Scan barcode
tintinmd's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The writing felt a little choppy in the beginning but I loved the story!
Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Rape
Moderate: Death, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Sexism, and Stalking
Minor: Islamophobia, Violence, and Vomit
rhaase0509's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Overall, the story was interesting and I enjoyed learning more about Islamic and Bengali culture.
Graphic: Confinement, Gaslighting, Hate crime, and Homophobia
Moderate: Death, Islamophobia, and Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Rape, and Sexual assault
krilves's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Aside from that it was engaging and interesting, if very dark at times - Rukhsana faces violent homophobia from her parents when they discover she's a lesbian, with abusive treatment following and a forced arranged marriage. There is a happy ending (and no forced marriage), but only after the marriage plot takes a tragic turn. I was honestly shocked at that part, but learning in the acknowledgements that this was a nod to real events that took place less than 5 years ago, was sobering. I think it's an important book, not just for queer teens but their families too. I just wish the writing had been smoother - I think that would've elevated this from "I liked it" to "I LOVED it". As it is I'm just mildly disappointed the writing bogged down an otherwise good book.
Graphic: Homophobia and Confinement
Moderate: Violence and Death
gem114's review
- 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
Rukhsana is a high school senior, looking forward to heading off to college in California with her girlfriend. The problem is being gay is against her family's Muslim beliefs, and when her parents catch her with her girlfriend, all hell breaks loose.
Rukhsana's story really resonated with me, and I feel like anyone who is has experienced or is anticipating religious backlash when coming out could relate to this book.
Graphic: Homophobia, Islamophobia, Confinement, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Rape, and Physical abuse
Minor: Murder and Hate crime
atrkula's review
- 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? No
3.75
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, and Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Violence, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, and Cursing
siyak_'s review
- 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
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Murder, Death, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Hate crime, Domestic abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Violence, Torture, Misogyny, Grief, Emotional abuse, and Confinement
Minor: Vomit
fungivibes's review
2.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Incest, Kidnapping, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Islamophobia, Misogyny, and Sexism
halfwaytoaugust's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Hate crime, and Violence
bookcaptivated's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Incest, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism
Minor: Islamophobia and Vomit