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Four Eids and a Funeral
Ex-best friends, Tiwa and Said, must work together to save their Islamic Center from demolition, in this romantic story of rekindling and rebuilding by award-winning authors Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Adiba Jaigirdar!
Let’s get one thing straight: this is a love story.
These days, Said Hossain spends most of his time away at boarding school. But when his favorite hometown librarian Ms. Barnes dies, he must return home to New Crosshaven for her funeral and for the summer. Too bad being home makes it a lot harder to avoid facing his ex-best friend, Tiwa Olatunji, or facing the daunting task of telling his Bangladeshi parents that he would rather be an artist than a doctor.
Tiwa doesn’t understand what made Said start ignoring her, but it’s probably that fancy boarding school of his. Though he’s unexpectedly staying through the summer, she’s determined to take a page from him and pretend he doesn’t exist. Besides, she has more than enough going on, between grieving her broken family and helping her mother throw the upcoming Eid celebration at the Islamic Center—a place that means so much to Tiwa.
But when the Islamic Center accidentally catches fire, it turns out the mayor plans to demolish the center entirely. Things are still tense between the ex-friends but Tiwa needs Said’s help if there’s any hope of changing the mayor’s mind, and Said needs a project to submit to art school (unbeknownst to anyone). Will all their efforts be enough to save the Islamic Center, save Eid, and maybe save their relationship?
Let’s get one thing straight: this is a love story.
These days, Said Hossain spends most of his time away at boarding school. But when his favorite hometown librarian Ms. Barnes dies, he must return home to New Crosshaven for her funeral and for the summer. Too bad being home makes it a lot harder to avoid facing his ex-best friend, Tiwa Olatunji, or facing the daunting task of telling his Bangladeshi parents that he would rather be an artist than a doctor.
Tiwa doesn’t understand what made Said start ignoring her, but it’s probably that fancy boarding school of his. Though he’s unexpectedly staying through the summer, she’s determined to take a page from him and pretend he doesn’t exist. Besides, she has more than enough going on, between grieving her broken family and helping her mother throw the upcoming Eid celebration at the Islamic Center—a place that means so much to Tiwa.
But when the Islamic Center accidentally catches fire, it turns out the mayor plans to demolish the center entirely. Things are still tense between the ex-friends but Tiwa needs Said’s help if there’s any hope of changing the mayor’s mind, and Said needs a project to submit to art school (unbeknownst to anyone). Will all their efforts be enough to save the Islamic Center, save Eid, and maybe save their relationship?
321 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
About the author
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
16 books4,833 followersFaridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is the instant New York Times, International bestselling & Award-winning author of ACE OF SPADES and WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE. She is an avid tea drinker, a collector of strange mugs and a recent graduate from a university in the Scottish Highlands where she studied English Literature. When she isn’t spinning dark tales, Faridah can be found examining the deeper meanings in Disney channel original movies. She is represented by Zoë Plant at The Bent Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
July 7, 2024
maybe it’s because everything else i’ve read has been mid but i really enjoyed this book. i thought it was super cute and it was such a fun palette cleanser!
Want to read
March 1, 2023HELLO???! Literally been manifesting this since 2k21 when i first realised they were besties from their ig stories i literally remember asking faridah about it and she said she'd be open to the idea years ago??! THIS IS MY LITERAL DREAM COME TRUE MANIFESTING WORKS BESTIES
July 5, 2024
I think I wanted to love this one so much more! It wasn't a bad book, but I expected a little more from both these authors. CW: racism, Islamophobia, death of a child, grief
Four Eids and a Funeral at it's core is a love story about two young adults who have lost their connection for an unknown reason. Tiwa and Said were close growing up and spent a great deal of time together at their local Islamic Center; however, when Said goes to boarding school the two lose a connection. It's only through the death of their hometown librarian that the two are forced to reconnect with each other and work to save the Islamic Center after it burns down.
What Worked: I'm not Muslim so I can't speak to how other members of the Muslim community feel about the representation in the book; however, I appreciated that YA is getting another book that focuses on celebrations and religions outside of the Judeo-Christian sphere. Overall, we're starting to see a lot more representation regarding Eid in children's literature and I love that. There were a few conversations that Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar had throughout the course of the novel that I appreciated including Tiwa's experience as a Black Muslim, the grief that the family experiences after the death of her brother, the importance of the Islamic Community Center, as well as navigating familial relationships. Although the topics could have been discussed at greater length, it was nice to see them included in the text.
What Didn't Work: The pacing of this one felt a little off in some areas. There are flashbacks of Tiwa and Said during their childhood including previous Eid's that were celebrated together, but they felt surface level especially the one that should have connected Said to Tiwa's experience of familial loss and grief. It prevented me from being able to connect to their relationship as friends and their blooming relationships as something that is more than friends. The reveal was probably the biggest disappointment of the book. There is a very specific reason why Tiwa and Said stop communicating when he's off at boarding school. Eventually readers are clued into that reason and it just didn't work well. It was outside forces at play and the justification for why there was any interference wasn't plotted well. It didn't make me root for Tiwa and Said or become more invested in their relationship. Unfortunately, I was more invested in them as individuals than as companions.
Overall, this was a solid read. It was slightly disappointing, but there were specific elements that I did enjoy and I would be interested in seeing these two pair up again for another novel.
Four Eids and a Funeral at it's core is a love story about two young adults who have lost their connection for an unknown reason. Tiwa and Said were close growing up and spent a great deal of time together at their local Islamic Center; however, when Said goes to boarding school the two lose a connection. It's only through the death of their hometown librarian that the two are forced to reconnect with each other and work to save the Islamic Center after it burns down.
What Worked: I'm not Muslim so I can't speak to how other members of the Muslim community feel about the representation in the book; however, I appreciated that YA is getting another book that focuses on celebrations and religions outside of the Judeo-Christian sphere. Overall, we're starting to see a lot more representation regarding Eid in children's literature and I love that. There were a few conversations that Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar had throughout the course of the novel that I appreciated including Tiwa's experience as a Black Muslim, the grief that the family experiences after the death of her brother, the importance of the Islamic Community Center, as well as navigating familial relationships. Although the topics could have been discussed at greater length, it was nice to see them included in the text.
What Didn't Work: The pacing of this one felt a little off in some areas. There are flashbacks of Tiwa and Said during their childhood including previous Eid's that were celebrated together, but they felt surface level especially the one that should have connected Said to Tiwa's experience of familial loss and grief. It prevented me from being able to connect to their relationship as friends and their blooming relationships as something that is more than friends. The reveal was probably the biggest disappointment of the book. There is a very specific reason why Tiwa and Said stop communicating when he's off at boarding school. Eventually readers are clued into that reason and it just didn't work well. It was outside forces at play and the justification for why there was any interference wasn't plotted well. It didn't make me root for Tiwa and Said or become more invested in their relationship. Unfortunately, I was more invested in them as individuals than as companions.
Overall, this was a solid read. It was slightly disappointing, but there were specific elements that I did enjoy and I would be interested in seeing these two pair up again for another novel.
Want to read
October 8, 2023THE COVER IS GIVING ME EVERYTHING I EVER NEEDED
June 7, 2024
thank you to netgalley and publisher for the arc!!!
HAPPY RELEASE DAY (+1) TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE ROMCOMS EVER <33333 exam season is finally over for me so! time to unleash all of my thoughts and feelings and those “asjskskskshshs” moments i had when i read the book a few months ago :D<3
(before we start this descend to madness though, can i just mention real quick that i read this fresh after eid too and ohh!!! the feeling was THERE!!!!!!!)
i love love love this book so much. i still remember finishing it at 12 am and then almost cried because THEY ARE SO BELOVED TO ME. THEY ARE EVERYTHING TO ME. childhood friends to enemies to lovers?????? and they’re muslim???? and the main goal they were trying to achive together. despite hating each other, that brought them closer again was saving the islamic centre?????? SIGN ME UP.
this is my first book from both Adiba Jaigirdar and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé but TRUST it won’t be the last. if you think the title is genius (which, it is!! i mean, ‘four eids and a funeral’?????? probably my favorite use of iconic romcom titles in a romance novel ever), wait til you see the chapter titles because they’re SO. ‘shaitan himself’ ‘muffin sluts’ and other witty words put together await!
⤷ ’i’m more than upset. i’m ready to commot multiple crimes against humanity, but i won’t because that would be haram and i’m not risking hell for him.’
this book is so so effortlessly funny. just like a romcom should be. i found myself actually laughing at some parts because why are they so silly and unserious 🤧🤧 i love them, i miss them, they’re soo loveable. this novel felt like a comfort bubble to me at the time and i love it so much because of that.
it’s funny, comical, and charming. the writing, in my opinion, is pretty simple and straightforward but the moments!! oh the moments! they read to me like scenes from a really old but loved sitcom that i just can’t help but highlight so many of them. it’s dual pov and so to witness a falling out from two side of the story, from two conflicting perspectives of these two kids (only allegedly mature adults) was so so so interesting. i loved seeing them navigating through their feelings and seeing them realizing that the longing and affection are still there!!! that they were never gone in the first place!!!
i LOVE TIWA OLATUNJI . she’s so sarcastic and hilarious (in burning said down) and her remarks are on! point! that quote up there? yes that was hers, one and only. we got to explore her grief and trauma, plus her difficulty of fitting in in her muslim community as a black woman. the way this book was written, building up to all of the revelation of the past, makes her story feels so much more heartbreaking. because we had to see her deal with this loss— bits by bits, never too much, but always there— not knowing what it actually was about until more flashbacks were revealed and we got to piece it together ourselves. she’s so strong and very opinionated and would fight for whatever she believes is right and for her cause, and she’s such such an admirable character for that. i love her, she’s so so beloved to me <3
⤷ tiwa : ‘you’re such a muffin slut’ — said : ‘i’m proud to be a muffin slut’
now. SAID HOSSAIN is also soooo beloved to me. his sarcasm, and playful manner and funny jokes have captivated me. not going to lie, he’s giving soo much loverboy energy it’s actually soooooo. charms and everything else aside, i love how we got to see him feel closer to islam the more he was back home. seeing him reconnecting with his faith again after praying jamaah, and after reuniting with his muslim neighbors and community was so heartwarming. and him being passionate about art and seeing him strugglinh and fighting to take control of his dream was also! i love him.
⤷ ‘but when i see him, all of that just fades away and i want to desperately make him smile. it’s the most infuriating thing. i can’t quite shake off the impulse to be his best friend, or see him as anything but mine.”
i love love how their story was structured. how we got bits and pieces of their fall out in and out, and flashbacks chapters in between, while we reconcile those with these feelings they both were experiencing upon seeing each other again. the anger and spite on the front, but still with apparent longing and yearning and grief for what they have lost in translation. especially in the setting of small town, where all remnants of their sweet childhood past echoed back to them everywhere they went. their story have held such a special place in my heart because of that and unfortunately i just couldn’t help but think of them as long lost friends with whom i have once picked apples in the orchard or whatever.
i don’t know, but these two silly kids remind me sooo much of annabeth chase and percy jackson. not just their dynamic and their banter, but their respective personalities too. it’s like seeing them in another happier universe sometimes and ohhhh i love them with all my heart!! <3
and OBVIOUSLY, not to mention the fact that this is a muslim love story! as one myself, seeing so many parts of our islamic culture laced within a wholesome story felt so much like a home. of course, they don’t have the same traditions as mine who lives in different part of the world, but everything else was just 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 from eid adha, prayer jumaah, the islamic centre, etc. getting to know more about their culture and how they personally celebrate eid was also so so wonderful. i love knowing more about it because there’s always more to know. reading this made me wish i hadn’t cut ties with my own neighborhood community but all was done. (although, “cut ties” is a bit dramatic. i was simply 12 and was unfortunately too lazy to continue my Quran lessons and going outside altogether).
this is a heartwarming love story as a whole, but it didn’t try to erase the difficulties many face even within their own community. i appreciate how they explored the racism and how scornful one community can be (most especially to a woman ekhem) despite the fact that we are told to respect one another, and especially to your muslim “brothers and sisters.” this novel shed light on different sides of a muslim community that i’m both aware of (simply because that type of hell is everywhere here too) and not. and i’m happy it did because it needed to be said and addressed!
that aside, the side characters are HILARIOUS. i’m telling you! this reads like a sitcom!! the dialogues are quick and humorous and with a good comedic timing…… i can see it all so clear in my head. while i think some moments are a bit anticlimactic, what’s lacking in that was made up for with this. i love this book so muchh.
so. bottom line : I LOVE THIS BOOK (woah no way really?) ITS WHOLESOME, FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, CHARMING, and i hope ALLL of you ya romance lovers decide to experience it for yourself and read. it ‼️ totally planning to get the physical copy once it’s available on the nearest local bookstore!
5/5 STARS i just love said and tiwa too much i’m afraid <3333
————
you don’t understand, i am OBSESSED. new favorite ya romcom alert ‼️ i fear i will never shut up about this I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
thank you netgalley and publisher for the arc, rtc!!
———-
I GOT THE ARC OH MY GOD I GOT THE ARCCC. so SO excited to finally read this!! <3
HAPPY RELEASE DAY (+1) TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE ROMCOMS EVER <33333 exam season is finally over for me so! time to unleash all of my thoughts and feelings and those “asjskskskshshs” moments i had when i read the book a few months ago :D<3
(before we start this descend to madness though, can i just mention real quick that i read this fresh after eid too and ohh!!! the feeling was THERE!!!!!!!)
i love love love this book so much. i still remember finishing it at 12 am and then almost cried because THEY ARE SO BELOVED TO ME. THEY ARE EVERYTHING TO ME. childhood friends to enemies to lovers?????? and they’re muslim???? and the main goal they were trying to achive together. despite hating each other, that brought them closer again was saving the islamic centre?????? SIGN ME UP.
this is my first book from both Adiba Jaigirdar and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé but TRUST it won’t be the last. if you think the title is genius (which, it is!! i mean, ‘four eids and a funeral’?????? probably my favorite use of iconic romcom titles in a romance novel ever), wait til you see the chapter titles because they’re SO. ‘shaitan himself’ ‘muffin sluts’ and other witty words put together await!
⤷ ’i’m more than upset. i’m ready to commot multiple crimes against humanity, but i won’t because that would be haram and i’m not risking hell for him.’
this book is so so effortlessly funny. just like a romcom should be. i found myself actually laughing at some parts because why are they so silly and unserious 🤧🤧 i love them, i miss them, they’re soo loveable. this novel felt like a comfort bubble to me at the time and i love it so much because of that.
it’s funny, comical, and charming. the writing, in my opinion, is pretty simple and straightforward but the moments!! oh the moments! they read to me like scenes from a really old but loved sitcom that i just can’t help but highlight so many of them. it’s dual pov and so to witness a falling out from two side of the story, from two conflicting perspectives of these two kids (only allegedly mature adults) was so so so interesting. i loved seeing them navigating through their feelings and seeing them realizing that the longing and affection are still there!!! that they were never gone in the first place!!!
i LOVE TIWA OLATUNJI . she’s so sarcastic and hilarious (in burning said down) and her remarks are on! point! that quote up there? yes that was hers, one and only. we got to explore her grief and trauma, plus her difficulty of fitting in in her muslim community as a black woman. the way this book was written, building up to all of the revelation of the past, makes her story feels so much more heartbreaking. because we had to see her deal with this loss— bits by bits, never too much, but always there— not knowing what it actually was about until more flashbacks were revealed and we got to piece it together ourselves. she’s so strong and very opinionated and would fight for whatever she believes is right and for her cause, and she’s such such an admirable character for that. i love her, she’s so so beloved to me <3
⤷ tiwa : ‘you’re such a muffin slut’ — said : ‘i’m proud to be a muffin slut’
now. SAID HOSSAIN is also soooo beloved to me. his sarcasm, and playful manner and funny jokes have captivated me. not going to lie, he’s giving soo much loverboy energy it’s actually soooooo. charms and everything else aside, i love how we got to see him feel closer to islam the more he was back home. seeing him reconnecting with his faith again after praying jamaah, and after reuniting with his muslim neighbors and community was so heartwarming. and him being passionate about art and seeing him strugglinh and fighting to take control of his dream was also! i love him.
⤷ ‘but when i see him, all of that just fades away and i want to desperately make him smile. it’s the most infuriating thing. i can’t quite shake off the impulse to be his best friend, or see him as anything but mine.”
i love love how their story was structured. how we got bits and pieces of their fall out in and out, and flashbacks chapters in between, while we reconcile those with these feelings they both were experiencing upon seeing each other again. the anger and spite on the front, but still with apparent longing and yearning and grief for what they have lost in translation. especially in the setting of small town, where all remnants of their sweet childhood past echoed back to them everywhere they went. their story have held such a special place in my heart because of that and unfortunately i just couldn’t help but think of them as long lost friends with whom i have once picked apples in the orchard or whatever.
i don’t know, but these two silly kids remind me sooo much of annabeth chase and percy jackson. not just their dynamic and their banter, but their respective personalities too. it’s like seeing them in another happier universe sometimes and ohhhh i love them with all my heart!! <3
and OBVIOUSLY, not to mention the fact that this is a muslim love story! as one myself, seeing so many parts of our islamic culture laced within a wholesome story felt so much like a home. of course, they don’t have the same traditions as mine who lives in different part of the world, but everything else was just 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 from eid adha, prayer jumaah, the islamic centre, etc. getting to know more about their culture and how they personally celebrate eid was also so so wonderful. i love knowing more about it because there’s always more to know. reading this made me wish i hadn’t cut ties with my own neighborhood community but all was done. (although, “cut ties” is a bit dramatic. i was simply 12 and was unfortunately too lazy to continue my Quran lessons and going outside altogether).
this is a heartwarming love story as a whole, but it didn’t try to erase the difficulties many face even within their own community. i appreciate how they explored the racism and how scornful one community can be (most especially to a woman ekhem) despite the fact that we are told to respect one another, and especially to your muslim “brothers and sisters.” this novel shed light on different sides of a muslim community that i’m both aware of (simply because that type of hell is everywhere here too) and not. and i’m happy it did because it needed to be said and addressed!
that aside, the side characters are HILARIOUS. i’m telling you! this reads like a sitcom!! the dialogues are quick and humorous and with a good comedic timing…… i can see it all so clear in my head. while i think some moments are a bit anticlimactic, what’s lacking in that was made up for with this. i love this book so muchh.
so. bottom line : I LOVE THIS BOOK (woah no way really?) ITS WHOLESOME, FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, CHARMING, and i hope ALLL of you ya romance lovers decide to experience it for yourself and read. it ‼️ totally planning to get the physical copy once it’s available on the nearest local bookstore!
5/5 STARS i just love said and tiwa too much i’m afraid <3333
————
you don’t understand, i am OBSESSED. new favorite ya romcom alert ‼️ i fear i will never shut up about this I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
thank you netgalley and publisher for the arc, rtc!!
———-
I GOT THE ARC OH MY GOD I GOT THE ARCCC. so SO excited to finally read this!! <3
Want to read
June 1, 2024WHOSE FRIEND GIFTED HER A COPY OF THIS BOOK SIGNED BY BOTH AUTHORS? MY FRIEND DID <3 <3 <3
April 25, 2024
INFINITY STARS
Gosh, where do I even start???? I know I say this with almost every book, but
THIS.
WAS.
AMAZING.
This deserves an infinity rating from me. I truly cannot believe such a great book is (almost) out in the world for everyone to read and enjoy. I can’t believe such talented writers exist and that they are simply not praised for such an amazing thing being published. (What are words, you understand what I mean)
When I read the dedication, I was immediately enamored and knew I was going to love this.
I adored the writing style this was written with. The “acts” and how it’s sometimes narrated made me laugh so hard. (Not in a haha what a joke, but in a genuine aw I love that haha) It felt very Shakespearean (I have never read a word of Shakespeare in my life) and I just cannot help but love it. It was very easy to fly through, and that I did. I started it last night and read through half of it before finishing it this morning.
These characters are great, I connected with them in so many different ways, although I myself am not Muslim. I think that just goes to show the authors’ talent. It was very great to see more of that Muslim culture, especially around Eid and all the celebrations and traditions that go into it. Religion can be a very divisive topic, but I felt very happy reading about it in this novel. I would definitely read it again and again and recommend it to anyone and everyone, no matter what religion you practice. However, I think if you are Muslim, you will enjoy seeing yourself in this just that much more.
Tiwa was very funny, I adored her. Her with Ladoo was amazing. It’s interesting to see her in the flashbacks vs. present time and it just goes to show how much time can change you and how when certain things happen around you, it shapes you in a huge way.
The way grief was written in this packed a punch. My heart feels so heavy for her whole family. The way she deals with the hostility and racism from others just because she is Black and Muslim made me want to give her a hug so badly. Tiwa deserves the world and I will fight anyone who doesn’t think so. Her and Said? I have words! I HAVE WORDS!!! I loved her sister/friendship bond with Safiyah. They are almost like polar opposites, but they mesh together really well. It was funny to see how Tiwa set herself up to becoming a future lawyer with everything that went down in this (no spoilers!).
Said was so sassy, I loved him. His sense of humor and goofiness that came out around certain people (wink wink) was just so fun to read about. I liked that he pursued his art passion and we got to read about how he really gets swept up into it and feel the love he has for art. His friendship with Julian was interesting to see, in contrast to his (former) friendship with Tiwa that we see a little bit of in the flashbacks. Julian was a huge goofball, I couldn’t take him serious. (Except for THAT part). But alas, no spoilers! Find out for yourself!
Said and Tiwas friendship was very complicated and delicate, but I liked to see how they navigated it as older teens as opposed to when they were just kids, in a way, when they had a fall out. I’ve always said all great relationships have to start with a friendship and this book holds firmly to that belief. It’s more of a childhood best friends to enemies (ish) to friends to lovers. Maybe just skip some friends parts? It’s very complicated to explain but when y’all read it, y’all will understand. Remember, this is a love story.
DAMN this book has one of my favorite microtropes ever, that’s also very heartbreaking but saying it would essentially spoil one of the main plot lines so I will refrain. But, feel free to ask me after the book comes out or if you have read it, so we can discuss. Hehe.
I love to see all the representation in this!! We have the main characters of course, Tiwa and Said who are both Muslim. Tiwa is Nigerian and Said is Bangladeshi. We have lesbian rep from Saf and Ishra. There’s all kinds of South Asian Rep in general that I think we get from the Muslim community in New Crosshaven. It doesn’t go into detail about any particular person in the community but it is briefly mentioned, which I liked! Julian is Puerto Rican which we find out later in the book.
Overall, I think this book is for anyone and everyone. You can find yourself in the pages and quickly block out the world in this immersive writing. I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone. I have to preorder now, even though I have a physical arc, I need more.
JUNE 4TH PPL MARK UR CALENDARS AND PREORDER I PROMISE YALL WONT REGRET IT 💋💋
~ pre-review: sorry people, I couldn’t resist picking it up and then I couldn’t resist finishing it bc it was THAT good…full rtc
what would y’all say…if I told y’all…..i got a physical arc of this…..? 🫠
Gosh, where do I even start???? I know I say this with almost every book, but
THIS.
WAS.
AMAZING.
This deserves an infinity rating from me. I truly cannot believe such a great book is (almost) out in the world for everyone to read and enjoy. I can’t believe such talented writers exist and that they are simply not praised for such an amazing thing being published. (What are words, you understand what I mean)
When I read the dedication, I was immediately enamored and knew I was going to love this.
I adored the writing style this was written with. The “acts” and how it’s sometimes narrated made me laugh so hard. (Not in a haha what a joke, but in a genuine aw I love that haha) It felt very Shakespearean (I have never read a word of Shakespeare in my life) and I just cannot help but love it. It was very easy to fly through, and that I did. I started it last night and read through half of it before finishing it this morning.
These characters are great, I connected with them in so many different ways, although I myself am not Muslim. I think that just goes to show the authors’ talent. It was very great to see more of that Muslim culture, especially around Eid and all the celebrations and traditions that go into it. Religion can be a very divisive topic, but I felt very happy reading about it in this novel. I would definitely read it again and again and recommend it to anyone and everyone, no matter what religion you practice. However, I think if you are Muslim, you will enjoy seeing yourself in this just that much more.
Tiwa was very funny, I adored her. Her with Ladoo was amazing. It’s interesting to see her in the flashbacks vs. present time and it just goes to show how much time can change you and how when certain things happen around you, it shapes you in a huge way.
The way grief was written in this packed a punch. My heart feels so heavy for her whole family. The way she deals with the hostility and racism from others just because she is Black and Muslim made me want to give her a hug so badly. Tiwa deserves the world and I will fight anyone who doesn’t think so. Her and Said? I have words! I HAVE WORDS!!! I loved her sister/friendship bond with Safiyah. They are almost like polar opposites, but they mesh together really well. It was funny to see how Tiwa set herself up to becoming a future lawyer with everything that went down in this (no spoilers!).
Said was so sassy, I loved him. His sense of humor and goofiness that came out around certain people (wink wink) was just so fun to read about. I liked that he pursued his art passion and we got to read about how he really gets swept up into it and feel the love he has for art. His friendship with Julian was interesting to see, in contrast to his (former) friendship with Tiwa that we see a little bit of in the flashbacks. Julian was a huge goofball, I couldn’t take him serious. (Except for THAT part). But alas, no spoilers! Find out for yourself!
Said and Tiwas friendship was very complicated and delicate, but I liked to see how they navigated it as older teens as opposed to when they were just kids, in a way, when they had a fall out. I’ve always said all great relationships have to start with a friendship and this book holds firmly to that belief. It’s more of a childhood best friends to enemies (ish) to friends to lovers. Maybe just skip some friends parts? It’s very complicated to explain but when y’all read it, y’all will understand. Remember, this is a love story.
DAMN this book has one of my favorite microtropes ever, that’s also very heartbreaking but saying it would essentially spoil one of the main plot lines so I will refrain. But, feel free to ask me after the book comes out or if you have read it, so we can discuss. Hehe.
I love to see all the representation in this!! We have the main characters of course, Tiwa and Said who are both Muslim. Tiwa is Nigerian and Said is Bangladeshi. We have lesbian rep from Saf and Ishra. There’s all kinds of South Asian Rep in general that I think we get from the Muslim community in New Crosshaven. It doesn’t go into detail about any particular person in the community but it is briefly mentioned, which I liked! Julian is Puerto Rican which we find out later in the book.
Overall, I think this book is for anyone and everyone. You can find yourself in the pages and quickly block out the world in this immersive writing. I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone. I have to preorder now, even though I have a physical arc, I need more.
JUNE 4TH PPL MARK UR CALENDARS AND PREORDER I PROMISE YALL WONT REGRET IT 💋💋
~ pre-review: sorry people, I couldn’t resist picking it up and then I couldn’t resist finishing it bc it was THAT good…full rtc
what would y’all say…if I told y’all…..i got a physical arc of this…..? 🫠
June 19, 2024
this wasn't bad at all, but the muslim representation most definitely was. *sighs*
let's start with the pros, shall we?
pros:
- our mmc, said, is applying for colleges soon, and his parents expect him to go into pre-med at one of the ivy league universities. however, said's true passion is animation/art. we see his people-pleasing nature, where he wants to make his parents happy but also wants to do something to please himself. (i felt that on another level.)
- our fmc, tiwa, is struggling with a lot. her parents' divorce, the death of a loved one, and her ex-friendship with the mmc, etc. we see her emotions first-hand and her perspective on everything, and i felt a (sort-of?) connection with her.
- both main characters' relationships with islam, while not deeply explored, are present, and i got the feeling that they both wanted to be better.
- the community aspect was something i fully related to: the eid celebrations, the gatherings after prayer, and much more. "In a weird way, it's kind of nice, all of us here together. It's what Eid is about after all: community."
cons:
- they hug. multiple times. i know some people are okay with hugging as long as it's a "friendly hug" between men and women, but it's haram. (sorry, i don't know what you wanted me to say.)
- when i thought they wouldn't, they kiss. i was fuming. this book would've been a really high 4/5 if it was halal. 😭
- our mmc's sister is a lesbian.
- they do end up dating. yes. (i don't know why, but their parents are okay with it? uh, that's odd.)
again, i really loved the writing, the plot, the characters—everything was done really well. if it were a halal romance, this would've been a 5 stars for me. can someone please write a halal romance now? (i'm actually begging, please.)
anyways, 2.8 stars.
let's start with the pros, shall we?
pros:
- our mmc, said, is applying for colleges soon, and his parents expect him to go into pre-med at one of the ivy league universities. however, said's true passion is animation/art. we see his people-pleasing nature, where he wants to make his parents happy but also wants to do something to please himself. (i felt that on another level.)
- our fmc, tiwa, is struggling with a lot. her parents' divorce, the death of a loved one, and her ex-friendship with the mmc, etc. we see her emotions first-hand and her perspective on everything, and i felt a (sort-of?) connection with her.
- both main characters' relationships with islam, while not deeply explored, are present, and i got the feeling that they both wanted to be better.
- the community aspect was something i fully related to: the eid celebrations, the gatherings after prayer, and much more. "In a weird way, it's kind of nice, all of us here together. It's what Eid is about after all: community."
"And I realize that I've missed all of this more than I had known before this moment: being close to Allah, spending time with Abbu, going to the mosque."
"She closes her eyes, whispering a prayer under her breath and asking Allah to give them all strength."
cons:
- they hug. multiple times. i know some people are okay with hugging as long as it's a "friendly hug" between men and women, but it's haram. (sorry, i don't know what you wanted me to say.)
- when i thought they wouldn't, they kiss. i was fuming. this book would've been a really high 4/5 if it was halal. 😭
- our mmc's sister is a lesbian.
- they do end up dating. yes. (i don't know why, but their parents are okay with it? uh, that's odd.)
again, i really loved the writing, the plot, the characters—everything was done really well. if it were a halal romance, this would've been a 5 stars for me. can someone please write a halal romance now? (i'm actually begging, please.)
anyways, 2.8 stars.
May 29, 2024
Mishti, misunderstandings and a moving sense of community abound in this richly heartfelt and swoon worthy (second chance, enemies to lovers) romance from best selling authors Adiba Jaigirdar and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
I’m a sucker for all things enemies to lovers so when I heard the premise: two former friends turned enemies, who reconnect at a funeral and find themselves working together to save their town’s Islamic Centre from demolition. I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. And it definitely didn’t disappoint!
I do admit I was hesitant to start this at first having recently lost my Nan. But despite a funeral initially setting the scene; the romantic tension, comedic banter and tender focus on family and community soon proved a soothing balm for my fears as I was thoroughly swept up in Tiwa and Said’s efforts, and growing feelings (both platonic and romantic) for one another.
It’s told through the dual POVs of Said and Tiwa as they navigate the monumental changes in that have shaped their lives and reexamine the rift that ended their childhood friendship.
I loved getting to delve into both Said and Tiwa’s innermost thoughts and feelings, and adored their rivalry that showcased their opposing and competitive (yet thoroughly complimentary) personalities to perfection.
If you’re familiar with the Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing, Said and Tiwa reminded me a little of Beatrice and Benedict in their witty exchanges. I especially loved the flashbacks of Eids past (and THAT cake incident) which allow us to glimpse the carefree, happier moments they shared together.
I can’t not mention the supporting cast who were throughly entertaining too (especially Said’s slightly meddling sister Safiyah, Pokémon obsessed school friend Julian and Ladoo-the mischievous, sweet toothed cat that Said and Tiwa share custody of.) Even main antagonist Mayor Williams (a toothy villain straight out of a hallmark movie) was really interesting to watch, in a love to hate and cheer when they fail kind of way.
Overall a fun and enjoyable read that YA contemporary lovers or fans of Jaigirdar and Àbíké-Íyímídé’s other works should definitely consider checking out.
Also, a huge thanks to Fritha at Usborne for the proof
I’m a sucker for all things enemies to lovers so when I heard the premise: two former friends turned enemies, who reconnect at a funeral and find themselves working together to save their town’s Islamic Centre from demolition. I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. And it definitely didn’t disappoint!
I do admit I was hesitant to start this at first having recently lost my Nan. But despite a funeral initially setting the scene; the romantic tension, comedic banter and tender focus on family and community soon proved a soothing balm for my fears as I was thoroughly swept up in Tiwa and Said’s efforts, and growing feelings (both platonic and romantic) for one another.
It’s told through the dual POVs of Said and Tiwa as they navigate the monumental changes in that have shaped their lives and reexamine the rift that ended their childhood friendship.
I loved getting to delve into both Said and Tiwa’s innermost thoughts and feelings, and adored their rivalry that showcased their opposing and competitive (yet thoroughly complimentary) personalities to perfection.
If you’re familiar with the Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing, Said and Tiwa reminded me a little of Beatrice and Benedict in their witty exchanges. I especially loved the flashbacks of Eids past (and THAT cake incident) which allow us to glimpse the carefree, happier moments they shared together.
I can’t not mention the supporting cast who were throughly entertaining too (especially Said’s slightly meddling sister Safiyah, Pokémon obsessed school friend Julian and Ladoo-the mischievous, sweet toothed cat that Said and Tiwa share custody of.) Even main antagonist Mayor Williams (a toothy villain straight out of a hallmark movie) was really interesting to watch, in a love to hate and cheer when they fail kind of way.
Overall a fun and enjoyable read that YA contemporary lovers or fans of Jaigirdar and Àbíké-Íyímídé’s other works should definitely consider checking out.
Also, a huge thanks to Fritha at Usborne for the proof
April 10, 2024
I did enjoy this one for the most part, but sadly not as much as I'd hoped. I liked both of the main characters, and thought this book was often funny. However, the story itself felt like a string of events that I felt were often glossed over and didn't always feel interconnected. Something would happen, followed by something else, and then the impact of the first event seemed to be missing. For instance, we start the book with a funeral of a Said's mentor, and his sister makes him leave school early to attend it, but we never quite feel the emotional impact throughout the book, making the reasoning behind why Said had to leave school for it confusing. I felt the same way about the ending, which felt rushed. Overall, I just don't think this book felt fleshed out enough to really work.
June 23, 2024
I understand what the author wanted to do, but the final product is failing in execution.
May 15, 2024
Ok first of all, the cover. Are you kidding me. Stunning.
This was my first ever arc and what an absolute pleasure it was to read. This YA romance had me feeling all of the emotions. It follows the journey of Said and Tiwa and how they navigate love, loss and life in general and I loved the two of them. I will have a soft spot for Said for a very long time.
If you want that wholesome, feel good, keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst also low key making you want to cry kind of read - this is the book for you.
This was my first ever arc and what an absolute pleasure it was to read. This YA romance had me feeling all of the emotions. It follows the journey of Said and Tiwa and how they navigate love, loss and life in general and I loved the two of them. I will have a soft spot for Said for a very long time.
If you want that wholesome, feel good, keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst also low key making you want to cry kind of read - this is the book for you.
March 1, 2023
OK I HAVENT READ IT YET BUT IM SO EXCITED I LOVE THESE AUTHORS
June 25, 2024
2.75/5 stars
i have some bones to pick with this book. it wasn't necessarily bad, but the execution was a partial miss
i have some bones to pick with this book. it wasn't necessarily bad, but the execution was a partial miss
June 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook ARC
☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆
This was my introduction into the audiobook world, and I have to say I am a fan! I had read Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s book Ace of Spades (which I loved), however this was my first time reading/listening to anything from Adiba Jaigirdar, and I was not disappointed.
Tiwa and Said, former friends-turned-enemies, are forced to reunite in their hometown during the summer after the death of a beloved librarian to help save their town`s Islamic center and Eid. During this time they are forced to unearth the reason behind their fallout and figure out whether they truly hate each other or not.
My favourite aspect of the novel was the strong sense of community that is omnipresent throughout the novel. Although the reader may not be Islamic or living in a tight-knit community, the authors do a wonderful job immersing the readers. From petitions to baking sales, Said and Tiwa had their community rallying behind them and giving their unconditional support however they could. Although the book fell into a few YA stereotypes and was at times a little predictable, the unique aspects Àbíké-Íyímídé and Jaigirdar bring to the novel more than make up for it.
Regarding the narration, as this was my first time listening to an audiobook, I didn’t really know what to expect. I really loved the inclusion of separate narrators for both Tiwa and Said, as well as a different narrator for the 3rd person POV chapters. It really brought both characters to life, and I found it much easier to follow along and engage with the story, as it felt much more personable. This experience has definitely encouraged me to seek out more audiobooks in the future. As someone who struggles paying attention to just the audio, I downloaded a couple colour by the numbers apps on my iPad and that really helped!
I’m giving this one 4.5 stars, a great read! This book is the perfect YA coming-of-age story, blending important elements of race, culture and self-discovery that really emphasize why we need diverse reads.
☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆
This was my introduction into the audiobook world, and I have to say I am a fan! I had read Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s book Ace of Spades (which I loved), however this was my first time reading/listening to anything from Adiba Jaigirdar, and I was not disappointed.
Tiwa and Said, former friends-turned-enemies, are forced to reunite in their hometown during the summer after the death of a beloved librarian to help save their town`s Islamic center and Eid. During this time they are forced to unearth the reason behind their fallout and figure out whether they truly hate each other or not.
My favourite aspect of the novel was the strong sense of community that is omnipresent throughout the novel. Although the reader may not be Islamic or living in a tight-knit community, the authors do a wonderful job immersing the readers. From petitions to baking sales, Said and Tiwa had their community rallying behind them and giving their unconditional support however they could. Although the book fell into a few YA stereotypes and was at times a little predictable, the unique aspects Àbíké-Íyímídé and Jaigirdar bring to the novel more than make up for it.
Regarding the narration, as this was my first time listening to an audiobook, I didn’t really know what to expect. I really loved the inclusion of separate narrators for both Tiwa and Said, as well as a different narrator for the 3rd person POV chapters. It really brought both characters to life, and I found it much easier to follow along and engage with the story, as it felt much more personable. This experience has definitely encouraged me to seek out more audiobooks in the future. As someone who struggles paying attention to just the audio, I downloaded a couple colour by the numbers apps on my iPad and that really helped!
I’m giving this one 4.5 stars, a great read! This book is the perfect YA coming-of-age story, blending important elements of race, culture and self-discovery that really emphasize why we need diverse reads.
June 8, 2024
2024 reads: 154/250
i received an advanced listening copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
when said hossain is brought from his boarding school back to his hometown to attend the funeral of his beloved ms. barnes, he’s forced to face his ex-best friend, tiwa olatunji. despite their differences, they team up to save the town’s islamic center, which the mayor plans to demolish.
i love both faridah àbíké-íyímídé and adiba jaigirdar separately, so i was super excited when i found out they were writing this book together!
i really loved how this book was laid out, with the present being set during a funeral with eid coming up, and the characters’ pasts being explored through other eid celebrations. i loved that there were some serious discussions, such as racism, grief, and family pressure, in addition to this being a romance. i thought these topics were handled well.
narration: this is a dual pov romance, with an additional, third person narration, and the audiobook reflected this with three narrators: farah kidwai, sandra okuboyejo, and shahjehan khan. i thought each narrator did a great job keeping the story engaging, and they really fit their characters! i highly recommend the audiobook.
i received an advanced listening copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
when said hossain is brought from his boarding school back to his hometown to attend the funeral of his beloved ms. barnes, he’s forced to face his ex-best friend, tiwa olatunji. despite their differences, they team up to save the town’s islamic center, which the mayor plans to demolish.
i love both faridah àbíké-íyímídé and adiba jaigirdar separately, so i was super excited when i found out they were writing this book together!
i really loved how this book was laid out, with the present being set during a funeral with eid coming up, and the characters’ pasts being explored through other eid celebrations. i loved that there were some serious discussions, such as racism, grief, and family pressure, in addition to this being a romance. i thought these topics were handled well.
narration: this is a dual pov romance, with an additional, third person narration, and the audiobook reflected this with three narrators: farah kidwai, sandra okuboyejo, and shahjehan khan. i thought each narrator did a great job keeping the story engaging, and they really fit their characters! i highly recommend the audiobook.
June 4, 2024
Happy pub day!! & thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for this ARC <3
this was a good read! this follows two old friends who have to begin working together to save the Islamic center in New Haven. the story of them working together to save such an important part of the city was so beautiful. hometown heroes if you will. the authors also did a beautiful job discussing the racism and colorism in the community and overall this was just a beautiful story.
i'm an enemy to lovers girly down and friends to enemies to lovers is even more delicious. i will say that i was a bit confused about what their beef was about until the end and then everything began to fall into place. his sister's reasoning is still a bit fishy to me and i wouldn't have forgiven her so easily but that's #me. i loved the writing and the banter between Tiwa and Said. what a cute storyyyy
this was a good read! this follows two old friends who have to begin working together to save the Islamic center in New Haven. the story of them working together to save such an important part of the city was so beautiful. hometown heroes if you will. the authors also did a beautiful job discussing the racism and colorism in the community and overall this was just a beautiful story.
i'm an enemy to lovers girly down and friends to enemies to lovers is even more delicious. i will say that i was a bit confused about what their beef was about until the end and then everything began to fall into place. his sister's reasoning is still a bit fishy to me and i wouldn't have forgiven her so easily but that's #me. i loved the writing and the banter between Tiwa and Said. what a cute storyyyy
Want to read
October 1, 2023This title!!! It sounds absolutely amazing
June 9, 2024
2.5 ⭐️s
The argument was dumb and it wasn’t as heartfelt as it was trying to seem
The argument was dumb and it wasn’t as heartfelt as it was trying to seem
May 24, 2024
thanks to NetGalley for the eARC
⭐️=3 | 😘=2 | 🤬=3.5 | 14+
summary: estranged friends have to work together to save the Islamic Center in their city after it’s damaged in a fire. will they fall in love? I mean… I guess?
thoughts: I didn’t love the relationship between the MCs? like I didn’t see any chemistry between them and and AND the “why we aren’t friends anymore and haven’t spoken in years” conflict was SO STUPID. like when it’s finally revealed what kept them apart I audibly groaned. it’s the worst!! and because their reason for not talking was not the fault of either of the protagonists, it makes their relationship and reconciliation bone dry boring and not interesting and entirely lacking character development! and any personality or flaws whatsoever!!!! be serious! basically what I’m saying is that the best parts of this romance novel were almost anything but the actual romance, and that’s a bad sign!
⭐️=3 | 😘=2 | 🤬=3.5 | 14+
summary: estranged friends have to work together to save the Islamic Center in their city after it’s damaged in a fire. will they fall in love? I mean… I guess?
thoughts: I didn’t love the relationship between the MCs? like I didn’t see any chemistry between them and and AND the “why we aren’t friends anymore and haven’t spoken in years” conflict was SO STUPID. like when it’s finally revealed what kept them apart I audibly groaned. it’s the worst!! and because their reason for not talking was not the fault of either of the protagonists, it makes their relationship and reconciliation bone dry boring and not interesting and entirely lacking character development! and any personality or flaws whatsoever!!!! be serious! basically what I’m saying is that the best parts of this romance novel were almost anything but the actual romance, and that’s a bad sign!
June 18, 2024
3.5/5⭐️
this was a cute & sweet story. i liked the characters especially Said. his comebacks are hilarious. i think that the plot was fairly simple and i was expecting a little bit more ?! i enjoyed Tiwa’s perspective on the racism she faces in the Muslim community because it is a reality for many people. their struggle with the mayor is also something common. the “argument” between the two main characters felt kind of childish since it was just a big misunderstanding so that was.. underwhelming. i still enjoyed this book but i was very excited and expected a little bit more if im being honest.
this was a cute & sweet story. i liked the characters especially Said. his comebacks are hilarious. i think that the plot was fairly simple and i was expecting a little bit more ?! i enjoyed Tiwa’s perspective on the racism she faces in the Muslim community because it is a reality for many people. their struggle with the mayor is also something common. the “argument” between the two main characters felt kind of childish since it was just a big misunderstanding so that was.. underwhelming. i still enjoyed this book but i was very excited and expected a little bit more if im being honest.
June 30, 2024
was it faridah or adiba who decided to spam the book with a village of ellipses ? i cant believe such a sauceless romcom could’ve ever been passed through TWO authors, sent through editing, then published to the world. is there such cruelty in the earth to make people blind in the way all people involved in the publishing process were to say yes to this pathetic attempt at a y/a romance book ? from the uncharming, laughably one-note mmc to the wishy-washy, emotional ( yes, in a bad way ! ) fmc , four eids and a funeral’s failure was carved into its genesis . in it : so much momentum is lost, characters crumble due to flimsy motivations, convenient solutions appear out of thin air, and all the jokes are so. un. funny . kind of sad to see bc i really liked ace of spades from faridah ( and nothing from adiba ! ) , but if they dont surpass whatever impedement hindered the otherwise exciting premise of this book , then i can’t see successful future collaborations from them onwards ! its a 1.25 for me 🤷♀️
May 24, 2024
It takes true skills from both collaborators to make a co-authored project flow so well and seem so seamless. FOUR EIDS AND A FUNERAL is a fabulous read that should be your book of the summer. Fun (and funny!) and emotional in the right places, it is a delight from start to finish.
June 19, 2024
two of my favorite authors writing a book together this cannot be happening
——
“There aren’t many things in life that are forever, but Said and Tiwa are written in the stars….or rather the bark.”
3.5
——
“There aren’t many things in life that are forever, but Said and Tiwa are written in the stars….or rather the bark.”
3.5
May 17, 2024
When Adiba writes a book, I haul ass to read it, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one!
I loved the way that Faridah and Adiba come together in this book to tell Tiwa and Said's story. Faridah also being able to show the discrimination that Black Muslims face within the Muslim community was also really important. Tiwa and Said were amazing!
More to come.
I loved the way that Faridah and Adiba come together in this book to tell Tiwa and Said's story. Faridah also being able to show the discrimination that Black Muslims face within the Muslim community was also really important. Tiwa and Said were amazing!
More to come.
May 14, 2024
Eid:
noun
a Muslim festival, in particular Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha.
~Tiwa and Said are at odds and neither of them try to understand where the anger stems from (which doesn’t really make sense).
Unfortunately for them, they are forced to come together when their favorite teacher passes away, leaving them with an odd request in her will. They’re also forced together to prepare for their yearly festivals within their community.
Tragedy strikes again and their beloved Islamic center is at risk of being completely destroyed. Tiwa has a plan that can only be executed with the help of Said.
I appreciate the educational aspects of learning about the many different facets of the Muslim community and their different traditions, feast and festivals. But the book struggled to hold my attention. The entire focus of the book was preparing for the Eid and the conflict surrounding the two main characters.
The authors spent so much time focusing on the festival that they completely glossed over their teachers death and what she truly meant to them.
They also glossed over the reveal of why Tiwa and Said were actually at odds.
The cover states that this is a love story but there was no build up to indicate that because Tiwa and Said fought like siblings.
I’m rating this 2.5 stars because I enjoyed the cultural representation. Thank you McMillan Audio for this ARC #macaudio2024
Release Date: June 4, 2024
My Short Synopsis:
In this romantic tale by award-winning authors Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Adiba Jaigirdar, ex-best friends Tiwa and Said reunite to save their Islamic Center from demolition. As they navigate grief, family expectations, and their own unresolved feelings, they must work together to confront the mayor and rebuild their relationship. With Eid approaching and the stakes high, will they succeed in saving what matters most to them?
noun
a Muslim festival, in particular Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha.
~Tiwa and Said are at odds and neither of them try to understand where the anger stems from (which doesn’t really make sense).
Unfortunately for them, they are forced to come together when their favorite teacher passes away, leaving them with an odd request in her will. They’re also forced together to prepare for their yearly festivals within their community.
Tragedy strikes again and their beloved Islamic center is at risk of being completely destroyed. Tiwa has a plan that can only be executed with the help of Said.
I appreciate the educational aspects of learning about the many different facets of the Muslim community and their different traditions, feast and festivals. But the book struggled to hold my attention. The entire focus of the book was preparing for the Eid and the conflict surrounding the two main characters.
The authors spent so much time focusing on the festival that they completely glossed over their teachers death and what she truly meant to them.
They also glossed over the reveal of why Tiwa and Said were actually at odds.
The cover states that this is a love story but there was no build up to indicate that because Tiwa and Said fought like siblings.
I’m rating this 2.5 stars because I enjoyed the cultural representation. Thank you McMillan Audio for this ARC #macaudio2024
Release Date: June 4, 2024
My Short Synopsis:
In this romantic tale by award-winning authors Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Adiba Jaigirdar, ex-best friends Tiwa and Said reunite to save their Islamic Center from demolition. As they navigate grief, family expectations, and their own unresolved feelings, they must work together to confront the mayor and rebuild their relationship. With Eid approaching and the stakes high, will they succeed in saving what matters most to them?
June 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I loved this book! I’ve enjoyed books from both of these authors and together they didn’t disappoint. It had all my favourite things. Childhood best friends who become estranged by distance and miscommunications are forced to work together and even co-parent a cat. The reason for why they stopped talking didn’t make much sense to me, but their feelings did so it doesn’t bother me as much.
I really enjoyed Said’s journey with accepting that an art career is something he wants to put in the work to pursue.
June 27, 2024
This book was phenomenal. I loved every aspect of it. The banter, the flirting, the conflict and the resolution, the depth to the characters. Everything.
I love love love dual povs. They are my absolute favourite and I picked up this book, knowing very little about it. Imagine my delight when I find out that this is a dual pov AND it has two different covers to represent that!! I'm so happy I have the purple one!!
Said and Tia represent your classic best friends turned rivals turned mutuals turned lovers, with a poc cultural infusion. Ugh how I love this trope and this book did this trope pride. And seeing pocs in books is something that is so inherently special to me, especially rooted in the desi community. Not to mention the desi sapphic rep too!
This book does such a beautiful job of showing that people can be of any religion or faith, no matter their appearance. It follows Tia and Said, bringing a different perspective on the discrimination that can occur within your own community, purely based on race.
Tia and Said were such in-depth characters, who each had their own well-fleshed aspirations, struggles and personalities. Whilst Said was struggling with following his own dreams amongst familial and communal pressure, Tia was struggling with losing the Islamic centre and the aftermath of a tragedy that happened years prior. Tia was your girlboss queen who didn't let anyone get to her and Said reminded me of a little golden retriever who had no clue that he did actually liked Tia 😭😭Their bantering reminded me of Cecily and Gabriel (if youve read the infernal devices!!) and I loved it so so much. They made me audibly giggle as I was reading this book which is the best feeling ever 🤭🤭
Also shoutout to Said's sister for being such a girlboss!!!
thank you to usborne ya for an arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶
.
OMG I LOVED IT
rtc
I love love love dual povs. They are my absolute favourite and I picked up this book, knowing very little about it. Imagine my delight when I find out that this is a dual pov AND it has two different covers to represent that!! I'm so happy I have the purple one!!
Said and Tia represent your classic best friends turned rivals turned mutuals turned lovers, with a poc cultural infusion. Ugh how I love this trope and this book did this trope pride. And seeing pocs in books is something that is so inherently special to me, especially rooted in the desi community. Not to mention the desi sapphic rep too!
This book does such a beautiful job of showing that people can be of any religion or faith, no matter their appearance. It follows Tia and Said, bringing a different perspective on the discrimination that can occur within your own community, purely based on race.
Tia and Said were such in-depth characters, who each had their own well-fleshed aspirations, struggles and personalities. Whilst Said was struggling with following his own dreams amongst familial and communal pressure, Tia was struggling with losing the Islamic centre and the aftermath of a tragedy that happened years prior. Tia was your girlboss queen who didn't let anyone get to her and Said reminded me of a little golden retriever who had no clue that he did actually liked Tia 😭😭Their bantering reminded me of Cecily and Gabriel (if youve read the infernal devices!!) and I loved it so so much. They made me audibly giggle as I was reading this book which is the best feeling ever 🤭🤭
Also shoutout to Said's sister for being such a girlboss!!!
thank you to usborne ya for an arc in exchange for an honest review 🫶
.
OMG I LOVED IT
rtc
Want to read
February 12, 2024What do you get when you combine the authors of Ace of Spades and Hanu and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating?
LITERARY GENIUSSSSSSS
I am so hyped rn.
LITERARY GENIUSSSSSSS
I am so hyped rn.
May 17, 2024
JazakhAllah Khair to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing Group for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Can I rate this over five stars? Because it deserves a million stars. WOW. I already knew a book written by my two favorite muslim authors (aka my two favorite authors of all time) was going to be one of my top reads of the year and I was RIGHT.
First of all, the characters? Incredible. Amazing. Showstopping. Never been seen before. 10/10. I loved Tiwa and Said so much and I hold them so near and dear to my heart. And everyone else too! Like Safiyah and Julian and of course we can’t forget habibi Laddoo.
I also loved that we got a lot of friendship and family dynamics and that the relationship aspect of the book wasn’t solely focused on romance!! That being said, let’s ABSOLUTELY talk about the romance because the second I saw that Much Ado About Nothing quote in the opening I was like “oh this is gonna be a GREAT annoyances to lovers arc” and I was absolutely correct. Tiwa and Said are also just so jennajulien core and you know I will be hooked on any relationship that reminds me of jennajulien.
As a muslim, I really appreciate some of the little details about practices in the faith! Like performing ablution and how we start and end our prayers. I also just love the casual ‘inshallah’s and ‘mashallah’s AND the talk of how important community is in Islam and how much it can aid our imaan.
I couldn’t recommend this book more, for both muslims and non-muslims. And inshallah we’ll see more book co-written Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar in the future!
Can I rate this over five stars? Because it deserves a million stars. WOW. I already knew a book written by my two favorite muslim authors (aka my two favorite authors of all time) was going to be one of my top reads of the year and I was RIGHT.
First of all, the characters? Incredible. Amazing. Showstopping. Never been seen before. 10/10. I loved Tiwa and Said so much and I hold them so near and dear to my heart. And everyone else too! Like Safiyah and Julian and of course we can’t forget habibi Laddoo.
I also loved that we got a lot of friendship and family dynamics and that the relationship aspect of the book wasn’t solely focused on romance!! That being said, let’s ABSOLUTELY talk about the romance because the second I saw that Much Ado About Nothing quote in the opening I was like “oh this is gonna be a GREAT annoyances to lovers arc” and I was absolutely correct. Tiwa and Said are also just so jennajulien core and you know I will be hooked on any relationship that reminds me of jennajulien.
As a muslim, I really appreciate some of the little details about practices in the faith! Like performing ablution and how we start and end our prayers. I also just love the casual ‘inshallah’s and ‘mashallah’s AND the talk of how important community is in Islam and how much it can aid our imaan.
I couldn’t recommend this book more, for both muslims and non-muslims. And inshallah we’ll see more book co-written Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar in the future!
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