tazrean's review

5.0
adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I was so happy to read this deep dive into a Muslim community in a small New England town, filled with so much love and care for each other. I feel like my only critique is the fact there wasn’t MORE of this wonderful world. More of the cat, more about Ms. Barnes, Tiwa’s ambitions that lead her to Columbia (which is incredible). The book moved pretty quickly and the switch between past & present meant that some events were unfortunately left out. But everything that was included was so important and this was such a fun adorable read. Had me giggling and kicking my feet over messy high schoolers!!!! Love love love
relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was a cute little story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The celebration of Eid and the thoughtful representation were such lovely touches, adding depth and heart to the story. That said, the pacing felt a bit off at times, making it hard to fully connect.
emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
fariisa's profile picture

fariisa's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 8%

DNF ch 3, 40 minutes (8%) into the audiobook. Thought I'd read this during Eid but I'm just not in the mood for YA drama 😅 maybe if this wasn't enemies to lovers, I'd stick it out.
funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Cute and easy to read but the actual plot was a bit of a mess. Took too long to reveal why Tiwa and Said's friendship broke down, and the reveal was silly. Also, anticlimactic was the resolution of the Islamic center. Idk much about local politics, but i know they dont work like that.
emotional funny hopeful inspiring slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No