Scan barcode
chocobro's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
3.75
odurant8's review against another edition
3.0
This book is definitely needed. I’m not a huge fan of the writing, but I liked the characters and it was engaging.
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
2.0
This started out strong for me, especially with the f/f relationship. But the writing did not hold me, so much dialog, and the story takes some very dark and twisted turns that I wasn't prepared for. The parents are very against their daughter dating a girl and basically kidnap her to Bangladesh and force her into an arranged marriage and then they completely come around a few weeks later and are all loving and welcoming to her girlfriend and the ending is tied up with a nice bow. I didn't buy it. Other heavy themes include rape, incest, physical abuse, sexism, homophobia, murder of a gay man *by machetes.* It was just a lot to squeeze into one novel and all the elements didn't really work for me.
keitacolada's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.75
tishywishy's review against another edition
4.0
Rukhsana is a Bengali-American teen, who has to hide her sexuality and girlfriend from her family and community. When her mother catches them kissing, it sets off the catalyst that sees Rukhsana going to Bangladesh with her parents and being confronted with arranged marriages, hostility, and homophobia. She also find love, friendship and acceptance in unexpected places.
Sabina does not shy away from the pertinent issues such as:
-Valuing male children more than female children.
-Classism and how it affects marriageability.
-Domestic abuse by partners and in laws.
-Assumptions made about Muslims.
The book is a good read and the author fills it with food, customs and cultures from Bangladesh, giving the reader a rich experience.
This is one of my Pride Reads
Sabina does not shy away from the pertinent issues such as:
-Valuing male children more than female children.
-Classism and how it affects marriageability.
-Domestic abuse by partners and in laws.
-Assumptions made about Muslims.
The book is a good read and the author fills it with food, customs and cultures from Bangladesh, giving the reader a rich experience.
This is one of my Pride Reads
sheilareads_'s review against another edition
3.0
The ending in true YA fashion is a happy ending. Something I don’t really like. I know it’s fake/fiction but it’s just too cookie-cutter for me. I digress.
The book touches on a lot of issues. A LOT. I would’ve liked to have a more in depth character analysis on some of the characters. Like the matriarchs of the Ali family and their own traumas and how it relates back to the main protagonist’s own conflict with those around her. Some characters felt like footnotes in Rukhsana’s life. I wanted to know more about them.
Nonetheless, it’s a good book overall! I think a YA audience will really appreciate Rukhsana’s journey/ growth.
The book touches on a lot of issues. A LOT. I would’ve liked to have a more in depth character analysis on some of the characters. Like the matriarchs of the Ali family and their own traumas and how it relates back to the main protagonist’s own conflict with those around her. Some characters felt like footnotes in Rukhsana’s life. I wanted to know more about them.
Nonetheless, it’s a good book overall! I think a YA audience will really appreciate Rukhsana’s journey/ growth.
joana_stormblessed's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This story made me feel uncomfortable and angry and it was the purpose. I felt sad and happy and all emotions. But in the end, everything wrapped up to quickly for me. We follow Rukhsana, a lesbian Bengali teen, whose parents completely lose it when they find out she's gay. Its about love, family, friendship and, more than anything, about acceptance and understanding .
This story made me feel uncomfortable and angry and it was the purpose. I felt sad and happy and all emotions. But in the end, everything wrapped up to quickly for me. We follow Rukhsana, a lesbian Bengali teen, whose parents completely lose it when they find out she's gay. Its about love, family, friendship and, more than anything, about acceptance and understanding .
blee98's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5