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A review by theofficialzhang
The Search for Us by Susan Azim Boyer
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest, spoiler-free review!
Themes: Family, Anti-Iranian Racism, Addiction
Representation: Half-Iranian main characters, Black side character, Vietnamese side character, Bisexual and Iranian side character
Content Warnings: Alcoholism, Racism, Addiction
Premise: Samira and Henry are both having troubles with their family. So they decide to take a DNA test to try to find their dad, only to be matched with each other! This leads them on a wild goose chase to find out what happened to their dad.
Characters
My favourite thing about this book is that it focused more on familial relationships rather than romantic ones (though one of the main characters DOES have a girlfriend). I mean, after all, it is a book about family. However, it is refreshing to see that because many books in general, tend to focus mostly on romantic relationships. BUT, familial relationships are just as important as romance!
The story starts with Samira’s narration. You are instantly drawn in by her voice, her frustrations, and her character. The problems that Samira faces, trying to keep her “fractured family from falling apart,” are pretty relatable to many youths. As you read about Samira’s problems, you can probably relate to how she feels and how she reacts to her issues regarding her family.
Though she’s not perfect and can be harsh at times (she’s human after all), you sympathize with her. You wish that she doesn’t have to deal with what she had to deal with. And she also grows and develops and heals as a character.
As for Henry, his character draws you in more slowly. Initially, he seems to be the “typical YA male protagonist” who plays hockey and has a girlfriend. However, as you read on, you start to realize that like Samira, he too, faces issues with his family. You start to root for him as well. Wishing that he too, can resolve his relationships with his parents.
As for Samira and Henry’s relationship, I thought it was well written. Though they are skeptical of each other at first, they learn to trust each other and developpe a sibling relationship where they support each other and help each other grow!
Finally, a book isn’t complete without its side characters. I liked how the author brought in Samira’s brother, Henry’s girlfriend, and their other family members. Though these characters do play a supporting role and help the main characters grow, they are also complex in their ways, particularly the family members. (I do wish the friends had a bit more complexity to them though….) They also have their own issues, and as you read the book, you cannot help but root for them.
Overall, props to the author for writing good, complex characters!
Rating: 4.8/5
Plot
Although this story is more character-based, the author doesn’t neglect the plot as well!
The author effectively uses the “plot mountain” to hook readers in. Setting up a nice exposition that introduces the characters, their problem, and their “goal”: which is for Samira and Henry to “embark on a search together for the Iranian immigrant and U.S. Army veteran father they never knew.”
In the rising action of the book, the author adds obstacles that the two siblings face that hinder them from meeting their “goal.” Making them wonder: is this a good idea? Making you, the reader wonder: what will happen? Which keeps you on your toes as you are invested in your journey.
And though the climax and end of the story are predictable, I think the author does a pretty good job with them. She wraps up the story nicely, leaving you with no more questions to ask and giving you a satisfying ending.
Rating: 4.7/5
Style
For the general formatting of the book, the author writes in dual points-of-view in the third-person, past tense. The chapters tend to be shorter so it is slightly faster-paced. This also allows the author to switch fluidly between both points of view.
As for the themes in the book, I think they are generally well-represented.
First of all, at the centre of the book, family is the focus. It is the main theme in the book considering that Samira and Henry are half-siblings that are looking for their dad. It answers the question “What does family mean?” Can family members that have been separated reunite? Can we forgive the actions of our family members? And the author addresses the nuances and complexity of family. Also, I like how family plays a huge role in the books which is, again, not something you see in many YA books.
The other main themes are more serious: addiction and racism. I won’t say too much about the first theme as it spoils some of the book other than that the author does a good job at addressing the complexity of addiction and not painting people who face these addictions as “monsters” but rather, complex people. For racism, I think it is well-addressed. The author is half-Iranian and truly pays homage to her main characters who are also half-Iranian. She also addresses the very real racism that Iranians face because, unfortunately, racism is still very prevalent today.
Finally, one of my favourite things about this book is that the author uses real-life experiences to write this story, which I think is pretty cool!
Rating: 4.8/5
Final Rating
Characters: 4.8/5
Plot: 4.7/5
Formatting: 4.8/5
Final Rating: 4.8/5 (round to 5 stars)
Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Date Read: July 11th, 2023
Date Reviewed: July 11th, 2023
Themes: Family, Anti-Iranian Racism, Addiction
Representation: Half-Iranian main characters, Black side character, Vietnamese side character, Bisexual and Iranian side character
Content Warnings: Alcoholism, Racism, Addiction
Premise: Samira and Henry are both having troubles with their family. So they decide to take a DNA test to try to find their dad, only to be matched with each other! This leads them on a wild goose chase to find out what happened to their dad.
Characters
My favourite thing about this book is that it focused more on familial relationships rather than romantic ones (though one of the main characters DOES have a girlfriend). I mean, after all, it is a book about family. However, it is refreshing to see that because many books in general, tend to focus mostly on romantic relationships. BUT, familial relationships are just as important as romance!
The story starts with Samira’s narration. You are instantly drawn in by her voice, her frustrations, and her character. The problems that Samira faces, trying to keep her “fractured family from falling apart,” are pretty relatable to many youths. As you read about Samira’s problems, you can probably relate to how she feels and how she reacts to her issues regarding her family.
Though she’s not perfect and can be harsh at times (she’s human after all), you sympathize with her. You wish that she doesn’t have to deal with what she had to deal with. And she also grows and develops and heals as a character.
As for Henry, his character draws you in more slowly. Initially, he seems to be the “typical YA male protagonist” who plays hockey and has a girlfriend. However, as you read on, you start to realize that like Samira, he too, faces issues with his family. You start to root for him as well. Wishing that he too, can resolve his relationships with his parents.
As for Samira and Henry’s relationship, I thought it was well written. Though they are skeptical of each other at first, they learn to trust each other and developpe a sibling relationship where they support each other and help each other grow!
Finally, a book isn’t complete without its side characters. I liked how the author brought in Samira’s brother, Henry’s girlfriend, and their other family members. Though these characters do play a supporting role and help the main characters grow, they are also complex in their ways, particularly the family members. (I do wish the friends had a bit more complexity to them though….) They also have their own issues, and as you read the book, you cannot help but root for them.
Overall, props to the author for writing good, complex characters!
Rating: 4.8/5
Plot
Although this story is more character-based, the author doesn’t neglect the plot as well!
The author effectively uses the “plot mountain” to hook readers in. Setting up a nice exposition that introduces the characters, their problem, and their “goal”: which is for Samira and Henry to “embark on a search together for the Iranian immigrant and U.S. Army veteran father they never knew.”
In the rising action of the book, the author adds obstacles that the two siblings face that hinder them from meeting their “goal.” Making them wonder: is this a good idea? Making you, the reader wonder: what will happen? Which keeps you on your toes as you are invested in your journey.
And though the climax and end of the story are predictable, I think the author does a pretty good job with them. She wraps up the story nicely, leaving you with no more questions to ask and giving you a satisfying ending.
Rating: 4.7/5
Style
For the general formatting of the book, the author writes in dual points-of-view in the third-person, past tense. The chapters tend to be shorter so it is slightly faster-paced. This also allows the author to switch fluidly between both points of view.
As for the themes in the book, I think they are generally well-represented.
First of all, at the centre of the book, family is the focus. It is the main theme in the book considering that Samira and Henry are half-siblings that are looking for their dad. It answers the question “What does family mean?” Can family members that have been separated reunite? Can we forgive the actions of our family members? And the author addresses the nuances and complexity of family. Also, I like how family plays a huge role in the books which is, again, not something you see in many YA books.
The other main themes are more serious: addiction and racism. I won’t say too much about the first theme as it spoils some of the book other than that the author does a good job at addressing the complexity of addiction and not painting people who face these addictions as “monsters” but rather, complex people. For racism, I think it is well-addressed. The author is half-Iranian and truly pays homage to her main characters who are also half-Iranian. She also addresses the very real racism that Iranians face because, unfortunately, racism is still very prevalent today.
Finally, one of my favourite things about this book is that the author uses real-life experiences to write this story, which I think is pretty cool!
Rating: 4.8/5
Final Rating
Characters: 4.8/5
Plot: 4.7/5
Formatting: 4.8/5
Final Rating: 4.8/5 (round to 5 stars)
Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Date Read: July 11th, 2023
Date Reviewed: July 11th, 2023