#thechaifactor

I started reading this book as part of #FlirtyFebraury and because it was supposed to be a romance with Muslim characters. Imagine my surprise (pleasant surprise indeed) when after reading a few pages I discovered it wasn't just a Muslim romance but it's an Ismaili Muslim romance! Naankhati, biryani, Jamatkhana and all! I didn't even know Ismaili romance novels existed!! Also, if you're the one that recommended this book to me or if you've read it, message me! I'd love to chat.

As a Torontonian, I loved the local references to things like Union Station, The Reference Library, Don River, and Sparrow.

Amira's character felt immediately grumpy and so I immediately didn't like her, not because of how she was written but because of who she was. Heron did a great job of writing her, ensuring that readers like me would dislike her to an extent. Her character was consistent yet still experienced growth. A well written character that I loved to hate (and not just because she got the farm boy!).

Heron successfully addresses so many important issues in this book, from racism, sexism, homophobia, to eating disorders, stigma, and other cultural biases (be it Ismaili culture, western culture, or engineering culture).

I enjoyed the detail Heron uses in her writing. Simple things like Sameer picking off jalepenos from his nachos and putting them on Travis's plate really added to establishing both a mood and intimacy.

My only qualm was Amira's last name. Though Khan is certainly a Muslim last name, it's not a common Ismaili last name (at least not among the Ismailis I know).  

I can't wait to read Heron's next book!