Scan barcode
A review by katykelly
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli, Aisha Saeed
4.0
Love in a time of Politics - unusual YA setting and pairing.
Unusual maybe, but all the more refreshing for it.
A Jewish introvert who looks forward to volunteering for his local representative even less than speaking at his sister's Bat Mitzvah.
"I just stammer and blush and can barely form words. But they, better that than the alternative... which, as I now know, involves phlegm, a touch of vomit, and State Senator Mathews' black Oxford shoes."
A Muslim girl with only one friend (who's leaving for college) who's not happy about being 'made' to volunteer at the campaign office. Will anyone place a bet on what might happen?
I jest. While you may feel you know what's likely to occur, the unique setting for this YA story brings a fresh feel to the well-worn story of opposites attracting. Jamie brings us the Jewish family angle, his fear of speaking in public. A cute little sister (slightly underused). A powerhouse of a tech-friendly Grandma. Maya is key to the plot, with her Muslim background (working mother who puts on a headscarf to answer the door) and whose best (and only) friend is a year older and moving on in life as she prepares for college.
The political story, I really enjoyed. Talk of candidates and their agendas, the work of the volunteers, it was a second plot within the YA 'romance'/friendship one. I found Jamie and Maya a rather adorable and empathetic pairing, both real-feeling articulate young people.
It feels very up-to-date, with references to The Good Place (a new favourite of mine) and Donald Trump. There is a racist incident that feels a little too neatly tied-up, but does form part of the overall story of Islamophobia that the story hovers round.
Sweet romance story at the centre of a small political drama. And a great way to spark a little teenage interest in the elections they will very soon be allowed to take part in. And should care about - Jamie and Maya's actions here prove that.
Nothing unsuitable here for young teens, recommended for ages 12 and over.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance reading copy.
Unusual maybe, but all the more refreshing for it.
A Jewish introvert who looks forward to volunteering for his local representative even less than speaking at his sister's Bat Mitzvah.
"I just stammer and blush and can barely form words. But they, better that than the alternative... which, as I now know, involves phlegm, a touch of vomit, and State Senator Mathews' black Oxford shoes."
A Muslim girl with only one friend (who's leaving for college) who's not happy about being 'made' to volunteer at the campaign office. Will anyone place a bet on what might happen?
I jest. While you may feel you know what's likely to occur, the unique setting for this YA story brings a fresh feel to the well-worn story of opposites attracting. Jamie brings us the Jewish family angle, his fear of speaking in public. A cute little sister (slightly underused). A powerhouse of a tech-friendly Grandma. Maya is key to the plot, with her Muslim background (working mother who puts on a headscarf to answer the door) and whose best (and only) friend is a year older and moving on in life as she prepares for college.
The political story, I really enjoyed. Talk of candidates and their agendas, the work of the volunteers, it was a second plot within the YA 'romance'/friendship one. I found Jamie and Maya a rather adorable and empathetic pairing, both real-feeling articulate young people.
It feels very up-to-date, with references to The Good Place (a new favourite of mine) and Donald Trump. There is a racist incident that feels a little too neatly tied-up, but does form part of the overall story of Islamophobia that the story hovers round.
Sweet romance story at the centre of a small political drama. And a great way to spark a little teenage interest in the elections they will very soon be allowed to take part in. And should care about - Jamie and Maya's actions here prove that.
Nothing unsuitable here for young teens, recommended for ages 12 and over.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing an advance reading copy.