I automatically wanted to read this book, because Ali had won my heart with her debut, Saints and Misfits, but she had me all in with the opening sentence:
This is a love story. You've been warned.
I am here to say, Ali more than delivered on that promise.
From their meet-cute to their serendipitous re-meetings, I loved the dynamic between Zayneb and Adam, and I found myself very invested in Zayneb, Adam, and Zayneb+Adam. I also liked the way Ali wove their worlds together so tightly. They almost seemed destined from the way all the pieces snapped into place, and I enjoyed that a sort of fate surrounded their union.
Zayneb was described as angry, but I saw past that reactionary anger to the passion underneath. She believed in justice for all, and I liked that there were people on her side to guide her and help her harness her passion in order to bring about change.
I so adored Adam, and when he revealed his diagnosis, my heart ached and crumbled for him. Part of that pain is personal, because I have been watching MS rob my uncle of his motor skills for years, but also, because Adam saw this disease take his mother too soon, and how it devastating it must be for a young person to have to come to terms with the same diagnosis. My solace came in the form of Adam's wonderful family and friends, who were amazing and supportive and bursting with love for him.
One thing I love about Ali's books is how much of herself she shares with us. It was easy to see how personal many parts of this book were, and that was why the negative things experienced by Zayneb were so infuriating and heartbreaking. But, it's not just what she shares, but how she shares it that make it all so meaningful for me.
I like that books like this exist. It's important to have positive and honest representation out there. I live and grew up in diverse areas, but there are still a lot of very homogenous places in this world. The media tends to highlight the negatives, and never present the full picture of any group of people. Thus, books like this are necessary to combat those negative stereotypes and educate people.
I smiled and cried my way through this book, but I think I cheered during the epilogue. Everyone knows the way to my heart is through a great epilogue, and this one was perfection for me. I'm getting all verklempt thinking about it now. Ali just gave me what I needed in order to let Zayneb and Adam ride off into the sunset, and I am grateful for that.
Overall: A beautiful story of love, family, friendship, and justice for all.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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