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wrinnola's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Bullying, Self harm, Xenophobia, Grief, Islamophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death, Child death, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Car accident, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Blood, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Police brutality
rey_therese07's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Death, Grief, Hate crime, Islamophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Car accident, Drug abuse, Medical content, Physical abuse, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Police brutality, Racism, Religious bigotry, and War
mezzano's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Despite the clear trauma that the outside world has placed upon Shadi, I appreciated that the historical notes did not detract from the nuances of Shadi's struggle as a teenager. Shadi's Muslim identity was effortlessly woven in the narrative and yet was not used as a mechanism for pity. Shadi instead grappled with her faith after repeated trauma, and questioned her ability to trust others as a result of the discrimination she faced over the past year. Shadi's personal issues and the crux of the story wasn't about 9/11. It was about whether or not Shadi should give a friend the opportunity for a romantic relationship, or force herself to remain at her current social status quo. While external factors such as her family posed challenges for Shadi, at the end of the day, this novel is about Shadi's own growth. Shadi shines in this story, even when she feels she's about to break. She's allowed to solve her own issues, even as the world and others have their own to figure out.
Graphic: Islamophobia, Self harm, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Racism
Minor: Xenophobia and Police brutality