3.72 AVERAGE

challenging reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The change of ideology and identity crisis Muslim youth all over the World...or any one of our generation with a brain is experiencing and must read about...

Initially I had 3 stars because for some reason this book didn't have an emotional impact on me which is odd because it firstly right up my ally, half Pakistani, identity crisis, mental health issues you know it's seemingly relatable, but I think it has more of an intellectual one instead which is why I bumped it to 4 stars.

To start, this is the first book I think I've ever read in second person which is a very bold narrative choice. I respect trying something new (I read Exit West by Mohsin Hamid and it was also very "playful" for a lack of a better word) and I think Hamid does a good job with that, however, it wasn't my favorite. I think it could be cheesy and distracting. Secondly, the romance didn't totally work for me, I don't know there was a disconnect with that plot line for me. What worked for me was the general arc of Changez life (even though some of it was very stressful to me). I think also that he was a complex, well-fleshed out character even though it's a short read. I really appreciated the themes and "message" of the book.I often don't encounter pieces of literature that question America's motives and attitudes towards the rest of the world which is both surprising and unsurprising. I mean outside of America, America is one of if not the most hated country in the world, but I obviously consume mostly American works (I would even suggest that I make a conscious effort to seek out diverse storytellers, but even then, through media and my upbringing, it's almost indoctrination). The ending was a bit iffy for me, I don't like it being ambiguous, but it will make me think about it for days to come.
emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

you will be hearing about how bad this book is and how much of a missed opportunity it was all year, so i wont waste my breath now

The Reluctant Fundamentalist intrigued me by its very title; I was not disappointed. Mohsin Hamid has written a conversation with the reader that draws him or her deep into the story, forcing an investment in the plot and characters. I don’t want to say too much about the book for fear of ruining it. But rest assured that you will not be the same after reading this story. This is a rare combination of a book that can be truly enjoyed even while one is saddened by the world that has made the events herein possible.

Read The Reluctant Fundamentalist.

Thought-provoking and compelling.
reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
dark reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes