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littledeerbythecreek's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Minor: Animal death, Terminal illness, and Child death
thenovelmaura's review
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? Yes
3.0
Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! It pains me a bit to write this review because this is the type of book that I normally fall in love with (see Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi and TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo). Honestly, all the stars for the diverse cast of characters (Indian American lead and Korean American love interest, perfection), the realistic flaws, the supportive friends, and the overarching message of self-acceptance. Kavya's relationship with her sister, Simran, was one of my favorite parts of the book; it was so sweet seeing them grow closer by acknowledging each other's strengths.
I probably would have loved this one without reservation if I were reading it as a teen or a generally more patient person. It's a stretch to call this a retelling despite the title and numerous references to different fairy tales. Especially toward the end, the writing was so repetitive that I found myself slogging through page after page of fairy tale analogies, continuously surprised when my Kindle still had 30% remaining. With some tighter editing I think this book would have been amazing. (I also found it kind of pandering to make Kavya a Bookstagrammer; based on her age it would make more sense for her to be a BookToker, if anything.) Please don't let me steer you away from this book, especially if there's a teen in your life who might enjoy it! It's still incredibly important representation and I'm glad teen girls will now have Kavya to remind them that they're never "too much."
I probably would have loved this one without reservation if I were reading it as a teen or a generally more patient person. It's a stretch to call this a retelling despite the title and numerous references to different fairy tales. Especially toward the end, the writing was so repetitive that I found myself slogging through page after page of fairy tale analogies, continuously surprised when my Kindle still had 30% remaining. With some tighter editing I think this book would have been amazing. (I also found it kind of pandering to make Kavya a Bookstagrammer; based on her age it would make more sense for her to be a BookToker, if anything.) Please don't let me steer you away from this book, especially if there's a teen in your life who might enjoy it! It's still incredibly important representation and I'm glad teen girls will now have Kavya to remind them that they're never "too much."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Grief and Child death
Minor: Infidelity
anniereads221's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
The Beauty and the Beast References in this book was to die for!!!! But you know what the rivals to lovers trope was the best!!! The way i was literally a smiling idiot for Kavya and Ian from page 1. The friends amazing too! And Simran being Demiromantic!!!!
There may be something there that wasn't there before
There may be something there that wasn't there before
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Vomit
legalplanner's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.5
This was one that really hit me in the feels. I've been called Besharam at least in other words. I felt for Kavya in a way that often times I don't feel for our over-the-top narrators.
Kavya is a soon to be junior in high school, known for being particular about her grades, her life, and honestly not taking anyone's crap. She's strong willed and confident enough in herself to know who she is and not shy away from that. Honestly that is pure beauty. The kick starter to the drama and all things Besharam is when her boyfriend--a complete and utter tool--breaks up with her and Ian, her sworn nemeses witnesses this act.
Watching Kavya and Ian compete to see who can be the best all summer shows that even though she looks like she has herself figured out and is confident, those people struggle too. I've been someone who has been called too much. As a person who has experienced that I know what it feels like to have that fear and doubt take over once you've said your peace and walked away. Witnessing the growth and understanding that you're not too much was beautiful. It was even lovely how this somewhat centered on the princesses we all grew up with and tried to become ourselves.
Overall this was a great read that not only had a loud outspoken hero, but it also had diversity amongst the characters and those differences were actually discussed and not just in a happy go lucky kind of way, there was depth. That to me was beautiful and deserving of a 4.5/5 star review.
Kavya is a soon to be junior in high school, known for being particular about her grades, her life, and honestly not taking anyone's crap. She's strong willed and confident enough in herself to know who she is and not shy away from that. Honestly that is pure beauty. The kick starter to the drama and all things Besharam is when her boyfriend--a complete and utter tool--breaks up with her and Ian, her sworn nemeses witnesses this act.
Watching Kavya and Ian compete to see who can be the best all summer shows that even though she looks like she has herself figured out and is confident, those people struggle too. I've been someone who has been called too much. As a person who has experienced that I know what it feels like to have that fear and doubt take over once you've said your peace and walked away. Witnessing the growth and understanding that you're not too much was beautiful. It was even lovely how this somewhat centered on the princesses we all grew up with and tried to become ourselves.
Overall this was a great read that not only had a loud outspoken hero, but it also had diversity amongst the characters and those differences were actually discussed and not just in a happy go lucky kind of way, there was depth. That to me was beautiful and deserving of a 4.5/5 star review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Child death, Chronic illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
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