Growing up in a close-knit Pakistani community in Corona, Queens, Razia Mirza is constantly battling being the tradition-abiding daughter her parents want her to be and the free-spirited explorer she is. After Razia is accepted to Stuyvesant, she meets Angela, and their friendship blossoms into something more. But when an Aunty in the community discovers their relationship, Razia must choose between her family and her future.

ROSES is a poignant coming-of-age novel that explores the complexities of growing up as a young Muslim girl in New York City. I adore watching how Razia navigates the challenges of balancing her faith and cultural heritage with her American upbringing, all while facing the fear and stigma surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community.

One of the most compelling and unique aspects of ROSES is the examination of the Pakistani diaspora in New York City and the challenges of assimilating into American culture while maintaining one's cultural heritage. Razia's journey highlights the universal struggle of finding one's place in the world and the importance of self-discovery, especially as an immigrant & first-generation American.

Rehman skillfully brings to life Razia's struggles with her religious mother and the tensions between different family members. Despite these challenges, Razia finds joy and makes friends through her city explorations. Set in the 1980s, ROSES is full of music references that could be nostalgic to readers familiar with pop culture from that era.

The ending felt a bit abrupt and left me wanting more resolution for Razia. Despite this, ROSES is a powerful tribute to the resilience and strength of young people. It is a phenomenal read for those interested in the experiences of Muslim immigrants in the US and the complexities of growing up in a rapidly changing world.