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stuckinatimeloop's review against another edition
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
2.75
wholesome overall, but it felt like it was written for a middle grade audience. maybe it's because it's the author's first book (as far as i know). everything that happened felt like it came out of nowhere. I don't know why dua and hassan like each other. there is almost no chemistry between them and they don't even have much screen time together to develop their relationship. everything was rushed. it's a nice book with nice ideas but could have been done better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, and Islamophobia
Minor: Ableism
hereforthefunofit's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This book, for me, has become the perfect example of spoiling itself simply because it is too short. In my opinion, absolutely nothing gets to develop well and readers are left with a surface level recollection of a month-long event.
My main supports for this position:
1. Something genuinely horrendous happens in this book and it is placed so far back in the backburner that it is actually ridiculous. It happens in one chapter, talked about how sad it is for a half of another, then 2 or 3 chapters go by where it is barely mentioned, if at all, then everything is completely fine. I was shocked when it happened, yes, but was hoping that it would draw something more from me.
2. The whole main point of this book is her religious journey. Tell me why there's only starting point and finishing line. There is no progress, no journey. She starts out shaky and all of a sudden, she's praying up a storm, has so much faith and this and that. She literally only makes her checklist so ambitious in attempt to look better than her cousins that Ramadan and I would've loved if we were given the privilege to understand her mind as it changed - see her struggle, see her stumble, watch her persevere but...nothing. I was craving her thought process, but the book was so busy trying to give line space to other aspects of the story that it neglected arguably the most important part.
3. The relationship with Hassan...like...WHERE'S THE SUBSTANCE??? WHERE???
4. Lots of characters that can barely be differentiated between. Rabia's only character trait is that she talks a lot...the one and only thing. Hassan is perfectly fine and nice. Manhoor was moody but is now perfectly fine and nice. Adam is perfectly fine and nice. Haya is perfectly fine and nice. Kat is-
5.Adam only be relevant when he needs to get hate-crimed is crazzzyyy cus his character is so useless to the story otherwise. They only start mentioning him frequently until right beforer it happens and he is sprinkled in abirtrarily afterwards. He adds nothing because this could have easily been a different character. It's like they wanted it to happen but didn't want it to be a character people were already more attached to. Because when i tell you...I did not know this child existed until the chapter before he got shot, I am telling the honest truth.
The book really suffers from too many characters, especially too many characters that are echoes of each other. There is nothing to make them important in a reader's head. They are sadly too forgetable. That being said, I think I could overlook too many boring characters if we got the MANY plots fully fleshed out with 3 interesting MAIN characters.
It's just frustrating because I was wanting to love this so bad.
My main supports for this position:
1. Something genuinely horrendous happens in this book and it is placed so far back in the backburner that it is actually ridiculous. It happens in one chapter, talked about how sad it is for a half of another, then 2 or 3 chapters go by where it is barely mentioned, if at all, then everything is completely fine. I was shocked when it happened, yes, but was hoping that it would draw something more from me.
2. The whole main point of this book is her religious journey. Tell me why there's only starting point and finishing line. There is no progress, no journey. She starts out shaky and all of a sudden, she's praying up a storm, has so much faith and this and that. She literally only makes her checklist so ambitious in attempt to look better than her cousins that Ramadan and I would've loved if we were given the privilege to understand her mind as it changed - see her struggle, see her stumble, watch her persevere but...nothing. I was craving her thought process, but the book was so busy trying to give line space to other aspects of the story that it neglected arguably the most important part.
3. The relationship with Hassan...like...WHERE'S THE SUBSTANCE??? WHERE???
4. Lots of characters that can barely be differentiated between. Rabia's only character trait is that she talks a lot...the one and only thing. Hassan is perfectly fine and nice. Manhoor was moody but is now perfectly fine and nice. Adam is perfectly fine and nice. Haya is perfectly fine and nice. Kat is-
5.
The book really suffers from too many characters, especially too many characters that are echoes of each other. There is nothing to make them important in a reader's head. They are sadly too forgetable. That being said, I think I could overlook too many boring characters if we got the MANY plots fully fleshed out with 3 interesting MAIN characters.
It's just frustrating because I was wanting to love this so bad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Islamophobia
leannj's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Hate crime
aishallnot's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, and Islamophobia
a_libra_library's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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? No
4.75
One of the best coming-of-age stories ive read in a while. It was a bit slow in the beginning but I thought that matched Dua's attitude towards her family, warming up as the story continues
As a non-Muslim I never felt lost, or confused about the traditions of Ramadan, but the reader isn't spoon fed everything going on either.
As a non-Muslim I never felt lost, or confused about the traditions of Ramadan, but the reader isn't spoon fed everything going on either.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Islamophobia, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, Ableism, Gun violence, Medical content, and Racism
annamorgan27's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Racism
amberinpieces's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Islamophobia, and Medical content
Minor: Gun violence
fiwwa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
"No one deserves to be insulted because of their faith or because of how they choose to dress. It's not right."
Salaam, with Love was my first muslim romance book that I read and let me tell you I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. SO MUCH. It has the perfect combination of romance, friendship, family, and faith with a great representation of Islam particularly during Ramadan.
Let's talk about the characters first, starting with Dua. Oh, that girl. As a muslim girl, I can relate so much to Dua's characters, we have a lot of similar views on Islam and even about ourselves. Dua's character growth is wonderful, especially how she nailed her Ramadan list. And she isn't the only one who has grown in faith because seeing her development inspired me so much, so I did too.
And Hassan? The perfect boy I need, every muslim girls dream boy, the ideal man muslim parents want their daughters to marry. He's the perfect golden boy; smart, respectful, and not to mention he's a hafiz (yes, as in a person who has memorized the whole Quran) (yes, I did screamed when they mention that).
Each of the supporting characters aka Dua's family and friends, is endearing in their own way. The family dynamics amongst them are incredible, I loved how supportive they are of one another. They even treat their friends as though they were family. Haya and Mahdi would probably be my favorites. Haya is the type of girl who can brighten our day and cheer us up when we're down, she's the best friend and sister we could ever ask for. And Mahdi, as the youngest child is just the cutest, I loved how honest he is.
I see nothing is missing from the plot. There was one part of the book that shattered my heart, no one deserves to be treated like that. I liked how the author shows that a Muslim woman's appearance, whether they're a hijabi or not, does not reflects their faith. And the ending? Perfect. Yes. Definitely interested.
A perfect wholesome read for Ramadan and would totally recommend this especially when you need more proof that halal relationship is indeed possible. When you have free time, read this before Ramadan ends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Gun violence, Racism, and Islamophobia
fandomsandfiction's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What a precious story! Think Bollywood romcom drama with a spiritual twist, set during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan :D
Sara Sharaf Beg's debut novel Salaam, with Love is heart-warming, emotional and very relatable for a young Muslim woman like me. As sweet as kulfi, as comforting as biryani and as warm as a freshly brewed cup of chai, this is a story written in a way that anyone and everyone can enjoy, regardless of your religion or culture. ☕
For a first time author, it's not bad. The writing, pacing and timeline could use improvement. I noticed many inconsistencies among the plot (most of them subtle enough that many readers won't be bothered). The story holds several realistic emotions and real lived experiences, but it's viewed through the fantasy-coloured lens and romanticism of most YA fiction and desi dramas (so if that's what you're into, then this is the book for you!)
Sara Sharaf Beg's debut novel Salaam, with Love is heart-warming, emotional and very relatable for a young Muslim woman like me. As sweet as kulfi, as comforting as biryani and as warm as a freshly brewed cup of chai, this is a story written in a way that anyone and everyone can enjoy, regardless of your religion or culture. ☕
For a first time author, it's not bad. The writing, pacing and timeline could use improvement. I noticed many inconsistencies among the plot (most of them subtle enough that many readers won't be bothered). The story holds several realistic emotions and real lived experiences, but it's viewed through the fantasy-coloured lens and romanticism of most YA fiction and desi dramas (so if that's what you're into, then this is the book for you!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Islamophobia, and Hate crime
lynnmarier99's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Hate crime, Gun violence, and Islamophobia