A review by agdunhom
Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win by Susan Azim Boyer

emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense 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

Jasmine Zumideh Needs A Win is a fantastic YA Historical Fiction novel set in 1979 amid the Iranian Hostage Crisis. It was so cool to read a book with great Iranian/MENA rep for the first time and I think the perspectives that the representation and the political backdrop brought are just so valuable for younger readers. Plot-wise it’s like the TV show ‘The Politician’ meets the spiral of deception of the musical Dear Evan Hansen. I personally have a little too much social anxiety for books that build up interpersonal conflict until the very end but if you like that sort of tension and release style writing you will definitely adore this must-read YA novel. Here’s to books about learning to fully love yourself and your background and to NetGalley for letting me read such a great book in advance in exchange for an honest review!