Love, Hate, and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this book since I read it when it came out & now there will be a #2jennsbookclub chat Thursday 11/8 at 8PM EDT- join us for a great book discussion. I really liked the narration of Soneela Nankani - she got Maya's insecurities, her parents' with their restrictive suffocation, and best friend Violet, crush Phil, and awesome Aunt Hina. A must read, ripped from the headlines novel dealing with racism, hatred, terrorism, and smothering family expectations.

This debut novel by Samira Ahmed is one all teens need to read- not only does it cover love, longing, restrictive parents, Islamophobia, and bullying but Maya's life rings true as the only Indian and Muslim in her school, parents who came to America but have not really progressed as Americans-they are successful without being devout, and are suffocating in their love and expectations for their only child. Thank god Maya has a close friend in Violet, a job she loves at a book store and her trusty camcorder which helps Maya see the world as a worthy documentary to be filmed, cataloged and kept for posterity. As a senior, Maya has not told her parents she wants to go to film school yet has applied and been accepted to NYU. Maya has been crushing on Phil since 7th grade and with his break-up maybe Maya will have a chance now. I really liked Phil, Violet, and Maya's aunt, Hina ( a successful graphic designer, has not married and so so supportive of Maya) and the positive changes and strength Maya garners when there is a hate crime perpetrated close to home, make this a must read for teens. Highly recommended.

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