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A review by katiemack
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
challenging
funny
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
This is marketed as a retelling of You've Got Mail, and it's an improvement on the original. Jalaluddin has created a strong, intelligent, fully realized character in Hana; I appreciated that she has her own career goals related to radio and podcasting but isn't above helping out her family. Speaking of family, Hana's aunt and cousin need their own books...
The Islamophobic attacks that happen are also poignant; it would be easy to dismiss them as overwrought, but, unfortunately, those micro- and macroaggressions happen every day, and I'm glad Jalaluddin does not shy away from that and brings this to the forefront of her book.
The writing feels more YA than adult or New Adult--at times I wanted less telling and more showing--but overall it works well here. I would also recommend viewing this more as contemporary literature than romance; the romance is present but isn't the center of the novel. Overall, if you liked Jalaluddin's first book, you'll probably like this one too.
The Islamophobic attacks that happen are also poignant; it would be easy to dismiss them as overwrought, but, unfortunately, those micro- and macroaggressions happen every day, and I'm glad Jalaluddin does not shy away from that and brings this to the forefront of her book.
The writing feels more YA than adult or New Adult--at times I wanted less telling and more showing--but overall it works well here. I would also recommend viewing this more as contemporary literature than romance; the romance is present but isn't the center of the novel. Overall, if you liked Jalaluddin's first book, you'll probably like this one too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Car accident