A review by cameronreads
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I cannot emphasise how important this book and books like it are, and I would genuinely urge everyone to read at least one of Adiba Jaigirdar's works. They provide valuable representation (that I cannot personally give an own voices review on, but I've heard from other OV reviews that the rep is spot on, and they are OV works), but The Henna Wars is also so informative for non-OV readers, about intersectionality, South Asian culture, cultural appropriation, coming out, and more. The characters and things they go through are so realistic, they feel like real teenagers making real mistakes (and learning from them!) and developing real relationships. The relationship between Nishat and Priti was a joy to read about especially, even if it wasn't the focal relationship of the book. There was also great character development, both for the main character Nishat and her love interest Flávia.
Personally this didn't get a five stars from me simply because contemporary isn't necessarily for me, which is obviously not the fault of the book but just meant it wasn't the most enjoyable read. I also found the writing a little simplistic, which again, is just my personal preference.