This book is not a happy book and the topics are, well awful. But the book is based on true events and so, it is a reality check on the shit that is happening out there. I think there are only a handful of books that have made me cry, this one is now on the list. However, the ending does give you a glimmer of hope and happiness. Will be thinking about this one for awhile.

I admittedly chose this book because of the title (<3 F&TM). Usually romance novels are not my first choice. And while I didn’t love this one, it was an interesting and easy listen. There were parts though I didn’t care for (some of the conversations seemed so repetitive), which is why I scored it a 3. I like Joy & Fayi’s friendship and the concept that we deserved to be loved, and we deserved to be loved as our true selves even if that is complicated.

This book is so cute, funny and also infuriating. Women’s roles in society have come a long way but at the same time I found the issues still incredibly relatable today. We have a long way yet to go! But these characters were so smart and endearing, and you get the dog’s POV now and then, which always made me smile. Looking forward to the show.

*3.5

I liked this book and think it’s an important story / POV we don’t listen to enough. The US needs to majorly improve our immigration policies and attitudes. I would have liked more of the story to cover her adult years vs all grade school. I appreciate her honesty, she didn’t shy away from her own flaws or that of her family.