemporary and will be a really good snapshot of time I feel.
As for the romance handling, I loved the way the arranged marriage stuff and also the infidelity was handled. The thing is this wasn't really set up as a traditional love triangle with one side towards the beginning clearly established as the typical fake dating just friends but I'll admit I was worried Zahra wouldn't choose the guy I rooted for but all seemed to have worked out - even if the compromise was a little non-halal.
I cannot believe this is the author's debut and I very much look forward to what else she has to offer in the future
The family drift between first gen immigrant parent with different values and daughter was also well shown too. The cultural references really makes this feels so realistic and contemporary and will be a really good snapshot of time I feel.
As for the romance handling, I loved the way the arranged marriage stuff and also the infidelity was handled. The thing is this wasn't really set up as a traditional love triangle with one side towards the beginning clearly established as the typical fake dating just friends but I'll admit I was worried Zahra wouldn't choose the guy I rooted for but all seemed to have worked out - even if the compromise was a little non-halal.
I cannot believe this is the author's debut and I very much look forward to what else she has to offer in the future
bookishbasma's review against another edition
4.0
Actual Rating: 3.75
This needed to be fleshed out a littleee more and I felt rushed by the ending. I did enjoy the individual characters and the relationships in the book, although it's always frustrating reading non-halal romances with Muslim characters. I do think the other aspects of religion and culture were done well and I could really emphasize with Zahra's sense of responsibility for her family. Overall, this just needed more work.
I received an e-arc of this title from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This needed to be fleshed out a littleee more and I felt rushed by the ending. I did enjoy the individual characters and the relationships in the book, although it's always frustrating reading non-halal romances with Muslim characters. I do think the other aspects of religion and culture were done well and I could really emphasize with Zahra's sense of responsibility for her family. Overall, this just needed more work.
I received an e-arc of this title from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
tagoreketabkhane31's review against another edition
5.0
This was everything you could want in Bangladeshi Muslim nathok inspired romcom. RTC
evieheart's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
lkristin2018's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
This is a delightful Bangladeshi diaspora YA romantic comedy. I learned a great deal about Bangladeshi culture and beliefs and language. The characters were written in-depth, and not one dimensional. I appreciated the inclusion of a lgtbq+ character. There was enough serious content to make the book meaningful, but the overall effect was still light and fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Misogyny and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content and Suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts is not precisely accurate, but readers should be aware that a suicidal expression is used sarcastically by one of the characters.