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