I am writing this review for Bookish First, who gave me a sneak peek. I love a coming of age novel and I especially love seeing stories about young people coming into their own identities. When this book opens up, you are worried for Amir, a young Persian man who is tired of hiding that he is gay, and his family, as they are being interrogated in an airport after an argument broke out on their plane ride back from Rome. You then get to hear about all of the details that led to this moment in the interrogation room. The result is a beautiful story about family, both blood and chosen, and finding yourself.
At times I was a little frustrated with Amir, but I had to stop and remember that Amir is an 18 year old and 18 year olds don't always make the best decisions. I didn't know that I needed a YA story set in Italy. The description of the setting was wonderful and made me wish that I could be there along with Amir and his friends. My favorite part was when Amir and Valerio were visiting the Sistine Chapel and Amir was fascinated by the exhibits that came before the Sistine Chapel. At one point Amir says, "This must be what it feels like to open for Beyonce" and Valerio responds, "Worse. It is like if Beyonce were opening for God." A little later, Amir thinks, "The Catholic Church was doing the most here." I chuckled out loud while reading this scene.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I would definitely recommend it to others and am already planning on gifting a copy to a friend!
At times I was a little frustrated with Amir, but I had to stop and remember that Amir is an 18 year old and 18 year olds don't always make the best decisions. I didn't know that I needed a YA story set in Italy. The description of the setting was wonderful and made me wish that I could be there along with Amir and his friends. My favorite part was when Amir and Valerio were visiting the Sistine Chapel and Amir was fascinated by the exhibits that came before the Sistine Chapel. At one point Amir says, "This must be what it feels like to open for Beyonce" and Valerio responds, "Worse. It is like if Beyonce were opening for God." A little later, Amir thinks, "The Catholic Church was doing the most here." I chuckled out loud while reading this scene.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I would definitely recommend it to others and am already planning on gifting a copy to a friend!