Aisha Saeed

Representation: Asian characters
Trigger warnings: Slavery, physical injury, blood depiction, sexism, depression, death, arson and murder mentioned
Score: Seven points out of ten.
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I wanted to read this for a while but never got around till now. Soon enough, it was time to read Amal Unbound. I glanced at the blurb, making it seem like an intriguing, yet heavy read, despite being targeted for a younger audience. That aspect doesn't automatically cheapen a novel like this, as some can be hits. The ratings were high, so I headed in with high expectations. When I closed the final page, I enjoyed it, but I've read better.

It starts with the titular character, Amal, living in an impoverished neighbourhood in Pakistan, longing to be a teacher. The only problem is the society Amal lives in, as her family forced her to stay at home to care for the people there instead of going to school. I could understand that some communities are sexist since they are biased against women, which is sad to see on the pages. After the opening pages, Amal unexpectedly encounters the son of a landlord and has to work at the landlord's mansion as punishment. The middle of Amal Unbound is the saddest section to read as I must see Amal at the lowest point of her life: being a slave. However, the situation becomes less bleak from there, as Amal meets a minor character and plans to escape the mansion. For a narrative above 200 pages, it can get slow-paced at times, but that does not ruin my enjoyment. I liked all the protagonists, especially Amal, and I appreciate how the author wrote her so that I could connect and relate to her. The conclusion is satisfying as Amal exposes the antagonist's actions, causing his arrest and finishing Amal Unbound on a high note.… (más)

Jamie is glad to help out behind the scenes at the Jordan Rossum campaign for state senate, but he's not crazy about going door to door and actually talking to people. Maya doesn't really want to canvass either, but her parents might be willing to buy her a car if she does. Thrown together in reluctant political activism, Jamie and Maya get more and more invested in the campaign -- and in each other -- as the weeks go by.

This was a cute YA romance, sweet but a little slow paced for me (maybe because I was listening to the audiobook). It switches between Jamie's and Maya's narration, so you get both sides of the story. YA romance fans should take a look, especially if you like a dash of politics with your romance.… (más)