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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Four Eids and a Funeral
Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Adiba Jaigirdar
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Muslim Bengali MMC and characters, Muslim Black FMC and characters
Recommended For...: Young Adult readers, Contemporary, Romance, Muslim
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Age Relevance: 12+ (death, cancer, religion, fire, islamaphobia, racism/colorism, sexism, elitism in regards to religious beliefs, animal death)
Explanation of CWs: Death is mentioned in this book along with cancer. There is an animal death (NOT THE CAT). The Islamic religions is shown beautifully throughout the book. There is a fire in the book. There are scenes and mentions of islamaphobia, racism, sexism. There are possible instances of colorism or elitism in regards to religious beliefs (not being seen as a part of the Muslim community due to individual preference regarding hijabs).
If This Was a Taylor Swift Song: Sparks Fly
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 321
Synopsis: Let’s get one thing straight: this is a love story. These days, Said Hossain spends most of his time away at boarding school. But when his favorite hometown librarian Ms. Barnes dies, he must return home to New Crosshaven for her funeral and for the summer. Too bad being home makes it a lot harder to avoid facing his ex-best friend, Tiwa Olatunji, or facing the daunting task of telling his Bangladeshi parents that he would rather be an artist than a doctor. Tiwa doesn’t understand what made Said start ignoring her, but it’s probably that fancy boarding school of his. Though he’s unexpectedly staying through the summer, she’s determined to take a page from him and pretend he doesn’t exist. Besides, she has more than enough going on, between grieving her broken family and helping her mother throw the upcoming Eid celebration at the Islamic Center—a place that means so much to Tiwa. But when the Islamic Center accidentally catches fire, it turns out the mayor plans to demolish the center entirely. Things are still tense between the ex-friends but Tiwa needs Said’s help if there’s any hope of changing the mayor’s mind, and Said needs a project to submit to art school (unbeknownst to anyone). Will all their efforts be enough to save the Islamic Center, save Eid, and maybe save their relationship?
Review: Overall, I thought that this was a very charming book! I love the four weddings and funeral trope tie-in and I really loved the story. Overall. I thought that the characters were all very well developed and it was a very interesting insight into what Eid is and Muslim day-to-day lifestyle, but also it had insight into some of the issues that the Muslim community faces, especially the potential for colorism or racism to be present in the community. I really liked how the author used a back and forth timeline to tell the story of the two main characters history together through numerous Eids and overall I just felt that the World building was very well done.
My only issue is that it did feel a bit too prolonged at the end, but overall I had fun reading it.
Verdict: It was such a good and cute read! I love it so much!! Highly recommend!
Book: Four Eids and a Funeral
Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Adiba Jaigirdar
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Muslim Bengali MMC and characters, Muslim Black FMC and characters
Recommended For...: Young Adult readers, Contemporary, Romance, Muslim
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Age Relevance: 12+ (death, cancer, religion, fire, islamaphobia, racism/colorism, sexism, elitism in regards to religious beliefs, animal death)
Explanation of CWs: Death is mentioned in this book along with cancer. There is an animal death (NOT THE CAT). The Islamic religions is shown beautifully throughout the book. There is a fire in the book. There are scenes and mentions of islamaphobia, racism, sexism. There are possible instances of colorism or elitism in regards to religious beliefs (not being seen as a part of the Muslim community due to individual preference regarding hijabs).
If This Was a Taylor Swift Song: Sparks Fly
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 321
Synopsis: Let’s get one thing straight: this is a love story. These days, Said Hossain spends most of his time away at boarding school. But when his favorite hometown librarian Ms. Barnes dies, he must return home to New Crosshaven for her funeral and for the summer. Too bad being home makes it a lot harder to avoid facing his ex-best friend, Tiwa Olatunji, or facing the daunting task of telling his Bangladeshi parents that he would rather be an artist than a doctor. Tiwa doesn’t understand what made Said start ignoring her, but it’s probably that fancy boarding school of his. Though he’s unexpectedly staying through the summer, she’s determined to take a page from him and pretend he doesn’t exist. Besides, she has more than enough going on, between grieving her broken family and helping her mother throw the upcoming Eid celebration at the Islamic Center—a place that means so much to Tiwa. But when the Islamic Center accidentally catches fire, it turns out the mayor plans to demolish the center entirely. Things are still tense between the ex-friends but Tiwa needs Said’s help if there’s any hope of changing the mayor’s mind, and Said needs a project to submit to art school (unbeknownst to anyone). Will all their efforts be enough to save the Islamic Center, save Eid, and maybe save their relationship?
Review: Overall, I thought that this was a very charming book! I love the four weddings and funeral trope tie-in and I really loved the story. Overall. I thought that the characters were all very well developed and it was a very interesting insight into what Eid is and Muslim day-to-day lifestyle, but also it had insight into some of the issues that the Muslim community faces, especially the potential for colorism or racism to be present in the community. I really liked how the author used a back and forth timeline to tell the story of the two main characters history together through numerous Eids and overall I just felt that the World building was very well done.
My only issue is that it did feel a bit too prolonged at the end, but overall I had fun reading it.
Verdict: It was such a good and cute read! I love it so much!! Highly recommend!
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Four Eids and a Funeral
Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Adiba Jaigirdar
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Muslim Bengali MMC and characters, Muslim Black FMC and characters
Recommended For...: Young Adult readers, Contemporary, Romance, Muslim
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Age Relevance: 12+ (death, cancer, religion, fire, islamaphobia, racism/colorism, sexism, elitism in regards to religious beliefs, animal death)
Explanation of CWs: Death is mentioned in this book along with cancer. There is an animal death (NOT THE CAT). The Islamic religions is shown beautifully throughout the book. There is a fire in the book. There are scenes and mentions of islamaphobia, racism, sexism. There are possible instances of colorism or elitism in regards to religious beliefs (not being seen as a part of the Muslim community due to individual preference regarding hijabs).
If This Was a Taylor Swift Song: Sparks Fly
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 321
Synopsis: Let’s get one thing straight: this is a love story. These days, Said Hossain spends most of his time away at boarding school. But when his favorite hometown librarian Ms. Barnes dies, he must return home to New Crosshaven for her funeral and for the summer. Too bad being home makes it a lot harder to avoid facing his ex-best friend, Tiwa Olatunji, or facing the daunting task of telling his Bangladeshi parents that he would rather be an artist than a doctor. Tiwa doesn’t understand what made Said start ignoring her, but it’s probably that fancy boarding school of his. Though he’s unexpectedly staying through the summer, she’s determined to take a page from him and pretend he doesn’t exist. Besides, she has more than enough going on, between grieving her broken family and helping her mother throw the upcoming Eid celebration at the Islamic Center—a place that means so much to Tiwa. But when the Islamic Center accidentally catches fire, it turns out the mayor plans to demolish the center entirely. Things are still tense between the ex-friends but Tiwa needs Said’s help if there’s any hope of changing the mayor’s mind, and Said needs a project to submit to art school (unbeknownst to anyone). Will all their efforts be enough to save the Islamic Center, save Eid, and maybe save their relationship?
Review: Overall, I thought that this was a very charming book! I love the four weddings and funeral trope tie-in and I really loved the story. Overall. I thought that the characters were all very well developed and it was a very interesting insight into what Eid is and Muslim day-to-day lifestyle, but also it had insight into some of the issues that the Muslim community faces, especially the potential for colorism or racism to be present in the community. I really liked how the author used a back and forth timeline to tell the story of the two main characters history together through numerous Eids and overall I just felt that the World building was very well done.
My only issue is that it did feel a bit too prolonged at the end, but overall I had fun reading it.
My only issue is that it did feel a bit too prolonged at the end, but overall I had fun reading it.
Verdict: It was such a good and cute read! I love it so much!! Highly recommend!
Happy pub day!! & thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for this ARC <3
this was a good read! this follows two old friends who have to begin working together to save the Islamic center in New Haven. the story of them working together to save such an important part of the city was so beautiful. hometown heroes if you will. the authors also did a beautiful job discussing the racism and colorism in the community and overall this was just a beautiful story.
i'm an enemy to lovers girly down and friends to enemies to lovers is even more delicious. i will say that i was a bit confused about what their beef was about until the end and then everything began to fall into place. his sister's reasoning is still a bit fishy to me and i wouldn't have forgiven her so easily but that's #me. i loved the writing and the banter between Tiwa and Said. what a cute storyyyy
this was a good read! this follows two old friends who have to begin working together to save the Islamic center in New Haven. the story of them working together to save such an important part of the city was so beautiful. hometown heroes if you will. the authors also did a beautiful job discussing the racism and colorism in the community and overall this was just a beautiful story.
i'm an enemy to lovers girly down and friends to enemies to lovers is even more delicious. i will say that i was a bit confused about what their beef was about until the end and then everything began to fall into place. his sister's reasoning is still a bit fishy to me and i wouldn't have forgiven her so easily but that's #me. i loved the writing and the banter between Tiwa and Said. what a cute storyyyy
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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:
Yes
I loooved this book. It was such a cute and enjoyable read.
The MCs were so endearing, and I loved Said's sister and need her to be my spirit character.
One thing I appreciated was all the cultural and religious references, and how acurate they were. I mean, there's something about a great book by Muslim authors that just hit different.
I loved seeing Tiwa and Said navigating life, family situations and their relationship. It just unfolded so naturally. And the center point of it all being them trying to save the Islamic Center was just sooo appropriate here.
I ended up doing the audio for this one and I definitely loved it. I'd recommend it for my audio people out there !
Thank you NetGalley, Usborne Publishing and the authors for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The MCs were so endearing, and I loved Said's sister and need her to be my spirit character.
One thing I appreciated was all the cultural and religious references, and how acurate they were. I mean, there's something about a great book by Muslim authors that just hit different.
I loved seeing Tiwa and Said navigating life, family situations and their relationship. It just unfolded so naturally. And the center point of it all being them trying to save the Islamic Center was just sooo appropriate here.
I ended up doing the audio for this one and I definitely loved it. I'd recommend it for my audio people out there !
Thank you NetGalley, Usborne Publishing and the authors for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
funny
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
emotional
funny
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
waiting for the day where my death as a librarian brings two estranged teens together so they can save the town’s Islamic Center and coparent an orange cat. Friends to enemies to friends to lovers
emotional
funny
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:
Complicated