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emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I loved how many topics this book explored! It brings up you and your friends changing so fast that it feels like your friendship can’t keep up, having a sick loved one, and the changing relationship to boys as a girl growing up. However, at the forefront of the novel is a question of identity, namely what it means to be Pakistani-American, especially in the U.S. where the mainstream view of Pakistan is a racist, xenophobic, and Islamophobic one. Such a range of discussions shows that in reality kids, especially kids of the global majority, are often dealing with a ton of important things all at once. Furthermore, these issues were delved into in relation to Amina returning from a trip to Pakistan that catalysed a period of immense personal change, which really united the narrative. It was a joy to accompany Amina on her journey in this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, and Hate crime
Minor: Child abuse, Medical content, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Sexism, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: sick loved one Minor: theft, disordered eating, the refugee experience, 1 HP reference
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