Scan barcode
worldsunlikeourown's review against another edition
4.0
Find this review and more on my blog at Worlds Unlike Our Own.
Contemporary novels are a genre I’m very picky about, but with all the rave reviews I’d seen of this, I just had to pick it up and I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book! It has been a while since I read a Becky Albertalli book, but this reminded me of why I enjoy them so much. I went into this book expecting a cute romance – and it was, but it was also so much more than that. Since Jamie and Maya are canvassing for a political campaign, politics is naturally the major topic, but this book also addresses several rather delicate issues like religion and racism, and I was very impressed with the way it was handled.
It sends a lovely message about how you can stand up for your beliefs and make a difference even if you are too young to vote. Jamie and Maya were such likeable characters and it was easy to get invested in their stories. Jamie and Maya’s romance was adorably awkward, and I just loved seeing it develop, it was so gradual and realistic. This is a very relevant book in present day in so many ways and it’s a must read, even if, like me, you’re not generally a fan of contemporary novels. Highly recommended!
Contemporary novels are a genre I’m very picky about, but with all the rave reviews I’d seen of this, I just had to pick it up and I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book! It has been a while since I read a Becky Albertalli book, but this reminded me of why I enjoy them so much. I went into this book expecting a cute romance – and it was, but it was also so much more than that. Since Jamie and Maya are canvassing for a political campaign, politics is naturally the major topic, but this book also addresses several rather delicate issues like religion and racism, and I was very impressed with the way it was handled.
It sends a lovely message about how you can stand up for your beliefs and make a difference even if you are too young to vote. Jamie and Maya were such likeable characters and it was easy to get invested in their stories. Jamie and Maya’s romance was adorably awkward, and I just loved seeing it develop, it was so gradual and realistic. This is a very relevant book in present day in so many ways and it’s a must read, even if, like me, you’re not generally a fan of contemporary novels. Highly recommended!
leah19's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
girkich's review against another edition
4.0
If Becky Albertalli writes it, I will read it also I'm in love with Jamie
bookshelvesandtealeaves's review
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
4.0
This was such a good book with so many great characters. Very diverse and informative while still remaining light.
I loved the slow-build romance between Maya and Jamie. I loved how they really became passionate about the politics they were fighting for and the way it drew them closer. They were so freaking cute together.
I really enjoyed the political sub plot. I felt like I was campaigning alongside them. It was a wild ride and it felt really well paced and thought out.
I also just adored our supporting cast (except Gabe - I really hated Gabe). InstaGramm and Sophie were highlights for me. I especially loved Sophie’s little coming out scene. Hers and Jamie’s sibling relationship was so lovely.
Definitely recommend this one to any YA romance fans.
ellapearl's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
hyacinth_reads's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 stars.
I really did enjoyed this book! If you are looking for a cute, simple love story that you can read over the course of a day--this is the book for you.
There are a bunch of pros for this novel. For example, the authors' very clearly understand the many emotions that accompany teenage life, and they do a fantastic job of validating those feelings by making them seem just as real as any adult's. The reactions the characters have to experiences riddled with hardship--islamophobia and anti-semitism, just to name a few--are just so akin to how I feel teenagers like me deal with adversity. The tidal wave of emotions that accompany that experience--shock, anger, fright--are so well expressed. In addition, the passion these characters have about politics and creating change is an invigorating reminder that just because you can't vote doesn't mean you can't act. This sends in overarching message: just because you're not an adult doesn't mean you can't be a force of good in the world. Another great thing about this book is the information you gain by reading about two people of different faiths. The two (very lovable) characters both have strong identities, and by reading about their connection to their religion, you learn a lot about the culture of those religions.
Unfortunately, there's one (minor) con. I'm a sucker for a good love story, and while this is my first Saeed book, Albertalli had me falling head over heels for Ben and Arthur in What if It's Us. I wanted to feel the same electricity sparking through the pages here, but I'm sad to say I just...didn't. Now, don't get me wrong. I still recommend this book for a ton of other reasons...but if you're solely looking for a YA teen romance that will blow you away, I'm gonna have to recommend you go somewhere else. If you want an easy read with cute characters that will help you understand different cultures, the inner-workings of the teenage mind, and political junkies, then this is the place for you. :)
I really did enjoyed this book! If you are looking for a cute, simple love story that you can read over the course of a day--this is the book for you.
There are a bunch of pros for this novel. For example, the authors' very clearly understand the many emotions that accompany teenage life, and they do a fantastic job of validating those feelings by making them seem just as real as any adult's. The reactions the characters have to experiences riddled with hardship--islamophobia and anti-semitism, just to name a few--are just so akin to how I feel teenagers like me deal with adversity. The tidal wave of emotions that accompany that experience--shock, anger, fright--are so well expressed. In addition, the passion these characters have about politics and creating change is an invigorating reminder that just because you can't vote doesn't mean you can't act. This sends in overarching message: just because you're not an adult doesn't mean you can't be a force of good in the world. Another great thing about this book is the information you gain by reading about two people of different faiths. The two (very lovable) characters both have strong identities, and by reading about their connection to their religion, you learn a lot about the culture of those religions.
Unfortunately, there's one (minor) con. I'm a sucker for a good love story, and while this is my first Saeed book, Albertalli had me falling head over heels for Ben and Arthur in What if It's Us. I wanted to feel the same electricity sparking through the pages here, but I'm sad to say I just...didn't. Now, don't get me wrong. I still recommend this book for a ton of other reasons...but if you're solely looking for a YA teen romance that will blow you away, I'm gonna have to recommend you go somewhere else. If you want an easy read with cute characters that will help you understand different cultures, the inner-workings of the teenage mind, and political junkies, then this is the place for you. :)
ariajb's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Gaslighting
rainydayswithbooks's review
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
A book about friends to lovers, slow-burn and with a good dose of political activism. He falls in love first, she doesn't realise it. Jamie has been really sweet to read as he always thinks everything through in detail and really is a green flag. The book was written by the two authors in reference to the 2016 US presidential election and is still (unfortunately) a relevant depiction of the situation in America today. I can therefore only recommend everyone to read the story and take the content to heart. Because no matter where you live, when the next elections are in your country or how old you are: you can make a difference. Become politically active, engage with the issues and listen. Exchange ideas with other people, look beyond borders. Because we all want to live in a peaceful world in the future. In my opinion, the book encourages this.
ashezbookz's review against another edition
3.0
It's sad that I finished this book on Thursday and I already forgot most of it. It's very politically motivated which I normally hate, but this was done really well. It was cute, it was sweet, it was adorable.. the usual Albertalli and I am not mad at it!
dale_in_va's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5