About The Henna Wars:
IMHO: The Henna Wars
The Henna Wars is AMAZING. Like finish in one sitting, squeal while hugging it to my chest, crying sobbing smiling amazing.
Nishat is so relatable, strong, and sweet. Her sister Priti is funny, gives the right amount of sass and support. Their relationship is GOALS. It reminds be of the sisters in How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days a bit.
Other friendships help make the book. Supporting characters that I feel bad for describing them as just supporting characters. They're all distinct people with their own dynamics that works for all the layers and nuance involved. It's the right mix of fighting, and growth.
The outcome of the competition is perfect. As soon as it was announced, I was realized there was no better way it could've happened, though I hadn't even thought of it beforehand.
There is a forced public outing, which is agonizing. They attend a Catholic all girls school. The vast majority are assholes or silent appeasers. I hope readers take home the message how important it is to reach out to victims. Be vocal about it. Push back. As Elie Wiesel said, neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
Nishat does start the book coming out to her parents on her own terms. It doesn't go well. She makes a great point that most outcomings are portrayed as vocal, sometimes violent outbursts in white families. Silence, bewilderment, disbelievement, denial, attempting to persuade though are not often seen in media. It's here though, so raw and powerful.
Their parents start as typical Indian parents to Nishat. Their father owns an Indian restaurant. Concentrating on studying and grades. No dating. But their marriage was a love match that brought shame upon them, which colors their response. They aren't perfect, but they get better.
WAIT, I HAVEN'T EVEN TALKED ABOUT THE ROMANCE.
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In a word: ADORABLE. It's a childhood crush came back, became enemies, and then friends and then more. But then.... And then happiness!! It's....an amazing roller coaster of growth and communication. Plus there is kissing and hand holding and a date ON THE PAGE. It doesn't fade to black or end before they have a chance. Do you know how many freaking wlw books DO THIS NONSENSE?!? Ladies deserve to see themselves together on the page, their relationships aren't just about getting together, FFS! *ahem* Anyways.
The Henna Wars is realistic, emotional, sweet, and in the end a calming balm. It's especially needed now with how quartentine has been so harmful to the Quiltbag community. (Here are some tips, if you need help during this time.)
Favorite [Non-Spoiler] Quotes:
I wish I could quote the whole last paragraph. And the competition results, but that would be rude, so here's what I can share.
It's more like a spark of happiness inside of her that's now shining through on the outside.
I've never felt so horrid for not being criticized before.
I still have a thing for Taylor Swift, after all--even though I hate all of her white feminism.
I feel like my heart, which was soaring just moments ago, has been sliced open, and I can only put it back together when I make a choice.
Nishat can be anything she wants to be, except herself.
"Even if everything is stacked against me."
All I can think is that at least she won't remember me as the girl who makes terrible tea.
About the Author:
Giveaway:
Prize: Win a copy of THE HENNA WARS by Adiba Jairgirdar (US/CAN Only)
Starts: May 12th 2020
Ends: May 26th 2020
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule:
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon