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amberinpieces's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy, Racism, Cursing, Sexual content, and Misogyny
leafblade's review
2.0
I recieved an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I hate to give this book the same rating the raging homophobes are giving it, but at least it's for a different reason I guess?
To start with what I liked, this book didn't introduce the love interest in the conventional way. Chapter 1 he's already kissing the MC, and from then onwards we get a narrative of things being so good, so great, that it makes us think maybe it's TOO perfect. It disguises itself as a flaw, but it's actually intentional (I think) that in the end helps with Fatima's realizations about him.
However, the writing style and the way the characters think, behave and speak felt too juvenile for me, including the adults. And this could be an issue of the author's writing style, but I prefer to see it as an issue of age target. If this were marketed towards the 13-15 year old audience, it would be fine. But the characters are way too old to be the way they are, and most of them end up coming out as childish. This was a bit too much for me, since I don't gravitate towards those types of stories at all.
And as of the ending, I really think what this book tries to do is very important, but I don't think the execution was quite okay. Through the book, the MC is very adamant about her whole life crushing down if something gets out, we get multiple snippets into people's reactions to believe that it would be like so, and when her secrets get revealed.... nothing bad at all happens? I feel gaslighted as a reader lol. It's disingenuous to say to abuse victims that nothing will change if they fight with abuse, that their lives will continue just like they were before but without the abuser in them. The final chapter makes it seem like the only thing possibly going wrong-ish in Fatima's life is missing Raheem, or feeling stupid, but it had already been proven that this guy had A HUGE impact on their community and what people thought about lots of things, that he had the money to ruin her life, that he could find out where she was at all times, that he knew where she lived and wouldn't doubt to show up unannounced to her house. All of this just disappears in a Scooby Doo-like scene of "and I would've had my way if it wasn't for you, meddling kids!", which does more bad than good to the whole abuse conversation.
A few more rounds of editing, or an agent that dared to keep spinning the author's ideas until they were more solid, would've changed the quality of this book drastically.
I hate to give this book the same rating the raging homophobes are giving it, but at least it's for a different reason I guess?
To start with what I liked, this book didn't introduce the love interest in the conventional way. Chapter 1 he's already kissing the MC, and from then onwards we get a narrative of things being so good, so great, that it makes us think maybe it's TOO perfect. It disguises itself as a flaw, but it's actually intentional (I think) that in the end helps with Fatima's realizations about him.
However, the writing style and the way the characters think, behave and speak felt too juvenile for me, including the adults. And this could be an issue of the author's writing style, but I prefer to see it as an issue of age target. If this were marketed towards the 13-15 year old audience, it would be fine. But the characters are way too old to be the way they are, and most of them end up coming out as childish. This was a bit too much for me, since I don't gravitate towards those types of stories at all.
And as of the ending, I really think what this book tries to do is very important, but I don't think the execution was quite okay. Through the book, the MC is very adamant about her whole life crushing down if something gets out, we get multiple snippets into people's reactions to believe that it would be like so, and when her secrets get revealed.... nothing bad at all happens? I feel gaslighted as a reader lol. It's disingenuous to say to abuse victims that nothing will change if they fight with abuse, that their lives will continue just like they were before but without the abuser in them. The final chapter makes it seem like the only thing possibly going wrong-ish in Fatima's life is missing Raheem, or feeling stupid, but it had already been proven that this guy had A HUGE impact on their community and what people thought about lots of things, that he had the money to ruin her life, that he could find out where she was at all times, that he knew where she lived and wouldn't doubt to show up unannounced to her house. All of this just disappears in a Scooby Doo-like scene of "and I would've had my way if it wasn't for you, meddling kids!", which does more bad than good to the whole abuse conversation.
A few more rounds of editing, or an agent that dared to keep spinning the author's ideas until they were more solid, would've changed the quality of this book drastically.
alisha_h's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
maidmarianlib's review
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
5.0
Characters are wonderful, addresses the emotional tensions and family expectations so deeply even if the ending resolution comes a little swiftly
riri_bookshelf's review
2.0
2.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
This story is a coming of age. Fatima wants to follow her dream, and her faith and not disappoint her parents. The baking aspect makes this story super cozy. And all those elements combined keep the reader intrigued since it makes her search for balance which helps her grow as a person.
Unfortunately, I had some struggles with some parts of this book. I found the pacing a bit off, the beginning was fast-paced and then it drastically slowed in the middle to speed up again. Also, as a Muslim myself I had some issues with the representation in this book which I found negative (this story represents a minority of Muslims in my opinion). I found the dialogue a bit repetitive and the book felt very young. Also, some parts weren't explained which I found ridiculous because not everyone is familiar with those terms and the practice of this religion.
Other than that I loved the cooking aspect of this story and Fatima participating in a baking tournament was well done. I also enjoyed her struggle to try to find herself and stick to her beliefs and dreams.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
This story is a coming of age. Fatima wants to follow her dream, and her faith and not disappoint her parents. The baking aspect makes this story super cozy. And all those elements combined keep the reader intrigued since it makes her search for balance which helps her grow as a person.
Unfortunately, I had some struggles with some parts of this book. I found the pacing a bit off, the beginning was fast-paced and then it drastically slowed in the middle to speed up again. Also, as a Muslim myself I had some issues with the representation in this book which I found negative (this story represents a minority of Muslims in my opinion). I found the dialogue a bit repetitive and the book felt very young. Also, some parts weren't explained which I found ridiculous because not everyone is familiar with those terms and the practice of this religion.
Other than that I loved the cooking aspect of this story and Fatima participating in a baking tournament was well done. I also enjoyed her struggle to try to find herself and stick to her beliefs and dreams.
themaggiemch's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I think my biggest gripe with the book was that the summary basically spoiled it. Like literally stuff that is mentioned in the summary doesn't even happen in the book until like 75% in. That's crazy! I already knew what was gonna happen, which takes away the fun!
Additionally, I know I originally added this book because I was wanting to read books about food. And while Fatima is supposedly obsessed with baking, it really took a back burner here (pun intended) and instead we focused on her relationship with Raheem. Which is fine, but when I'm promised yummy baked goods literally in the title, I'm expecting more mouth-watering descriptions please!!! All of her baking descriptions were so boring, too. Like following a recipe.
I do think that it wasn't a wholly unenjoyable story, I just wish that I hadn't been spoiled by the summary and that the food sounded more appetizing.
Additionally, I know I originally added this book because I was wanting to read books about food. And while Fatima is supposedly obsessed with baking, it really took a back burner here (pun intended) and instead we focused on her relationship with Raheem. Which is fine, but when I'm promised yummy baked goods literally in the title, I'm expecting more mouth-watering descriptions please!!! All of her baking descriptions were so boring, too. Like following a recipe.
I do think that it wasn't a wholly unenjoyable story, I just wish that I hadn't been spoiled by the summary and that the food sounded more appetizing.
mermaird's review
1.0
If you're looking for a book with good Muslim rep, this one is not it. (Minor spoilers ahead)
Fatima Tate is a Black Muslim girl who enjoys baking and dreams of becoming a pâtissier, but her passion is being refrained by her own mother who wants her to become a nurse. At the same time, Fatima also has a crush on a Muslim guy she met at a place she volunteered in, but never did she expect to be betrothed to him in such a short time.
I'll start with a few good things that I appreciate from this book:
- The beautiful cover itself.
- A ride-or-die kind of friendship between the Fatima and her best friend, Zaynab. Zaynab was always there for her, supporting every decision.
- Fatima standing up for herself at the end, even if it causes her grief and shame.
But these were not enough to cover the ick feeling I felt throughout the story. Firstly, what's the author's point of making Fatima's best friend a lesbian? This is normally a cliche plot for a Western contemporary book–but this is a character with Muslim reps. A book centering around Muslim community. I don't usually voice out my opinion on matters related to LGBT because I'm not knowledgeable enough for arguments, but it's clear as a day that Muslims aren't supposed to support LGBT. Call me conservative or old-fashioned, but if the Quran and Hadis say it's wrong, it is wrong. I can't believe I had to read a Muslim author writing "Love is love, and who the Hell are you to say what's haram", clearly trying to normalise this. Well, who are you to try making something haram into halal?
It's pretty much in the synopsis of the book itself that Fatima and her crush, Raheem, end up getting sexually involved before getting married, and it irritated me to no end. Raheem is definitely the most wrong here; him being an adult made him able to groom and manipulate Fatima into letting him touch her. But I would say that Fatima has her faults too. I have no idea how Muslims these days are so casual with men and women touching each other (ie: hold hands, hugging, etc), and the author seems to want to try normalising that as well. No. If you're not married or blood related, it's not even necessary to touch each other except when medical attention is needed (or something alarming that may be permissible). Yet, Fatima gave no second to think about it. She simply let him kiss her, and in no time, took off her hijab and let him do her. It disappointed me so much.
I know that this is the case of so many Muslims of this generation, and the author is depicting something real happening out there, but I still think the author could have written a better way to deal with it. When Fatima confided with Zaynab about what she did with Raheem, there did not seem to be any remorse or much fear of a sin so big. She asked Zaynab if Zaynab did it with her girlfriend and the conversation that follows end up in a laughter. I understand that these characters are minors, but I still feel uncomfortable with the way the author is trying to portray these things.
There are so many issues regarding matters that the author tried to paint as Islamic "tradition", when it's really non-permissible in Islam; I really just wanted to get this book over with. It did not help that the author's writing style is also rather on-the-surface. There was no depth and details at all. The story literally jumped into Fatima already having a crush on Raheem, and there was no build up to it. There was no reason for readers to root for her affection. Apart from the Muslim rep, I had also looked forward to the baking parts since it seemed like the main essence of the story, but every scene of Fatima baking felt like reciting a recipe. There was no magic in it, no sweet aroma or taste being described enough for me to imagine how the desserts she baked would look or taste like. It pains me that I had to skim all the baking parts.
At this point, it truly feels like I'm hating on this book. Perhaps I am, but with good reasons so. I can tolerate bad Muslim characters, but I can't tolerate authors who try to normalise the bad things.
To answer the question that some of the characters questioned in the book:
- Muslim female and male are allowed to be friends, but there are limits to it. Touches are non-permissible, whether innocent or friendly.
- Some Muslims do date before getting married, but it's advisable to have a chaperone in order to avoid any unnecessary issues arising.
As a Muslim reader who wants more books with Muslim rep by Muslim authors, this book really disappointed me.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the digital copy in return for my honest review.
(edit on 11/06/2023: I previously wrote Fatima to be Brown instead of Black, so thank you to the person in the comment for correcting me)
Fatima Tate is a Black Muslim girl who enjoys baking and dreams of becoming a pâtissier, but her passion is being refrained by her own mother who wants her to become a nurse. At the same time, Fatima also has a crush on a Muslim guy she met at a place she volunteered in, but never did she expect to be betrothed to him in such a short time.
I'll start with a few good things that I appreciate from this book:
- The beautiful cover itself.
- A ride-or-die kind of friendship between the Fatima and her best friend, Zaynab. Zaynab was always there for her, supporting every decision.
- Fatima standing up for herself at the end, even if it causes her grief and shame.
But these were not enough to cover the ick feeling I felt throughout the story. Firstly, what's the author's point of making Fatima's best friend a lesbian? This is normally a cliche plot for a Western contemporary book–but this is a character with Muslim reps. A book centering around Muslim community. I don't usually voice out my opinion on matters related to LGBT because I'm not knowledgeable enough for arguments, but it's clear as a day that Muslims aren't supposed to support LGBT. Call me conservative or old-fashioned, but if the Quran and Hadis say it's wrong, it is wrong. I can't believe I had to read a Muslim author writing "Love is love, and who the Hell are you to say what's haram", clearly trying to normalise this. Well, who are you to try making something haram into halal?
It's pretty much in the synopsis of the book itself that Fatima and her crush, Raheem, end up getting sexually involved before getting married, and it irritated me to no end. Raheem is definitely the most wrong here; him being an adult made him able to groom and manipulate Fatima into letting him touch her. But I would say that Fatima has her faults too. I have no idea how Muslims these days are so casual with men and women touching each other (ie: hold hands, hugging, etc), and the author seems to want to try normalising that as well. No. If you're not married or blood related, it's not even necessary to touch each other except when medical attention is needed (or something alarming that may be permissible). Yet, Fatima gave no second to think about it. She simply let him kiss her, and in no time, took off her hijab and let him do her. It disappointed me so much.
I know that this is the case of so many Muslims of this generation, and the author is depicting something real happening out there, but I still think the author could have written a better way to deal with it. When Fatima confided with Zaynab about what she did with Raheem, there did not seem to be any remorse or much fear of a sin so big. She asked Zaynab if Zaynab did it with her girlfriend and the conversation that follows end up in a laughter. I understand that these characters are minors, but I still feel uncomfortable with the way the author is trying to portray these things.
There are so many issues regarding matters that the author tried to paint as Islamic "tradition", when it's really non-permissible in Islam; I really just wanted to get this book over with. It did not help that the author's writing style is also rather on-the-surface. There was no depth and details at all. The story literally jumped into Fatima already having a crush on Raheem, and there was no build up to it. There was no reason for readers to root for her affection. Apart from the Muslim rep, I had also looked forward to the baking parts since it seemed like the main essence of the story, but every scene of Fatima baking felt like reciting a recipe. There was no magic in it, no sweet aroma or taste being described enough for me to imagine how the desserts she baked would look or taste like. It pains me that I had to skim all the baking parts.
At this point, it truly feels like I'm hating on this book. Perhaps I am, but with good reasons so. I can tolerate bad Muslim characters, but I can't tolerate authors who try to normalise the bad things.
To answer the question that some of the characters questioned in the book:
- Muslim female and male are allowed to be friends, but there are limits to it. Touches are non-permissible, whether innocent or friendly.
- Some Muslims do date before getting married, but it's advisable to have a chaperone in order to avoid any unnecessary issues arising.
As a Muslim reader who wants more books with Muslim rep by Muslim authors, this book really disappointed me.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the digital copy in return for my honest review.
(edit on 11/06/2023: I previously wrote Fatima to be Brown instead of Black, so thank you to the person in the comment for correcting me)
juniper_reads_things's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I was very excited to see this book on display at my local library. I’ve been reading more books about contemporary Muslim individuals, a subject I know very little about. I was so interested to learn more about the life of a Muslim teenager, and what her dating life would be like.
Once I started reading it, however, I was a little disappointed. The characters fell so flat for me. Zaynab is actually the world’s worst friend, she’s so self centered and is constantly overreacting when Fatima doesn’t put her first. Raheem does not have any lovable aspects about him, which makes for a bland villain. Fatima herself is empty headed and not convincing as a character either.
Several other reviews of this book I’ve read point out that this book is not great Muslim representation. Fatima doesn’t seem to be religious at heart, since she’s rushing through her prayers like they’re a chore to her. Several characters are homophobic to the queer character without really elaborating on why Islam condemns queerness. Fatima is afraid to talk to her parents about anything because they’re too strict.
Having been raised in a strict, conservative religious environment, I found myself relating to Fatima a little. I really just wanted More from this book that was never delivered.
Once I started reading it, however, I was a little disappointed. The characters fell so flat for me. Zaynab is actually the world’s worst friend, she’s so self centered and is constantly overreacting when Fatima doesn’t put her first. Raheem does not have any lovable aspects about him, which makes for a bland villain. Fatima herself is empty headed and not convincing as a character either.
Several other reviews of this book I’ve read point out that this book is not great Muslim representation. Fatima doesn’t seem to be religious at heart, since she’s rushing through her prayers like they’re a chore to her. Several characters are homophobic to the queer character without really elaborating on why Islam condemns queerness. Fatima is afraid to talk to her parents about anything because they’re too strict.
Having been raised in a strict, conservative religious environment, I found myself relating to Fatima a little. I really just wanted More from this book that was never delivered.
alongreader's review
4.0
In one of those mini coincidences I've noticed since I started blogging seriously, this is the second book I've read recently where the protagonist wants to be a baker. The first one was a lovely teen romcom; while this is still a teen read, it's much more serious, touching on religious obligations, family pressure and coercive behaviour in relationships.
Because we know from the blurb that Raheem is a Bad Guy, it's easy to see how he's manipulating Fatima well before she catches on; but it's also really easy to see how clever and smooth he is and how easy it would be to be taken in in that situation. Familial pressure is also a huge contributor to Fatima's problems. As a decandent Westerner, it's hard for me to understand parents trying to exert that much control, but I can understand their reasoning; Raheem is very charming, and their daughter would want for nothing, and I think most parents want that for their children. I think they went about it the wrong way, but their intentions were right. I don't want to spoil anything, but I was happy with the ending!
This is a topic that we need teens to be talking about and reading about and learning to recognise, as far too many still fall for it, and we need books like this leading the charge. A fantastic read.
Because we know from the blurb that Raheem is a Bad Guy, it's easy to see how he's manipulating Fatima well before she catches on; but it's also really easy to see how clever and smooth he is and how easy it would be to be taken in in that situation. Familial pressure is also a huge contributor to Fatima's problems. As a decandent Westerner, it's hard for me to understand parents trying to exert that much control, but I can understand their reasoning; Raheem is very charming, and their daughter would want for nothing, and I think most parents want that for their children. I think they went about it the wrong way, but their intentions were right. I don't want to spoil anything, but I was happy with the ending!
This is a topic that we need teens to be talking about and reading about and learning to recognise, as far too many still fall for it, and we need books like this leading the charge. A fantastic read.
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
This was a great coming of age story featuring a Black Muslim American teen who wants to be a professional baker despite her conservative parent's strict wishes otherwise. Fatima navigates her passion for baking through a teen baking competition while also getting to know a new husband prospect, Raheem, who ultimately turns into a controlling figure in her life who threatens to reveal her sexual history to her parents and their religious community. Great on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Sabina Khan or Farah Heron. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest revivew!