Scan barcode
A review by abi2xoxo
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I read this book in two days so to say it was a quick read is an understatement.
I honestly did enjoy the book.
pros-
It is set in Ireland! I love Ireland. Funnily enough, I fly to visit my family in Ireland this Saturday so this book was fun.
The characters were so diverse. They are both Bengali and most writers would have either put both of them in the category of Muslim or non- muslin. And I am happy to announce Jaigirdar didn't do this. The characters Ishu and Hani both have different faiths. I liked the fact that the Muslim faith wasn't shy of being shown. It was a lovely side to Hani's character and I am glad the author tapped into it.
If you have ever read any of my other reviews you know I love a two-sided story. I will leave it at that.
I LOVE when Hani's Abba speaks about the troubles he had when we left Bangladesh and moved to Ireland and how they felt disconnected from how they were brought up. This is such a lovely few pages and it gave great depth into Hani's parents.
The biphobia was handled in a good way. could have been better, but that's like with anything.
The writer is a lovely and compassionate author. I would read another one of her books.
cons-
The friends Hani had didn't really have any background. I know that the background of background characters doesn't really matter but I was just left a little confused as to why they were behaving like that or how they were raised may have differed from Hani's.
I think the book was a little rushed. It is clear the author is a good one and that she has lots of ideas but it all felt a little speedy. I know this book is aimed at teens so to keep their attention you do need to keep it a little shorter. This book has great potential and it could be made much longer.
It was annoying how the fact that the only way they knew they liked each other is when Ishu kissed Han on page 323. They never had a conversation even though both of them were written like they would have the emotional maturity to do so. It was strange how I was reading two people who liked each other and they just expected the other to know. Because they said in the same sort of way through each chapter I had to keep going back and checking who I was reading.
Also, I wasn't very satisfied with the outcome but that's just me.
I don't know if it is because I read it too fast or because it actually didn't happen but I swear Ishu never came out to her parents. When I was reading the content warnings on the story graph it says 'parental abandonment and I was thinking "gosh that means Ishu may get kicked out?" never happened.
Definitely give this a read and if you want it for your child I would say it is definitely tame enough for them. The biphobia isn't anything too strong and it is a lovely queer story!
I honestly did enjoy the book.
pros-
It is set in Ireland! I love Ireland. Funnily enough, I fly to visit my family in Ireland this Saturday so this book was fun.
The characters were so diverse. They are both Bengali and most writers would have either put both of them in the category of Muslim or non- muslin. And I am happy to announce Jaigirdar didn't do this. The characters Ishu and Hani both have different faiths. I liked the fact that the Muslim faith wasn't shy of being shown. It was a lovely side to Hani's character and I am glad the author tapped into it.
If you have ever read any of my other reviews you know I love a two-sided story. I will leave it at that.
I LOVE when Hani's Abba speaks about the troubles he had when we left Bangladesh and moved to Ireland and how they felt disconnected from how they were brought up. This is such a lovely few pages and it gave great depth into Hani's parents.
The biphobia was handled in a good way. could have been better, but that's like with anything.
The writer is a lovely and compassionate author. I would read another one of her books.
cons-
The friends Hani had didn't really have any background. I know that the background of background characters doesn't really matter but I was just left a little confused as to why they were behaving like that or how they were raised may have differed from Hani's.
I think the book was a little rushed. It is clear the author is a good one and that she has lots of ideas but it all felt a little speedy. I know this book is aimed at teens so to keep their attention you do need to keep it a little shorter. This book has great potential and it could be made much longer.
It was annoying how the fact that the only way they knew they liked each other is when Ishu kissed Han on page 323. They never had a conversation even though both of them were written like they would have the emotional maturity to do so. It was strange how I was reading two people who liked each other and they just expected the other to know. Because they said in the same sort of way through each chapter I had to keep going back and checking who I was reading.
Also, I wasn't very satisfied with the outcome but that's just me.
I don't know if it is because I read it too fast or because it actually didn't happen but I swear Ishu never came out to her parents. When I was reading the content warnings on the story graph it says 'parental abandonment and I was thinking "gosh that means Ishu may get kicked out?" never happened.
Definitely give this a read and if you want it for your child I would say it is definitely tame enough for them. The biphobia isn't anything too strong and it is a lovely queer story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic friendship, Biphobia, Homophobia, and Gaslighting
Minor: Cursing