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qace90's review
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
My gosh, this book is utterly wonderful!
Karina Myra is sixteen-years-old and used to doing everything she can to meet her parents expectations of her, but when they leave for a month in Bangladesh to visit family she has her first chance at figuring out herself, for herself. In her corner she has her Dadu, her best friends Chloe and Nandini, her younger brother Samir, and she meets Ace when he needs help with English tutoring.
Counting Down With You is emotional and beautiful, and all around a wonderful read. I loved the friendships, but I also loved the bond she has with her younger brother. Things aren't always perfect, but the way they're there for each other, and especially the ways her Dadu supports her warmed my heart so much.
I also really enjoyed the ways Karina's identity is shaped by her Bangladeshi heritage and being Muslim. I can't speak to the rep as a white Jew, but I did love all the ways her identity was incorporated into the story.
One of my favorite elements was Karina's anxiety; I found it extremely relatable and at times overwhelming in how much I related. She has had to find coping methods that work for her while not feeling able to admit her anxiety to her parents. Her friends are super supportive, and even help her look for more coping strategies for when her standard (counting down from ten) isn't as effective. Her anxiety is very much a part of her, but it's not the point of the story, nor is it a point of conflict.
As to the romance that develops between Karina and Ash, it was so precious. I loved how supportive of her he is, as well as how she helps him find his own strengths and courage. The ways in which they help one another be braver and reach out for their dreams was so wonderful to see.
All around, I'm pretty confident this is one of my favorite books of 2021. It's so warm and full of emotions. The friendships and the anxiety felt so real, and the romance is one of the sweetest I've read. I highly recommend this book, and I"m looking forward to future books from Tashie Bhuiyan!
My gosh, this book is utterly wonderful!
Karina Myra is sixteen-years-old and used to doing everything she can to meet her parents expectations of her, but when they leave for a month in Bangladesh to visit family she has her first chance at figuring out herself, for herself. In her corner she has her Dadu, her best friends Chloe and Nandini, her younger brother Samir, and she meets Ace when he needs help with English tutoring.
Counting Down With You is emotional and beautiful, and all around a wonderful read. I loved the friendships, but I also loved the bond she has with her younger brother. Things aren't always perfect, but the way they're there for each other, and especially the ways her Dadu supports her warmed my heart so much.
I also really enjoyed the ways Karina's identity is shaped by her Bangladeshi heritage and being Muslim. I can't speak to the rep as a white Jew, but I did love all the ways her identity was incorporated into the story.
One of my favorite elements was Karina's anxiety; I found it extremely relatable and at times overwhelming in how much I related. She has had to find coping methods that work for her while not feeling able to admit her anxiety to her parents. Her friends are super supportive, and even help her look for more coping strategies for when her standard (counting down from ten) isn't as effective. Her anxiety is very much a part of her, but it's not the point of the story, nor is it a point of conflict.
As to the romance that develops between Karina and Ash, it was so precious. I loved how supportive of her he is, as well as how she helps him find his own strengths and courage. The ways in which they help one another be braver and reach out for their dreams was so wonderful to see.
All around, I'm pretty confident this is one of my favorite books of 2021. It's so warm and full of emotions. The friendships and the anxiety felt so real, and the romance is one of the sweetest I've read. I highly recommend this book, and I"m looking forward to future books from Tashie Bhuiyan!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Racism
gaslighting, mention of vomiting
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