I received this ARC from Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed Published by Soho Press on Jan. 16, 2018
Pages: 288
Source: ARC from Publisher
Amazon-Indiebound
Goodreads
In this unforgettable debut novel, an Indian-American Muslim teen copes with Islamophobia, cultural divides among peers and parents, and a reality she can neither explain nor escape.
American-born seventeen-year-old Maya Aziz is torn between worlds. There's the proper one her parents expect for their good Indian daughter: attending a college close to their suburban Chicago home, and being paired off with an older Muslim boy her mom deems "suitable." And then there is the world of her dreams: going to film school and living in New York City--and maybe (just maybe) pursuing a boy she's known from afar since grade school, a boy who's finally falling into her orbit at school.
There's also the real world, beyond Maya's control. In the aftermath of a horrific crime perpetrated hundreds of miles away, her life is turned upside down. The community she's known since birth becomes unrecognizable; neighbors and classmates alike are consumed with fear, bigotry, and hatred. Ultimately, Maya must find the strength within to determine where she truly belongs.
My Thoughts:
Where to start with this one! Everything about Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed drew me in. Before reading the book three main things (aside from the synopsis!) placed it on my TBR:
- Title: It’s just so attention grabbing. Love and hate are extremes but can also be so close together. And I like that filters can apply to both the main characters love of filming, but also to the filters through which we see the world. And that ampersand. I’m a sucker for a title with an ampersand.
- Cover: Oh hello, gorgeous! I love the font. I love the colors and what the represent. I love Maya and her style. Basically I just love it all. Can I buy the outfit off the cover?
- Author: After I was already drawn in by the title/cover, I learned that the author lives in the Chicago area and I got to meet her at Anderson’s events. I also began following her online. She is smart and kind and that’s a combination I am here for. Plus, I love supporting local authors! Especially debut authors.
These somewhat superficial (not exactly the word I’m looking for but I can’t think of a better one!) reasons had me picking up the book. The strong writing and story kept me turning the pages. I was immediately caught up in Maya’s world. I was interested in her as a character and invested in what happened to her. Her life was so similar in some ways yet so very different to mine as a teen.
One of the things that was so powerful about this story is how it shows how… I don’t know… big the lives of teens are. Yes, there’s the “teen” things you think of like crushes, and school, and wanting to please your parents. But there’s also the things people don’t always like to talk about… the racism, prejudice, and the fear teens of color have to deal with that most white teens don’t. These things exists side be side in the lives of teens and I thought Love, Hate & Other Filters did a wonderful job of showing that.
I loved Maya and I loved her story. I highly recommend Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed. Do yourself a favor and order this one ASAP!
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