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A review by bookishmillennial
More Than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
Thank you to @readwithshar for recommending this book for my 2024 #12Friends12Books challenge. I read this via Libby :D
This book follows Danyal, who wants to be a chef, but is mostly known as a "pretty face," so when he is nominated for the Renaissance Man, a school-wide academic championship, suffice to say it's a surprise.. In order to do well, he gains the help of Bisma, but is hoping to impress his crush Kaval's family. As he spends more time with Bisma, he starts to wonder is Kaval really is the right person for him.
I loved this coming-of-age story about Danyal, and how he explores being Desi, being Muslim, being a young kid trying to figure out what's right for him. I think Bisma was a great character; she felt resigned to her past continuing to haunt her, but simultaneously kept it moving and didn't wallow in despair. The friendship between Danyal and Bisma built up naturally, and I was rooting for them to find their happily for now. It was honestly so easy to root for them, as they were both so beautifully human and trying their best, and the way they found true companionship and camaraderie in each other was perfect.
No shade to Ariyan Kassam, the narrator, but I did not love the narration of this audiobook. I recommend the ebook or print copy if that's accessible to yall!
Thank you to @readwithshar for recommending this book for my 2024 #12Friends12Books challenge. I read this via Libby :D
This book follows Danyal, who wants to be a chef, but is mostly known as a "pretty face," so when he is nominated for the Renaissance Man, a school-wide academic championship, suffice to say it's a surprise.. In order to do well, he gains the help of Bisma, but is hoping to impress his crush Kaval's family. As he spends more time with Bisma, he starts to wonder is Kaval really is the right person for him.
I loved this coming-of-age story about Danyal, and how he explores being Desi, being Muslim, being a young kid trying to figure out what's right for him. I think Bisma was a great character; she felt resigned to her past continuing to haunt her, but simultaneously kept it moving and didn't wallow in despair. The friendship between Danyal and Bisma built up naturally, and I was rooting for them to find their happily for now. It was honestly so easy to root for them, as they were both so beautifully human and trying their best, and the way they found true companionship and camaraderie in each other was perfect.
No shade to Ariyan Kassam, the narrator, but I did not love the narration of this audiobook. I recommend the ebook or print copy if that's accessible to yall!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Genocide, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Colonisation, Gun violence, and Death