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nadiamasood's reviews
287 reviews
Vagabond Princess: The Great Adventures of Gulbadan by Ruby Lal
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
3.0
This is the story of Princess Gulbadan, daughter of Emperor Babur (the founder of the Mughal Empire), and the only known female historian of her time. At 52, Princess Gulbadan boldly defied her nephew, Emperor Akbar, to lead a group of 11 women on a daring Hajj pilgrimage across the Indian and Arabian seas.
But here’s the thing: this book isn’t entirely about Gulbadan herself. It’s more about the fascinating world she lived in, though she does pop in and out of the narrative. There’s a fair bit of “she would have” but honestly, I can’t fault the author. I mean, working with only 83 folios and about 15 lines per page from Gulbadan’s original work? That’s pretty impressive!
I enjoyed this read. Gulbadan’s story is rarely told in historical nonfiction, and Lal captures her with a mix of respect and liveliness. It’s refreshing to see a Mughal princess portrayed as someone who didn’t just follow the rules but made her own.
That said, some parts did feel like they dragged a bit, leaning into textbook territory. And with limited source material, there’s that speculative tone in places that might not sit well with everyone.
Overall, Vagabond Princess is an engaging look at an incredible woman who defied the norms in an era where royal women were often kept in the background. It’s a must-read for history fans and anyone curious about the hidden lives of powerful women. A little slow here and there, but worth it!
But here’s the thing: this book isn’t entirely about Gulbadan herself. It’s more about the fascinating world she lived in, though she does pop in and out of the narrative. There’s a fair bit of “she would have” but honestly, I can’t fault the author. I mean, working with only 83 folios and about 15 lines per page from Gulbadan’s original work? That’s pretty impressive!
I enjoyed this read. Gulbadan’s story is rarely told in historical nonfiction, and Lal captures her with a mix of respect and liveliness. It’s refreshing to see a Mughal princess portrayed as someone who didn’t just follow the rules but made her own.
That said, some parts did feel like they dragged a bit, leaning into textbook territory. And with limited source material, there’s that speculative tone in places that might not sit well with everyone.
Overall, Vagabond Princess is an engaging look at an incredible woman who defied the norms in an era where royal women were often kept in the background. It’s a must-read for history fans and anyone curious about the hidden lives of powerful women. A little slow here and there, but worth it!
Heir by Sabaa Tahir
If you're looking for a character-driven story that will grip you from the first page and not let go until the very end, Heir is a must-read. It's dark, it's intense, and it's everything a fan of epic fantasy could hope for!
Content Warning:This book is full of violence—think lots of deaths (including kids), bloody battles, and a supernatural creature that needs to eat hearts to stay strong. It tackles intense themes like torture and mass murder, too. On the romance side, expect some flirting, kissing, and a few non-graphic sex scenes.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can't believe it ended like that! Tahir, you brilliant, cruel master storyteller— that cliffhanger was absolute torture. I need the sequel right now!
This review comes from someone who read (and LOVED) An Ember in the Ashes series three years ago. Heir is set 20 years after the events of Ember, so the world, magic system, and some characters felt like a natural extension, allowing me to slip back into the story effortlessly.
Heir is just as dark (if not darker!) and had me on the edge of my seat, leaving me breathless and desperate for the sequel. Tahir's writing is as sharp, evocative, and immersive as ever, pulling you in and refusing to let go. It's rare for YA fantasy books to have this kind of effect on me!
With three alternating POVs, I can imagine that it can be a little tricky for some readers to keep track of the plot and everyone’s backstories. But I think Tahir does a fantastic job of tying all the stories together.
Oh, and there was this moment while reading the book where I seriously started to wonder if everything was happening simultaneously (if you’ve read it, you know what I mean!). But once the twist was unraveled, everything clicked into place! I was momentarily confused but later thought the storytelling was actually pretty impressive.
One of the things I truly admire about Tahir is how she crafts her villains. In her books, evil is never just black and white; it’s layered and often tragic. In Heir, she raises the intriguing question of how far someone will go to protect their people. She explores the dangerous paths people take when they’re after quick, bloody revenge and how easy it is to lose yourself in the chase for greed. And let’s not forget the deep desperation that comes from wanting a better life!
Though romance isn’t the main focus of the plot, love is a significant theme that runs through the story—encompassing familial bonds, found families, friendship, and romantic relationships. I think the romances (yes, there are multiple!) are beautifully crafted. Expect lots of longing, a bit of spice, and maybe even a dash of heartbreak!
The pacing is relentless, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And that cliffhanger ending? Absolutely devastating! It left me heartbroken and desperate for more, a testament to Tahir's ability to craft a truly immersive story.
This review comes from someone who read (and LOVED) An Ember in the Ashes series three years ago. Heir is set 20 years after the events of Ember, so the world, magic system, and some characters felt like a natural extension, allowing me to slip back into the story effortlessly.
Heir is just as dark (if not darker!) and had me on the edge of my seat, leaving me breathless and desperate for the sequel. Tahir's writing is as sharp, evocative, and immersive as ever, pulling you in and refusing to let go. It's rare for YA fantasy books to have this kind of effect on me!
With three alternating POVs, I can imagine that it can be a little tricky for some readers to keep track of the plot and everyone’s backstories. But I think Tahir does a fantastic job of tying all the stories together.
Oh, and there was this moment while reading the book where I seriously started to wonder if everything was happening simultaneously (if you’ve read it, you know what I mean!). But once the twist was unraveled, everything clicked into place! I was momentarily confused but later thought the storytelling was actually pretty impressive.
One of the things I truly admire about Tahir is how she crafts her villains. In her books, evil is never just black and white; it’s layered and often tragic. In Heir, she raises the intriguing question of how far someone will go to protect their people. She explores the dangerous paths people take when they’re after quick, bloody revenge and how easy it is to lose yourself in the chase for greed. And let’s not forget the deep desperation that comes from wanting a better life!
Though romance isn’t the main focus of the plot, love is a significant theme that runs through the story—encompassing familial bonds, found families, friendship, and romantic relationships. I think the romances (yes, there are multiple!) are beautifully crafted. Expect lots of longing, a bit of spice, and maybe even a dash of heartbreak!
The pacing is relentless, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And that cliffhanger ending? Absolutely devastating! It left me heartbroken and desperate for more, a testament to Tahir's ability to craft a truly immersive story.
If you're looking for a character-driven story that will grip you from the first page and not let go until the very end, Heir is a must-read. It's dark, it's intense, and it's everything a fan of epic fantasy could hope for!
Content Warning:
Look Closer by David Ellis
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The suspense in the story is unrelenting! What I loved most about this book is how, apart from the police investigating the case, every character is unreliable!
The story kicks off with a dead socialite hanging from the stair railing of her fancy Chicago home. We’re immediately in the head of the guy who killed her, strolling away in a Grim Reaper costume on Halloween night, and no one has a clue. From there, the rollercoaster of a thriller begins, and let me tell you—nothing and no one is what they seem. Not even close!
This might just be one of the twistiest books I’ve ever read, but I can’t say much about the plot without giving away too much. It’s definitely one of those reads where you need to pay attention because there’s a lot happening. It's dark, it's devious, and it's downright addictive!
Overall, David Ellis' Look Closer is a clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession—and quite possibly the perfect murder. It’s hard to know who to root for in this cat-and-mouse game, as we learn more of our protagonists’ motivations. These characters are manipulative, morally grey, and sometimes straight-up unlikable. That's part of what makes this story interesting!
The Ending: Some readers may love how the book wrapped everything up with one final shocking twist, while others felt it was a bit too out there. It’s definitely a "you’ll love it or hate it" situation, but no doubt, it leaves an impression!
If you enjoy thrillers with unreliable narrators, psychological twists, and characters that are as cunning as they are complex, Look Closer will hit the spot.
The story kicks off with a dead socialite hanging from the stair railing of her fancy Chicago home. We’re immediately in the head of the guy who killed her, strolling away in a Grim Reaper costume on Halloween night, and no one has a clue. From there, the rollercoaster of a thriller begins, and let me tell you—nothing and no one is what they seem. Not even close!
This might just be one of the twistiest books I’ve ever read, but I can’t say much about the plot without giving away too much. It’s definitely one of those reads where you need to pay attention because there’s a lot happening. It's dark, it's devious, and it's downright addictive!
Overall, David Ellis' Look Closer is a clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession—and quite possibly the perfect murder. It’s hard to know who to root for in this cat-and-mouse game, as we learn more of our protagonists’ motivations. These characters are manipulative, morally grey, and sometimes straight-up unlikable. That's part of what makes this story interesting!
The Ending: Some readers may love how the book wrapped everything up with one final shocking twist, while others felt it was a bit too out there. It’s definitely a "you’ll love it or hate it" situation, but no doubt, it leaves an impression!
If you enjoy thrillers with unreliable narrators, psychological twists, and characters that are as cunning as they are complex, Look Closer will hit the spot.
The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've read about ten Japanese novels, and this one is my favorite so far! It's character-driven, and the writing is poetic and atmospheric. Even though it tackles some heavy themes, it wasn't a stressful read (although there were some moments that broke my heart). What really stood out was the resilience of the characters. I took my time with this one, and by the end, I just wanted to visit that part of Japan and meet everyone. If you like annotating books, you'll totally enjoy this one!
The book is presented as journal entries from a young Chinese-American man sent to his family's house in the quiet Japanese village of Tarumi to recover from tuberculosis.
The Samurai’s Garden is metaphorical. There aren't any traditional samurai in this book, but Matsu embodies their spirit with his dedication, honor, and quiet strength. His careful tending of the garden reflects the discipline and resilience of a samurai, and the garden itself serves as a sanctuary for him and others amid the chaos of the outside world.
Stephen is the main character whose journal we’re following in the book. I’m really trying to understand him and keep reminding myself that he’s just a 20-year-old guy from the 1930s, so his perspective might reflect that. He arrives in this Japanese village sick and lonely, makes friends, learns a lot about them, and experiences some life-changing events. But by the end of the book, he goes back home feeling lonely...perhaps even lonelier (albeit healthier). Maybe this is what makes his character feel real?
Matsu is such a reliable character! He’s like the metaphorical samurai from the title and totally embodies that vibe—peaceful, quiet, and private. I love how patient and caring he is with Stephen, even when Stephen comes off as a bit intrusive. He’s a great role model for him. Without giving too much away, Matsu deals with a lot of loss and heartbreak, and his way of coping is through gardening.
Sachi is my favorite character. I find her story the most interesting. Once renowned for her beauty, Sachi’s life takes a tragic turn when she contracts leprosy. Her inner strength and resilience are admirable. She embodies beauty and grace in tough times, and her friendship with Matsu highlights loyalty and unconditional love. Her story shows how the human spirit can endure and find peace amid challenges, making her one of the most memorable characters in the novel.
The ending is pretty ambiguous and open-ended. Stephen arrives in Tarumi weak and lonely, and he heads back to Hong Kong feeling more isolated than ever (albeit physically healthier). I suppose this lack of resolution reflects the real-life complexities and uncertainties, where everyone just moves on. The novel doesn’t tie everything up neatly, perhaps because life rarely works that way.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with complex relationships, this book is a good choice. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, it offers a rich historical backdrop that deepens the characters' journeys. Themes of healing and resilience shine through, and Tsukiyama's gentle, reflective writing style makes for a meditative read. You'll also get a glimpse into Japanese culture and how history shapes individual lives. If you like emotional depth mixed with historical context and beautiful prose, this book is definitely worth checking out!
Trigger Warning: Suicide. I appreciate how Tsukiyama has explored this topic with sensitivity. It is worth noting that in Japan, suicide doesn't often carry the stigma of sin. For some, there's still a lingering cultural notion that romanticizes noble suicide, where it be seen as an attempt to restore honor, atone for failures, or to avoid disgrace.
The book is presented as journal entries from a young Chinese-American man sent to his family's house in the quiet Japanese village of Tarumi to recover from tuberculosis.
The Samurai’s Garden is metaphorical. There aren't any traditional samurai in this book, but Matsu embodies their spirit with his dedication, honor, and quiet strength. His careful tending of the garden reflects the discipline and resilience of a samurai, and the garden itself serves as a sanctuary for him and others amid the chaos of the outside world.
Stephen is the main character whose journal we’re following in the book. I’m really trying to understand him and keep reminding myself that he’s just a 20-year-old guy from the 1930s, so his perspective might reflect that. He arrives in this Japanese village sick and lonely, makes friends, learns a lot about them, and experiences some life-changing events. But by the end of the book, he goes back home feeling lonely...perhaps even lonelier (albeit healthier). Maybe this is what makes his character feel real?
Matsu is such a reliable character! He’s like the metaphorical samurai from the title and totally embodies that vibe—peaceful, quiet, and private. I love how patient and caring he is with Stephen, even when Stephen comes off as a bit intrusive. He’s a great role model for him. Without giving too much away, Matsu deals with a lot of loss and heartbreak, and his way of coping is through gardening.
Sachi is my favorite character. I find her story the most interesting. Once renowned for her beauty, Sachi’s life takes a tragic turn when she contracts leprosy. Her inner strength and resilience are admirable. She embodies beauty and grace in tough times, and her friendship with Matsu highlights loyalty and unconditional love. Her story shows how the human spirit can endure and find peace amid challenges, making her one of the most memorable characters in the novel.
The ending is pretty ambiguous and open-ended. Stephen arrives in Tarumi weak and lonely, and he heads back to Hong Kong feeling more isolated than ever (albeit physically healthier). I suppose this lack of resolution reflects the real-life complexities and uncertainties, where everyone just moves on. The novel doesn’t tie everything up neatly, perhaps because life rarely works that way.
If you enjoy character-driven stories with complex relationships, this book is a good choice. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, it offers a rich historical backdrop that deepens the characters' journeys. Themes of healing and resilience shine through, and Tsukiyama's gentle, reflective writing style makes for a meditative read. You'll also get a glimpse into Japanese culture and how history shapes individual lives. If you like emotional depth mixed with historical context and beautiful prose, this book is definitely worth checking out!
Trigger Warning: Suicide. I appreciate how Tsukiyama has explored this topic with sensitivity. It is worth noting that in Japan, suicide doesn't often carry the stigma of sin. For some, there's still a lingering cultural notion that romanticizes noble suicide, where it be seen as an attempt to restore honor, atone for failures, or to avoid disgrace.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Death and War
A Whisper of Death by Darcy Burke
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was surprisingly good! It’s a historical mystery with paranormal intrigue and just a hint of romance. But wait—it’s not quite romance yet. While there’s some subtle flirting between the main characters, their relationship feels more like a friendship than a romantic one.
Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst. The greenest green flag! It’s refreshing to have a wealthy aristocratic gentleman as the main character in a historical novel who isn't a rogue or scoundrel. He survives a brutal attack only to find himself cursed with the ability to see visions.
Matilda Wren—what a smart female main character! I love her. After the death of her cousin and discovering that much of her family’s investments have mysteriously vanished, she sets out to investigate. She’s hired by Hadrian as a private investigator, and together, they solve the mysteries surrounding his assailant and her cousin's death.
Even though the pacing is a bit on the slow side, I still enjoyed the book, especially watching how Matilda and Hadrian's partnership develops as they face danger together. Their slow-burn chemistry adds emotional depth to the suspense. This is the first book in what seems to be a two-book (I think) series, and the tension between the main characters definitely hints at more exciting developments to come!
I did have a few issues with the book. First, the cover suggests a much eerier, gothic story than what you actually get inside. Second, the main characters feel a bit too perfect. And third, it’s hard to believe that an unmarried woman is wandering around London with an unmarried man without a chaperone!
Readers looking for a story rich in Victorian atmosphere, clever plotting, slow-burn romance, and a touch of magic will love this book.
Hadrian Becket, the Earl of Ravenhurst. The greenest green flag! It’s refreshing to have a wealthy aristocratic gentleman as the main character in a historical novel who isn't a rogue or scoundrel. He survives a brutal attack only to find himself cursed with the ability to see visions.
Matilda Wren—what a smart female main character! I love her. After the death of her cousin and discovering that much of her family’s investments have mysteriously vanished, she sets out to investigate. She’s hired by Hadrian as a private investigator, and together, they solve the mysteries surrounding his assailant and her cousin's death.
Even though the pacing is a bit on the slow side, I still enjoyed the book, especially watching how Matilda and Hadrian's partnership develops as they face danger together. Their slow-burn chemistry adds emotional depth to the suspense. This is the first book in what seems to be a two-book (I think) series, and the tension between the main characters definitely hints at more exciting developments to come!
I did have a few issues with the book. First, the cover suggests a much eerier, gothic story than what you actually get inside. Second, the main characters feel a bit too perfect. And third, it’s hard to believe that an unmarried woman is wandering around London with an unmarried man without a chaperone!
Readers looking for a story rich in Victorian atmosphere, clever plotting, slow-burn romance, and a touch of magic will love this book.
The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World by Antony Loewenstein
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I think anyone who cares about what's happening in the world needs to read this book. It uncovers how Israel uses the occupied Palestinian territories as a testing ground for military and surveillance technologies, which are then sold globally.
The book is widely seen as a powerful critique of Israel's foreign policies and its global influence in the military and surveillance sectors. However, what made me pick it up was Loewenstein’s personal background as a Jewish Australian and his years of experience as an investigative journalist. I wanted to know what he had to say on the subject.
Antony Loewenstein explores how Israel uses its occupation of Palestine to develop military technology, which it then exports to other countries. He argues that the techniques and tools tested on Palestinians are marketed globally as "battle-tested."
I have to say, Loewenstein’s research is impressive, and the book goes beyond Israel and Palestine. It connects the dots to show how these technologies influence global conflicts and support authoritarian regimes.
Everyone should read this book to learn the truth. It's not a quick and easy read, though. It’s packed with information, and at times, it can feel overwhelming. Be prepared to take your time with it.
The book is widely seen as a powerful critique of Israel's foreign policies and its global influence in the military and surveillance sectors. However, what made me pick it up was Loewenstein’s personal background as a Jewish Australian and his years of experience as an investigative journalist. I wanted to know what he had to say on the subject.
Antony Loewenstein explores how Israel uses its occupation of Palestine to develop military technology, which it then exports to other countries. He argues that the techniques and tools tested on Palestinians are marketed globally as "battle-tested."
I have to say, Loewenstein’s research is impressive, and the book goes beyond Israel and Palestine. It connects the dots to show how these technologies influence global conflicts and support authoritarian regimes.
Everyone should read this book to learn the truth. It's not a quick and easy read, though. It’s packed with information, and at times, it can feel overwhelming. Be prepared to take your time with it.
The Story Spinner by Barbara Erskine
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is an atmospheric novel that weaves together romance, history, and supernatural elements that will keep you turning pages!
Cadi, a modern-day poet, stumbles across the ancient story of Elen, a Welsh princess from 382 AD who was married to the Roman general Macsen. But when Cadi starts writing, her pen seems to move on its own, as if Elen’s spirit is guiding her! To make things even weirder, she keeps hearing the marching of soldiers... but no one's there.
Erskine's writing is gorgeous, and I loved the supernatural elements in the story. Along with the eerie sound of invisible marching soldiers and the psychic link between Cadi and Elen through the pen, there’s also a mysterious timeslip or wormhole and ghostly apparitions.
The plot is rich with atmosphere, starting in a small Welsh village where Cadi lives, and spans back to the ancient Roman-British world. I loved Elen's story!
Unfortunately, by the time I was at 60%, Cadi’s storyline—the creepy and obsessive ex-boyfriend, her struggling with writer’s block, and the development project on the land—started to feel tiring. I just wanted to skip-read Elen’s story, which I found far more captivating and exciting.
Who is this book for? If you love time-slip novels, historical fiction with strong female leads, or stories with a touch of the paranormal, The Story Spinner is a must-read. It’s perfect for readers who like their history with a side of mystery and a sprinkle of the supernatural.
Cadi, a modern-day poet, stumbles across the ancient story of Elen, a Welsh princess from 382 AD who was married to the Roman general Macsen. But when Cadi starts writing, her pen seems to move on its own, as if Elen’s spirit is guiding her! To make things even weirder, she keeps hearing the marching of soldiers... but no one's there.
Erskine's writing is gorgeous, and I loved the supernatural elements in the story. Along with the eerie sound of invisible marching soldiers and the psychic link between Cadi and Elen through the pen, there’s also a mysterious timeslip or wormhole and ghostly apparitions.
The plot is rich with atmosphere, starting in a small Welsh village where Cadi lives, and spans back to the ancient Roman-British world. I loved Elen's story!
Unfortunately, by the time I was at 60%, Cadi’s storyline—the creepy and obsessive ex-boyfriend, her struggling with writer’s block, and the development project on the land—started to feel tiring. I just wanted to skip-read Elen’s story, which I found far more captivating and exciting.
Who is this book for? If you love time-slip novels, historical fiction with strong female leads, or stories with a touch of the paranormal, The Story Spinner is a must-read. It’s perfect for readers who like their history with a side of mystery and a sprinkle of the supernatural.
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil A Rún, Vol. 4 by Nagabe
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy with emotional depth, this volume is a must-read!
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So besides Teacher and Shiva, we now have Auntie living under the same roof. I particularly loved the scenes where they were baking a raspberry pie.
One of the standout aspects of this volume is the exploration of trust and fear. Teacher’s protective nature is both touching and tragic. The tension builds as secrets about the curse are slowly revealed.
One of the standout aspects of this volume is the exploration of trust and fear. Teacher’s protective nature is both touching and tragic. The tension builds as secrets about the curse are slowly revealed.
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy with emotional depth, this volume is a must-read!
Huda F Cares? by Huda Fahmy
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This graphic novel is so much fun! It's about a Muslim American teenager trying to figure out who she is, all while on a family vacation to Disney World.
It’s a fun, hilarious, and heartfelt journey of self-discovery as Huda and her sisters tackle the ups and downs of growing up, building confidence, and staying true to their cultural and religious roots. The characters are super relatable (except for when the girls are shown wearing hijab inside the house, because we don't if it's just us at home), and it made me miss my own sisters so much after reading it!
Packed with relatable moments and laugh-out-loud scenes, this book dives into big themes like identity and self-acceptance, all while highlighting the diverse and vibrant experiences of Muslim Americans. It’s an exciting, eye-opening read that left me cheering for Huda every step of the way!
I am also impressed by Huda's artwork. The cartoon-like illustrations are vibrant, and I find that they capture the emotions and personalities of the characters with great detail. The exaggerated facial expressions and body language often add an extra layer of comedy to the dialogue, making the funny moments even more impactful.
If you’re in the mood for a graphic novel with humor, heart, and cultural insight, “Huda F Cares?” is a must-read! This is perfect for teens, young adults, and anyone who loves coming-of-age stories with a diverse twist.
It’s a fun, hilarious, and heartfelt journey of self-discovery as Huda and her sisters tackle the ups and downs of growing up, building confidence, and staying true to their cultural and religious roots. The characters are super relatable (except for when the girls are shown wearing hijab inside the house, because we don't if it's just us at home), and it made me miss my own sisters so much after reading it!
Packed with relatable moments and laugh-out-loud scenes, this book dives into big themes like identity and self-acceptance, all while highlighting the diverse and vibrant experiences of Muslim Americans. It’s an exciting, eye-opening read that left me cheering for Huda every step of the way!
I am also impressed by Huda's artwork. The cartoon-like illustrations are vibrant, and I find that they capture the emotions and personalities of the characters with great detail. The exaggerated facial expressions and body language often add an extra layer of comedy to the dialogue, making the funny moments even more impactful.
If you’re in the mood for a graphic novel with humor, heart, and cultural insight, “Huda F Cares?” is a must-read! This is perfect for teens, young adults, and anyone who loves coming-of-age stories with a diverse twist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Islamophobia
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 3 by Nagabe
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely love the bittersweet reunion between Shiva and the Teacher! The way he cares for her and looks after her when she's sick is so touching.
Volume 3 is a great follow-up to the series. It mixes dark, gothic vibes with sweet moments of tenderness and hope. If you're into beautifully illustrated stories that tug at your heartstrings, you definitely need to check out this manga!
Volume 3 is a great follow-up to the series. It mixes dark, gothic vibes with sweet moments of tenderness and hope. If you're into beautifully illustrated stories that tug at your heartstrings, you definitely need to check out this manga!