Format: ebook
Published: June 4th, 2024
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5/5 Stars
This is a really cute YA romance that doesn’t shy away from some more difficult topics, and is perfect for YA readers. Tiwa and Said used to be best friends, until Said moved away for boarding school. Both are determined to pretend the other doesn’t exist, but they’re thrust together when their mentor, librarian Ms. Barnes, dies, and their Islamic Center burns down. Discovering the mayor plans to demolish the whole thing to make way for an apartment block, Tiwa and Said realise it’s up to them to save the Center, and combining Tiwa’s determination and intelligence, and Said’s artistic skills, they come up with a plan.
But Said is struggling with telling his parents he doesn’t want to be a doctor, and Tiwa is desperate to save Eid so her father will come home, at least for a visit.
The struggles these two face are relatable to most teenagers, even if the circumstances are specific; Said doesn’t want to disappoint his parents, but he has his own dreams. Tiwa misses her father, who moved away when her parents split up. The two main characters read as teenagers trying to make the most out of bad situations, frustrated at each other for the way their friendship fizzled out, but neither able to articulate how much they miss one another.
The scenes where they work together really show why they fit so well. The book also touches on some other topics, outside of their relationship – it doesn’t shy away nor talk down to teenagers, but reflects the reality with the situations they’re dealing with. The couple get the happy ending, but just like in life, not everything is resolved. I really appreciated that the authors took the time to show how difficult it was for Said to keep his faith while away from his home and community, and how the community Tiwa gives so much to doesn’t always see her as one of their own. There are some sad moments here, and ones which – I think – will give teenage readers space to reflect and consider what these two are dealing with.
This was such a wonderful read, with a really sweet story between Said and Tiwa, and a heartwarming ending. Like the best YA, it’s great for teen readers and those of us who still feel like teens at heart.
Disney Reading Challenge 2024
Prompt: Mrs Potts – a book with a happy ending
Progress: 16/40 Completed
Unwrapping Words 