
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the exhaustion of code-switching or feeling like they must perform a specific version of their identity to be accepted. While the plot follows a classic fake dating trope, the heart of the story lies in the struggle of being 'brown enough' for your community and 'queer enough' for your friends. It is a nuanced look at how cultural expectations and peer pressure intersect, specifically through the eyes of two girls navigating their South Asian heritage in Ireland. As a romance, it is sweet and age-appropriate for ages 12 and up, but its true value is in its psychological depth. It validates the lonely experience of having your identity questioned by those closest to you. Parents will appreciate how it models the importance of standing up to toxic friendships and finding strength in one's own skin, even when it feels like the whole world is watching.
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Sign in to write a reviewSweet romance with kissing; no explicit content.
Occasional use of mild profanity.
The book deals directly with biphobia and Islamophobia. The approach is realistic and contemporary, showing the microaggressions and overt racism the girls face in Ireland. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in reality: it doesn't solve world prejudice, but it empowers the protagonists to find their own voices.
A 14-year-old girl who feels like she is constantly wearing a mask at school. Specifically, a South Asian teen who feels the dual pressure of cultural tradition and the desire to fit into Western social structures.
Parents should be aware of scenes involving gaslighting by Hani's friends and some instances of racial slurs and Islamophobic comments, which serve to highlight the characters' resilience. A parent might notice their child withdrawing from a long-time friend group or expressing that people 'don't believe' who they really are. This book addresses the pain of 'friends' who are actually bullies.
Younger teens will focus on the 'fake dating' romance and the school drama. Older teens will resonate more deeply with the intersectional identity struggles and the nuances of parental expectations versus personal happiness.
Unlike many YA romances, this story treats the 'fake dating' trope as a vehicle to explore the specific, messy intersections of being a queer Muslim and a queer Hindu in the South Asian diaspora.
Hani Khan is a popular, bubbly girl who comes out as bisexual to her friends, only to be met with skepticism. To 'prove' her identity, she panics and claims she is dating Ishu Dey, an academic high-achiever who is generally disliked for her prickly personality. Ishu agrees to the ruse because she needs Hani's help to win the Head Girl election. As they navigate school social circles and family expectations, the fake relationship develops into a genuine connection.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.