A review by prosepander
Just Another Epic Love Poem by Parisa Akhbari

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On the surface, a queer love story between longtime friends, but on closer inspection, it’s a story about forgiveness, and learning to trust even when that trust has been broken, even when you know you’re going to be hurt. 

Normally I’m not a young adult lit reader, but I absolutely do not regret reading Just Another Epic Love Poem. Akhbari weaves lines of poetry throughout the story in such a purposeful way that I was completely enamored me the whole time I read. It brings me back to my early days in college when I wrote my own poetry, and it’s inspiring in that way. 

Watching Mitra’s journey through managing her anxiety and opening herself up to truly trust the people in her life that she loves was a very well-crafted arc that I truly enjoyed. When I read Akhbari’s About the Author blurb, I could see her training as a therapist shining through. She writes about forgiveness and trust in a nuanced and authentic way that I think is missing from other media that have the same themes. 

Ultimately, I think this is an important story not only for the young adults that it’s meant for, but for adults as well.