Dahling, If You Luv Me, Would You Please, Please Smile

Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: Hello All,

I just finished this scintillating story dealing with many issues that a young adult may face in school, in one afternoon. Yes one afternoon! I found the story so gripping that it was hard to put down. Not a young adult myself, I thank the author for showing me a way of understanding and developing empathy for what teenagers go through.

A must read for yourself and your kids!

Rating:
Summary: Must read
Review: This book is a must read for every muslim child growing up in the West and for everyone who is trying to understand the American/Canadian Muslim experience. It truely captures the humanity of a muslim girl growing up in the west. it shows how she has the same problems most kids have, the bossy older sister and trying to be popular to how she feels outside because she is a Muslim and an Indian. every middle and high school in america should have this book on thier libraries shelf.

Rating:
Summary: the bully bites the dust
Review: Well, I am not a young adult, rather a middling adult, and I very much enjoyed this book. In fact once I was past the middle, I couldn't put it down. Zainab's trials with peer pressure, belonging, friendships and siblings took me back to grade and highschool... very realistic and multifaceted. None of the characters are one-sided, and behaviour is not overly simplified (possible exception: the bully Kevin, who doesnt seem to have any redeeming features at all).Zainab's progression from desperate to please, to fully self-confident in one school year is a bit optimistic... but this book belongs on the shelf next to most adult non-fiction self-esteem books. The messages of being yourself, standing up for your values, forgiving oneself's little failings all come out clear, and in a non-preachy manner.The foreshadowing of abusive female/male adult relationships in the relationship between Kevin and Jenny(and the rest of his "harem") is rather ominous, as are the results of the abuse... realistically portrayed without being melodramatic. All in all a very engaging and worthwhile book.

Rating:
Summary: Coming of Age in a Different Culture
Review: Zainab is a 14-year-old with typical problems - the wrong jeans, a bossy older sister, a friend with big breasts. Add to that the drama contest, and she's up to her humming ears in problems. I loved this character - she's funny and flawed and trying to figure out how to deal with the world. Add to that her Pakistani background and Muslim beliefs, and the book becomes more than just a typical coming of age YA book. Her problems were relatable no matter what beliefs the reader might have, and yet her struggle to make decisions within the guidelines of her values made for a thought-provoking book. My 14-year-old and 11-year old daughters read the book, as well, and it provoked a real family dialog about tolerance, understanding and collaboration. Good story, with 3-dimensional characters and funny, realistic situations. I'd recommend it for middle and high school readers. (And as an adult, I enjoyed it, too.)