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nayabimtiaz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
maggies's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I found this book surprisingly slow-paced, which is rare for YA. Ishu and Hani were charming, but there was something about all the side plots that really slowed it all down, and I sometimes got distracted and couldn't follow. I loved the intersection of Bengali and Irish cultures in this book, as well as the really impactful and unflinching display of microaggressions, both with regard to culture and sexuality.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Lesbophobia, Xenophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Toxic friendship
fancy_cherry's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
3.5
emmabean30's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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
3.75
that_one_rebecca's review against another edition
3.0
This was a really good book. I just really struggled to get through. That could have been more about me than the actual book, but there wasn't really anything to draw me in. Hani's friends absolutely sucked and I was so glad when she dumped them!
eggatha's review against another edition
challenging
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? It's complicated
4.5
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
This is such a cute read!!! It touches on important issues, but also reminds sweet read.
jadie_berg's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
canibefictionaltoo's review against another edition
3.5
This was a cute little sapphic romance that was quick and entertaining.
I loved the representation of Desi parents, the way they talked, the expectations they hold, it was so real.
The biphobia too, 'just pick a side' attitude that some people have, that too, felt very real.
The characters were brought out really well for their school setting.
But like every YA book, I felt like the problems just get solved too easily and everything's tied up neatly with a bow. How Hani's dad just listened to her and admitted all his wrong doings. How Aisling decides to apologise to Hani.
Overall it's okay, I suppose. I was willing to overlook it because it's a wholesome story.
I loved the representation of Desi parents, the way they talked, the expectations they hold, it was so real.
The biphobia too, 'just pick a side' attitude that some people have, that too, felt very real.
The characters were brought out really well for their school setting.
But like every YA book, I felt like the problems just get solved too easily and everything's tied up neatly with a bow. How Hani's dad just listened to her and admitted all his wrong doings. How Aisling decides to apologise to Hani.
Overall it's okay, I suppose. I was willing to overlook it because it's a wholesome story.