Whew this is a messy teenage story! Jasmine is an Iranian American high school student feeling the pressure to get into her first choice school because of her big dreams. A disappointing competition result and an international crisis catapult her into a public election race and a lot of confusion. She has to examine and understand her relationship to her identity and her integrity, and makes a lot of realistic bad choices along the way. I didn't find her very lovable, but she's definitely relatable!

I would love to see the ratio of book dedicated to mistakes versus resolution adjusted. Jasmine spends nearly the entire book compounding her poor choices. Finally she stops for a moment, admits she has been deflecting responsibility, makes a couple of huge gestures, and voila everything is fixed! There's almost no time spent on her actual growth or learning, which is a disappointment for a book otherwise focused on character exploration.

Overall, there's a lot to love here: delicious food, music references, and plenty of little details highlighting the time period. Jasmine's family relationships are complicated and have a bigger impact on her than she consciously realizes, which make for a compelling story. This is a well crafted young adult book featuring a perspective that deserves more attention than it gets!

Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Womens Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 11/1/22
Author: Susan Azim Boyer
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Lanna Joffrey
GR: 4.25

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

My Thoughts: Even though Jasmine is flawed, made one bad decision after another, you could not help but root for her. Jasmine was strong, independent, and motivated to get into the college of her dreams. Even though she creates a mess, she cleans up the mess. Then there is Mike, whose morals are solid, and you just want to do better by him. Using the student election to play on current US politics was brilliant. The supporting characters were amazing. The narrator does an excellent job at the voices, making different character imprints, and just brings the whole story to life. The author does an amazing job with the Iranian-American culture, providing such amazing detail, that you felt connected to the culture. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and just creatively woven throughout the story. The author’s write style was complex, multifaceted, funny, authentic, thought provoking, and beautiful. This is just a beautiful, poignant story about a young girl caught between cultures, just trying to make her imprint in the world. The story is beautiful, heartbreaking, and funny. This book released last week, I do highly recommend picking up the audiobook.

Summary: Jasmine Zumideh is determined to win a spot in NYU’s Freshman class and pursue her dream of becoming a journalist within the music industry. In order to gain a leg up in her early application, she writes that she has served as Senior Class President. The only problem is, she hasn’t yet been elected. As the election nears, an international incident causes Anti-Iranian backlash within the school. Determined to beat her running mate, Jasmine decides to downplay her Iranian identity. Soon her small lies become larger ones and she must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to win the election.

Thoughts: A YA book with lots of heart, Jasmine Zumideh needs a win addresses a lot of the issues young adults, from middle school through college, grapple with during the adolescent years. In additon to the average struggles, Boyer addresses what diverse students face, most notably students of middle eastern descent and particulary during times of war, when xenophobia is at an all time high.

At the heart of this story, Jasmine is struggling to find her indentity. In school, she struggles to find her academic self; in her social circle, she struggles to find her cultural identity. Like most teenagers her age, as they try to form a world for themselves beyond high school, she is faced with navigating these complexities. I think so many young adults will connect with Jasmie as she grapples with that transition between high school and college, while also being true to her cultural identity.

A phenomenal debut novel, I cannot wait to see what Boyer writes next. Highly recommend this book regardless of age.

4.5★ rounded up.

Read if you like:
•Iranian-American rep
•high school setting
•relatable MC
•coming of age stories

Thank you to Wednesday Books, MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the gifted finished copy and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I was excited to read this but felt a little let down. It’s a cool idea, 1970s, Iranian American girl running for senior class president to get into NYU. And it was interesting to see the politics and the ignorance shown when the hostage crisis came about…but it felt like Jasmine didn’t learn anything or really grow or learn to stand up for herself or her heritage or even want to learn about her heritage…the ending seemed to just try to quickly wrap everything up since she was feeling crummy about how things were turning out, not too well for her.

I LOVED this book. You know why? Not just because it was a fun 70s pop culture fest, but because it actually looks at xenophobia and the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979, something you just don’t read about. I love that. I love this look at dual identity and not understanding how to be who you are within those two identities. I love that I learned so much. Those are the important stories.

I listened to it and we don't buy audiobooks, typically, but I would LOVE to recommend this to kids with a physical copy in the library! FOR SURE!

It's the 80s and Jasmine needs an extracurricular activity to put on her transcript, so she decides to run for class president to fill that hole to fulfill her dreams of going to NYU. But her nemesis Gerald is also running and we follow the bitter battle between the two of them. But then, a real-life international incident turns the election upside down. Iran suddenly dominates the nightly news, and her opponent seizes the opportunity to stir up anti-Iranian hysteria at school and turn the electorate against her. Her brother, Ali, is no help. He’s become an outspoken advocate for Iran just as she’s trying to downplay her heritage. In summary this is a story of one Iranian-American young woman’s experience navigating her identity, friendship, family, her future, and a budding romance, all set against life-changing historical events with present-day relevance.

I wanted to enjoy this, but it felt kinda predictable. Jasmine wanted to fit in and be all-American and resist her Iranian heritage, while her brother is making a statement for the Iranian people. Gerald is straight laced and runs on this overly conservative anti-Iran, platform which is just vom! It's overly politicized and for something so small like a second semester class president role. I just feel like the majority of the book was about the high school election and the last 15% was about real life emigration issues that felt more important.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Thanks Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners for the copy of this ALC.

Jasmine Zumideh wants nothing more than to get into NYU for journalism. To give her an extra leg up, she decides to run for Senior Class President. The only problem is the early admission application is due before the election results are in... so it should be fine if she just says she's President on her application, right? Except that the election isn't as breezy as she thought, as the Iran Hostage Crisis begins and her opponent starts saying things like "bomb Iran", while Jasmine, as an Iranian-American, tries to erase her Iranian identity and distance herself from the Crisis. Jasmine's struggle with her identity while her brother is so set in his, and the historical information woven into this 1979 storyline really set this book apart as a YA novel. It's incredibly unique and informative, and is great for readers of all ages. I can see this being a really wonderful pick for a high school English class or book club, because the perspective is great and it would lead to really wonderful discussion. Just note it is definitely YA and all the teenage girl friend drama and dumb decision-making are also included - lol!

"Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win" is exactly what every YA read aims for. A relatable main character, going through the struggles of most high school students as they look to what is next. Balancing her current friends, her future dreams and the pressures of college applications, Jasmine is convinced she NEEDS to win class president to make her dreams come true. Add to that her Iranian heritage amidst a media frenzy of Iranian American fear and this book truly delivers. Did I mention great 80s nostalgia as this is set in the 80s?

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Jasmine Zumideh is an Iranian American running for high school senior class president in 1979. She put on her college application that she won so she does everything possible to make it happen. During the campaign the Iran Hostage Crisis occurs and there is a lot of hate against Iranians. Jasmine is not particularly likable and makes a lot of poor decisions.

I liked all the musical references.

I absolutely loved this book. The incorporation of real event in Iran during the timeline in the book makes this young adult historical fiction educational in more than one regard. I thought that the narrator did a great jon on her Iranian accent as well.

I had so much fun listening to this audiobook! It was clever and witty, and I loved the 1979 setting and music references sprinkled throughout. But what really sets this story apart is the cross section of a piece of history that doesn’t often get talked about (the Iran hostage crisis) and Jasmine’s journey as the things she thinks she wants comes in conflict with the world around her.

Jasmine desperately wants to get into NYU to study journalism and write about her rock and roll heroes. To make sure her application rises to the top, she decides to run for Senior class president. But when her rival starts to use the Iran hostage crisis as part of his platform, Jasmine is forced to choose between her dreams of securing her spot at NYU and speaking up for her Iranian family and what she knows is right.

With a voice that is witty and full of heart, I couldn’t help but root for Jasmine. Some of the lines are laugh out loud funny, but at the core of this book is a heartfelt story that will stick with you long after you read the last page.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, - Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley for allowing me to listen and review this Digital arc

Jasmine Zumideh is determined to escape her California suburb and get into her dream school NYU to jumpstart her career as a music journalist, and she'll do just about anything to get her way. Jasmine needs something extra to push her application to the top of NYU's early admission list, so she decides to run for senior class president. However, with current events putting Iran into the news, Iranian-American Jasmine has to make the decision of standing up against anti-Iranian hysteria being promoted by her opponent or hiding her heritage.

Where this story really thrives is in its side characters, and I found myself especially looking forward to scenes containing Jasmine's younger brother Ali, who is taking a stand against the anti-Iranian sentiments spreading across their school. If you're a reader who loves strong character development, I can't promise that this book is for you - there definitely is character development, but it is saved until the absolute very end of the story. That being said, if you've ever struggled with your identity, I would recommend Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win.

Definitely the best YA book I've read/listened to in 2022! Absolutely loved the audiobook of Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win by Susan Azim Boyer, perfectly narrated by Lanna Joffrey.

Just a perfect book. I learned about the Iranian hostage situation, far more than I recalled and the story line of Jasmin Zumideh was just perfect.

I started gushing about the book on FaceBook when I was around 75% complete; so worried that I jinxed myself and I wouldn't enjoy the ending (as it frequently happens when one predicts a winner before finishing the book). But more than satisfied with Jasmine Zumideh from start to finish. And this is a debut book by the author! Just outstanding! Now following the author, Susan Azim Boyer and looking forward to her next book. Publication date for Jasmin Zumideh Needs a Win (at least the audiobook) is Nov 1, 2022. I sincerely hope that this book makes it into the GoodReads Choice awards. Such a great book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, for once again introducing me to a new author. Many thanks to Susan Azim Boyer, please keep writing! And to Lanna Joffrey and the narration, the many mispronunciations of Zumideh and the voice of Aunt Mina were exceptional. And also to the publisher Macmillan Audio for approving my request for the advance listen version of the audio in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours, St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and the author for the free e-book and advanced listening copy!

This book was so cute. First of all, did not know going into it that it was set in the 70s. It felt so relevant to today’s world that I hardly noticed until a few fun references to music, culture, etc were thrown in. This was a fun and fresh approach in the YA world and I really enjoyed that aspect. The other part I enjoyed was learning more about Iranian culture. The descriptions of food made by Jasmine’s auntie were literally mouthwatering and I need to find the nearest Persian restaurant STAT.

ANYWAY- the content of the book itself was light and funny but also had some important themes about culture, friendship, etc. that are very relevant in today’s world. Jasmine’s series of unfortunate decisions were a bit annoying at times to read about as an adult but I think this story is so perfect for YA audiences and is something I would have related to a lot as a teenager.

I both read and listened to this book. The audio narrator has a voice/style that was a bit over the top for my taste and I think this book would be best consumed via print or e-reader! Overall, highly recommend to YA audiences or adults looking for a funny and sweet YA read!

Pub date: 11/1/22
Genre: YA, coming of age, own voices, historical fiction
One sentence summary: Jasmine's number 1 goal is to get into NYU, and she needs to become class to get there - but when an incident in Iran takes center stage, she'll have to reevaluate her priorities.

I love coming of age stories, so this one was right up my alley. I also loved that it took place in 1979 - the comparisons to Almost Famous are apt, and Jasmine's musical commentary was fun to listen to/read. I also love seeing more diversity in YA stories. Lanna Joffrey brought Jasmine to life, and this is a good one to listen to when you need a lighter audiobook.

I think the book tried to do a little too much - the coverage of the Iran hostage crisis, the election, Jasmine's brother, a cheating couple in Jasmine's campaign, musical commentary - every time I'd get into one storyline, something else would pop up. I also had a bit of trouble relating to Jasmine - she didn't seem to learn from her mistakes until the very, very end of the book! But it all came together, and I think this book has great messages for a YA audience.

This is a debut, and I will keep a look out for more from author Susan Azim Boyer. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for my e-ARC and Macmillan Audio for my ALC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

I enjoyed this so much, and I'm confident that fans of YA, historical fiction, and a nicely developed set of characters will, too.

Jasmine, the m.c., is a high school student with major aspirations. She's looking forward to accomplishing the kinds of goals that a maximum of one student per school get to even seriously consider, and she is taking all of the steps to achieve them: some good and some less so. As Jasmine attempts to move the needle in her life, she becomes much more aware of how her Iranian identity impacts others' perceptions of her. This escalates as contemporary (to the novel - this is taking place in 1979) events unfold and impact public views.

What's intriguing about Jasmine is that she's clearly flawed. She has personal challenges spanning her social status, her academic hopes, and her family structure (a whole subplot that I thoroughly enjoyed). Watching her grapple with these issues and manage them in both effective and cringeworthy ways makes for a fulfilling adventure.

I'll be recommending this one to students and looking for more from this author.

Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for the chance to listen to and review this audiobook prior to release.

This is a Young Adult novel about a high-school senior, Jasmine Zumideh (Zoomy-day) who NEEDS to do whatever it takes to win the election and be class president; her whole college career depends on it.

Jasmine is willing to go to extreme lengths to secure the win, but how far is too far? Lying? Betraying your heritage? You'll have to read it to find out.

Susan Azim Boyer did a wonderful job of handling serious topics while still keeping the story light and heartfelt. I really liked Jasmine despite all her mistakes! I think she was written in such a relatable way, especially for high school girls trying to fit in!

I think this book is a great palette cleanser, not to mention the cover is absolutely adorable!

This book will be available on November 1st!

First I have to say, I appreciate the author writing about the Iran Hostage Crisis. It's something I knew little about and I enjoy YA books that teach the reader about something important they may not know. I think the subject matter was done in a very realistic way and showed several ways people reacted to it. There's kids who see Iranians as the enemy and want to go extreme, those trying for peace, and Iranian kids who are scared of what might happen to them just for their nationality.

I was wishy-washy on my feelings about Jasmine. I understood that she was trying to achieve her dream and also afraid of being bullied or treated differently for being Iranian. She's also a teenager and it's not surprising she made some poor decisions, especially when some of her friends pressured her. On the other hand, I was frustrated with her not standing up for herself and thinking that certain things weren't her problem. She did have some growth by the end of the book and realized what was actually important to her.

The story felt a bit slow to me, thought it's not a very long book. The ending wasn't quite what I wanted, especially regarding Jasmine's parents. I think it could have been a bit more resolved and no tough conversations were had.

I did like this book and the narration on the audio was cute and had some bits of music sprinkled in to give it a pop.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the copy.

This YA historical fiction follows Jasmine Zumideh after she embellishes her college applications and now must win her senior class president campaign to secure her spot at NYU. She is forced to reconcile who she is and what she stands for amidst a turbulent campaign.

I liked the premise of this one but I don't know if it was the character herself or the narrator, but Jasmine was so hard to like. Jasmine took too long to recognize what was important in her life and how to find her own voice instead of doing what others told her to do. I wish we had more growth and less messy friendships.

I think the political elements and Iranian representation has parallels to the same divisiveness and ignorance we see in the present.

Overall not bad but not a favorite. If you do pick it up, I'd try a print/ebook format instead of audio -- the narrator was a bit whiny and I didn't like her accents for different characters.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Is it really so bad that Jasmine Zumideh claimed to be president-elect of her senior class on her NYU application before actually getting elected? The early-admissions deadline falls just before the election. Besides, she’s sure to win against an uptight opponent calling for a strict dress code and reciting the pledge. How can it be a lie when it soon will be true?

Jasmine, an Iranian-Irish So-Cal girl, believes that heading East for college will help her become the Chrissie-Hynde-interviewing rock journalist of her dreams. But this is 1979, and when college students in Iran take Americans hostage and yellow ribbons blanket trees across the US, Jasmine’s win seems less assured.

As her campaign opponent goes full xenophobic, including calls to bomb Iran, Jasmine worries about her grandmother in Iran while also distancing herself from her Iranian heritage. She wants distance, particularly, from her younger brother, an earnest and loveable character who speaks out to support the Iranian people and tries to educate his peers about America’s support of the shah.

I especially enjoyed the campaign’s behind-the-scenes intrigue as Jasmine’s desperate campaign managers find inspiration in Nixon’s “dirty tricksters.”

If this book were a movie, I’d probably watch through my fingers. The tension and stakes rise to nearly unbearable levels as Jasmine scrambles to handle her snowballing problems. Of course, she brings many on herself—lying (including by omission) to cover up earlier lies—and readers may become frustrated with her at times. But this also makes Jasmine achingly human, and the book is sure to trigger fascinating discussions.

It must also be said: Jasmine is hilarious and the book handles its heavy themes with a light touch. This is historical YA fiction—even though some of us were alive in ’79—and includes fun period details such as references to feathered hair and “disco sucks.”

But the scapegoating and stereotyping of Iranian-Americans and Iran feels chillingly modern. A sweet Iranian aunt—who cares for Jasmine and her brother while their father travels for work and their mother contemplates divorce from Kansas—offers Jasmine a loving connection to her Iranian heritage.

This is an important, touching and funny story about a young woman trying to appreciate and reconcile all of who she is—and who she wants to be.

Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I only post about books I finished and enjoyed.