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melodys_library's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciate this book and everything it represents, but I didn’t feel anything for any of the characters.
themargherita_s's review against another edition
4.0
Zayneb and Adam are genuinely adorable together!! I'm just a bit on the fence about the characters (in general, not limited to the main characters), because for the most part they were great, but they all had moments in which they felt kind of annoying (I guess it was mostly the side characters, though).
I loved the familiar love included in the story, and I loved that it wasn't just a romance, but it had a focus on commentary of racism and islamophobia as well.
My only real complaint: the wild amount of Harry Potter references. I refused to give the book less stars because of that, because I knew there would be some when I started reading (as a friend had warned me about it) but I wasn't entirely prepared for the actual amount of them. For general reference, by 20% there had already been four references, the last of which was an entire page long of the characters discussing their houses. There’s another one at the 53% mark, one at 56%, two at 71%, another at 73%, another at 76% and finally another two at 78%. It's like you can't even try to ignore it because it's constantly being brought up again, and again.
I loved the familiar love included in the story, and I loved that it wasn't just a romance, but it had a focus on commentary of racism and islamophobia as well.
My only real complaint: the wild amount of Harry Potter references. I refused to give the book less stars because of that, because I knew there would be some when I started reading (as a friend had warned me about it) but I wasn't entirely prepared for the actual amount of them. For general reference, by 20% there had already been four references, the last of which was an entire page long of the characters discussing their houses. There’s another one at the 53% mark, one at 56%, two at 71%, another at 73%, another at 76% and finally another two at 78%. It's like you can't even try to ignore it because it's constantly being brought up again, and again.
farhana101's review against another edition
5.0
*4.5 stars
This book is so pure, wholesome, heart wrenching and heartwarming all at the same time. This story of Adam and Zeynab felt like a warm hug, full of comfort and love. The Islamic representation was done really well, and it wasnt too much or too little.
This book is so pure, wholesome, heart wrenching and heartwarming all at the same time. This story of Adam and Zeynab felt like a warm hug, full of comfort and love. The Islamic representation was done really well, and it wasnt too much or too little.
justagirlwithbooks's review against another edition
4.0
“Maybe that's what living is--recognizing the marvels and oddities around you.”
Aaah I really enjoyed this book! It was so good! I loved reading it, Adam and Zayneb have my whole heart and I really need more stories like this in my life, with more Muslim representation and disability representation that is actually positive and accurate! The character's struggles and beliefs were so clear throughout the whole novel and I just loved reading about them falling in love. I felt for these characters so much. This was really good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Chronic illness, and Grief
Moderate: Medical content
bluelien's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
A very beautiful story with a message of utmost importance. I enjoyed the characters - it was easy to like them, to feel for them, and to root for them. I really enjoyed the format of this book; I wasn't sure if I would enjoy a story presented to me as diary entries, but this was done so well that I couldn't not stand behind the choice. Not to mention how fun and smart the idea of them sharing a 'wonders and rarities' diary is. The meaning behind this alone is impactful, and to my delight, there were so many more impactful points. To all the Zaynebs out there, keep fighting for what you stand for; and to all the Adams, kudos to you!
drridareads's review against another edition
5.0
★★★★★
Maybe that's what living is; recognizing the marvels and oddities around you.
This book is a beautiful Muslim marvel and it made me really happy. I really ought to read Love From Mecca to Madina too.
This book isn't perfect but I remember it warming my heart like hot cocoa so 5 stars it is!
Maybe that's what living is; recognizing the marvels and oddities around you.
This book is a beautiful Muslim marvel and it made me really happy. I really ought to read Love From Mecca to Madina too.
This book isn't perfect but I remember it warming my heart like hot cocoa so 5 stars it is!
hannreadswhat's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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
4.0
rothebibliophile's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
Listen I gotta say Muslim authors just KNOW how to write tender innocent love, how to write longing and tension. Ah I am in awe. This book was a beautiful journey. It made me cry, it made me laugh and awe and giggle. Ali is a wonderful writer and I love how she masterfully incorporated important topics in this beautiful love story. How even though we are not perfect but we can always try to be better for our loved ones. How even the bravest soldiers, can be a little weak sometimes and the hidden strength of that weakness. I love love love this book and I look forward to reading more of Ali’s work. ❤️❤️❤️
natashac42's review
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-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
4.25