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aforestofbooks 's review for:
Saints and Misfits
by S.K. Ali
I swear I thought I had a review for this one. It either deleted itself, or I never ended up writing one during my first read.
Anyway...
This is quite a powerful, empowering book. It brings to light a topic that isn’t discussed enough in our communities. The idea that someone who is religious on the outside, is a good person on the inside (or in private) is quite flawed, and we see that with Farooq. I’ll admit, he made my blood-boil. Like, if I knew him in person, I’d strangle him. I remember feeling that way the first time I read this book, but this time around, seeing him twist Janna’s life and reputation to suit his own needs, to keep her silent and in his control, it made me so angry. Janna’s journey from being embarrassed and ashamed and guilty and confused to standing up for herself and speaking her truth was really well done. I wish we could have seen them destroy Farooq though. And I’d love to see how Fizz reacts. She really annoyed me this time around (I’m sure she did the first time too), but she’s the kind of Muslim we all know and hate. Someone who is quick to make judgements on other people’s lives, and who thinks her way of things is superior and correct. I’m interested to see where things are with Fizz and Farooq in Misfits in Love.
Besides that, Sausun kind of annoyed me. She’s very harsh and not super empathetic. And I guess her life and what happened to her sister made her this way. At the same time, she does give Janna the boost she needs to stand up for herself, I just wish she was a bit nicer?
The whole thing between Janna and Jeremy though...If I did write a review for this book the first time, I probably mentioned this. I totally understand that people struggle with their faith, but I honestly didn’t like how Janna removing her hijab for a boy wasn’t challenged in any way. We see Janna realizing that her life and her priorities probably don’t align in a way for her to date Jeremy, but that’s pretty much it. I wish there was something more.
I really enjoyed Tats character this time around though, and the end was super sweet. Also Nuh! I forgot this book doesn’t end with them together. For some reason I thought it did lol but now I’m excited to see what happens in Misfits in Love.
3.5/5 stars!
Anyway...
This is quite a powerful, empowering book. It brings to light a topic that isn’t discussed enough in our communities. The idea that someone who is religious on the outside, is a good person on the inside (or in private) is quite flawed, and we see that with Farooq. I’ll admit, he made my blood-boil. Like, if I knew him in person, I’d strangle him. I remember feeling that way the first time I read this book, but this time around, seeing him twist Janna’s life and reputation to suit his own needs, to keep her silent and in his control, it made me so angry. Janna’s journey from being embarrassed and ashamed and guilty and confused to standing up for herself and speaking her truth was really well done. I wish we could have seen them destroy Farooq though. And I’d love to see how Fizz reacts. She really annoyed me this time around (I’m sure she did the first time too), but she’s the kind of Muslim we all know and hate. Someone who is quick to make judgements on other people’s lives, and who thinks her way of things is superior and correct. I’m interested to see where things are with Fizz and Farooq in Misfits in Love.
Besides that, Sausun kind of annoyed me. She’s very harsh and not super empathetic. And I guess her life and what happened to her sister made her this way. At the same time, she does give Janna the boost she needs to stand up for herself, I just wish she was a bit nicer?
The whole thing between Janna and Jeremy though...If I did write a review for this book the first time, I probably mentioned this. I totally understand that people struggle with their faith, but I honestly didn’t like how Janna removing her hijab for a boy wasn’t challenged in any way. We see Janna realizing that her life and her priorities probably don’t align in a way for her to date Jeremy, but that’s pretty much it. I wish there was something more.
I really enjoyed Tats character this time around though, and the end was super sweet. Also Nuh! I forgot this book doesn’t end with them together. For some reason I thought it did lol but now I’m excited to see what happens in Misfits in Love.
3.5/5 stars!