Cosmopolitan caught my interest because the author has taken on such a challenge. There are multitudes of coming out stories, but he adds challenges that others don't. His protagonist, Arslan, is gay...and physically challenged. He is gay...and an immigrant to the USA. He is gay...but from a religion not only not supportive of gays, but hostile. Is that enough challenge? Okay, throw in a mother who bitterly dominates her son and tries to force him into an arranged marriage.
So I was looking forward to seeing if and how these situations were handled. Author Asad Jung engaged me with a linear, conversational approach which helped keep things clear but did not allow for him to demonstrate depth in his writing. Not to go overboard on the challenge theme, he had the added challenge of keeping the reader interested as Arslan wobbled tediously about what to do. His saintly friend Noah put up with a lot, as did his friend Jasmine. But Noah had it worse, and I figured if he could keep going, so could I. Naturally the novel finally reaches a resolution, but I won't spoil anything. My conclusion is that Mr. Jung accomplished his goals!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.