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saadiasreads's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Drug use, Grief, Racism, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
katiemack's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a heartbreaking book that fully explores what it's like to be a South Asian teen (Rani) in a white-majority Chicago suburb (Evanston--as a side note, it brought me so much joy to read about places that are intimately familiar to me both in that area and in the city). I've read books before in which the love interest (in this case, Oliver) is too perfect and is the ideal partner, so I'm glad Rajurkar delved into some of the more subtle racist jabs white folks do to people of color. (Disclaimer: I am not a person of color and cannot, and will not, claim that I understand what it's like to be a person of color.) I also loved Rani's (imperfect) bond with her family and friends (especially her best friend Kate) and the way she learns to cherish and celebrate aspects of her own culture. I would have loved to know more about Rani's relationship with her grandpa, but I'm sure that could encompass a whole other book.
This is a heartbreaking book that fully explores what it's like to be a South Asian teen (Rani) in a white-majority Chicago suburb (Evanston--as a side note, it brought me so much joy to read about places that are intimately familiar to me both in that area and in the city). I've read books before in which the love interest (in this case, Oliver) is too perfect and is the ideal partner, so I'm glad Rajurkar delved into some of the more subtle racist jabs white folks do to people of color. (Disclaimer: I am not a person of color and cannot, and will not, claim that I understand what it's like to be a person of color.) I also loved Rani's (imperfect) bond with her family and friends (especially her best friend Kate) and the way she learns to cherish and celebrate aspects of her own culture. I would have loved to know more about Rani's relationship with her grandpa, but I'm sure that could encompass a whole other book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
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