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princessapplecore's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
OMG, THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
I could go on and on about this book. I love this book into the depths of my soul. This book has my heart.
1. Plot- The plot of this book was... I guess different is the word I want, than other LGBTQIA+ novels. There were the elements of race and religion. Most YA LGBTQIA+ books are only centered around sexualities. Because this book added bits of Muslim and Catholic views, as well as the "But Bangladeshis are not gay." and the homophobia from her parents, made this book seem a bit more real.
2. Characters- I love Nishat. She is so strong-willed, she knows who she is and doesn't hide it. Flávia is so careful with others. I love their relationship, it's so cute.
3. The Humor- The little description on the inside of the book says that this is a rom-com, it's not. The only time I actually laughed was at the very end when Nishat's parents are watching The Ellen Show.
As I've said before, I really like this book. 10/10, won't read again, because I'm like that.
I could go on and on about this book. I love this book into the depths of my soul. This book has my heart.
1. Plot- The plot of this book was... I guess different is the word I want, than other LGBTQIA+ novels. There were the elements of race and religion. Most YA LGBTQIA+ books are only centered around sexualities. Because this book added bits of Muslim and Catholic views, as well as the "But Bangladeshis are not gay." and the homophobia from her parents, made this book seem a bit more real.
2. Characters- I love Nishat. She is so strong-willed, she knows who she is and doesn't hide it. Flávia is so careful with others. I love their relationship, it's so cute.
3. The Humor- The little description on the inside of the book says that this is a rom-com, it's not. The only time I actually laughed was at the very end when Nishat's parents are watching The Ellen Show.
As I've said before, I really like this book. 10/10, won't read again, because I'm like that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Outing, Racism, Religious bigotry, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Biphobia, Child abuse, and Cursing
ghulsona's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
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
I enjoyed this book a lot! I was trying to find something lighthearted to read in between reading 'The Poppy War' series to find a reprieve from all the death and misery, and this did the trick. Though, there is something painful in reading about the main character Nishat's experiences when I can relate so deeply to them.
This is one of the few times I've seen a Bengali character featured prominently in a story. I don't care much about representation, but there was a thrill in finally relating to every aspect of a main character when I've never been able to do so and understanding every single cultural reference brought up. The detail of the guidance counselor pronouncing her name as 'niche hat' made me laugh a lot. There was this one part where Nishat is called to talk with her parents weeks after she came out to them, and she's just pleading to God in her mind as she goes to to them, repeating over and over "Allah please please please please please please please please please let them still love me". That resonated with me so much; I can't recall the countless times where I have gone to my parents and thinking this same exact thought :( Nishat's struggles and pain with wanting to be accepted by her communities hit really hard, and it was written incredibly well. I thought Nishat as a character had good flaws, with single-mindedness and recklessness being major ones. She had good and natural development, with her having to overcome these traits in order to not hurt the ones closest to her.
I enjoyed a lot of the other characters too! Nishat's relationship with her sister, Priti, was great and reminded me of my own relationship with my little sister. I'm glad it was at the forefront of the book. I honestly am kind of shocked that a lot of people didn't like the love interest, Flavia. I really enjoyed her scenes and her relationship with Nishat. I do wish they got more development because they did feel kind of rushed; if there ever is a sequel to this book, I hope the author fleshes out Flavia's character and their relationship more. But for what we got, I'm pretty satisfied with her character. I didn't really like Nishat's 2 friends that much, especially her white friend, Jess. I thought she was way too insensitive and just really ignorant, dismissing Nishat's concerns regarding cultural appropriation and even getting angry when Nishat insisted on talking about it. From my own experience, I think this is a pretty realistic depiction of some white friends, which is why she really rubbed me the wrong way. I don't have strong opinions on Nishat's other friend, Chaewon, but I do wish she had stuck by Nishat's friend when their white friend was being purposefully ignorant. Chyna, of course, is a massive bitch. I don't expect anyone to have come away from this book liking her. I thought Nishat's parents and their struggle to accept their daughter was so realistic; I really can't say much except how hard it hit home.
However, there are obviously some things that aren't perfect regarding this book. I think the conversation surrounding cultural appropriation could've been more nuanced; I'm sure other reviews go in depth into this, so I won't offer the entirety of my thoughts. Overall, I think it was okay, especially to an audience who is reading about it for the first time, but I was expecting . . . more in certain parts. In some parts, it felt very in your face about it, and in other parts, it didn't feel like enough. Also, (kind of a spoiler) I think the characters who spread racist rumors and generally acted very bigoted towards Nishat should have faced more consequences??? I was surprised that the character who literally outed Nishat was barely discussed or even confronted by any of the main characters. I've mentioned before how Nishat's white friend, Jess, is kind of insensitive and rude to her, and I feel like she didn't get enough repercussions for that. As I mentioned before, I think the romance was a bit rushed, but I don't really mind since the book is obviously about Nishat's identity.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. Reading about a relatable Bengali character made me incredibly happy; I'm glad I was able to read this book. I'd definitely recommend this book to others and pick up the sequel if one ever was written.
This is one of the few times I've seen a Bengali character featured prominently in a story. I don't care much about representation, but there was a thrill in finally relating to every aspect of a main character when I've never been able to do so and understanding every single cultural reference brought up. The detail of the guidance counselor pronouncing her name as 'niche hat' made me laugh a lot. There was this one part where Nishat is called to talk with her parents weeks after she came out to them, and she's just pleading to God in her mind as she goes to to them, repeating over and over "Allah please please please please please please please please please let them still love me". That resonated with me so much; I can't recall the countless times where I have gone to my parents and thinking this same exact thought :( Nishat's struggles and pain with wanting to be accepted by her communities hit really hard, and it was written incredibly well. I thought Nishat as a character had good flaws, with single-mindedness and recklessness being major ones. She had good and natural development, with her having to overcome these traits in order to not hurt the ones closest to her.
I enjoyed a lot of the other characters too! Nishat's relationship with her sister, Priti, was great and reminded me of my own relationship with my little sister. I'm glad it was at the forefront of the book. I honestly am kind of shocked that a lot of people didn't like the love interest, Flavia. I really enjoyed her scenes and her relationship with Nishat. I do wish they got more development because they did feel kind of rushed; if there ever is a sequel to this book, I hope the author fleshes out Flavia's character and their relationship more. But for what we got, I'm pretty satisfied with her character. I didn't really like Nishat's 2 friends that much, especially her white friend, Jess. I thought she was way too insensitive and just really ignorant, dismissing Nishat's concerns regarding cultural appropriation and even getting angry when Nishat insisted on talking about it. From my own experience, I think this is a pretty realistic depiction of some white friends, which is why she really rubbed me the wrong way. I don't have strong opinions on Nishat's other friend, Chaewon, but I do wish she had stuck by Nishat's friend when their white friend was being purposefully ignorant. Chyna, of course, is a massive bitch. I don't expect anyone to have come away from this book liking her. I thought Nishat's parents and their struggle to accept their daughter was so realistic; I really can't say much except how hard it hit home.
However, there are obviously some things that aren't perfect regarding this book. I think the conversation surrounding cultural appropriation could've been more nuanced; I'm sure other reviews go in depth into this, so I won't offer the entirety of my thoughts. Overall, I think it was okay, especially to an audience who is reading about it for the first time, but I was expecting . . . more in certain parts. In some parts, it felt very in your face about it, and in other parts, it didn't feel like enough. Also, (kind of a spoiler) I think the characters who spread racist rumors and generally acted very bigoted towards Nishat should have faced more consequences??? I was surprised that the character who literally outed Nishat was barely discussed or even confronted by any of the main characters. I've mentioned before how Nishat's white friend, Jess, is kind of insensitive and rude to her, and I feel like she didn't get enough repercussions for that. As I mentioned before, I think the romance was a bit rushed, but I don't really mind since the book is obviously about Nishat's identity.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. Reading about a relatable Bengali character made me incredibly happy; I'm glad I was able to read this book. I'd definitely recommend this book to others and pick up the sequel if one ever was written.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Racism
fayereadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
really enjoyed this book and thought it was a fab read. Loved the relationship between Nishat and her sister Priti.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Homophobia
Moderate: Hate crime, Religious bigotry, and Biphobia
writefromthepage's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Very disappointed 😥 I did appreciate the diversity, an interracial sapphic romance bring front and center, and every scene depicting the Nishat’s homophobic parents really hit me hard.
Unfortunately, the book didn’t have much substance and just fell apart for me. Lots of plot lines were dropped, underdeveloped, or wrapped up so quickly it made me wonder why it was included in the first place. Especially Nishat’s friends from school - she interacted with them so little, it made no sense for them to be here.
And if you are interested in reading this book for the enemies to lovers plot line, or the discussion of cultural appropriation, you’ll be severally disappointed like I was. The romance was very Insta love and the progression from enemies (the competition between the girls was barely present) to lovers (it was so random and came out of nowhere) really felt like it went from point A to B without any development to get them to that point.
As for the cultural appropriation plot line, it was brought up once or twice, but eventually dwindled away without much of a conclusion. Flavia never really learned her lesson beyond her saying “I realize I was wrong” without much proof in the narrative that she actually did.
And my biggest grip was that Flavia never once apologized to Nishat about not standing up for her sooner from her racist, bullying cousin. The way it was depicted made me very uncomfy because it was portrayed that Flavia’s fear of her cousin turning on her for standing up for her girlfriend was more important than the torment Nishat was facing everyday at school from her. Idk about you, but that’s not girlfriend material to me.
Unfortunately, the book didn’t have much substance and just fell apart for me. Lots of plot lines were dropped, underdeveloped, or wrapped up so quickly it made me wonder why it was included in the first place. Especially Nishat’s friends from school - she interacted with them so little, it made no sense for them to be here.
And if you are interested in reading this book for the enemies to lovers plot line, or the discussion of cultural appropriation, you’ll be severally disappointed like I was. The romance was very Insta love and the progression from enemies (the competition between the girls was barely present) to lovers (it was so random and came out of nowhere) really felt like it went from point A to B without any development to get them to that point.
As for the cultural appropriation plot line, it was brought up once or twice, but eventually dwindled away without much of a conclusion. Flavia never really learned her lesson beyond her saying “I realize I was wrong” without much proof in the narrative that she actually did.
And my biggest grip was that Flavia never once apologized to Nishat about not standing up for her sooner from her racist, bullying cousin. The way it was depicted made me very uncomfy because it was portrayed that Flavia’s fear of her cousin turning on her for standing up for her girlfriend was more important than the torment Nishat was facing everyday at school from her. Idk about you, but that’s not girlfriend material to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, and Racism
Minor: Biphobia
memorable's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.5
I really liked this book! It’s such an easy read while dealing with not so lighthearted topics. Sometimes, it was a bit too much drama for my taste; yes, I know it’s called henna wars, but still.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Biphobia
Minor: Deadnaming, Religious bigotry, and Panic attacks/disorders
Mentions of HP Being outedliterarypenguin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
From the moment I read the last page, i felt such a feeling of warmth and happiness come over me. This book was truly a joy to read.
I loved this book from the very beginning to the very adorable end. I loved Nishat, I loved Priti, I loved how this started out at a wedding, I loved how Nishat knew Flavia before when they used to go to school together and she might have been her very first crush, I loved how the author laid down the ground work of what's to come in the first few chapters.
I knew cultural appropriation would be a major issue in this book but I think the way that it was handled was very appropriate and well done. How the feeling comes out of nowhere for Nishat, how someone she liked and someone who has made fun of her culture for years could do something like this.
The arguement of art and where exactly the line can be drawn is a nuanced one. I am very happy to see it be explored in this story. It was truly heartbreaking to read Flavia asking Nishat if it really was that important to her because she had been doing it for such a small amount of time. Henna has always been a very important part of her life and it connected her too her culture. It made her think of home and where she came from. It shows how everyone has something that connects them to their culture and how people can share it with others within a community. It means something to so many people because it is shared, it makes people feel like they belong.
A part that really sits with me is how Flavia said she was making it adaptable for white people and how people were fawning over her designs when those very same people never were interested before when Nishat wore it. I love how this is opening the door to talk about cultural appropriation like this, showing how elements of a culture can be taken and enjoyed by people but without the cultural context.
This book also handles racism and talks about things people dont want to talk about or try to hide away. How Nishat feels like the token POC, when she goes to a school where most of the student body is white. How she feels so isolated in a place where she should feel anything but. Their are so many layers of racism this book explains, it is truly amazing how the author managed to put them all in.
This book truly explains that racism from Flavia and Nishat's points of view. Nishat feels like she is the only girl like her in a school that ridicules and puts her down for just being herself. Flavia has to deal with being a mixed girl and having two sides of her family she has to continue to impress. How her mother encourages her to show them up and do better knowing that will be the only way she gets the opportunities and acknowledgement she otherwise would never get.
The homophobia Nishat receives from her schoolmates is awful, it is made even worse when her parents treat her the same. While it is unacceptable, parents should always support and love their children no matter what, it goes deeper then that. It is more then just one issue but it also stems from a cultural pressure.
Beyond the social commentary, I loved the characters in this book. They felt so real and alot of them were so relatable. They weren't perfect in the slightest but instead were flawed and made mistakes. I really appreciate when characters are written like that. How the MC is written to be flawless and can do no wrong, this definitely doesn't happen here and I love it. The character growth is so good in this book, how everybody grows and changes and we see it right before our very eyes. I really liked Chyna, the main bully, was handled. Showing how people can defend the people they love and care about while turning around theg can be absolutely vicious to a complete stranger. Family can be complicated and while people you love can be so cruel sometimes.
The relationship between Flavia and Nishat was just so adorable and sweet. I liked how it built up over a period of time and how they had to navigate the complicated business rivalry they formed with each other, fighting their feelings for each other for the sake of the competition. They got some really tender and sweet moments, like holding hands in the rain. Just such a sweet moment. Nishat really didn't want to fall for Flavia because she was deeply hurt by her but as time went on she realized she couldn't hide her feelings for her. There was never any real hatred between the two and by the end a blooming new romance was formed between them.
Seeing two girls be happy and in love after going through alot just to get to this point made me truly happy and filled me with utter joy and warmth. I am glad to have read this.
I loved this book from the very beginning to the very adorable end. I loved Nishat, I loved Priti, I loved how this started out at a wedding, I loved how Nishat knew Flavia before when they used to go to school together and she might have been her very first crush, I loved how the author laid down the ground work of what's to come in the first few chapters.
I knew cultural appropriation would be a major issue in this book but I think the way that it was handled was very appropriate and well done. How the feeling comes out of nowhere for Nishat, how someone she liked and someone who has made fun of her culture for years could do something like this.
The arguement of art and where exactly the line can be drawn is a nuanced one. I am very happy to see it be explored in this story. It was truly heartbreaking to read Flavia asking Nishat if it really was that important to her because she had been doing it for such a small amount of time. Henna has always been a very important part of her life and it connected her too her culture. It made her think of home and where she came from. It shows how everyone has something that connects them to their culture and how people can share it with others within a community. It means something to so many people because it is shared, it makes people feel like they belong.
A part that really sits with me is how Flavia said she was making it adaptable for white people and how people were fawning over her designs when those very same people never were interested before when Nishat wore it. I love how this is opening the door to talk about cultural appropriation like this, showing how elements of a culture can be taken and enjoyed by people but without the cultural context.
This book also handles racism and talks about things people dont want to talk about or try to hide away. How Nishat feels like the token POC, when she goes to a school where most of the student body is white. How she feels so isolated in a place where she should feel anything but. Their are so many layers of racism this book explains, it is truly amazing how the author managed to put them all in.
This book truly explains that racism from Flavia and Nishat's points of view. Nishat feels like she is the only girl like her in a school that ridicules and puts her down for just being herself. Flavia has to deal with being a mixed girl and having two sides of her family she has to continue to impress. How her mother encourages her to show them up and do better knowing that will be the only way she gets the opportunities and acknowledgement she otherwise would never get.
The homophobia Nishat receives from her schoolmates is awful, it is made even worse when her parents treat her the same. While it is unacceptable, parents should always support and love their children no matter what, it goes deeper then that. It is more then just one issue but it also stems from a cultural pressure.
Beyond the social commentary, I loved the characters in this book. They felt so real and alot of them were so relatable. They weren't perfect in the slightest but instead were flawed and made mistakes. I really appreciate when characters are written like that. How the MC is written to be flawless and can do no wrong, this definitely doesn't happen here and I love it. The character growth is so good in this book, how everybody grows and changes and we see it right before our very eyes. I really liked Chyna, the main bully, was handled. Showing how people can defend the people they love and care about while turning around theg can be absolutely vicious to a complete stranger. Family can be complicated and while people you love can be so cruel sometimes.
The relationship between Flavia and Nishat was just so adorable and sweet. I liked how it built up over a period of time and how they had to navigate the complicated business rivalry they formed with each other, fighting their feelings for each other for the sake of the competition. They got some really tender and sweet moments, like holding hands in the rain. Just such a sweet moment. Nishat really didn't want to fall for Flavia because she was deeply hurt by her but as time went on she realized she couldn't hide her feelings for her. There was never any real hatred between the two and by the end a blooming new romance was formed between them.
Seeing two girls be happy and in love after going through alot just to get to this point made me truly happy and filled me with utter joy and warmth. I am glad to have read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, and Bullying
Moderate: Islamophobia, Biphobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent
decklededgess's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.0
Trigger warning: homophobia, forced outing, bullying, unsupportive family, cultural appropriation, racism, racist microaggressions, alcohol mention
This book was very very sweet and innocent. I enjoyed Nishat's character development and family story quite a lot. I was very much not a big fan of the whole "crush on person appropriating your culture" but the point is conveyed in the end and mistakes are rectified. This book to me felt more like a personal growth story than a romance and I appreciated that a lot. It meant there was a good balance of character growth versus romance. Super sweet!
This book was very very sweet and innocent. I enjoyed Nishat's character development and family story quite a lot. I was very much not a big fan of the whole "crush on person appropriating your culture" but the point is conveyed in the end and mistakes are rectified. This book to me felt more like a personal growth story than a romance and I appreciated that a lot. It meant there was a good balance of character growth versus romance. Super sweet!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Homophobia
Moderate: Biphobia, Islamophobia, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Xenophobia
staceyj23's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, and Bullying
Moderate: Biphobia
eff_reads's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
- definitely not what i was expecting like i felt like it was way too hyped up in the booktube community
- i didn’t like how the culture appropriation was addressed
- couldn’t really see the romance. it felt very weirdly placed
- the pacing of the book was off a little
- enjoyable, but not anything special or eye opening for me
- i didn’t like how the culture appropriation was addressed
- couldn’t really see the romance. it felt very weirdly placed
- the pacing of the book was off a little
- enjoyable, but not anything special or eye opening for me
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia and Racism
tina94's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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: Racism, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Biphobia