A review by sahitya
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

really wanted to like this. but i don't. the writing is good some times, monotone at others. dialogue is unnatural and in a way that does not make the work more compelling. the pop culture references feel forced and really age the book in an awkward 'how do you do kids?' way. i'm only going to take the good bits from it. yea. hope hani and ishu's guide to dating is better because im a sucker for fake relationship plots eek.

others:

her parents taking time to understand her identity was just so unrealistic to me but it sure as hell made me tear up because reasons ...

using cultural appropriation as a plot device is odd. sorry.

need a queer ya novel where the protagonists' friends aren't terrible people and doesn't get outed. PLEASE