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katykelly's review
4.0
Insightful look at teenage issues in Saudi Arabia - not so different to those anywhere else.
In setting this in a country we know mainly from news stories and other media, you have expectations of what you're going to get, who you're going to meet. But straightaway, we find ourselves in a Sunset Boulevard-esque opener, with two dead teenagers talking, after their car crash. The (religious) police believe they understand the 'type' of girl who would have been in a car with a boy, and what had happened. But Zarin and Porus don't fit their stereotype...
We are then taken back to Zarin's life leading up to the car crash. An orphan, she has spent her life quietly (or not so quietly) defying her uncle and aunt, dating boys, being her own person, despite the religious restrictions of her country. And Porus is the boy who's long been in love with her.
While this takes many directions that aren't much of a surprise, the fact that this is set in a country that restricts women makes what is a conventional enough story rather different. And it does give a new perspective to the treatment of women, making me consider other stories and situations in which females have had similar issues to contend with.
I enjoyed the multiple narrations, with both leads voicing, but also more minor characters bringing their own take on Zarin. The Audible narrators were well chosen for their age though I found the female reader much clearer than the male, who I had to keep turning the volume up to understand as well.
It felt universal in theme - the same issues crop up for adolescents wherever they live - but with a setting that I've not read about before, so I liked picturing this rather dangerous country and imagining what it must be like there.
The unfamiliar setting was what kept my attention, it will be a good choice to recommend to teenage readers who who be interested in other countries and moral systems.
With thanks to Nudge Book for providing a sample Audible copy for review purposes.
In setting this in a country we know mainly from news stories and other media, you have expectations of what you're going to get, who you're going to meet. But straightaway, we find ourselves in a Sunset Boulevard-esque opener, with two dead teenagers talking, after their car crash. The (religious) police believe they understand the 'type' of girl who would have been in a car with a boy, and what had happened. But Zarin and Porus don't fit their stereotype...
We are then taken back to Zarin's life leading up to the car crash. An orphan, she has spent her life quietly (or not so quietly) defying her uncle and aunt, dating boys, being her own person, despite the religious restrictions of her country. And Porus is the boy who's long been in love with her.
While this takes many directions that aren't much of a surprise, the fact that this is set in a country that restricts women makes what is a conventional enough story rather different. And it does give a new perspective to the treatment of women, making me consider other stories and situations in which females have had similar issues to contend with.
I enjoyed the multiple narrations, with both leads voicing, but also more minor characters bringing their own take on Zarin. The Audible narrators were well chosen for their age though I found the female reader much clearer than the male, who I had to keep turning the volume up to understand as well.
It felt universal in theme - the same issues crop up for adolescents wherever they live - but with a setting that I've not read about before, so I liked picturing this rather dangerous country and imagining what it must be like there.
The unfamiliar setting was what kept my attention, it will be a good choice to recommend to teenage readers who who be interested in other countries and moral systems.
With thanks to Nudge Book for providing a sample Audible copy for review purposes.
moniipeters's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
cajesp's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thepaige_turner's review against another edition
5.0
Full review here: https://youtu.be/YubfXUoXZi0
One of the best books I’ve ever read. So sad yet so beautiful.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. So sad yet so beautiful.
owloutstanding's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
draculaura21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
esshgee's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars. Hard to say I enjoyed this book considering the content (which many people have commented that there were no warnings), but it did keep me interested. Reading some other reviews, I agree there are few positive characters (male or female) in the story, and that all the boys seem to be complete douchebags - apart from Porus and his Dad
botopsy's review against another edition
4.0
A Girl Like That is a timeless exploration of high-stakes romance, self-discovery, and the lengths we go to love and be loved. This novel reveals a rich and wonderful new world to readers; tackles complicated issues of race, identity, class, and religion; and paints a portrait of teenage ambition, angst, and isolation that feels both inventive and universal.
My views
This book, A Girl Like That, is a good, engrossing read with an engaging plot and unusual writing style. I was pretty absorbed into this book while reading. I was so immersed in it that I completed this book in 2 days. In a very subtle and unique fashion, this book addresses the common problems in society from racism to class to bullying; and how fingers point at a woman, whenever something goes wrong.
I liked the way this book addresses many topics like love, family and individualism. And not to mention the fact that this book broke my heart as no other book did. This book starts with death and ends with death, the remaining story consists of whatever has happened in between.
Writing style
The writing style of this book is unique, lucid and candid. The author chose to narrate Zarin’s story in the voice of many characters associated with her throughout her life. The narration is the aftermath of the accident in which Zarin dies. Despite the fact that a reader knows from the start that Zarin is going to die and she had it coming, the author in her writing manages to captivate the reader till the end.
Characters
All of the characters of this book are remarkably reproduced. It’s rather surprising how the author manages to seamlessly squeeze in numerous flashbacks that paint a complete picture of everyone’s life. Within a couple of chapters, I was instantly connected with not only Zarin but also all the other characters. But the character that had a lasting effect on me is definitely Zarin and without a doubt, she is one of the characters that will stay with me forever. I have learnt a lot from this character.
Recommendation
Reasons to pick this book:
1. It is a fast and engrossing read that will surely put you out of the reading slump. Plus, it has an appealing cover.
2. It is a young adult that does not revolve monotonously around love interests.
3. It is a brave book that speaks in volumes about many aspects but its main theme revolving around women and society.
Reasons not to pick this book:
1. If you don’t like harsh and gruesome scenes.
2. If you don’t like complex characters and multiple point of views.
Finally, this is a wonderful and fast read; that on the hindsight contains a lot of lessons to learn. I’ll definitely look forward to reading more of her books. Pick this book and brace yourself for, this book will break your heart in a good way, of course.
My views
This book, A Girl Like That, is a good, engrossing read with an engaging plot and unusual writing style. I was pretty absorbed into this book while reading. I was so immersed in it that I completed this book in 2 days. In a very subtle and unique fashion, this book addresses the common problems in society from racism to class to bullying; and how fingers point at a woman, whenever something goes wrong.
I liked the way this book addresses many topics like love, family and individualism. And not to mention the fact that this book broke my heart as no other book did. This book starts with death and ends with death, the remaining story consists of whatever has happened in between.
Writing style
The writing style of this book is unique, lucid and candid. The author chose to narrate Zarin’s story in the voice of many characters associated with her throughout her life. The narration is the aftermath of the accident in which Zarin dies. Despite the fact that a reader knows from the start that Zarin is going to die and she had it coming, the author in her writing manages to captivate the reader till the end.
Characters
All of the characters of this book are remarkably reproduced. It’s rather surprising how the author manages to seamlessly squeeze in numerous flashbacks that paint a complete picture of everyone’s life. Within a couple of chapters, I was instantly connected with not only Zarin but also all the other characters. But the character that had a lasting effect on me is definitely Zarin and without a doubt, she is one of the characters that will stay with me forever. I have learnt a lot from this character.
Recommendation
Reasons to pick this book:
1. It is a fast and engrossing read that will surely put you out of the reading slump. Plus, it has an appealing cover.
2. It is a young adult that does not revolve monotonously around love interests.
3. It is a brave book that speaks in volumes about many aspects but its main theme revolving around women and society.
Reasons not to pick this book:
1. If you don’t like harsh and gruesome scenes.
2. If you don’t like complex characters and multiple point of views.
Finally, this is a wonderful and fast read; that on the hindsight contains a lot of lessons to learn. I’ll definitely look forward to reading more of her books. Pick this book and brace yourself for, this book will break your heart in a good way, of course.
ifyouhappentoremember's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a mixed bag for me. It had some parts that I liked and parts that I wasn't overly fond of. Ultimately, it was an uneven reading experience. I can't help but compare it to [b: Parachutes|46258515|Parachutes|Kelly Yang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572600302l/46258515._SY75_.jpg|71244656], a book I recently finished. Both books cover similar themes of sexual assault and rape culture, but I found A Girl Like That to be lacking in comparison.
A Girl Like That is such a depressing book and I found it difficult to get through this book. Literally nothing gets better for our main character, Zarin. I don't mind reading a depressing book it's just I find it unbearable to read if there isn't a sense of hope, some possibility of change.
I did like the complexity of Zarin, the main character, and Mishal, a secondary pov character. They're complex and mess in all the ways a teenage girl can be. Unfortunately, everyone else in this book is two-dimensional. Zarin's love interest, Porus is the ideal romantic lead and nothing else. The other two male pov characters are human trash fires.
Despite moments that I enjoyed, there were aspects I didn't really enjoy, making this a disappointing reading experience.
A Girl Like That is such a depressing book and I found it difficult to get through this book. Literally nothing gets better for our main character, Zarin. I don't mind reading a depressing book it's just I find it unbearable to read if there isn't a sense of hope, some possibility of change.
I did like the complexity of Zarin, the main character, and Mishal, a secondary pov character. They're complex and mess in all the ways a teenage girl can be. Unfortunately, everyone else in this book is two-dimensional. Zarin's love interest, Porus is the ideal romantic lead and nothing else. The other two male pov characters are human trash fires.
Despite moments that I enjoyed, there were aspects I didn't really enjoy, making this a disappointing reading experience.
gggina13's review against another edition
3.0
While I was reading this book I forgot that it was supposed to be sad. I got so caught up in the story that I forgot the premise. As sad as the ending was supposed to be, I honestly felt a sense of hope from it. The ending was very ultimate but I still have this feeling that there is a happier ending for Porus and Zarin somewhere else down the line.