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thenovelmaura's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
Thank you to the Novl for sending me this cute ARC that I enjoyed on the beach and read in one day! This book came out in November 2021, so you can grab your own copy now.
Despite all of the heavy topics I listed in the content warnings, this was YA romance that kept me laughing! Raised by Nana, his 100-year-old great-grandfather, Arsalan had plenty of old-fashioned mannerisms and quirks that befuddled Beans, his new friend turned love interest. Arsalan's formal way of speaking was really endearing, and Nana was a formidable, hilarious, flawed character in his own right.
Billed as a desi version of "She’s All That," I think the similarities between this book and that movie stop at the makeover scene, when Arsalan gets a haircut and some modern day clothing. There's a lot more depth here, as Arsalan and Beans push each other to be better people and support each other in the face of their difficult family situations. Even Diamond, who came off as a shallow jock when he was first introduced, played a significant role in the story and was always ready to lend a listening ear or a quote from the Quran. These friendships and romances unfolded in a way that had me grinning from ear to ear, and that ending? Bollywood-worthy. I recommend this one to any contemporary YA fan!
Despite all of the heavy topics I listed in the content warnings, this was YA romance that kept me laughing! Raised by Nana, his 100-year-old great-grandfather, Arsalan had plenty of old-fashioned mannerisms and quirks that befuddled Beans, his new friend turned love interest. Arsalan's formal way of speaking was really endearing, and Nana was a formidable, hilarious, flawed character in his own right.
Billed as a desi version of "She’s All That," I think the similarities between this book and that movie stop at the makeover scene, when Arsalan gets a haircut and some modern day clothing. There's a lot more depth here, as Arsalan and Beans push each other to be better people and support each other in the face of their difficult family situations. Even Diamond, who came off as a shallow jock when he was first introduced, played a significant role in the story and was always ready to lend a listening ear or a quote from the Quran. These friendships and romances unfolded in a way that had me grinning from ear to ear, and that ending? Bollywood-worthy. I recommend this one to any contemporary YA fan!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Sexism
dhwani's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Car accident, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Violence
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