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Reviews tagging 'Grief'
Four Eids and a Funeral by Adiba Jaigirdar, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
12 reviews
dhatislandbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
3.0
This was another book that was just *fine* for me. I liked the characters, and I appreciated the story’s focus on culture, community, repairing friendships, and processing grief, however, there were a few issues I could not overlook.
My first gripe was that they never really addressed the racism and microaggressions that happen to Tiwa. This occurs multiple times, is called out once in private, and is never brought up again. There were so many opportunities to really delve into this.
Next was the root cause of Said and Tiwa’s rift. Bruh. When it was revealed, I rolled my eyes so hard because HUH. The reasoning didn’t make any sense and wasn’t justified at all (and, like Gigi pointed out, it was lowkey a crime?????).
But I think my main issue with this is that it is marketed as a love story when it didn‘t need to be. This could have been a story about healing a friendship and platonic love, and the content wouldn’t really have changed much. To be quite honest, I would’ve preferred that since the romance elements were very few and far between.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death, Racism, and Child death
mishale1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
*The cat does not die in this book. I wish someone had told me that. I saw content warnings saying an animal died and I worried about Laddoo so now you don’t have to worry*
Said and Tiwa used to be best friends. You might say they are enemies now but I’m not sure they see enough of each other to feel that way. It’s mostly awkward when they see each other after Said goes home from school for a funeral.
Their favorite librarian died. She meant a lot to both of them. She even entrusts her cat Laddoo to them when she passes.
Said abd Tiwa are also pulled together because their town’s Islamic center burnt down during Said’s visit and there are no plans to rebuild.
Despite the two barely spending any time together in years, they band together to save the Islamic center.
They’re both lovable characters. Thea’s back story has sadness in it but I seriously appreciate the fact that whilst this book dealt with several heavy, serious issues (including the death of a child) it was never overly sad.
Trust the cover. “This is a love story.”
Said and Tiwa used to be best friends. You might say they are enemies now but I’m not sure they see enough of each other to feel that way. It’s mostly awkward when they see each other after Said goes home from school for a funeral.
Their favorite librarian died. She meant a lot to both of them. She even entrusts her cat Laddoo to them when she passes.
Said abd Tiwa are also pulled together because their town’s Islamic center burnt down during Said’s visit and there are no plans to rebuild.
Despite the two barely spending any time together in years, they band together to save the Islamic center.
They’re both lovable characters. Thea’s back story has sadness in it but I seriously appreciate the fact that whilst this book dealt with several heavy, serious issues (including the death of a child) it was never overly sad.
Trust the cover. “This is a love story.”
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief, Islamophobia, and Child death
dhiyanah's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Racism
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Car accident
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
Honestly, this was such a fun mash up by two authors I love (Adiba Jaigirdar + Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. I was so glad I received both an e-ARC and an ALC. The audio narration is amazing all three narrators added a little something to each character. I definitely recommend listening!
Plot wise, I really enjoyed Tiwa and Said's childhood friends to haters to friends to lovers romance. They each know each other so well and it makes their past heartbreak all the more emotional for it. It also takes time for them to grow comfortable with each other again... which I loved because it gave me the moments of learning each other again.
An ode to Muslim communities, Tiwa and Said join forces to help rebuild their local Islamic center after it gets damaged in a fire. I am a huge fan of YA stories with political elements because teens are so powerful! AJ + FAI capture teenage struggles amidst so much other happenings for the characters so so well.
The commentary on anti-Blackness within the Muslim community is so so important. I hope this book gets into the hands of teenagers everywhere!
Plot wise, I really enjoyed Tiwa and Said's childhood friends to haters to friends to lovers romance. They each know each other so well and it makes their past heartbreak all the more emotional for it. It also takes time for them to grow comfortable with each other again... which I loved because it gave me the moments of learning each other again.
An ode to Muslim communities, Tiwa and Said join forces to help rebuild their local Islamic center after it gets damaged in a fire. I am a huge fan of YA stories with political elements because teens are so powerful! AJ + FAI capture teenage struggles amidst so much other happenings for the characters so so well.
The commentary on anti-Blackness within the Muslim community is so so important. I hope this book gets into the hands of teenagers everywhere!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Racism, and Child death
Moderate: Car accident, Death, Cursing, and Animal death
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
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
4.0
Mishti, misunderstandings and a moving sense of community abound in this richly heartfelt and swoon worthy (second chance, enemies to lovers) romance from best selling authors Adiba Jaigirdar and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
I’m a sucker for all things enemies to lovers so when I heard the premise: two former friends turned enemies, who reconnect at a funeral and find themselves working together to save their town’s Islamic Centre from demolition. I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. And it definitely didn’t disappoint!
I do admit I was hesitant to start this at first having recently lost my Nan. But despite a funeral initially setting the scene; the romantic tension, comedic banter and tender focus on family and community soon proved a soothing balm for my fears as I was thoroughly swept up in Tiwa and Said’s efforts, and growing feelings (both platonic and romantic) for one another.
It’s told through the dual POVs of Said and Tiwa as they navigate the monumental changes in that have shaped their lives and reexamine the rift that ended their childhood friendship.
I loved getting to delve into both Said and Tiwa’s innermost thoughts and feelings, and adored their rivalry that showcased their opposing and competitive (yet thoroughly complimentary) personalities to perfection.
If you’re familiar with the Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing, Said and Tiwa reminded me a little of Beatrice and Benedict in their witty exchanges. I especially loved the flashbacks of Eids past (and THAT cake incident) which allow us to glimpse the carefree, happier moments they shared together.
I can’t not mention the supporting cast who were throughly entertaining too (especially Said’s slightly meddling sister Safiyah, Pokémon obsessed school friend Julian and Ladoo-the mischievous, sweet toothed cat that Said and Tiwa share custody of.) Even main antagonist Mayor Williams (a toothy villain straight out of a hallmark movie) was really interesting to watch, in a love to hate and cheer when they fail kind of way.
Overall a fun and enjoyable read that YA contemporary lovers or fans of Jaigirdar and Àbíké-Íyímídé’s other works should definitely consider checking out.
Also, a huge thanks to Fritha at Usborne for the proof
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, and Racism
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Cursing
Minor: Car accident and Fire/Fire injury
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc and Libro FM for the ALC. I am providing this review of my own accord.
Two favorites teamed up to deliver a banger of a co-written young adult romcom and coming of age story. When their favorite librarian Ms. Barnes passes away, Tiwa and Said are thrown together not only for funeral and memorial services, but are left something from Ms. Barnes' will. The catch is... they haven't talked in years really, since Said left for his boarding school, and tragedy hit Tiwa's family. This new forced proximity leaves an opening for them to finally contend with their disdain for each other, and if there's hope to rekindle their friendship ever again.
I appreciated the commentary on the anti-Blackness that Tiwa experienced by their own community, and the lateral emotional and mental violence that she experienced. I hope this opens more folks eyes that being Muslim does not have to *look* a certain way in order to be valid or "enough".
I also loved that the pain and anger that Tiwa and Said felt towards one another felt so real? Like, I can absolutely imagine being in either of their shoes at their age, and feeling the wrath just as they did. I didn't blame either of them for their frustrations, and I thought AJ & FAI illustrated this teenage angst and betrayal perfectly, as they typically do, so I am not surprised in the least.
Anyway, I loved reading about these two friends finding their way back to one another, amidst grief and pain, and holding onto the hope of a future alongside one another, and reveling in community.
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc and Libro FM for the ALC. I am providing this review of my own accord.
Two favorites teamed up to deliver a banger of a co-written young adult romcom and coming of age story. When their favorite librarian Ms. Barnes passes away, Tiwa and Said are thrown together not only for funeral and memorial services, but are left something from Ms. Barnes' will. The catch is... they haven't talked in years really, since Said left for his boarding school, and tragedy hit Tiwa's family. This new forced proximity leaves an opening for them to finally contend with their disdain for each other, and if there's hope to rekindle their friendship ever again.
I appreciated the commentary on the anti-Blackness that Tiwa experienced by their own community, and the lateral emotional and mental violence that she experienced. I hope this opens more folks eyes that being Muslim does not have to *look* a certain way in order to be valid or "enough".
I also loved that the pain and anger that Tiwa and Said felt towards one another felt so real? Like, I can absolutely imagine being in either of their shoes at their age, and feeling the wrath just as they did. I didn't blame either of them for their frustrations, and I thought AJ & FAI illustrated this teenage angst and betrayal perfectly, as they typically do, so I am not surprised in the least.
Anyway, I loved reading about these two friends finding their way back to one another, amidst grief and pain, and holding onto the hope of a future alongside one another, and reveling in community.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Grief, Child death, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Car accident, and Cursing
nickel_books's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
This book was an absolute delight! A friends to enemies to lovers structured by Said and Tiwa's POVs and a third, third person narrative. It's funny, full of heart, and second changes - for the characters and their community.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Grief, Child death, Racism, and Car accident
Moderate: Cancer and Islamophobia
aromanticreadsromance's review
emotional
hopeful
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
Okay. Loved this book as a contemporary young adult coming-of-age. Didn't like it so much as a romance, just because the romance part seemed to come out of nowhere toward the very, very end (imo, it shouldn't be classified as a romance book). Like the title says, it takes place over four Eids and a funeral. The main characters, Said and Tiwa, are former best friends who had a falling out three Eids ago, after Said transferred to boarding school in Virginia. They're initially brought back together at the funeral of their hometown librarian, with whom they both had a special relationship. The same day, there is a fire at the Islamic Center. The two reluctantly team up to save that year's Eid festivities, and the Islamic Center from demolition after they learn of the crooked mayor's nefarious plans to use the land for condos (because of course).
This book is full of Muslim joy and pride! Said and Tiwa are both Muslims from different ethnic backgrounds (like the authors!). Said is Bangladeshi-American, and Tiwa is Nigerian-American. Ironically, Tiwa is much more involved in their faith but gets treated as an outsider by the aunties in their community because she's Black. They don't recognize her as Muslim (it's weird that some of the aunties don't even recognize her from the mosque, considering the Muslim community in their town is small and tight-knit). As a South Asian, Said's Muslim identity is never questioned (which is ironic since he's less involved than Tiwa). I wish the book hadn't glossed over the commentary on anti-Black racism in Muslim communities. Since the issue was raised, I feel it shouldn't have been brushed off or rushed through and should have gone beyond the surface level.
I almost feel like this book suffered from trying to do TOO much that some of the threads were lost. I wanted MORE on so many topics, like Ms. Barnes (the librarian), Timi (Tiwa's little brother), and Tiwa's dad, to name a few. But especially Timi.
My favorite character was Tiwa's best friend/Said's sister Safiyah (we support women's rights AND wrongs). She's so funny AND gay (and you can't tell me those two things aren't related, LOL).
Overall, I liked this book, but I didn't LOVE it. It kinda reminded me of Lark and Kasim Start a Revolution by Kacen Callender (ex-best friends explore their feelings for each other, plus a sprinkle of activism), so if you liked that, you'll probably also like this!
A big thanks to Macmillan for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts are my own.
This book is full of Muslim joy and pride! Said and Tiwa are both Muslims from different ethnic backgrounds (like the authors!). Said is Bangladeshi-American, and Tiwa is Nigerian-American. Ironically, Tiwa is much more involved in their faith but gets treated as an outsider by the aunties in their community because she's Black. They don't recognize her as Muslim (it's weird that some of the aunties don't even recognize her from the mosque, considering the Muslim community in their town is small and tight-knit). As a South Asian, Said's Muslim identity is never questioned (which is ironic since he's less involved than Tiwa). I wish the book hadn't glossed over the commentary on anti-Black racism in Muslim communities. Since the issue was raised, I feel it shouldn't have been brushed off or rushed through and should have gone beyond the surface level.
I almost feel like this book suffered from trying to do TOO much that some of the threads were lost. I wanted MORE on so many topics, like Ms. Barnes (the librarian), Timi (Tiwa's little brother), and Tiwa's dad, to name a few. But especially Timi.
My favorite character was Tiwa's best friend/Said's sister Safiyah (we support women's rights AND wrongs). She's so funny AND gay (and you can't tell me those two things aren't related, LOL).
Overall, I liked this book, but I didn't LOVE it. It kinda reminded me of Lark and Kasim Start a Revolution by Kacen Callender (ex-best friends explore their feelings for each other, plus a sprinkle of activism), so if you liked that, you'll probably also like this!
A big thanks to Macmillan for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Grief, and Child death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
jazzyjbox's review
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
This is a wonderful collaboration between two of my favorite YA authors!
Said and Tiwa used to be best friends, but something drove them apart when Said started at a new school. A few years later, the two are reunited when their favorite librarian passes away. Then the two team up to try to save the Islamic Center and might just repair their relationship along the way.
Said and Tiwa's summer is a fun exploration of friendship, teen love, and community identity. There are underlying themes of parental expectations and grief that were handled well. I adore these two authors, and I can't wait to read more from them!
Said and Tiwa used to be best friends, but something drove them apart when Said started at a new school. A few years later, the two are reunited when their favorite librarian passes away. Then the two team up to try to save the Islamic Center and might just repair their relationship along the way.
Said and Tiwa's summer is a fun exploration of friendship, teen love, and community identity. There are underlying themes of parental expectations and grief that were handled well. I adore these two authors, and I can't wait to read more from them!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Child death
zluvsreading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
If an “infinity stars” rating was here, I would put it at that.
Gosh, where do I even start???? I know I say this with almost every book, but
Gosh, where do I even start???? I know I say this with almost every book, but
THIS.
WAS.
AMAZING.
This deserves an infinity rating from me. I truly cannot believe such a great book is (almost) out in the world for everyone to read and enjoy. I can’t believe such talented writers exist and that they are simply not praised for such an amazing thing being published. (What are words, you understand what I mean)
When I read the dedication, I was immediately enamored and knew I was going to love this.
I adored the writing style this was written with. The “acts” and how it’s sometimes narrated made me laugh so hard. (Not in a haha what a joke, but in a genuine aw I love that haha) It felt very Shakespearean (I have never read a word of Shakespeare in my life) and I just cannot help but love it. It was very easy to fly through, and that I did. I started it last night and read through half of it before finishing it this morning.
These characters are great, I connected with them in so many different ways, although I myself am not Muslim. I think that just goes to show the authors’ talent. It was very great to see more of that Muslim culture, especially around Eid and all the celebrations and traditions that go into it. Religion can be a very divisive topic, but I felt very happy reading about it in this novel. I would definitely read it again and again and recommend it to anyone and everyone, no matter what religion you practice. However, I think if you are Muslim, you will enjoy seeing yourself in this just that much more.
Tiwa was very funny, I adored her. Her with Ladoo was amazing. It’s interesting to see her in the flashbacks vs. present time and it just goes to show how much time can change you and how when certain things happen around you, it shapes you in a huge way.
The way grief was written in this packed a punch. My heart feels so heavy for her whole family. The way she deals with the hostility and racism from others just because she is Black and Muslim made me want to give her a hug so badly. Tiwa deserves the world and I will fight anyone who doesn’t think so. Her and Said? I have words! I HAVE WORDS!!! I loved her sister/friendship bond with Safiyah. They are almost like polar opposites, but they mesh together really well. It was funny to see how Tiwa set herself up to becoming a future lawyer with everything that went down in this (no spoilers!).
The way grief was written in this packed a punch. My heart feels so heavy for her whole family. The way she deals with the hostility and racism from others just because she is Black and Muslim made me want to give her a hug so badly. Tiwa deserves the world and I will fight anyone who doesn’t think so. Her and Said? I have words! I HAVE WORDS!!! I loved her sister/friendship bond with Safiyah. They are almost like polar opposites, but they mesh together really well. It was funny to see how Tiwa set herself up to becoming a future lawyer with everything that went down in this (no spoilers!).
Said was so sassy, I loved him. His sense of humor and goofiness that came out around certain people (wink wink) was just so fun to read about. I liked that he pursued his art passion and we got to read about how he really gets swept up into it and feel the love he has for art. His friendship with Julian was interesting to see, in contrast to his (former) friendship with Tiwa that we see a little bit of in the flashbacks. Julian was a huge goofball, I couldn’t take him serious. (Except for THAT part). But alas, no spoilers! Find out for yourself!
Said and Tiwas friendship was very complicated and delicate, but I liked to see how they navigated it as older teens as opposed to when they were just kids, in a way, when they had a fall out. I’ve always said all great relationships have to start with a friendship and this book holds firmly to that belief. It’s more of a childhood best friends to enemies (ish) to friends to lovers. Maybe just skip some friends parts? It’s very complicated to explain but when y’all read it, y’all will understand. Remember, this is a love story.
DAMN this book has one of my favorite microtropes ever, that’s also very heartbreaking but saying it would essentially spoil one of the main plot lines so I will refrain. But, feel free to ask me after the book comes out or if you have read it, so we can discuss. Hehe.
I love to see all the representation in this!! We have the main characters of course, Tiwa and Said who are both Muslim. Tiwa is Nigerian and Said is Bangladeshi. We have lesbian rep from Saf and Ishra. There’s all kinds of South Asian Rep in general that I think we get from the Muslim community in New Crosshaven in general. It doesn’t go into detail about any particular person in the community but it is mentioned, which I liked! Julian is Puerto Rican which we find out later in the book.
Overall, I think this book is for anyone and everyone. You can find yourself in the pages and quickly block out the world in this immersive writing. I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone. I have to preorder now, even though I have a physical arc, I need more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Grief
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Racism, and Cursing