Medeia SharifBesprekingen

A Love That Disturbs/Medeia Sharif Maysa Mazari is alarmed by her mother’s talk about arranged marriage. As a hijab-wearing Pakistani-American, she wants to find love on her own. Her judgmental Muslim clique has protected her from racist taunts, although the leader is turning on her as Maysa strays from the group because of her attraction to Haydee.
Haydee Gomez is a former gang member and juvenile detention student. Now living with a clean-cut aunt, she wants to turn her life around, even though one person will never let her forget her roots—Rafe, her abusive pimp. Haydee attempts to pull away from a life of prostitution when she develops feelings for Maysa, although Rafe isn’t willing to give her up too easily.
Finding themselves in danger from Maysa’s friends and Haydee’s pimp, it’s apparent their love disturbs everyone around them as they fight to stay together.
 
I really wanted to love this book. So much. It deals with a lot of topics that I think are very important and I give it kudos for approaching subjects that a lot of contemporary young adult literature strays from. However, I found it hard to engage with the almost juvenile way Maysa was portrayed and by the flow.
 
I felt like the love between Haydee and Maysa was kind of unrealistic. Their connection was so instantaneous and it seemed to be based on very little. Their relationship lost a lot of its credibility because of this; I simply couldn't buy into the reality of their relationship and I wanted to see them having some real conversations and really exploring each other's lives.
 
Maysa's sexuality was also kind of brushed aside. I wanted to hear more about how she felt and how she reacted and the feelings of curiosity and confusion she must have had. Perhaps she was already pro-lesbian, but it seemed like from her parents' reactions, she would have felt inclined to deny herself or would have at least gone through some period of resistance. I wanted to see that struggle, as it's very important and very relevant to many lives today.
 
Haydee's story was heartbreaking, but again, I wanted more details. I found it difficult to imagine. Because it's such an untouched topic, I wanted to really see how everything played out with more detail and to see how her family relationships evolved and such.
 
I found the speech and the writing style to feel juvenile and stilted. I couldn't see real teenage girls talking the way that these two did. In theory, this was a great book, but I simply found it hard to engage and really believe in the characters.
 
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to love this book. So much. It deals with a lot of topics that I think are very important and I give it kudos for approaching subjects that a lot of contemporary young adult literature strays from. However, I found it hard to engage with the almost juvenile way Maysa was portrayed and by the flow.

I felt like the love between Haydee and Maysa was kind of unrealistic. Their connection was so instantaneous and it seemed to be based on very little. Their relationship lost a lot of its credibility because of this; I simply couldn't buy into the reality of their relationship and I wanted to see them having some real conversations and really exploring each other's lives.

Maysa's sexuality was also kind of brushed aside. I wanted to hear more about how she felt and how she reacted and the feelings of curiosity and confusion she must have had. Perhaps she was already pro-lesbian, but it seemed like from her parents' reactions, she would have felt inclined to deny herself or would have at least gone through some period of resistance. I wanted to see that struggle, as it's very important and very relevant to many lives today.

Haydee's story was heartbreaking, but again, I wanted more details. I found it difficult to imagine. Because it's such an untouched topic, I wanted to really see how everything played out with more detail and to see how her family relationships evolved and such.

I found the speech and the writing style to feel juvenile and stilted. I couldn't see real teenage girls talking the way that these two did.

In theory, this was a great book, but I simply found it hard to engage and really believe in the characters.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting read

This book was interesting. It gave a great look in how much work it takes to write a book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in writing and publishing a book.

I really enjoyed Hot Pink in the City by Medeia Sharif. It brought back lots of memories of the 80s. I remember recording songs off the radio and making mix tapes, so I could relate to Asma and her cousin. I think many people during that time taped over something important and tried to fix it. Oh how difficult it was back then! The characters were very believable and I enjoyed learning more about Asma's culture. The summer turns out to be a learning experience for her and through a series of events she grows to know herself better and stands up for herself in ways she never had in the past. I especially liked going back to a time before cell phones, the internet, and all the technology we are surrounded by today. A lot can happen over the course of a summer, read Asma's story to find out about hers.

This story is about a high school drama student named Tabby who loves her hair. One day, a teacher that she is not too friendly with tells lies that lead to her father having all of her beautiful hair cut off. She vows revenge against the teacher, as well as others that stand in the way of her getting the parts she wants, the guy she wants, and those responsible for her losing her hair. I enjoyed this story, but it is more for teenagers than for me, but did give me flashbacks of life in high school.

I received a mobi.file copy of this book from the author through a giveaway she had on LibraryThing and the following is my honest opinion.

Like other readers I found the storyline somewhat predictable. However, as I sat thinking about what to write for my review, for some reason I couldn’t help but think about the television series, “Columbo.”

If you’ve watched this program you’ll there is always some murder Detective Columbo must solve. You should also remember right at the start of each program we witness the murder taking place and know basically know who the murderer is. For the rest of the program until Columbo nabs the murderer face to face, we watch transpires through his eyes [point of view.]

Like Columbo, the best way to enjoy this book is not to read the storyline as someone who has knowledge of what’s happening elsewhere in the story; you need to read this book as if you are in Destiny’s shoes. You need to see what she sees, you need to feel the physical abuse her mother is doing to her. Like Destiny, for the first time in your life, you’re actually developing feelings for a boy.
The major problem you’re facing is that you’ve been in an accident and are now suffering from amnesia and you don’t know why you’re in the hospital, or even who you are. All you have are dreams, the pieces of which, you’ve been unable to piece together.
While personally you might be able to surmise what’s going to happen next reading from a view overhead, reading the story through Destiny’s eyes you’ll find the author’s skill in coming up with unsuspecting twists. Reading this book through the eyes of its protagonist, I can’t help but give this book 5 STARS.

I could not put this book down!!!

52 Likes by Medeia Sharif is an excellent book that deals with a very difficult subject in an honest and sensitive way. It was very challenging to read at times as it takes on rape, murder, and some serious high school bullying. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. There is also a lot of hope and light in this dark story. You will see the main character experience big changes as she turns her life around, going from victim who doesn't always make the best choices, to a young woman who has hope for a better future!

A must read for young adults and adults as well!

I received this book from Medeia Sharif through a book giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

i loved this book its for sure on my night side to read again.The characters are so well developed and gripped me from the first page this nook is a must read

An edgy, moving, and uplifting story

I really enjoyed this book. When I read the description of it I was intrigued, because it deals with portions of our culture with which I have little to no experience. It is always fun to get a peek at a different part of the American way of life. The gritty, no nonsense nature of the story really gives you a feeling of understanding the no win situations that people can find themselves in sometimes.

The depiction of Muslim American culture was wonderfully done. The intolerance of the girl's relationship was to be expected, but I also got the impression that there was equal disapproval of the attack on Maysa as well.

On the other side, Maysa's acceptance of the "issues" in Haydee's life is the only place where I felt that my suspension of disbelief was challenged. However, she made it clear that she wouldn't tolerate it if she went back to that way of life and it was clear that Haydee was sincere about changing. Still, it seems like there might have been at least a week or two of separation before Maysa came to that decision instead of having it be instant. But, in a way, that wouldn't be very much in her character. She is a decisive young woman.

All in all I found it to be a powerful story, and couldn't help but think that right after the end of the story, date wise, was the Supreme Court decision that made their relationship able to be more than just girlfriends if they wish!

Who didn't love the 80s? This story will put you smack dab in the middle of them and leave you with a sense of nostalgia. You go through a summer adventure with a girl and you have to hold on because the ridwe is something to behold. With all the bumps you are sure to be left breathless. Like a "True Blue" "Material Girl", you get "Live and Tell" about the ride and "Express Yourself" while you do.

This book is gripping and suspenseful. The plot has fantastic potential and I enjoyed the characters. But the editing needs to be better. The actual scenes are very stilted and 'fake'. This has the potential to be as good as '13 Reasons Why' and as educational for teens to make better choices. It just needs a good editor

I received a KINDLE copy of this book from the author through a giveaway she had on LibraryThing and the following is my honest opinion.

What is THE MOST TERRIFYING experience any woman should ever have to face? Now image how this individual would feel if she had only been a teenager looking for an evening of fun at a party in an abandoned or vacant home and had gone to the wrong address, only to be viciously raped and nearly killed. You can image the intense impact this would have on the protagonist of this book, Valerie; can’t you. I know you can.

Being constantly bullied by her classmates had always plagued Valerie, but now, in addition, she not only had to face being taunted with nasty rumors of that fateful night; she also had no idea as to who her masked rapist was. Imagine looking at every guy passing by you and wondering if he had been the guilty culprit who had raped you.

While you would probably want to put this horrific incident of your life and the rest of the negative experiences of your life; Valerie definitely wants to. What she didn’t know when she began her quest to return her life to a sense of normalcy, had been the psychological and metaphysical hurdles she’ll have to face. The most baffling of these had been why all of the eerie photos of the past victims of her rapist/murderer had 52 LIKES under their photos, something which had to be more than mere coincidence.

The author has done a wonderful in writing about Valerie’s real life experience and feelings connecting with spirits of the culprit’s victims, especially the angst she experiences before, during and after her rape; feelings her readers should feel as well as they read this book. But when all is said and done, at the end of the day, will Valerie ultimately become an unfortunate victim of her horrific ordeal, scarred for life; or will she triumph and become a survivor. You’ll have to read the book to find out. As for me, I’m happy to give Ms. Sharif the 5 STARS it deserves.

Sometimes people find themselves in situations that they want out of, but circumstances prevent them from changing. What if they reach a point where they can’t go on with their lives the way they are, however? Do they risk losing family and friends by taking a chance at happiness or do they give in to pressure and continue living their unhappy lives?
In A LOVE THAT DISTURBS, Author Medeia Sharif’s latest novel for young adult readers, Haydee Gomez wants to get away from her pimp Rafe and just live a normal life, going to school like other girls and making friends. Maysa Mazaria, taunted for being a Muslim, wants to fall in love and not be married to a man of her mother’s choice. Then the girls make a discovery that has repercussions they never could have imagined.
Medeia Sharif has written a tender story that will touch your heart and perhaps even make you angry. Haydee and Maysa are such realistic characters, I kept thinking, is this really happening to teens in America? Do they face such challenges in their lives today? Are people as hateful and mean, yes mean, as some of the girls are that claim to be Maysa’s friend?
The author touches on controversial subjects in a gentle way that helped me understand other cultures better. A LOVE THAT DISTURBS would make a great addition to high school libraries, public libraries and you own library. I imagine many young people can relate to the challenge the girls have to deal with. Recommended.

This book is a warning about what social media can do with innocent intentions and also by less than friends. Valerie found out the hard way. One night while trying to go to a party in an abandoned house, she went into the wrong one. Inside the house was a big built man who raped her, and then began to strangle her. He quit and ran off when a homeless occupant came to her aid and yelled at the rapist.

Thankfully, she had the good sense to go to a hospital, have a rape kit done, talked to the police, and was assigned a rape counselor. This is very valuable information for any girl or lady to know! Then, Valerie started noticing body parts with the rapist's hand in the picture on popular high school photo sites like instigram. Rumors were rampant in the school regarding Valerie. She had to do something, but what? And who were the two shadows she kept seeing when she was all alone?

I would, and most likely will buy this book for my daughter, my friends, and their kids. Even boys could learn about the gravity of using social media incorrectly. It should be mandatory reading in middle school. This is, besides being very informative, is also very suspenseful, exciting, and full of intrigue. It is a truly great read that will keep you on your toes at all times. You won't want to let go of this book!

Thank you to Medeia Sharif and Library Thing for giving me a free e-ARC of this book to read and give my honest review.

Being a teen is tough. There are parents who think they know what is best for you. There are friends that may not be the friends you think they are. And don’t forget the boys.

In HOT PINK IN THE CITY, by Author Medeia Sharif, sixteen-year-old Asma Bashir, tomboy, soccer star and typical teen is spending a couple of weeks during her summer vacation with her uncle and his family in New York, which is quite a change from her home in Florida. She hopes to see Madonna, who she is crazy about, as well as check out guys. (Yep, typical teen.) Things don’t turn out quite the way she planned, however. Asma and her cousin Nasreen accidentally erase Nasreen’s father’s favorite tape and soon find themselves in hot water as they attempt to replace the tape before he discovers what they did.

Add a couple of bad guys and a gorgeous teen boy named Abe, that Asma met on the plane and who she runs into again in the city, and the girls’ attempts to find a new tape get even more complicated. The author has created teens that are believable and fun, and that you can’t help but laugh at their situation (at least I couldn’t) while you feel for them too and cheer them on to achieve their goal so they don’t embarrass themselves and their strict families.

Medeia Sharif is super at showing the emotions of the characters. I could feel the girls’ panic when things went wrong and wondered if they would succeed in their quest. HOT PINK IN THE CITY is a story that teen readers should be able to relate to as it touches on many of the crises that they face. This novel would make a great addition to school classrooms and libraries, as well as public libraries and of course your own.

The author provided me with an e-copy of the book for my honest review.

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I've read several other YA books about adolescents dealing with acculturation issues. Born Confused comes to mind. Sadly, all we get here is a whiney adolescent with darker skin. She never moves forward. Her Islamic culture seems to only exist in her grandfather's negative comments and the after sundown pig-out dinners. No substance here; move along.½

This is a honest review in exchange for an ARC of this book. I highly enjoyed this book. I found the story captivating and imaginative. I highly recommend this book to other readers who are looking for something unique in their next read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. This did not effect my opinion of the book, or my review itself.

The good about 52 Likes:

The idea of social media being used to solve a crime is one that fascinates me. We are currently seeing examples of this with podcasts like Serial and Missing Maura Murray, as well as online forums for solving cold cases, and even PostSecret possibly getting a clue to a murder from the murderer themself.

52 Likes explores how social media can hurt victims of crime, but also help bring their attackers to justice. Through Valerie, her protagonist, Sharif shows how, thanks to technology, one moment can haunt a person for a lifetime. But Valerie is strong, and works to turn friendship and photo sites to her own advantage.

The not-so-good about 52 Likes:

The writing style is unfortunately flat. Sharif does a lot of telling, and not a lot of showing. When metaphors are used, they read as cliched. Sharif also seems to repeat herself a lot, giving the readers the same information over and over again.

The big twist seems to come out of nowhere, and doesn't really make much sense looking back. Valerie also seems to figure it out in a sudden flash, off of very little information.

The other negative is, for me, a personal preference. This was a very dark story, with very little light. So many bad things had happened, and kept happening to Valerie, many times in graphic detail. I do read a lot of darker mysteries and thrillers, but there has to be some glimmer of hope throughout, not just in the last few pages.

I personally wouldn't read another book by this author, or recommend it to a friend. It wasn't for me.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this story a lot. It is a story about a girl who suffers consequences based on her mothers actions. The story is so convincing that it is easy to forget it is not real. It was well written and worth reading if you are looking for something interesting.

This is definitely one of those books that breaks your heart. You really feel for the main character. It really shows you what it is like to grow up with an addict for a parent. So many bad things happen to Deidra that are 100% her mother's fault. I really liked Deidra and how strong she is despite her circumstances. A quick read that will stay with you!

This book is certainly different to my usual read and it did take me a little while to get into the story. I very rarely write what a story is about as I always fear of spoiling for others. Very true to life and there were parts that I could relate to, even though quite different in circumstances. For instance, I had a teacher when I was in senior school who had an affair with a pupil, but the teacher was sacked. I would recommend this book whether you are YA or at the other end of the age scale.

I was fortunate to win an electronic copy of this book in a Giveaway and this is my honest review.

Note: I received a free copy of this book as part of a LibraryThing giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
52 Likes is a gripping book that deals with some very difficult subject matter in an honest, but sensitive manner. The author's description of Valerie's brutal rape, her emotional response to it, and the shocking bullying she endures at school, were very realistically written. The characters were well-developed, and despite the painful subject matter, the story was very engaging. However, as a fan of paranormal fiction, I thought the supernatural aspects of the book did not work that well and detracted from the gritty reality of the book. I also wasn't a huge fan of the ending. I thought everything was resolved too quickly and easily in the end.

I was finally able to download this book after a few problems. I was expecting to read something more for teens than adults, but I was pleasantly surprised. Right from the beginning the story took hold of me and I wanted to keep reading. It tells of the troubles and pain a girl goes through when they are assaulted. I really felt sorry for what she went through, but I feel it made her stronger in the long run. I would suggest to others to give this book a try. It's not just for teens, but for really anybody to learn how to fight back. Really a good book. Thanks for the chance to read and review this.

On the first page 52 Likes will hit you in the gut and never let up. A story about the aftermath of the rape and attempted murder of a high school girl, we glimpse the internal struggles created by the initial assault and made even worse by how some of her peers treat her. Yet through it all we also come to understand, to the extent someone who has not experienced such a violation can, what it takes to simply keep going. Then to not simply keep going but to seek some form of justice for both herself and the rapist's past victims. A difficult read at times but definitely worth the effort.

Reviewed from an ARC made available by the publisher via LibraryThing.½