Honestly, if I didn't expect so much from this book I would have liked it a lot better. You see, I am a South Asian Muslim. And I was expecting some sort of connection to the character. At the beginning, things seemed to be going well. Maya dressed like me (no headscarf but still generally modest), did the same things I did, etc.

A lot of people are freaked out over Karim's "I'm drinking wine not eating pork" comment, but it's an ongoing joke (especially in America) that even the most unconventional Muslims refrain from eating pork. (https://twitter.com/bouffpaki/status/998184914720878592 for reference).

She even had crushed on non muslim boys, which is understandable and fine. She ate non halal food, which was questionable but some families have different standards.

Everything went downhill when the whole lake thing with Phil happened. See, I would NEVER wear a bikini out with a boy. I don't know a single Muslim, who identifies as a Muslim, that would do that.

In short, I would have enjoyed the book if it didn't promise representation.