Scan barcode
thatonebookdragon's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
The story was heartfelt and sad all at once. With the Islamic Center being scheduled for being demolished, you feel for the Muslim people in the story. The fact that it was one of the only Islamic Centers around several towns really brought in how underrepresented the Muslim community felt. It’s something that definitely still happens and does call for a lot of thought. So watching Tiwa and Said try so hard to protect the community center was inspiring and made you want to join the fight.
As of this year, Four Eids and a Funeral has been my favorite thus far. By the end, you really understand what it means by Four Eids and a Funeral. There was never a moment I wanted to put the book down. I felt the anger of the main characters, the grief, the happiness, and the victory. Not often do I feel like I am part of a journey, but this story lets you in–lets you see a culture that you may or may not be a part of and you fall in love with it. I definitely plan to buy this book upon the release as I just have to have it as a re-read. And I also listened to the audiobook. The dual narration really cemented the love I have for the main characters. I had to keep reminding myself this is a fiction book because I was so wrapped up in Tiwa’s narrator–she set the mood truly! I felt the heaviness Tiwa held and the crushing grief and hurt when her community aunties seemed against her because of the color of her skin, but at the same time the love she has for her community was never ending.
As of this year, Four Eids and a Funeral has been my favorite thus far. By the end, you really understand what it means by Four Eids and a Funeral. There was never a moment I wanted to put the book down. I felt the anger of the main characters, the grief, the happiness, and the victory. Not often do I feel like I am part of a journey, but this story lets you in–lets you see a culture that you may or may not be a part of and you fall in love with it. I definitely plan to buy this book upon the release as I just have to have it as a re-read. And I also listened to the audiobook. The dual narration really cemented the love I have for the main characters. I had to keep reminding myself this is a fiction book because I was so wrapped up in Tiwa’s narrator–she set the mood truly! I felt the heaviness Tiwa held and the crushing grief and hurt when her community aunties seemed against her because of the color of her skin, but at the same time the love she has for her community was never ending.
mehfsbcf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
Eid mubarak from my family to yours!
'Four Eids and a Funeral' is such a delight to read around this time of year, reminding me of all the found families (everyone is uncle or auntie) in muslim communities in western, non-muslim countries <3
Easygoing storyline with lots of introductions to Islam. Absolutely love the diverse muslim representation :)
Besides this being great representation for muslims and Islam, it's also a great love story with intriguing characters and a great message!
'Four Eids and a Funeral' is such a delight to read around this time of year, reminding me of all the found families (everyone is uncle or auntie) in muslim communities in western, non-muslim countries <3
Easygoing storyline with lots of introductions to Islam. Absolutely love the diverse muslim representation :)
Besides this being great representation for muslims and Islam, it's also a great love story with intriguing characters and a great message!
dhatislandbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
This was another book that was just *fine* for me. I liked the characters, and I appreciated the story’s focus on culture, community, repairing friendships, and processing grief, however, there were a few issues I could not overlook.
My first gripe was that they never really addressed the racism and microaggressions that happen to Tiwa. This occurs multiple times, is called out once in private, and is never brought up again. There were so many opportunities to really delve into this.
Next was the root cause of Said and Tiwa’s rift. Bruh. When it was revealed, I rolled my eyes so hard because HUH. The reasoning didn’t make any sense and wasn’t justified at all (and, like Gigi pointed out, it was lowkey a crime?????).
But I think my main issue with this is that it is marketed as a love story when it didn‘t need to be. This could have been a story about healing a friendship and platonic love, and the content wouldn’t really have changed much. To be quite honest, I would’ve preferred that since the romance elements were very few and far between.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death, Racism, and Child death
essence29_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mals_reads's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
coziebookclub's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.0
I’m a bit late but thank you to NetGalley and Faridah & Adiba for the opportunity to read this ARC that was published on June 4th! This was such a pleasure to read, and I appreciated learning and seeing representation of the Muslim community including different ethnic cultures and backgrounds. I found the characters lovable and especially the push and pull personalities between Said and Tiwa were a joy, especially while they were bantering.
The relationships between the characters and their families also made me happy and is one of my favorite things about this book. I enjoyed seeing how even after Tiwa and Said’s relationship at the start was distant and tense, it blossomed over time through their shared love for the Muslim community and family. I appreciate how sensitive topics were also discussed such as dealing with grief after death, discrimination, divorce. Every part and piece went into the development of the characters perfectly and built the story beautifully. Overall, this is a fun YA enemies-to-lovers whilst including realistic topics that Muslims and POC face often. Thank you again to NetGalley, Macmillan Publishing Group, and Faridah & Adiba for this charming book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Fire/Fire injury, and Islamophobia
Minor: Death and Child death
macandpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
This was SUCH a sweet read that incorporated
a lot of deep issues dealing with religion and ethnicity. The narrators voice was very appealing and differentiated characters well, making it easy to keep track of who was speaking.
The relationships within this story were well written and I loved seeing them mend in the current day as well as see where they originated from in the flashbacks. I love a tragedy bringing people together story and this one really delivered. The dialogue was written very well, which I point out because there was a lot of it and this can sometimes be done poorly and feel fake and overdone, but that was not the case at all here. I loved the incorporation of art and baking, and communities coming together even with the lines in the sand that were drawn between families.
I also really loved the brother & sister dynamic, I don’t feel like I read that dynamic much and this was really well done in this story and reminded me of the complicated (hot and cold, love and hate) way you feel about your siblings as you’re growing up - then one day you look at them and they’re your best friend. And, being the younger sister who always adopted my older sisters friends, I also really connected to the dynamic between Tiwa, Said, and his sister.
Overall this was a heartwarming read about grief, family, friendships, and the complicated act of coming home and seeing how much not only you have changed, but your home has as well. And, how much has stayed the same.
a lot of deep issues dealing with religion and ethnicity. The narrators voice was very appealing and differentiated characters well, making it easy to keep track of who was speaking.
The relationships within this story were well written and I loved seeing them mend in the current day as well as see where they originated from in the flashbacks. I love a tragedy bringing people together story and this one really delivered. The dialogue was written very well, which I point out because there was a lot of it and this can sometimes be done poorly and feel fake and overdone, but that was not the case at all here. I loved the incorporation of art and baking, and communities coming together even with the lines in the sand that were drawn between families.
I also really loved the brother & sister dynamic, I don’t feel like I read that dynamic much and this was really well done in this story and reminded me of the complicated (hot and cold, love and hate) way you feel about your siblings as you’re growing up - then one day you look at them and they’re your best friend. And, being the younger sister who always adopted my older sisters friends, I also really connected to the dynamic between Tiwa, Said, and his sister.
Overall this was a heartwarming read about grief, family, friendships, and the complicated act of coming home and seeing how much not only you have changed, but your home has as well. And, how much has stayed the same.
keepcalmblogon's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? No
5.0
Four Eids and a Funeral was an anticipated release of mine, so when I had the chance to choose it as a Macmillan Audio Influencer, I jumped! So many things brought me to want to read this book–first there’s the title, I love the riff on a classic romcom. Then there was the synopsis: ex-friends to lovers (read: enemies to lovers!), yes please!
Immediately, I was endeared by the narrative style of a third person POV grecian chorus style introduction to the acts; it felt very fourth-wall breaking, which is something I love in books and film. The narrator then switches to first person for Said’s and Tiwa’s POVs, and I loved that all three POVs have their own audio narrators. I particularly enjoyed the vocals of Sandra Okuboyejo as Tiwa, her voice has a soothing quality while also expressing the teenage angst and grief Tiwa feels.
This book set romance and banter against a backdrop of grief, disaster, and racism, and I love setting heavy stuff against a lighter plotline. I also feel the relationship that reforms between Said and Tiwa grows naturally, and watching that progress was the reason I read (or watch) romance. The little dramatic twist at the end was also so unexpected, but a lot of fun!
I give this book five stars, and definitely recommend the audio as well!
cloreadsbooks1364's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
I've read all of Adiba and Faridah's past novels, and every single one has been a 5⭐️ read. I'm delighted to say that this collaboration was no outlier.
Four Eids and a Funeral
By Adiba Jaigirdar and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
5/5⭐️
This YA contemporary romance stars Said and Tuwa, former best friends who now hate each other. Reunited after the death of their friend, a local librarian, they work together to save the town's Islamic Centre after it goes up in flames.
My first impression of Said was that he's considerate. Of Tiwa, it was that she was probably going to be a very lovable character. As like most protagonists, they had challenges of their own to face alongside the main concern of saving the Centre. Tiwa struggled with losing the Centre that she spent so much time volunteering in, alongside missing her father abroad. There was also the never ending issue that a lot of people assumed she wasn't Muslim because she was Black and chose not to wear a hijab.
Said, who spent his time at a fancy boarding school, faced his parents' ambitious assumptions about his future, and how to tell them that what he wants (art) is not what they dream of for him (medicine).
The side characters Julian (Said's buddy from school) and Safiyah (Said's sister, and Tiwa's best friend) were both entertaining, especially watching Safiyah's relationship with Ishra (a very nice girl) develop.
The three past Eids were told in third person, while the chapters set in the present were told from first person, switching between Said and Tiwa. I found the story moved extremely smoothly, it didn't feel anywhere near as long as it was.
I absolutely devoured this funny, sweet, heartfelt book, and highly recommend it!
(The best character was obviously Laddoo, the affectionate sweet-loving ginger cat co-parented by Said and Tiwa 🐈)
Queer rep: Lesbian sc (Safiyah)
TWs: fire, racism, child death, grief, death, animal death 🐟, car accident
Four Eids and a Funeral
By Adiba Jaigirdar and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
5/5⭐️
This YA contemporary romance stars Said and Tuwa, former best friends who now hate each other. Reunited after the death of their friend, a local librarian, they work together to save the town's Islamic Centre after it goes up in flames.
My first impression of Said was that he's considerate. Of Tiwa, it was that she was probably going to be a very lovable character. As like most protagonists, they had challenges of their own to face alongside the main concern of saving the Centre. Tiwa struggled with losing the Centre that she spent so much time volunteering in, alongside missing her father abroad. There was also the never ending issue that a lot of people assumed she wasn't Muslim because she was Black and chose not to wear a hijab.
Said, who spent his time at a fancy boarding school, faced his parents' ambitious assumptions about his future, and how to tell them that what he wants (art) is not what they dream of for him (medicine).
The side characters Julian (Said's buddy from school) and Safiyah (Said's sister, and Tiwa's best friend) were both entertaining, especially watching Safiyah's relationship with Ishra (a very nice girl) develop.
The three past Eids were told in third person, while the chapters set in the present were told from first person, switching between Said and Tiwa. I found the story moved extremely smoothly, it didn't feel anywhere near as long as it was.
I absolutely devoured this funny, sweet, heartfelt book, and highly recommend it!
(The best character was obviously Laddoo, the affectionate sweet-loving ginger cat co-parented by Said and Tiwa 🐈)
Queer rep: Lesbian sc (Safiyah)
TWs: fire, racism, child death, grief, death, animal death 🐟, car accident
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Racism, and Death
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Animal death