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ashction's review against another edition
4.0
this was super cute! i did feel the romance gets left behind all the other super important topics covered in this book, but it was such a fast and easy read regardless!
bookishbrainfart's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
falibat's review against another edition
funny
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Islamophobia, Toxic friendship, and Biphobia
Moderate: Abandonment and Gaslighting
cag168's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
kaydawn's review against another edition
4.0
Hani is bi and needs new friends for many reasons. Ishu is trying to be perfect for her parents. I enjoyed the story and I’m a sucker for fake dating. It was pretty cute though parts will also make you really angry. Grumpy/sunshine vibes. Check out the CW at the front
nervousbell's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
I devoured this book at a rapid pace, finding it a refreshing departure from the intense murder mystery thriller I am currently reading. "Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating" by Adiba Jaigirdar is a truly delightful read, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Jaigirdar adeptly captures the nuanced experience of children of immigrants, who often feel an intense pressure to prove their worth and validate their parents' sacrifices. This theme resonated deeply with me. If I had a nickel for every friend or acquaintance who slogged through college, miserable, pursuing a degree for a career they didn’t even desire just to satisfy their parents' expectations, I’d be incredibly wealthy.
Moreover, the book's exploration of bisexuality is spot-on. Having identified as bisexual since I was 12—now being 21—I can attest to the strange societal perceptions around bisexuality. People often doubt your orientation until you “prove” it by dating someone of the same gender. I recall being congratulated on my first girlfriend with remarks like, "Wow, you weren’t kidding about the bisexual thing," as if it were a whim rather than a fundamental part of my identity. This personal struggle is poignantly depicted in the narrative, offering a validating and relatable experience for readers like myself.
The dynamics between the sisters in the story were captivating. I’ve never been particularly close to my siblings, and I often assumed the worst of my older brother until I matured and realized it was never that serious. The older sister’s journey, especially her uncertainty about her future, struck a chord with me as well.
The portrayal of toxic friendships was another element that hit close to home. The painful awareness that a longstanding friendship is toxic, yet feeling trapped by its history, is a sentiment many can relate to. This book also accurately highlights the lack of respect for cultural differences, exemplified by the constant mispronunciation of Hani’s name—an all-too-familiar experience for many ethnic kids.
Lastly, the romance between Hani and Ishu is beautifully crafted. The slow build-up and the mutual realization of their feelings, coupled with their hesitation to act on them, was wonderfully executed. The pacing of their relationship development felt natural and satisfying.
Overall, "Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating" is a well-written and engaging story that tackles significant themes with sensitivity and authenticity. Adiba Jaigirdar has created a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
maisiewrites247's review against another edition
5.0
Hani and Ishu are the only Bengali-Irish girls in their all-girls school, but that is all they have in common. Hani is bisexual and Muslim, and her friends don’t understand either of those identities. Ishu is not Muslim, but she is queer, although she is not out to anyone. Ishu spends her days studying in order to make her parents proud, Hani spends her days trying to impress her friends, and it’s only when they come together to prove a point that they realise they might have more in common after all. Or, that they can see past their differences. My favourite character, although I loved Hani, was Ishu, because she was ambitious, driven, and misunderstood. My least favourite character was Aisling because she was toxic, homophobic, and racist. I recommend this book because there needs to be more representation of queer women of colour in literature and supporting authors like Adiba Jaigirdar and stories like Hani’s and Ishu’s can help improve that. There is a content warning for homophobia and racism. I have a friend who was wary of this, as it may have been a trigger for them if any of the homophobia came from a Muslim or Bengali character so don’t read this if you think it will spoil but if you want to know: then I can confirm that no homophobia comes from the Muslim or Bengali characters.
‘I’ve been relegated to calling her Ishita, like someone who doesn’t know her, hasn’t spent time with her, hasn’t held her hand or thought about her until the late hours of night with butterflies in my stomach. Like we’re nothing to each other.’
‘I’ve been relegated to calling her Ishita, like someone who doesn’t know her, hasn’t spent time with her, hasn’t held her hand or thought about her until the late hours of night with butterflies in my stomach. Like we’re nothing to each other.’
ellabean_28's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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