Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Thank you to Henrik Wilenius and Netgalley for the arc. DNF page 50.

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I was excited to read it, as it explored many things I think should be more prominent in young adult literature, like religion and the facets of religious guilt. Especially how it affects those who are queer within those communities. Yet, this book just was not for me. The wording felt strange, and I could not get into it. I decided I would rather move onto reading other books instead, as I knew if I held onto reading this, I would only procrastinate.

Rating this two stars since it could be right for some readers.

I really wanted to like this, but sadly didn’t connect really, I couldn’t empathise with the characters because I felt they lacked depth, . the writing style I felt ill at ease with, bit immature and all over the place.

Catch Me If You Fall had me at its premise; A Muslim boy (Hashim) and a devout Catholic (Alex) who struggle to overcome the challenges one faith has on internal commitments to traditions and sexual longing. It is undoubtedly a unique and genuine story; authentic in portraying the traditions of Muslim culture and sensitive in displaying Islamic rules (many struggle to understand the difference but Welenius does so perfectly!). I urge many to give this a read as it encapsulates the struggles of identity so well! It is introspective as well as tear-jerking, moving and also a nod to diverse friendships which needs to be more celebrated and understood in today's world. I do not doubt that Hashim's story will be relatable to those who also picked this book up by its premise alone, Catch Me If You Fall is the beginning of Muslim representation that is widely needed and should be available to those who need it most. Brilliant from start to finish, Catch Me If You Fall is the read of the summer!

In this novel, Wilenius tackles some of the most pressing issues of this day and age (animal rights, human rights) and packages them up with skateboarding and a friendship so strong that it seems it will never break! This is a great YA novel and I would highly recommend it, it’s so important that we get diversity out there for all from an early age!

I wanted to love this book, I really did, because I think the summary has a strong message and some of the content is extremely important. With that being said, it fell short for me.

I don’t feel like I got to know these characters at all, which made it virtually impossible to sympathize or connect with them. There’s so much potential with the characters that does not get properly utilized or developed. To me, this ended up making them all feel like archetypes.

Beyond that, the writing style wasn’t it for me. It read awkwardly, and was often repetitive and juvenile — even for a young adult novel. The transitions were abrupt and hard to follow, and many of the scenes felt unnecessary entirely. I wish they had been fleshed out more fully so I could truly connect with these complex characters and situations.

I think this concept had a lot of potential but the story itself does not do justice to that potential.

I really wanted to like this because it seemed like it was going to be a good story but it just didn't click for me at all and didn't end up enjoying it at all
Maybe to the right audience it would be really enjoyable but to me all of the side characters just put me off

Catch You If You Fall" by Henrik Wilenius is a compelling coming-of-age tale that explores faith, family and friendship . The story revolves around Hashim, a devout Muslim struggling with his hidden homosexuality, who finds himself coerced into an arranged marriage with the niece of the local Imam. This announcement triggers a cascade of introspection, leaving Hashim grappling with challenging questions about his faith and his authentic self.

In a bid to assist his friend, Alex takes it upon himself to support Hashim through this trying time. However, his well-intentioned but misguided efforts lead to a dramatic falling-out between the two friends, setting them on an arduous journey of self-discovery.

"Catch You If You Fall" is a touching literary work specifically crafted for young adults by the talented Willenius. The pace of the narrative is engaging, while the well-developed characters inhabit a world that was mostly unfamiliar to me. Personally, I relished the opportunity to delve deeper into the Islamic faith and its various manifestations. Hashim and his family face the challenge of navigating the extreme beliefs of their new Imam, who lacks the kindness and patience exhibited by ousted Imam Haji Khalil. Instead, the new Imam merely espouses empty words devoid of genuine faith.

At one point, we hear Maryam, one of Hashim's closest friends and a progressive Muslim woman, assert that "the Prophet never punished anybody for homosexual acts." Hashim’s dad explains to Hashim that “The lion’s share of Arab love poetry was about bearded men writing verses to beardless men” and that when the Industrial Revolution happened, “the emerging Arab elite saw the growth in wealth in the West and got inspired. Along with modern ideas came the Victorian morality”. We get various glimpses into the diverse perspectives within the Muslim community, as well as how the Arab world has become so intolerant and prejudiced.

The author's struggles to publish this book in Egypt fill me with sadness and concern. I wholeheartedly agree with his conviction that “our increasingly hostile world demands stories that celebrate diversity, friendship, compassion, and the courage to follow one's heart”.

"Catch You If You Fall" is the first instalment of a trilogy, leaving me eagerly anticipating the arrival of subsequent books. I found this novel to be an enriching and essential read for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of navigating the complexities of the Islamic faith in a progressive world that champions equality, including same-sex relationships. It gets a 4.5 rating from me and a most definite #pudseyrecommends

Thanks to H.R. Wallace Book Marketing and Netgalley for the ARC

Dnf 30%
I didn’t care for the pacing. I feel as though there wasn’t enough internal monologue or an overview perspective of what Hashim is experiencing. Nothing grasped my attention. I didn’t feel like I knew Hashim beyond his fear of being gay.