I’ve always said that the mark of a good book is one that can make you cry. And my gods did I cry towards the end. While I may not be Iranian, Parvin’ sa struggle with her identity and body is something I can relate to. I remember being 14. It sucked. Nobody on TV looked like me, spoke like me, ate like me. I wish I’d had this book when I was a teenager because I think it would’ve helped me be more comfortable with myself sooner.

I loved the little tidbits of Iranian culture that were put it. Having grown up with some Iranian friends, I naturally sent screenshots of the pages I didn’t understand asking them to explain or laughed at the parts I did. I also found out some similar vocabulary between Hindi and Farsi (duh) and that was exciting!

All around would recommend but as always, you should put more trust into an Own Voice review.

This book exceeded my expectations. Such a fun, fast read of first kisses, first boyfriends, and trying to be the "perfect" girl to capture the "perfect" guy's eye. Fourteen-year-old Parvin is a loud, boy-crazy, hairy, prank-playing, biracial Iranian-American girl. And I really, really loved her friends, Fabian and Ruth, and their subplots.

It was really awesome learning about Parvin's Iranian culture. As a biracial Black woman who grew up with a white mother that had no idea what to do with my unruly frizzy curls, I could totally relate to Parvin's relationship with her white mom who didn't understand Parvin's specific needs. My heart broke as Parvin decided to change herself in order to be beautiful by acting and looking like the (quiet white) women in her favorite rom-com's. So relatable. Wish I'd had a book like this growing up. What starts out as a romance, also showcases other important relationships including family, friends, and love and acceptance of oneself. Fingers crossed that there will be a future movie or TV show!

Parvin is starting high school and everything in her life is changing. As a former Lizzie McGuire loving teen myself, I found Parvin's voice so fun and funny. This is a great pick for those inbetweeners who are navigating dating, new schools, and all of the other Very Devastating Life Events that happen when you're this age.

This book is such a fun story, a quick read, and an emotional rollercoaster!
I was mostly reading this book for the Iranian representation, because I love all Iranian stories regardless of genre or plot. There are always funny things that make it very Iranian. But I didn’t expect to be this blown away by the captivating story.
We follow Parvin as the boy she’s been hanging out with all summer asks her out only to change his tune the moment school starts & break up with her. Words hurt, and Parvin takes what he said to her too seriously and tries to reinvent herself, which everyone but her knows isn’t the answer.
This book is full of gut wrenching friendship complications and other conflicts the main character gets into while trying to figure out who she is. But not only that. The story is full of powerful messages about people of color just seeing white women in movies and ads and thinking that’s what beauty is when that’s not true, as well as prejudice.
Most of all, I really enjoyed reading an entire book filled with Farsi dialogue, Iranian food, and all of the topics of conversation that come up that are very Iranian.