Love, Hate and Other Filters - Samira Ahmed



Conclusion: No risk

Love, Hate and Other Filters has a special place in my heart because it is based in Batavia, which is right next to my hometown. Like the main character, Maya, my parents owned a business in Batavia.
And also like Maya, I had some steamy kisses in that park by the Fox River. Samira, you are awesome. Thank you for writing such an amazing book.

Onto the actual review...Not only is this book a Goodreads Choice Award winner for 2018, it also made the New York Times Bestseller list. Which, for a debut author, is a dream. And Ahmed earns it. This book is quirky, fun, and has a bit of thrill to it once it gets going. 

The story itself is just lovely. You have this girl who loves photography and has this giant crush on a boy and manages to find a way to spend time with him. Way to go, Maya--you've already figured out your life better than I ever did as a high-schooler.

In addition, there's a whole subplot around a terrorist threat, so the story definitely has a sense of urgency and gives you a couple thrills. But at the end of day, it's just a really fun read that is well done. 

- Alana

This book reminds us of...

Since it is a young adult contemporary with some romance in it, To All the Boys I've Loved Before could be another book to pick up. To All the Boys is more romance-focused than this one, though. 

Our main character is Muslim, and we see her interacting with her faith and figuring out how it fits into her everyday life, so Saints and Misfits would be another similar read. 

I feel like there are a bunch of young adult books about photography, but I can't think of any off the top of my head. Know of one? Let me know!

And, finally, Ahmed has a NEW book called Internment coming out this week! Go buy it right now!






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