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diyazaveri's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
2.75
azarab's review
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
3.0
It was fun to learn more about the south Asian culture. I feel like she does attempt to bridge the gap in between trying to target her fellow south Asian girls and non-south Asian. Depending on the age of the person I would gift it to a younger south Asian girl (say teenage+) but not 21+ as I feel that this is entry level to critical thought about your own demographic. I feel like this is a friendly fun way to ease you in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Rape, Alcohol, Homophobia, Abortion, Miscarriage, Addiction, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Body shaming, Pregnancy, and Sexism
Minor: War, Sexual assault, Mental illness, and Drug abuse
mindintheskies's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.25
almostlikequake's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
iamaunicornwithyellowfeet's review
4.0
I have mixed feelings on this book, and have no idea what to rate it now that I've compiled my thoughts, I think I'm a bit more sure of what to rate it
Firstly, I want to applaud the author for writing this kind of book, full of relatable experiences and advice for brown girls. The fact that there are so many religions, traditions, cultures and sub-cultures within South Asia, and so many girls who have so many different experiences, yet she still made it relevant for us is something I loved.
I think my main problem was with her 'categories' of brown girls: Wild West, On the Fence and By the Book. I just think that they are quite general, and I don't think anyone fits perfectly into one of these categories, rather we have different aspects that apply to us. Take me: I'm By the Book when it comes to a lot of my actions and opinions, On the Fence when it comes to clothing (i.e. I wear western but modest) and Wild West when it comes to language and culture (something I want to change). These labels at occasions did have me scratching my head and disagreeing. At the same time, she does say herself that she doesn't like to categorise or group people. I think it would have been better phrased if she wrote them as different opinions? Ideologies? I think you get what I mean.
That was probably my main gripe. Other than that, I enjoyed her commentary on different topics, such as racism/colourism within South Asians and the lack of talk about mental health. I'd definitely like to see her talk more in depth about some of these topics though. Another thing was that some of her principles just reminded me so much of my own, namely the way she values her family, which is definitely important in our culture. Branching off of this, she discussed the disconnect between our eastern and western sides, feeling 'culturally homeless' and how some of our ideas are looked down upon because they aren't 'western enough'.
I'm starting to wish that I'd bought a copy rather than borrowed one, because there are definitely some passages that I'd love to highlight and show to my own aunties.
P.S. THE ILLUSTRATIONS WERE BEAUTIFUL
Firstly, I want to applaud the author for writing this kind of book, full of relatable experiences and advice for brown girls. The fact that there are so many religions, traditions, cultures and sub-cultures within South Asia, and so many girls who have so many different experiences, yet she still made it relevant for us is something I loved.
I think my main problem was with her 'categories' of brown girls: Wild West, On the Fence and By the Book. I just think that they are quite general, and I don't think anyone fits perfectly into one of these categories, rather we have different aspects that apply to us. Take me: I'm By the Book when it comes to a lot of my actions and opinions, On the Fence when it comes to clothing (i.e. I wear western but modest) and Wild West when it comes to language and culture (something I want to change). These labels at occasions did have me scratching my head and disagreeing. At the same time, she does say herself that she doesn't like to categorise or group people. I think it would have been better phrased if she wrote them as different opinions? Ideologies? I think you get what I mean.
That was probably my main gripe. Other than that, I enjoyed her commentary on different topics, such as racism/colourism within South Asians and the lack of talk about mental health. I'd definitely like to see her talk more in depth about some of these topics though. Another thing was that some of her principles just reminded me so much of my own, namely the way she values her family, which is definitely important in our culture. Branching off of this, she discussed the disconnect between our eastern and western sides, feeling 'culturally homeless' and how some of our ideas are looked down upon because they aren't 'western enough'.
I'm starting to wish that I'd bought a copy rather than borrowed one, because there are definitely some passages that I'd love to highlight and show to my own aunties.
P.S. THE ILLUSTRATIONS WERE BEAUTIFUL
thecuriouscase_pr's review against another edition
4.0
This book felt like a personalized letter from an elder sister, - something I wish I was able to read when I was younger. So many brown girls grow up believing that we are not beautiful, or worthy, because of our skin. So many of us feel invalidated because of societal opinions and norms. This book normalizes the brown experience of just being. I loved how the writer talked about topics like dating, caste system, mental health, religion, body autonomy, modesty, motherhood, and so much more, and crafted it beautifully from a brown lens. I found myself relating to this book more with every chapter. Great read!!