A review by whatjasread
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

- I think my general summary of this is that I liked it but am also a little underwhelmed
- I, as a Muslim, would like to see 'Muslim love stories' that don't involve some kind of political rally or a need for someone to be a big figure at the mosque - we can be Muslim without being politicians
- loved the sapphic elements, though i did want more of the conflicted feelings and close calls
- the ending felt a bit abrupt to me, could easily have been 50 pages longer
- loved the exploration of different family dynamics, and the whole 'sibling doubt' that ishu has with nik, very well done from my personal perspective!
- was occasionally (constantly) very angry at hani's decision to play the doormat :)

TWs: microaggressions, Islamophobia, biphobia, lesbophobia, toxic friendships, gaslighting, racism, parental abandonment, alcohol consumption, bullying, strained family relationships

Tropes/themes/rep: Queer Muslim FMC, bisexual Indian FMC, Bengali MCs, fake dating, high school setting
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