Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed


Hardcover288 pages
Expected publication: January 16th 2018 by Soho Teen



A searing #OwnVoices coming-of-age debut in which an Indian-American Muslim teen confronts Islamophobia and a reality she can neither explain nor escape--perfect for fans of Angie Thomas, Jacqueline Woodson, and Adam Silvera.

American-born seventeen-year-old Maya Aziz is torn between worlds. There’s the proper one her parents expect for their good Indian daughter: attending a college close to their suburban Chicago home, and being paired off with an older Muslim boy her mom deems “suitable.” And then there is the world of her dreams: going to film school and living in New York City—and maybe (just maybe) pursuing a boy she’s known from afar since grade school, a boy who’s finally falling into her orbit at school.

There’s also the real world, beyond Maya’s control. In the aftermath of a horrific crime perpetrated hundreds of miles away, her life is turned upside down. The community she’s known since birth becomes unrecognizable; neighbors and classmates alike are consumed with fear, bigotry, and hatred. Ultimately, Maya must find the strength within to determine where she truly belongs.






Love, Hate & Other Filters was such an enjoyable read. This book tackled everything from romance, family, racism, high school, and hate crimes. The author made such an important story that felt very realistic, inspiring, and eye-opening. 

I do not know much about the Muslim culture, but I was extremely excited to read a YA novel with the main character being Muslim (BRING ON THE DIVERSITY!!!!!). However, I was actually hoping to see a bit more the Muslim culture present in this story. I was still happy with the amount that was present, but I would have LOVED to see a tad bit more of the culture. This book seemed to focus more on other people being racist towards Mulisms rather than exploring the Mulism culture. It was really heartbreaking and frustrating to read about the hate the main character and her family had to face due their religion and culture. The racism that is explored in this novel is EXTREMELY important and relevant, and I think everyone should read this book for that element alone. 

Maya, the main character, was such a strong and independent girl. I really admired how she wouldn't let anyone tell her how to live her life or stop her from following her dreams. She also was a really intuitive, smart, and caring girl. I really liked her characters and enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story. I also ADORED her best friend and the relationship they shared. THEIR BEST FRIEND RELATIONSHIP WAS SERIOUSLY SO CUTE AND WARMED MY HEART. #GirlPower

The romance in this novel was really sweet and adorable. I found myself invested in the relationships Maya developed, and I couldn't wait to see how they played out. The romances definitely felt only like high school crushes because they didn't seem that powerful or deep, but they were still very cute! It felt very realistic to how a lot of high school relationships develop, at least from my personal experience! 

The one relationship in this book that kind of bummed me out was the relationship between Maya and her parents. The animosity Maya had towards her parents felt a bit harsh at times. I completely understood why Maya would get annoyed and frustrated with her parents, but it was easy to see that they just really cared about her well being. I was hoping for more of a positive resolution on their relationship, but I guess that is more of a realistic situation! Not everything is sunshine and rainbows!

Overall, Love, Hate & Other Filters was a really wonderful novel. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone and everyone! 

I am hoping that the author will write a sequel to this novel because the slightly open-ended ending KILLED ME! 

4 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. * 

1 comment:

  1. I'm glad you liked this one. It sounds so good!! Oh, and I hope there will be a sequel for you since you were left hanging a bit. :D

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