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fromjuliereads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
4.0
**Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for an advanced copy of this book**
I really enjoyed this book! This is such a unique, fun, and enticing retelling of You've Got Mail.
I adored the characters. Kawkab Khala is by far the best character in this book - she is such a feminist badass and when we get to hear her whole story, it is such a defining moment in the book! Closely followed by Rashid, who is such a fun character and honestly you just want to know more about him. He continually steals scenes with his witty lines and subtle hints at his parents jobs...! So much fun. I also really liked Aydin and Zulfa, and basically all of Hana's family. Uzma Jalaluddin writes family dynamics to incredibly well. I liked Hana's character, but some of the actions that she took just read far younger than the age she is written as. I struggled a couple of times with her character. BUT the portrayal of amazing woman in this book was so well done and I absolutely loved it.
Also, side note, I LOVED the scenes and conversations with the DJ that Hana had. He was such a great addition to the cast of characters.
This book deals with so many serious topics, but is somehow still a light and fast paced read. It touches on very difficult scenes and experiences but not in an overwhelming way. The microaggressions and the explicit Islamophobia were difficult to read. It's a reminder that people are experiencing these things every single day. I would highly recommend looking to own voices reviewers for speaking on this piece.
I loved the kind of competition and animosity that starts out between Aydin and Hana. It's so well done for how people would react in these situations. However, this is where I struggled with Hana's actions. Kathleen Kelly would NEVER had spread malicious rumours, and it honestly made Hana seem so incredibly childish... I really struggled with her character and decisions that she would immediately decide to go after the other person maliciously instead of trying to help or even speak to her family - specifically her mom. There were so many fantastic scenes between them. And the few twists - I actually didn't see them coming! They were so wonderfully done.
I really loved this novel. I think I still liked Ayesha at Last more - although I loved the little mention and that the Imam was central to this story as well - but Jalaluddin does retellings so well! I cannot wait to see what she delivers next.
I really enjoyed this book! This is such a unique, fun, and enticing retelling of You've Got Mail.
I adored the characters. Kawkab Khala is by far the best character in this book - she is such a feminist badass and when we get to hear her whole story, it is such a defining moment in the book! Closely followed by Rashid, who is such a fun character and honestly you just want to know more about him. He continually steals scenes with his witty lines and subtle hints at his parents jobs...! So much fun. I also really liked Aydin and Zulfa, and basically all of Hana's family. Uzma Jalaluddin writes family dynamics to incredibly well. I liked Hana's character, but some of the actions that she took just read far younger than the age she is written as. I struggled a couple of times with her character. BUT the portrayal of amazing woman in this book was so well done and I absolutely loved it.
Also, side note, I LOVED the scenes and conversations with the DJ that Hana had. He was such a great addition to the cast of characters.
This book deals with so many serious topics, but is somehow still a light and fast paced read. It touches on very difficult scenes and experiences but not in an overwhelming way. The microaggressions and the explicit Islamophobia were difficult to read. It's a reminder that people are experiencing these things every single day. I would highly recommend looking to own voices reviewers for speaking on this piece.
I loved the kind of competition and animosity that starts out between Aydin and Hana. It's so well done for how people would react in these situations. However, this is where I struggled with Hana's actions.
I really loved this novel. I think I still liked Ayesha at Last more - although I loved the little mention and that the Imam was central to this story as well - but Jalaluddin does retellings so well! I cannot wait to see what she delivers next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, and Islamophobia
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Misogyny, and Sexism