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samosasandpopcorn's review
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? Yes
4.5
I love Nora Ephron’s “You’ve Got Mail” and this is basically a loose rendition of that story. Except this is all centered around a Muslim community in Toronto, Canada. I adored so much of this book like the radio and podcast elements, something that is a major thing for our main character, Hana, since it’s her goal to make a career in radio. There’s such heavy emphasis on the stories we tell, the responsibility we hold when telling those stories, and making sure we’re helping ourselves and our community, not paving the way for toxic narratives.
There’s of course a the entire Muslim community that consists of people from South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa. This book really puts in perspective the things we can do collectively as a community which is far more than what we can do individually.
As for our crew of characters, I loved them all. Hana is absolutely wonderful, Rashid is funny as hell, Aydin is your typical grumpy boy who grows on you, and Kawkab aunty is the epitome of a pioneer woman who made her own path.
One or two loose ends and an odd quick ending but this is one of my favorite reads this month.
There’s of course a the entire Muslim community that consists of people from South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa. This book really puts in perspective the things we can do collectively as a community which is far more than what we can do individually.
As for our crew of characters, I loved them all. Hana is absolutely wonderful, Rashid is funny as hell, Aydin is your typical grumpy boy who grows on you, and Kawkab aunty is the epitome of a pioneer woman who made her own path.
One or two loose ends and an odd quick ending but this is one of my favorite reads this month.
cursiveknight's review against another edition
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
4.25
mariamj's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was so good!!! I couldn't stop listening to the audiobook once I got started. I would be constantly looking forward to what happens next the more I listened to the story. Most of the characters are loveable in their own ways Her Aunt Kawkub Khala is a badass! Something I loved because, as a member of the Muslim community, the type of woman she does not bode well. Her cousin Rashid was hilarious! His naivety was charming and made me burst out laughing so many times. Most importantly, I loved Hanan! She was very relatable in so many ways and it was amazing to see how much she grew as a character 10/10! Loved every moment!
Graphic: Islamophobia and Hate crime
Moderate: Death
Minor: Chronic illness
nicolepiacentini's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.25
triley's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
livinginsolitude's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
steph01924's review
4.0
3.5 stars; full review to come. This was a cute, loose retelling of You've Got Mail with a spunky protagonist and lots of family and community drama/involvement, which I enjoyed. Some storylines ended a little too neatly and the pacing started to flag a bit near the end, but overall it's a nice slice-of-life story, and I liked seeing the Muslim representation.
You can read my full review at Forever Young Adult.
You can read my full review at Forever Young Adult.
jlhensley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.75
courtneysbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a great read. Definitely recommend!
adie2020's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.5