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A review by m_riaelle
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
5.0
This book took me a long time to finish because I was busy, and some stuff triggered a bad memory or trauma. I'm glad the author put the content warnings before proceeding with the story. I also love the character development of Ishu (don't fight me on this, one of the love languages Ishu have is touch). My bisexual heart is happy to have read this. I felt connected with a LOT of characters here.
Firstly, the Abba of Hani made me remember how, as an immigrant, I do feel disconnected from my original country. It doesn't feel much inclusive in the country I'm currently living in for my people before. The Abba represents the people who are far from where they are from.
Second, Nik and Ishu. The way their parents tried to do things to get Nik back to University was manipulative and insensitive. And don't get me started when Ishu needed their help. As I have three siblings, I remember I was competing against 2 of them but didn't have the motivation to keep up because my parents are used to not expecting anything from me until I actually became the one they could trust for the future of the family. Their characters represent the fear of being a child of parents asking and pressuring for a lot and won't listen and understand their child, the fear of being cut off once they don't get what they want from you.
Third, Hani. I've done a lot of changing myself for the comfort of others. Bad treatment means no respect, and it might be because you've known them for soo long that you thought they were going to change or you were used to them, but it doesn't change the fact that they've disrespected you. Hani's character represents the people who should know and respect their own boundaries, so others will do too (unless they're a$$holes, leave them).
Lastly, the Ammu of Ishu. Lady, speak up and decide for yourself. I witnessed my mom like this; when she should have a say on things because, well, she's part of it. Over the years, I became like this too. Someone who can't speak up because I'm not a 'man' or because when I do, they call it 'disrespect.' That's where I started generally hating men. I give men who come into my life the benefit of the doubt, but when I see a red flag, they're instantly part of the 'men in general' on my list that I don't want to associate with.
Overall, this book is something EVERYONE should get and read. You'll learn a lot about how taking a break to figure things out isn't the end. All these characters were lost but came to terms to acknowledge it, figure it out, and take action at their own pace.
Content Warnings: This book contains instances of racism, homophobia (specifically biphobia and lesbophobia), Islamophobia, toxic friendship, gaslighting, and parental abandonment.
Firstly, the Abba of Hani made me remember how, as an immigrant, I do feel disconnected from my original country. It doesn't feel much inclusive in the country I'm currently living in for my people before. The Abba represents the people who are far from where they are from.
Second, Nik and Ishu. The way their parents tried to do things to get Nik back to University was manipulative and insensitive. And don't get me started when Ishu needed their help. As I have three siblings, I remember I was competing against 2 of them but didn't have the motivation to keep up because my parents are used to not expecting anything from me until I actually became the one they could trust for the future of the family. Their characters represent the fear of being a child of parents asking and pressuring for a lot and won't listen and understand their child, the fear of being cut off once they don't get what they want from you.
Third, Hani. I've done a lot of changing myself for the comfort of others. Bad treatment means no respect, and it might be because you've known them for soo long that you thought they were going to change or you were used to them, but it doesn't change the fact that they've disrespected you. Hani's character represents the people who should know and respect their own boundaries, so others will do too (unless they're a$$holes, leave them).
Lastly, the Ammu of Ishu. Lady, speak up and decide for yourself. I witnessed my mom like this; when she should have a say on things because, well, she's part of it. Over the years, I became like this too. Someone who can't speak up because I'm not a 'man' or because when I do, they call it 'disrespect.' That's where I started generally hating men. I give men who come into my life the benefit of the doubt, but when I see a red flag, they're instantly part of the 'men in general' on my list that I don't want to associate with.
Overall, this book is something EVERYONE should get and read. You'll learn a lot about how taking a break to figure things out isn't the end. All these characters were lost but came to terms to acknowledge it, figure it out, and take action at their own pace.
Content Warnings: This book contains instances of racism, homophobia (specifically biphobia and lesbophobia), Islamophobia, toxic friendship, gaslighting, and parental abandonment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Racism, Islamophobia, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment