Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel

Fun, uncomplicated YA, and there's nothing wrong with that. I enjoyed the glimpses into Persian culture in the US and the main character's voice was a lot of fun and easy to spend time with. This read a little bit like a middle-grade book, or the younger end of YA, with a bit too much Valuable Lessons Learned, but overall I enjoyed this.

(Read Harder 2017: #15 Read a YA or middle grade novel by an author who identifies as LGBTQ+.)

I'm conflicted by this book. I gave it a 3, but it's probably a 2.5. Due to the subject matter — a coming out story of a lesbian as well as the intersectionality of her ethnicity — I wanted to love it. However, this didn't read like a YA book, it read like it should've been for middle school or younger. The plot was simplistic, the action rushed, the characterization was 2-dimensional. I read this book in 2 hours. I read fast, but it's also really telling of how little substance this book had. As a positive, I will say that as much as I usually hate first person writing, I didn't mind Leila as a narrator. There is somewhat of a tiny plot twist that if this book had been written even an iota better, could have really been something.

Honestly it was a nice read. Easy to read and short.



/SPOILERS/
I thought that when Lisa character was introduced she would be Leila love interests. I was happy because I have thing for childhood friend to lovers, but when Saskia appeared i realized I was wrong. I kinda settle with it and thought “welp bestie helping with hopeless love”
When she first insulted Tess i had a wrong feeling and thought this would be the kinda of story where the main character changes the bad one.
However when Leila and Saskia were in the fitting room and she said “You should really do something about the blemishes on your back. I have a cream I can lend you.”
I completely lost it. I felt so bad for Leila (if i would have been here, those word would stung me my whole life, maybe I'm dramatic but I don't like ppl talking about my body unless I asked for their opinions/help)
I started disliking Saskia a lot and had a hard time believing this two will be the main couple but then, boom, Lisa confess and i get all my hope back.

I have a question though, with those harassment texts, can she takes it to the police?

Also I wished they would be more romantic moment between Lisa and Leila but i understand they were too highschooler trying to keep at bay.