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emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Unfortunately, I did find the first book, Huda F Cares?, to be the stronger of these two stories. I think this mainly stems from the panel design. The large panels here meant there was room for less content, and subsequently the plot, character development, and theme felt sparse in their coverage. So while I liked all three of these aspects for the direction the author took them in, I wish we had gotten them in more depth.
The character development of MC Huda is very much tied into the two core themes of sibling relationships, and being confronted with racial and religious difference. I really liked the depiction of Huda with her sisters. It was realistic in how it showed that siblings can be your greatest source of annoyance and love at the same time. Huda develops a growing appreciating for her sisters during the novel, learning how because you usually share similar circumstances with your siblings, you often go through similar experiences, too. As such they can be helpful and supportive when you are navigating difficult situations, such as the one that eventuates as a result of the second theme: being confronted with your racial and religious difference.
At Disney World with her family, Huda is alienated by Islamophobic, xenophobic and racist white people because of the way she dresses and because she prays while there. Subsequently, and also due to how she sees non-Muslim people engaging with the weather and the park, she feels like she sticks out like a sore thumb. I really liked how Huda learned that, as her mum says: “You don’t have to compromise what you care about to have a good time.” I.e., Huda doesn’t have to compromise who she is to make friends or “fit in” or enjoy herself on holiday; that while she may be confronted with behaviour contrary to her beliefs, this doesn’t mean her beliefs are not worth sticking by; that others are allowed to express themselves as they wish, so why can’t she? Huda F cares?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Xenophobia, Excrement, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Racial slurs, Fire/Fire injury, Ableism, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: theft
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