Mira

I've always seen this book on the shelves of every bookstore I went to but I never felt like reading it until this year - when I have too much time on my hands.

Needless to say, it is a very hyped book that made me curious to finally pick it up so I would finally know what the buzz is about.

Unfortunately, I have to say I'm not impressed by the book. The plot only picked up at the end of Part 4 for me that made me finally sit up and genuinely feel interested to finish it.

Positives
- i didn't see the plot twist would be like that. i was imagining it entirely different so it caught me by surprise. i've heard people talking about the plot twist so i was looking forward to find out and w
was glad it wasn't something predictable to me
- the themes of racism and privilege were interesting to explore in the book and i have to give credits to gat's character for them to be discussed

Negatives
- i thought cadence and gat's relationship was undeveloped. i didn't feel anything for them nor was i rooting for them. most of the time, i thought cadence's love story with gat was unnecessary and wish they were just friends. later on, i realised her love for gat was significant for what happened but still, i thought it could have been done better.
- the writing seems way overdramatic and bland. i've read people talking about how they hate that
some sentences
are broke down
like
this
but this isn't the main issue for me. i love it when authors choose to have unique writing style.
i'm not sure if it was the main intention for the writing is to be the way it was cos cadence is an unreliable narrator who is shifting the readers' focus on something else but her and her mistake.
- i also did not feel connected to cadence as a character and thought she was being shallow and privileged white girl who is impulsive and careless.

It was quite a struggle for me to understand what was going on at first but once the mystery kicked in, I couldn’t put it down and had to finish it at once

A book that’s still relevant today with its themes like internalised homophobia and masculinity. The writing is easily digestible which helped with getting me out of my reading slump and has certain lines that tugged at my heartstrings.

This has been on my TBR for the longest time. I’m glad it turned out to be a great read for me and even helped me got out of my awful reading slump.

It’s quite nice reading a book that centers on Muslim characters but it was also kinda disappointing to see how these Hijabis are always portrayed in Western media. I guess it’s just how it is when the culture surrounding you influences the way you practice your faith.

The ending was insaneee but I think it was fitting and I wish to know how Karamat felt for failing to care for his son when he needed it the most.

3.5/5

I enjoyed reading this especially after finishing Giovanni’s Room. The book brought the two characters closer and I personally think sharing books is something that can be considered an intimate exchange. Their love was sweet and exhilarating at first but the harsh reality turned it into bittersweet.