a slow build, but definitely worth sticking with. the way the author writes about the humanness of relationships, past and present, and how we navigate the world within them is very moving. there’s also a lot to be said the way that race and religion are spoken of this book, and how it impacts these characters so innately.

It took so long to read this book but it is such a great read! Yes, sometimes it does seem to drag, but watching the breaking of a relationship over 4 years was so intense. I could feel the emotions and the breaks and it hit me in the heart. Made me appreciate my relationships more and more! Love the characters, the idea, and the progression through different time periods and events.

4/5 stars! Totally recommend!

**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

I read this book in about 36 hours, I just could not put it down. What a beautiful examination of love, race, and color. How there’s nuance in religion. Nur and Yasmina’s story should be read by everyone. The book gives snippets in time over the span of four years and is equal parts loving, funny, and devastating

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book from the reading the first page, so to finally be able to finish the story was amazing for me, and I loved every second of it. "Good Intentions" follows the story the relationship between Nur, a young British-Pakistani man, and Yasmin, a young Sudanese woman. The story delves into a lot of the complex social and racial issues that the couple has to deal with, especially in terms of Nur and his family, and navigated these issues with great care. Overall, especially with the plot being so heavy and complex, this book was an amazing read and I would recommend it to anyone that loves contemporary fiction that makes you think about the different lives that others lead.

I really enjoyed the movie The Big Sick so when I saw this particular book had that type of vibe I knew I had to request it.
The Big Sick meets Nick Hornby in Kasim Ali's debut novel about a young man who has hidden a romance from his parents, unable to choose between familial obligation and the future he truly wants.
I always love these types of books where the protagonist figures out that they want different things from what they are told or expected to have and Inreallt loved following Kasims journey to finding himself as well as love with the beautiful Yasmina as well. If you like books that explore culture, prejudices, and following your own path than you will enjoy this one.

I liked this more than I thought I would. It's gripping and /very/ moving - I found myself really emotional throughout much of this, not because it's deeply depressing, but because the author really understands how to convey sincerity and the plight of human-ness.