Reviews with content warning for Sexism - Tell Me How You Really Feel

This was a quick and fun read, I like it a lot. The MCs are a great mix between stubborn and oblivious, getting both of their perspectives helps things from getting too stressful when miscommunications happen because we quickly hear the other person's side on the event, even if the effects take most of the book to resolve. It does touch on some stressful topics, but the characters gradually work through their issues in ways that felt good to read. The dynamics with the two families were very different and were well-placed in the book. They were very present without being distracting.

I like the way the films they watch and the one Rachel is making have just enough detail to highlight how they matter to the story, but without making the book be really about any of those films. It's focused on the romance of these very stubborn characters who should just kiss already, and then what happens when they actually do. If you love Gilmore Girls, but wanted Rory to date Paris, you will love this book. It’s definitely its own thing, but the dedication references Rory and Paris so I’m very confident that the parallels are intentional. I think the best friend was a little under-utilized but the story really isn't about him so it's not a big deal, just don't expect him to be the stand-in for Lane.

Overall this was a fun and cathartic romance, with just enough space for things to be bad before they get better.

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plumpaperbacks's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’m always eager to read more sapphic stories, and this one has been on my radar for some time now. While at first I did find Rachel unreasonably aggressive, it all worked out in the end. Safi’s sophomore novel has complex, diverse characters that steal both the spotlight and your heart, equally complex but ultimately great family dynamics, filmmaking and discussions of sexism in the film industry, and delicious gay yearning. There’s drama, yes, but it’s balanced out by a sweet romance I absolutely loved. It took less than 100 pages for me to be invested in Rachel and Sana’s story and about that many for me to decide they needed to kiss yesterday. Lesbian love stories are one of my favorite things to read, and Tell Me How You Really Feel didn’t disappoint. It deserves so much more hype. I’m going to buy my own copy, recommend it to everyone, and also read more of Safi’s books as soon as possible.

Representation:

Rachel is a Jewish Mexican lesbian
Sana is a Muslim Persian-Indian lesbian
Sapphic romance between the two protagonists

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