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meggie82461's review
4.0
4.5 stars!!
“All our actions are little drops that collect into a groundswell for change. It’s the only way most change happens. Ordinary people doing everything they can."
I really did like this one! I saw the mixed reviews before I even added it to my library wait list, so I was expecting the book to be more controversial than it actually was. I mean, yes, I get it: considering this story featured a Muslim heroine and a Jewish hero, it probably should've delved deeper into the obvious issues that would be at play. I realize their relationship was probably oversimplified. But still, it made me realize I hadn't read a story with a Muslim heroine, and I really liked that I learned a lot of new things about the religion. So no, this wasn't exactly earth-shattering, but it was very enjoyable AND it had a good, strong anti-Trump message, which is always a win in my book!
Maya and Jamie were childhood friends before reconnecting again at age seventeen. Jamie is an awkward teenager, but not unpopular; on the other hand, Maya really just has one best friend and they're drifting apart. So, Maya and Jamie reconnect while volunteering alongside their mothers for the local politician Jordan Rossum (D). At first, Maya isn't too gung-ho about Rossum, yet another white cisgender politician. She just volunteers because her mother said she would buy her a car. But over time she starts to realize what is at stake if Rossum doesn't win (you know, the freedom of many American citizens). So, Maya and Jamie start canvassing neighborhoods together, and this is how their friendship begins and then organically grows. I really like it in books when the couple becomes friends first, just because it is so rare in YA books. And yes, the story jumped the shark a little bit towards the end when it came to a certain viral picture. I felt like the necessary "conflict" could've been a LOT deeper than that. And as I alluded to earlier, the author did gloss over the religious differences between Maya and Jamie, which I guess is acceptable when they're so young... but still not very realistic. I know some of the complaints from others were that Jamie acted as sort of a "white savior" to Maya, but I never saw it that way. No, Maya did not have a lot of friends and yes, she was upset that her parents were separating. But her dad was a doctor; she wasn't "struggling" in ways that made her a damsel in distress or anything. She had normal teenage issues, just like Jamie, and their friendship was positive for them both. I mean, he was so in awe of her that it honestly never crossed my mind that he intended to save her from anything. That being said, I did like Jamie a lot, but I didn't always love Maya. She had a tendency to be snotty and also just kind of hypocritical. Like, she would judge Jamie for something and then turn around and do something very similar. At least Jamie was self-aware; at times, Maya acted like everyone needed to conform to her world. But, not unlike Jamie, I did get used to her somewhat abrasive personality. She definitely was an inherently good person, so that went a long way too.
There were lots of fantastic details in this story. The fact that Jamie's grandma had a verified IG account titled InstaGramm? Adorable. There were also some experiences with anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, which definitely needed to be included when you consider the characters and the fact that the story took place after the 2016 election. Also, I know how confusing it can be when you think you like and respect someone, but then you find out they are Trumpers and thus fundamentally against your very existence. I felt the frustration from Jamie and Maya; it does feel like the world is moving backwards sometimes, but still, we CANNOT give up. We can't let the assholes win. And I liked that this was the message of the story, that even when we're discouraged, we can't stop fighting for what we believe in. Because in the words of Gabe, Jamie's cousin the campaign manager, Oh, it’s just a special election! It’s just the state senate! I can sit this one out! Well, you know who’s not sitting this one out?” He throws his palms up. “Republicans. Those mofos show up every goddamn time.”
In conclusion, if you like YA and lean pretty far to the left politically, I really think you'd enjoy this book.
"We don’t want the racist asshole guy to win, right?”
“He already did win. In 2016.”
(Burn!)
“In the Mario Bros. games there’s the big bad—Bowser, who is this evil mega-turtle,” Jamie finally says. “And they also have these Koopa Troopas—little turtles that are weirdly cute but completely evil. Bowser became president in 2016. But I guess I didn’t really think about how it’s not just about him—there’s hundreds of Koopa Troopas everywhere to watch out for too.”
She’s always looked kind of like a less pale, darker-haired Belle from Beauty and the Beast. But personality-wise, she was a total Mulan. Super badass, completely self-assured.
There’s nothing sadder than coming back down to earth after you shoot your shot and fail.
Oh, sure, let’s canvass . . . when we have time. Resist white supremacy—as long as it doesn’t interfere with our super chill weekend. I’m not saying I’m perfect. I’m as guilty as anyone. But at least I’m trying.
Everything’s stopped working. My brain my heart my lungs. Have stopped working. I can’t do this. I’m not a guy who can do this. But. I tuck my arm around Maya’s shoulder. And without missing a beat, she curls up closer to me.
“All our actions are little drops that collect into a groundswell for change. It’s the only way most change happens. Ordinary people doing everything they can."
I really did like this one! I saw the mixed reviews before I even added it to my library wait list, so I was expecting the book to be more controversial than it actually was. I mean, yes, I get it: considering this story featured a Muslim heroine and a Jewish hero, it probably should've delved deeper into the obvious issues that would be at play. I realize their relationship was probably oversimplified. But still, it made me realize I hadn't read a story with a Muslim heroine, and I really liked that I learned a lot of new things about the religion. So no, this wasn't exactly earth-shattering, but it was very enjoyable AND it had a good, strong anti-Trump message, which is always a win in my book!
Maya and Jamie were childhood friends before reconnecting again at age seventeen. Jamie is an awkward teenager, but not unpopular; on the other hand, Maya really just has one best friend and they're drifting apart. So, Maya and Jamie reconnect while volunteering alongside their mothers for the local politician Jordan Rossum (D). At first, Maya isn't too gung-ho about Rossum, yet another white cisgender politician. She just volunteers because her mother said she would buy her a car. But over time she starts to realize what is at stake if Rossum doesn't win (you know, the freedom of many American citizens). So, Maya and Jamie start canvassing neighborhoods together, and this is how their friendship begins and then organically grows. I really like it in books when the couple becomes friends first, just because it is so rare in YA books. And yes, the story jumped the shark a little bit towards the end when it came to a certain viral picture. I felt like the necessary "conflict" could've been a LOT deeper than that. And as I alluded to earlier, the author did gloss over the religious differences between Maya and Jamie, which I guess is acceptable when they're so young... but still not very realistic. I know some of the complaints from others were that Jamie acted as sort of a "white savior" to Maya, but I never saw it that way. No, Maya did not have a lot of friends and yes, she was upset that her parents were separating. But her dad was a doctor; she wasn't "struggling" in ways that made her a damsel in distress or anything. She had normal teenage issues, just like Jamie, and their friendship was positive for them both. I mean, he was so in awe of her that it honestly never crossed my mind that he intended to save her from anything. That being said, I did like Jamie a lot, but I didn't always love Maya. She had a tendency to be snotty and also just kind of hypocritical. Like, she would judge Jamie for something and then turn around and do something very similar. At least Jamie was self-aware; at times, Maya acted like everyone needed to conform to her world. But, not unlike Jamie, I did get used to her somewhat abrasive personality. She definitely was an inherently good person, so that went a long way too.
There were lots of fantastic details in this story. The fact that Jamie's grandma had a verified IG account titled InstaGramm? Adorable. There were also some experiences with anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, which definitely needed to be included when you consider the characters and the fact that the story took place after the 2016 election. Also, I know how confusing it can be when you think you like and respect someone, but then you find out they are Trumpers and thus fundamentally against your very existence. I felt the frustration from Jamie and Maya; it does feel like the world is moving backwards sometimes, but still, we CANNOT give up. We can't let the assholes win. And I liked that this was the message of the story, that even when we're discouraged, we can't stop fighting for what we believe in. Because in the words of Gabe, Jamie's cousin the campaign manager, Oh, it’s just a special election! It’s just the state senate! I can sit this one out! Well, you know who’s not sitting this one out?” He throws his palms up. “Republicans. Those mofos show up every goddamn time.”
In conclusion, if you like YA and lean pretty far to the left politically, I really think you'd enjoy this book.
"We don’t want the racist asshole guy to win, right?”
“He already did win. In 2016.”
(Burn!)
“In the Mario Bros. games there’s the big bad—Bowser, who is this evil mega-turtle,” Jamie finally says. “And they also have these Koopa Troopas—little turtles that are weirdly cute but completely evil. Bowser became president in 2016. But I guess I didn’t really think about how it’s not just about him—there’s hundreds of Koopa Troopas everywhere to watch out for too.”
She’s always looked kind of like a less pale, darker-haired Belle from Beauty and the Beast. But personality-wise, she was a total Mulan. Super badass, completely self-assured.
There’s nothing sadder than coming back down to earth after you shoot your shot and fail.
Oh, sure, let’s canvass . . . when we have time. Resist white supremacy—as long as it doesn’t interfere with our super chill weekend. I’m not saying I’m perfect. I’m as guilty as anyone. But at least I’m trying.
Everything’s stopped working. My brain my heart my lungs. Have stopped working. I can’t do this. I’m not a guy who can do this. But. I tuck my arm around Maya’s shoulder. And without missing a beat, she curls up closer to me.
rebeccaelizabeth94's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
katiey's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
This book went by slowly for me, but I think it's an important and well written story that's perfect for young adult audiences. It portrays the two characters' identities really authentically, promotes political activism and standing up for your community while also portraying it in an approachable way, and also tackles really relatable aspects of growing up and friendship/family issues.
emmalemonnz's review against another edition
Fluff. Trying to do more than it realistically can. Enjoyable, light fluff. Problematic for a number of reasons, but the political stuff is not one of them. More along the lines of Muslim/Pakistani representation (read one of the many reviews written by Muslim or Pakistani women instead of listening to me, another white woman).
lauraaaclaire's review against another edition
hopeful
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
3.5
leafblade's review against another edition
4.0
Capaz que es más tipo un 3,5. Estuvo bien, un Becky clásico y una introducción re tierna a Aisha para mí, pero se va a la mierda bastante seguido con los lugares donde da o no da empezar discusiones políticas y el temita de que el fin justifique los medios. El imbécil de Gabe sufrió demasiado poco
selfmeaning's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.25
joanna1905's review against another edition
5.0
Is it any surprise at all that Becky and Aisha absolutely nailed this? (Nope, the answer is no. We knew they'd nail it and they did).
This story is so beautifully poignant to the current political climate and I genuinely think this book will help encourage young readers to engage in the next election and that's fantastic. It's all too common for the thoughts and feelings of young people re. politics to be dismissed because they're too young to vote and 'not educated enough to have an opinion'. However, this book turns that narrative on its head and has no qualms about encouraging young people to be passionate, educated and to engage.
The romance was super cute and very well-paced, and I loved that they were genuine friends before anything else. I also loved the idea of an inter-religion relationship since we don't see that much in YA.
I would have liked a tad more LGBTQ+ rep but there definitely was still some rep which was very well done. I particularly loved Jamie's little sister having a crush on a girl because, despite the fact that many queer people know there queer around age 12, we don't see that represented very often in books. So it was a really refreshing addition.
I found the parents a bit infuriating at times but I guess that's parents for you, I also wish Jamie didn't forgive Gabe quite so fast though. Considering he didn't really apologize or even realise he did anything wrong I would have liked it to been drawn out a chapter or two. He did something pretty messed up to two vulnerable teenagers and didn't ever really acknowledge it.
All in all, I adored this book, I think I do prefer Becky's Creekwood series (especially because more queer) but I definitely liked this more than 'What If It's Us' (which I still liked but not as much as these other books). The political discussions in this book were just so well done, as were the discussions of religion. 100% recommend this book!
This story is so beautifully poignant to the current political climate and I genuinely think this book will help encourage young readers to engage in the next election and that's fantastic. It's all too common for the thoughts and feelings of young people re. politics to be dismissed because they're too young to vote and 'not educated enough to have an opinion'. However, this book turns that narrative on its head and has no qualms about encouraging young people to be passionate, educated and to engage.
The romance was super cute and very well-paced, and I loved that they were genuine friends before anything else. I also loved the idea of an inter-religion relationship since we don't see that much in YA.
I would have liked a tad more LGBTQ+ rep but there definitely was still some rep which was very well done. I particularly loved Jamie's little sister having a crush on a girl because, despite the fact that many queer people know there queer around age 12, we don't see that represented very often in books. So it was a really refreshing addition.
I found the parents a bit infuriating at times but I guess that's parents for you, I also wish Jamie didn't forgive Gabe quite so fast though. Considering he didn't really apologize or even realise he did anything wrong I would have liked it to been drawn out a chapter or two. He did something pretty messed up to two vulnerable teenagers and didn't ever really acknowledge it.
All in all, I adored this book, I think I do prefer Becky's Creekwood series (especially because more queer) but I definitely liked this more than 'What If It's Us' (which I still liked but not as much as these other books). The political discussions in this book were just so well done, as were the discussions of religion. 100% recommend this book!
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Love in a time of Politics - unusual YA setting and pairing.
Unusual maybe, but all the more refreshing for it.
A Jewish introvert who looks forward to volunteering for his local representative even less than speaking at his sister's Bat Mitzvah.
"I just stammer and blush and can barely form words. But they, better that than the alternative... which, as I now know, involves phlegm, a touch of vomit, and State Senator Mathews' black Oxford shoes."
A Muslim girl with only one friend (who's leaving for college) who's not happy about being 'made' to volunteer at the campaign office. Will anyone place a bet on what might happen?
I jest. While you may feel you know what's likely to occur, the unique setting for this YA story brings a fresh feel to the well-worn story of opposites attracting. Jamie brings us the Jewish family angle, his fear of speaking in public. A cute little sister (slightly underused). A powerhouse of a tech-friendly Grandma. Maya is key to the plot, with her Muslim background (working mother who puts on a headscarf to answer the door) and whose best (and only) friend is a year older and moving on in life as she prepares for college.
The political story, I really enjoyed. Talk of candidates and their agendas, the work of the volunteers, it was a second plot within the YA 'romance'/friendship one. I found Jamie and Maya a rather adorable and empathetic pairing, both real-feeling articulate young people.
It feels very up-to-date, with references to The Good Place (a new favourite of mine) and Donald Trump. There is a racist incident that feels a little too neatly tied-up, but does form part of the overall story of Islamophobia that the story hovers round.
Sweet romance story at the centre of a small political drama. And a great way to spark a little teenage interest in the elections they will very soon be allowed to take part in. And should care about - Jamie and Maya's actions here prove that.
Nothing unsuitable here for young teens, recommended for ages 12 and over.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance reading copy.
Unusual maybe, but all the more refreshing for it.
A Jewish introvert who looks forward to volunteering for his local representative even less than speaking at his sister's Bat Mitzvah.
"I just stammer and blush and can barely form words. But they, better that than the alternative... which, as I now know, involves phlegm, a touch of vomit, and State Senator Mathews' black Oxford shoes."
A Muslim girl with only one friend (who's leaving for college) who's not happy about being 'made' to volunteer at the campaign office. Will anyone place a bet on what might happen?
I jest. While you may feel you know what's likely to occur, the unique setting for this YA story brings a fresh feel to the well-worn story of opposites attracting. Jamie brings us the Jewish family angle, his fear of speaking in public. A cute little sister (slightly underused). A powerhouse of a tech-friendly Grandma. Maya is key to the plot, with her Muslim background (working mother who puts on a headscarf to answer the door) and whose best (and only) friend is a year older and moving on in life as she prepares for college.
The political story, I really enjoyed. Talk of candidates and their agendas, the work of the volunteers, it was a second plot within the YA 'romance'/friendship one. I found Jamie and Maya a rather adorable and empathetic pairing, both real-feeling articulate young people.
It feels very up-to-date, with references to The Good Place (a new favourite of mine) and Donald Trump. There is a racist incident that feels a little too neatly tied-up, but does form part of the overall story of Islamophobia that the story hovers round.
Sweet romance story at the centre of a small political drama. And a great way to spark a little teenage interest in the elections they will very soon be allowed to take part in. And should care about - Jamie and Maya's actions here prove that.
Nothing unsuitable here for young teens, recommended for ages 12 and over.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance reading copy.
phdee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.25