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A review by juniper_reads_things
Fatima Tate Takes The Cake by Khadijah VanBrakle
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I was very excited to see this book on display at my local library. I’ve been reading more books about contemporary Muslim individuals, a subject I know very little about. I was so interested to learn more about the life of a Muslim teenager, and what her dating life would be like.
Once I started reading it, however, I was a little disappointed. The characters fell so flat for me. Zaynab is actually the world’s worst friend, she’s so self centered and is constantly overreacting when Fatima doesn’t put her first. Raheem does not have any lovable aspects about him, which makes for a bland villain. Fatima herself is empty headed and not convincing as a character either.
Several other reviews of this book I’ve read point out that this book is not great Muslim representation. Fatima doesn’t seem to be religious at heart, since she’s rushing through her prayers like they’re a chore to her. Several characters are homophobic to the queer character without really elaborating on why Islam condemns queerness. Fatima is afraid to talk to her parents about anything because they’re too strict.
Having been raised in a strict, conservative religious environment, I found myself relating to Fatima a little. I really just wanted More from this book that was never delivered.
Once I started reading it, however, I was a little disappointed. The characters fell so flat for me. Zaynab is actually the world’s worst friend, she’s so self centered and is constantly overreacting when Fatima doesn’t put her first. Raheem does not have any lovable aspects about him, which makes for a bland villain. Fatima herself is empty headed and not convincing as a character either.
Several other reviews of this book I’ve read point out that this book is not great Muslim representation. Fatima doesn’t seem to be religious at heart, since she’s rushing through her prayers like they’re a chore to her. Several characters are homophobic to the queer character without really elaborating on why Islam condemns queerness. Fatima is afraid to talk to her parents about anything because they’re too strict.
Having been raised in a strict, conservative religious environment, I found myself relating to Fatima a little. I really just wanted More from this book that was never delivered.