A review by dhiyanah
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I think I might actually enjoy novels with dual narration. At first I had trouble with the two main characters' voices sounding so similar in the book, but as the story progresses and the social contexts of their environments began unfolding, their voices got more distinct and it was easier to follow.

I loved the story, the characters are so easy to root for. The bullying that Hani went through, which sparked the whole fake dating idea, felt very relatable to what I've experienced and seen navigating South Asian diasporic challenges. What struck me was how Aisling and Dee would sugar-coat their behavior so that it wouldn't come off as harmful to others - that, and Ishu and Nik navigating a strict household did feel very close to home for me. It felt helpful to see how the author made space for these realities while keeping the overall story to a light-hearted mood. There are many adorable scenes here, as Hani and Ishu discover their truths for themselves and each other, that makes this an enjoyable and thoughtful cozy read.
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