I received an ARC of American Fever on NetGalley courtesy of Dure herself, in exchange for a review. I will keep my thoughts brief for now (as I am working a longer book review): I really enjoyed reading the novel. To say that Dure has a knack for writing beautiful prose is an understatement; she put a lot of thought into crafting each and every sentence in the novel.

As for the protagonist, I don't understand why so many people are complaining about her. Yes, she was not an 'easy' or likeable person..... so? She is a teenager; of course she is frustrating! I am saving most of my thoughts about Hira for a longer review but I felt that her character was fleshed out very well and complicated in a way I could understand.

American Fever helped me overcome my reading slump. It is sharp, funny, and goes a long way in exhibiting Dure's ruminative and keenly observant style of writing. A must read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of the most frustrating and disappointing reads of 2022 (until now) for me.
The writing is astounding. I couldn't love it more. I was attracted to the story initially only because of the book's description but once I started reading it, I realized how much potential this author has. It was super easy to understand the setting in which the action took place although there aren't a lot of descriptive sections in this novel. The story flowed naturally so I thought I'd thoroughly enjoy it.
However, once the main character got to the USA, she became something completely different. She frustrated me and irritated me to such an extent that I couldn't do this to myself and so I DNF-ed this book at around 50%.
I realize it's probably unfair for me to give it a 1-star rating (I'm being way too dramatic) but I hate losing my time with books that could have been so good and yet they are... like this.
I'm sure the main character had some reasons for being so incredibly frustrating and angry at the world, but IMO it feels like she judges Americans and the American society (and white people in general) much in the same way the latter do with ethnic individuals. She is so eager to prove that she is so much smarter than any American she interacts with and she wants to make a point of anything that she does that literally no one is capable of building a relationship with her (at least not until I got halfway through the book). And why would they?...
Honestly, it all felt like such a waste considering how good the writing was.
I hope the author tries something different the next time around in the way of creating a character that's a bit less... like this.

Teenage Hira embarks on a year long placement in America. Leaving her family behind in Pakistan, she moves in with her host family in Oregon. What she thinks will be the trip of a lifetime in the land of opportunity soon becomes filled with dissappointment and plagued by illness.

The writing style is a joy. There are phrases that have to be read twice in order to enjoy them again. However, Hira as a character is frustrating. It's difficult to warm to her. She's arrogant and stubborn and you want her to embrace her experiences rather than fight back against them.

Despite my feelings about Hira, I enjoyed this debut novel. Ultimately, it's a story about finding who you really are when you shed the skin your family gave you.

This book tells the story of a 17 year-old Pakistani girl moving to Oregon for a school year. Hira has many difficulties adjusting to time in the United States as well as facing serious health issues when she is diagnosed with Tuberculosis.

I was thoroughly engrossed in this book; the writing was excellent and I enjoyed the story. I could really relate to Hira's experience of not doing enough research, not understanding a new place, not adjusting and therefore not having the best time. Hira struggles with remaining too rigid in how she wants things to be, and not experiencing the joy and difference in her home for the year. That said, the adults in this story fall far from what would be expected in a foreign exchange program. Several of the plot points that make the story dramatic just would not have happened which took me out of the story a couple of times... however, overall this was a well written and engrossing story. I wonder where Hira is now, I hope she is doing well.

American Fever has earned itself a place on my future syllabi. This book was, by far, one of the most bitingly clear, beautifully written stories I've read in a long time. I've read a lot of criticism about Hira's voice and character, but so much cultural information is being conveyed through her life, actions, and words that I was overwhelmed with the sheer honesty of it all.

Being somewhere new, especially a place that is so grounded in self-love as the idealistic America is, cannot be easy for anyone. Being from Pakistan, especially during the time period that this book is set, well -- I can't even imagine. Thankfully, Dur e Aziz Amna does that for us and she is unapologetically honest and this American is thankful for it.

Beautifully written book. A must-read for every American. Don't pass this one up.

The story was phenomenal and so well written. Yes, the subject is tough and touchy and maybe not for everyone but it’s so good.

Hira is an unforgettable narrator. After being immersed in this prose for a few days, you feel like you can borrow some of its intelligence and apply it to your own life. I feel like a sharper version of my self. Wish more novels could do this!

This is the story of Hira, a 16 year old Pakistani Muslim girl, who goes to Oregon for an year long exchange program.

It was nice to read a story about a Muslim girl without the constant reminder that they are apparently nothing but oppressed souls.

The most beautiful aspect of the book were the several instances of contrast that showcased and gave better definition to Hira's character. I enjoyed reading about her grappling with faith, the expectations on her sex, the invisible pressure to fit the mould and her take on classism.

Hira is not a likable character and since we see the world through her eyes, her constant cynicism and critique make the other characters as unlikable as her.

I could feel her bitterness for the world vividly yet the other side to it , that is her love for her home or her longing for her parents , was pale in comparison.

This is a story of adolescence and the concept of 'home' that people have. But more than anything else it feels like social commentary coming from a teenager who is constantly judging everyone including herself. She's close-minded not because she thinks she is right but because she thinks she is above others. It was upsetting that she didn't have any character development other than a few comments on what she thought years later. It was an engaging read but felt like preaching without any real closure.

Before I start complaining, let me preface this review by saying that Dur e Aziz Amna is a good writer. The pacing, the alternation of timelines, the dialogue-to-narration ratio, the believable characters--these are all textbook good writing. That said, I detest the main character.

Listen, I'm an American Immigrant too, but Hira's petulant, curmudgeonly, arrogant attitude towards the country and culture had me feeling fiercely American™. We get it, you're homesick and too proud to say anything. You're disoriented in a foreign land and too scared to dip a toe into a culture you don't give a damn about. Not only that, there is no active character development. She learns nothing except in hindsight.

Hira wasn't the only one to get on my nerves. Her family (especially her mother and grandfather) are obnoxious, her love interests rude, and I sensed no connection between her and her "friends". But hey, maybe that's just a cultural difference that I don't comprehend.

Wait, why did I read this whole book? Can I have this rewritten from Amy's point of view? A coming-of-age about an only child whose single mom suddenly simultaneously marries a guy and adopts a grouchy Pakistani girl (who has a highly contagious disease), a girl who has to decide what she's going to do with her life while keeping up with volleyball, school, and the flavor of the week, Kyle.

Though I appreciate the good writing and interesting plot, I do not care for the end result.

First of all, thank you Netgalley for this opportunity

I am humbled to first stumble upon this book. The writing really captivates me, and although it covers a pretty sensitive issues (ie. religion, gender, etc) I am surprised to find myself still enjoying this book.

I totally get why the writer get a well deserved recognition for her work. This is a beauty by itself. I am excited to see it published in August 2022. I feel like everyone should read this with open mind to fully captures the quirkiness and boldness of this book.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. It was a really refreshing read. Honestly not much else I can say, maybe I need some more time to think about the book but for now it's a good 4 star read.