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destdest 's review for:

Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi
3.0
hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Really good. I think this story will especially resonate with immigrant and 2nd generation children. There's so much subtext weaved in subtly/masterfully about xenophobia and ignorance. 

The twins are at an awkward growing stage. Zeeshan wants to desperately fit in. He feels othered and like he's always being called to prove his Americanness. His parents also don't seem to value his hobbies as much as Zara's from his perspective. Zara is more confident in herself and in belonging but doesn't feel like she receives any protection or understanding from her brother. She's ambitious, passionate, and bright-eyed about animal activism and her parent's support.

As a mild criticism, I don't think all of Zeeshan's arc got resolved. But the ending has a sort of air that maybe eventually he'll find his sort of people and that his parents do support him as well.

SN: Hotel concierge was beautiful, but some suspension of belief is needed. Those ppl (usually) don't care on that level of service lol