Reviews
"Sara Farizan is just the voice YA needs right now." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen "Farizan exceeds the high expectations she set with her debut, If You Could Be Mine , in this fresh, humorous, and poignant exploration of friendship and love, a welcome addition to the coming-out/coming-of-age genre." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review "Deftly balancing Leila's unique cultural background and experience with more universal coming-of-age struggles, Farizan fashions an empowering romance featuring a lovable, awkward protagonist who just needs a little nudge of confidence to totally claim her multifaceted identity." -- Booklist , starred review "A warm and uplifting coming-out story . . . An appealing cast of well-drawn characters--Christina, a vampire-obsessed theater tech-crew member, Tomas, the gay director and taskmaster of the middle school play she helps with, and Tess, a refreshingly confident nerdy girl--makes the story shine. Lessons abound . . . but skilful character development keeps Leila's discoveries from ever feeling didactic. Funny, heartwarming and wise." -- Kirkus Reviews "With a plot that unfolds naturally, good writing, and vivid character development that leaves readers alternately cringing and aching for the protagonist, teens will find a satisfying coming-of-age novel. Fragments of Persian culture are incorporated smoothly within the narrative. Books featuring gay and lesbian teens of Middle Eastern descent are rare, and this engaging high school drama fills that need. Leila's coming out to her friends and family, and her fear of disappointing her parents will resonate with all young adults." -- School Library Journal, "Both personal and universal, this is a compelling story about high school, family and owning up to who you really are. Farizan is just the voice YA needs right now. Trust me, you'll be glad you listened." --Sarah Dessen, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Moon and More, "Sara Farizan is just the voice YA needs right now." - #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen "Farizan exceeds the high expectations she set with her debut, If You Could Be Mine , in this fresh, humorous, and poignant exploration of friendship and love, a welcome addition to the coming-out/coming-of-age genre." - Publishers Weekly , starred review "Deftly balancing Leila's unique cultural background and experience with more universal coming-of-age struggles, Farizan fashions an empowering romance featuring a lovable, awkward protagonist who just needs a little nudge of confidence to totally claim her multifaceted identity." - Booklist , starred review "A warm and uplifting coming-out story . . . An appealing cast of well-drawn characters--Christina, a vampire-obsessed theater tech-crew member, Tomas, the gay director and taskmaster of the middle school play she helps with, and Tess, a refreshingly confident nerdy girl--makes the story shine. Lessons abound . . . but skilful character development keeps Leila's discoveries from ever feeling didactic. Funny, heartwarming and wise." - Kirkus Reviews "With a plot that unfolds naturally, good writing, and vivid character development that leaves readers alternately cringing and aching for the protagonist, teens will find a satisfying coming-of-age novel. Fragments of Persian culture are incorporated smoothly within the narrative. Books featuring gay and lesbian teens of Middle Eastern descent are rare, and this engaging high school drama fills that need. Leila's coming out to her friends and family, and her fear of disappointing her parents will resonate with all young adults." - School Library Journal, "Sara Farizan is just the voice YA needs right now." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen "A warm and uplifting coming-out story . . . An appealing cast of well-drawn characters--Christina, a vampire-obsessed theater tech-crew member, Tomas, the gay director and taskmaster of the middle school play she helps with, and Tess, a refreshingly confident nerdy girl--makes the story shine. Lessons abound . . . but skilful character development keeps Leila's discoveries from ever feeling didactic. Funny, heartwarming and wise." -- Kirkus Reviews "With a plot that unfolds naturally, good writing, and vivid character development that leaves readers alternately cringing and aching for the protagonist, teens will find a satisfying coming-of-age novel. Fragments of Persian culture are incorporated smoothly within the narrative. Books featuring gay and lesbian teens of Middle Eastern descent are rare, and this engaging high school drama fills that need. Leila's coming out to her friends and family, and her fear of disappointing her parents will resonate with all young adults." -- School Library Journal, "Sara Farizan is just the voice YA needs right now." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen "Farizan exceeds the high expectations she set with her debut, If You Could Be Mine , in this fresh, humorous, and poignant exploration of friendship and love, a welcome addition to the coming-out/coming-of-age genre." -- Publishers Weekly , starred review "Deftly balancing Leila's unique cultural background and experience with more universal coming-of-age struggles, Farizan fashions an empowering romance featuring a lovable, awkward protagonist who just needs a little nudge of confidence to totally claim her multifaceted identity." -- Booklist , starred review "A warm and uplifting coming-out story . . . An appealing cast of well-drawn characters--Christina, a vampire-obsessed theater tech-crew member, Tomas, the gay director and taskmaster of the middle school play she helps with, and Tess, a refreshingly confident nerdy girl--makes the story shine. Lessons abound . . . but skilful character development keeps Leila's discoveries from ever feeling didactic. Funny, heartwarming and wise." -- Kirkus Reviews "With a plot that unfolds naturally, good writing, and vivid character development that leaves readers alternately cringing and aching for the protagonist, teens will find a satisfying coming-of-age novel. Fragments of Persian culture are incorporated smoothly within the narrative. Books featuring gay and lesbian teens of Middle Eastern descent are rare, and this engaging high school drama fills that need. Leila's coming out to her friends and family, and her fear of disappointing her parents will resonate with all young adults." -- School Library Journal -- Review quotes
