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bookishfaye's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? It's complicated
4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 I really enjoyed this one!!
This was a story with so many really heartfelt moments of love, family, community & I loved it! I will definitely be picking up more by this author! I just want to note as well, I see a lot of people online talking about how it is solely a romance novel, & I wanted to point out that it definitely is not (don’t get me wrong, there is romance & it’s a major plot point), but a lot of this story is about community, family, faith, and culture & also coming of age aspects & it includes some pretty violent & graphic racism at times and then ignorance etc. I think talking about this only as a romance misrepresents some of the heavy content in this book, and just so that readers are aware, there is some of that
This was a story with so many really heartfelt moments of love, family, community & I loved it! I will definitely be picking up more by this author! I just want to note as well, I see a lot of people online talking about how it is solely a romance novel, & I wanted to point out that it definitely is not (don’t get me wrong, there is romance & it’s a major plot point), but a lot of this story is about community, family, faith, and culture & also coming of age aspects & it includes some pretty violent & graphic racism at times and then ignorance etc. I think talking about this only as a romance misrepresents some of the heavy content in this book, and just so that readers are aware, there is some of that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Hate crime, and Racism
loquitacass's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Chronic illness, Xenophobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Racism, Emotional abuse, Classism, Pregnancy, and Racial slurs
Minor: Car accident, Suicidal thoughts, and Miscarriage
msennflinn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Racism, and Islamophobia
kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Title: Hana Khan Carries On
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: April 13, 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Joyous • Refreshing • Cluttered
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Hana grew up helping at her family's halal restaurant, which is looking to be on its last leg. When it's announced that another halal restaurant will be opening nearby, the closure seems inevitable. With a passion for sharing meaningful stories on the radio, Hana turns to her anonymously-hosted podcast and one longtime listener for advice.
When a hate-motivated attack on their neighbourhood occurs it complicates matters even more. As does Hana's growing attraction for Aydin, owner of the rival restaurant. Now more than ever, Hana will need to use her voice.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I went into Hana Khan Carries On with quite high expectations after reading this author's debut, Ayesha At Last. This one is a modern retelling of you've got You've Got Mail, and I didn't enjoy it as much.
It must be said that Uzma Jalaluddin writes family dynamics so incredibly well. I thought this part of the book was one of the best. The vibrant characters brought the joy and life to the plot, as did the the irresistible banter. I also appreciated all of the delicious references to good, and of course the shout out to Kawartha Diary ice cream (I could easily go for some Black Raspberry Thunder right about now) was a nice little bonus. Their ice cream is so good!
I also think the exploration of micro aggressions and Islamophobia was a strength of this book. It was so hard and sad to read, but is the reality of what people go through on a daily basis while simply trying to live their lives.
While I enjoyed each of the storylines, unfortunately, this one tried to do too much. The competing storylines made it difficult for me to become fully invested. And I think the author would have been better off sticking to one storyline or the other. While I liked the idea of competing restaurants/ enemies-to-lover, the romance aspect just didn't seem like it fit.
At the end of the day, Hana Khan Carries On tackles serious topics, yet it's done in way as to still make the narrative light and fast-paced. It was an enjoyable read, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of You've Got Mail
• readers looking for a diverse rom-com
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Books are like people, you have to give them room to breathe."
"If the people are changing, that means we're still alive. Only living changes things."
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: April 13, 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Joyous • Refreshing • Cluttered
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Hana grew up helping at her family's halal restaurant, which is looking to be on its last leg. When it's announced that another halal restaurant will be opening nearby, the closure seems inevitable. With a passion for sharing meaningful stories on the radio, Hana turns to her anonymously-hosted podcast and one longtime listener for advice.
When a hate-motivated attack on their neighbourhood occurs it complicates matters even more. As does Hana's growing attraction for Aydin, owner of the rival restaurant. Now more than ever, Hana will need to use her voice.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I went into Hana Khan Carries On with quite high expectations after reading this author's debut, Ayesha At Last. This one is a modern retelling of you've got You've Got Mail, and I didn't enjoy it as much.
It must be said that Uzma Jalaluddin writes family dynamics so incredibly well. I thought this part of the book was one of the best. The vibrant characters brought the joy and life to the plot, as did the the irresistible banter. I also appreciated all of the delicious references to good, and of course the shout out to Kawartha Diary ice cream (I could easily go for some Black Raspberry Thunder right about now) was a nice little bonus. Their ice cream is so good!
I also think the exploration of micro aggressions and Islamophobia was a strength of this book. It was so hard and sad to read, but is the reality of what people go through on a daily basis while simply trying to live their lives.
While I enjoyed each of the storylines, unfortunately, this one tried to do too much. The competing storylines made it difficult for me to become fully invested. And I think the author would have been better off sticking to one storyline or the other. While I liked the idea of competing restaurants/ enemies-to-lover, the romance aspect just didn't seem like it fit.
At the end of the day, Hana Khan Carries On tackles serious topics, yet it's done in way as to still make the narrative light and fast-paced. It was an enjoyable read, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of You've Got Mail
• readers looking for a diverse rom-com
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Books are like people, you have to give them room to breathe."
"If the people are changing, that means we're still alive. Only living changes things."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Racial slurs, Hate crime, Religious bigotry, Violence, Xenophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Pregnancy, Death, Death of parent, Sexism, Misogyny, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Suicide attempt, Chronic illness, and Car accident
ego21'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
Really nice read. Heavier than the other romance novels I read. Glad it had a HEA. Loved reading about all the delicious food. Loved how religion played a part of the story. Loved how the protagonist was so flawed and kept trudging on.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Racism, Racial slurs, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, and Hate crime
eve81's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Hate crime, Chronic illness, and Islamophobia
Moderate: Death, Pregnancy, and Terminal illness
whatcassiedid's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
I loved this so much! Now that I've read two different books inspired by Persuasion, guess I gotta read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Religious bigotry
apersonfromflorida's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Racism, and Hate crime
Moderate: Pregnancy, Racial slurs, and Sexism
Minor: Suicide attempt and Abandonment
stephbeaudoin20's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
First Review
Love! Love! Love! This book! Another stellar story from Uzma Jalaluddin. If she is writing it, I want to read it!
Updated Review
This is the second time I've read this book and I still love it.
Things I am here for:
Authentic South Asian Representation
Muslims are not a monolith
Muslim Romance
Family giving each other choices
Building Dams!
Rashid is the absolute best side character
Golden Crescent seems like the best neighborhood ever.
This is my 23rd book for The Diverse Baseline Challenge, and the second for the prompt of Desi or South Asian Author.
First Review
Love! Love! Love! This book! Another stellar story from Uzma Jalaluddin. If she is writing it, I want to read it!
Updated Review
This is the second time I've read this book and I still love it.
Things I am here for:
Authentic South Asian Representation
Muslims are not a monolith
Muslim Romance
Family giving each other choices
Building Dams!
Rashid is the absolute best side character
Golden Crescent seems like the best neighborhood ever.
This is my 23rd book for The Diverse Baseline Challenge, and the second for the prompt of Desi or South Asian Author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Xenophobia, Racism, and Racial slurs
emilineopines's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
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
3.5
I enjoyed Jalaluddin's debut, Ayesha at Last, but I was seriously impressed by the growth she showed as an author in her sophomore outing. Where Ayesha gave me exactly what I wanted, Hana Khan kept surprising me with its nuanced characters and relationships. I loved the idea of a reimagined You've Got Mail, but while Hana Khan wears its Ephron-inspiration proudly (with some nice little on-the-nose references, especially near its denouement), it updates the story to better reflect the culture of its characters as well as 21st century mores writ large. (Beloved though they may be, 90s rom-coms leave much to be desired in the way it handles gender and just full-on criminal behavior.) While I agree with classifying this novel as a lighthearted rom-com, I was surprised at how deeply the novel digs into tackling Islamaphobia. (To be clear, I thought the topic was appropriate and handled with both great candor and great sensitivity, but in a world where readers have bemoaned the lack of content warnings around Beach Read, which I took to be a frothy delight of a novel, I feel it worthwhile to note that this novel looks hate squarely in the face in many of its various forms, from internet trolling to workplace microaggressions to literal assault.) Nonetheless, this novel reads like a warm cup of chai and a hug from a loved one. I'm excited to read whatever novel comes from Jalaluddin next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Violence, Religious bigotry, Racism, Racial slurs, and Hate crime
Moderate: Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders