1.04k reviews for:

Shubeik Lubeik

Deena Mohamed

4.57 AVERAGE

challenging reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

The art was good. The concept was interesting too--and there were pretty beautiful moments. But it was also frustratingly slow and repetitive. It made sense for the points being made, but that didn't make it entertaining. There was a lot to appreciate, but I can't say I enjoyed it a lot.

This is easily the best book I’ve read in ages!
adventurous emotional reflective sad 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: Complicated
emotional funny reflective sad 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
emotional funny 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: Complicated

Really pretty story, the characters were really strong and I especially liked the story about Nour because I felt most similar to them. I’m interested in how I’m reacting to this story situated in Egypt and with mostly Muslim characters—the reason I was able to enjoy this is because it dealt with universal themes of hope, love, depression and mortality, so at times it felt like I was burying the cultural significance of it. Like it had a lot of nuanced commentary on conservative religious perspectives, and I’m still shaky on how I approach that moral issue. Either way I read it cover to cover and really enjoyed it. It was heartwarming and thought provoking and technically I think it’s magical realism which makes me feel smart. I wish I could remember all the Arabic phrases. Thanks Deena!
dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
dark emotional hopeful reflective slow-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

“When I was younger…I was a smart kid, the usual…my place in society was so clear to me. I knew who I was. The math kid winning their prizes. It was fun. It was easy. But then I grew up.”
adventurous emotional reflective 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