Author: Zakiya N. Jamal

Zakiya N. Jamal was born in Queens, raised in Long Island, and currently resides in Brooklyn. In other words, she’s a New Yorker through and through. She holds a BA in English from Georgetown University and a MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School. She has been published in Romper, BuzzFeed, People.com, Thought Catalog, and more. Her non-fiction essay about her "Cuban Impostor Syndrome" can be found in the Latinx anthology, Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed. You can find her on Twitter at @ZakiyaNJamal.

Currently Binge Watching: Gilmore Girls

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Zakiya N. Jamal in TV

I’ve loved Gilmore Girls for a while now so when I found it was being added to Netflix, naturally, I freaked out. For those who don’t know the show follows the lives of Lorelai Gilmore, a 32 year old mom, and her daughter, Rory, who is about to turn 16.

Lorelai, who comes from a wealthy background, left that life behind when she got pregnant at 16 with Rory and has since denounced that part of her life, only seeing her parents on holidays. However, when Rory gets accepted into a prestigious private school, Lorelai looks to her parents for help to pay the tuition. Her parents then require the girls to come to their house every Friday for dinner in return for paying Rory’s tuition.

Besides this awesome family dynamic this show is full of wit, pop culture references, and interesting townspeople who bring life and hilarity to the show. The show is not only funny but also heart warming. The mother-daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory is great to watch especially because Lorelai became a mother at such a young age.

Lorelai and Rory often alternate between being gal pals and actually acting as mother and daughter, which is fun to watch. Especially when Lorelai switches into parent role. It’s kind of strange actually but of course necessary.

Overall, I’m excited to be rewatching this show from the beginning. There were some things I completely forgot about and many scenes I’m excited to watch again.

How Long It’ll Take Me To Catch Up: Sadly, I’m currently on the struggle bus in school so I’m still only on the first season. But once holiday break arrives it’ll take me no time at all.

Do I Need Start From The Beginning: Absolutely, yes! First of all, I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to. Even if you’ve seen the show before the first season is one of the best if not THE best season. So many great one liners!

Stars: 5 out of 5, duh! Like I said before, I love this show. Definitely a must watch if you haven’t seen it (or even if you have).

Book Review: Complete Nothing

Posted on October 31, 2014June 17, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

True’s matchmaking skills are the stuff of legend! The second novel in Kieran Scott’s delightful teen romance series that TeenVogue.com called “the next Twilight.”

True is not exactly loving New Jersey. Banished from Mount Olympus and tasked with helping couples find love without using her powers, the goddess-formerly-known-as-Cupid is having a tough time. Especially now that True’s immortal love, Orion, has also appeared at her New Jersey high school—but with no memory of their relationship.

To distract herself from seeing Orion flirt with another girl, True focuses her efforts on making a match: Peter and Claudia. Peter is the star quarterback and the most popular guy in school. But he’s insecure about his future, so he preemptively dumps Claudia, his girlfriend. (If she won’t want to be with him later, why stay together now?) Claudia doesn’t take the breakup too well, and she’s ready to show the quarterback of their rival school just how ready she is to get over it.

But True sees something in these two seniors. She believes they should be together—but can she help them find their way back to each other (and get herself closer to home)? Or have things already spun too far out of control?

Complete Nothing is the second book in Kieran Scott’s True Love trilogy and I really liked this one. When Only Everything left off Orion, True’s love, showed up but had no recollection of who True is or even who he really is.

I liked the added factor of Orion in the story and also learning more about Hephaestus, Aphrodite, and Ares. As someone who minors in the Classics I thought the back stories and how Scott used them was perfect. Additionally what made this book so interesting was the added conflict in True’s life. She begins to question who she can really trust and struggles to juggle seeing Orion on a daily basis, trying to make another true love match, worrying about oncoming threats, and questioning who her real friends really are.

I also really liked the human love story between Peter and Claudia. It was cute, realistic, and again demonstrated that True still has a lot to learn when it comes to love. Also, I enjoyed seeing True adapt more to the human world in this novel. Although watching her struggle in the first book was hilarious I was happy to see True adjusting and actually making friends and even enjoying her human life.

Scott again left us with a cliffhanger and it was brilliant. I clicked next page on Kindle and was so disappointed when I realized it was really over. I won’t spoil it but it’s a great ending and even though you kind of expect it I was still a little shocked.

Overall, this novel was a cute, romantic story that will take only about a day to read. Definitely a nice refresher after reading something as intense as Fifty Shades of Grey.

Favorite Line:

Here I was, with my friends and the boy I loved, eating lunch, playing with my new cell phone. For five whole seconds, I felt like a normal teenage girl. And I kind of liked it.

Stars: 3 out of 5. This is a cute love story but there’s nothing that makes it crazy memorable. Still an enjoyable read though.

Borrow or Buy: Borrow. Again, there’s nothing that memorable about it. Definitely not one you’ll be rereading over and over.

Other Reviews

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Fic Fare

Icy Cold Reads

Is Feminism Poison: A Response to Matt Walsh

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

There’s been a lot of different opinions on the latest FckH8’s video of little girls dropping the F-bomb in support of feminism. A lot of people are for it and a lot of people are against it. Personally, I wasn’t a fan of the video just because I myself try not to curse that much and it was jarring to me to see all these little girls do so. However, I will be the first to admit the video made it’s point and is definitely getting the attention it was hoping for.

What bugged more than this video, however, was Matt Walsh, a well known conservative blogger’s, response to it. In his latest article for The Blaze entitled “Feminism Has Nothing to Say But It Still Won’t Shut Up” Walsh discusses why he thinks the video is a perfect representation of feminism because it reemphasizes the fact that feminism no longer has a point and is inherently useless.

First, he refers to the use of these children in this video as “child abuse” and refers to it as “ideological child prostitution”. Yes, this video might be a bit much but to compare it to child prostitution is ridiculous and absurd. First, of all I’m pretty sure all the kids in this video are child actors. I’ve definitely seen one or two of them in commercials. They were saying their lines just like they would for a TV show or commercial. Of course it’s propaganda but it’s not like their parents forced them to perform (hopefully). I can’t say for certain but I’m pretty sure these little girls got paid to perform in this ad.

Moving on, besides his criticisms of the video Walsh then goes on to explain why feminism is poison. Now this is where I needed to pause and take a breath because I was so livid.

According to Walsh feminism has “nothing to add to the discussion. It’s a movement without a direction. A cause without a cause. A campaign that never stops because it has no goal and no objective.”To say that feminism has no cause or direction is absolutely ridiculous. Feminism is all about equality and making sure women have the same rights as men. That’s the cause. Period.

But wait a minute. Walsh has something to say about that as well. According to Walsh men and women are not equal. He sates, “They are separate, distinct, and complimentary. Equal in dignity and worth, but unequal in every other way.” Oh Walsh, we’re not stupid. We know that men and women are literally not equal. We are two opposite sexes of course we’re not the exact same but excuse me if I feel that in the workplace and in society I shouldn’t be treated as a lesser human being because I’m not a man. He then goes on to write, “I have never in my life seen a feminist promote the idea that a woman’s uniquely feminine qualities ought to be used to serve and honor men, just as a man’s masculine qualities ought to serve and honor women.”

I’m a Christian as well as Walsh and I totally understand this Biblical idea but not in the context he’s using it. His focus on female’s qualities versus those of male’s qualities makes me feel as if he’s saying women should serve their husband the way women are meant to and men should serve their wives the way men are supposed to. I would like to ask what does that mean Walsh? Is the only way women can serve their husband by being super feminine and the only way men can serve their wives is by being super masculine? That’s absurd and I firmly have to disagree.

But more than anything what really bothered me was his comments about rape. Walsh states that the statistics of rape are all wrong and it’s completely impossible that it’s actually one in five women that get raped. First of all, yes there are differing opinions on how many people (men and women included) get raped but what Walsh neglects to realize is a) these statistics don’t just include rape but any form of sexual assault and b) there are plenty of rapes and sexual assaults that go unreported because people are afraid or just don’t want to come forward.

Walsh then goes on to claim that ALL feminists believe ALL men are rapists. Yep. He thinks feminists really believe every man is a rapist. How else could there possibly be that many sexual assaults? It’s not at all possible that a sexual predator could attack more than one person and that’s why there’s so many. It’s not at all possible that the justice system is so messed up that many rapists and sexual predators actually get off and then become repeat offenders. No of course not. The only way any of these statistics could be true is if all men are rapists and that’s obviously what every feminist believes.

He then blames feminists for driving a wedge between the sexes. Mind you I’ve never seen a rule that said feminists are just women. I know multiple men who also proudly call themselves feminists so I’m little confused on how feminism could be driving a wedge between men and women when it’s men and women who are coming together to fight these issues. Just look at the He For She campaign.

Walsh then ends his article by pointing out how men also suffer and deal with violence and their own issues. Of course men have their own issues Walsh. Everyone has issues. That’s not feminists point. The point of a feminism is that many of the issues that affect women such as sexual harassment, violence, pay inequality, etc don’t get talked about enough. What he also neglects to realize is a lot of the work feminists hope to accomplish don’t only have to do with the U.S. but is also centered on the many places globally that still lack basic human rights for women but that no one really hears about. Yes women have achieved a lot here in the U.S. but there’s still so much work to be done for women globally and if you, Mr. Walsh, can’t see that than that’s a shame.

Book Review: Fifty Shades Darker

Posted on October 18, 2014May 21, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon:

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

*WARNING: This review will be filled with spoilers*

First if you haven’t read my review of the first book, Fifty Shades of ~~Cray~~ Grey, definitely go do that then come back.

As I was reading this book I felt multiple types of ways and had to tell my friend who got me sucked into these books all about it. Here’s some highlights:

The Beginning

The freaking hair salon

Pay my tuition!

FINALLY!!!

Leave Mrs. Robinson

Christian = Submissive???

“The richter scale”?

*faints*

I was right! Sort of.

Overall I did enjoy this book. There were a lot of ups and downs and plot twists I just wasn’t ready for. If I wasn’t in school I probably would’ve finished this in a day, I was that hooked.

What I loved most about this book was it wasn’t focused on all the “kinky” freaky stuff that these books are known for. Instead Christian actually stops being so possessive and crazy and becomes a pretty loving guy. Plus we finally got to learn more about his scary childhood and it did make me sympathize with him a little bit more.

I still hate Ana’s inner goddess versus her subconscious thing. If they don’t put that in the movie I’ll be a very happy camper. Also Ana’s insecurities got a little annoying as well. Her struggles to believe Christian could really love her were incessant. I was like girl he’s changing his whole way of being for you. Just let him love you.

Besides that I was really concerned with how E L James was going to write a third book when this one seemed so finished. But then she went and made Ana’s former boss, Jack, a psycho who’s now trying to kill Christian. Well that will definitely keep the story going. Crazy. But also I love it because now it’s Ana and Christian against this other force and it really reemphasizes their strong relationship now. I’m excited to see how this will all end.

Also, I’m so glad Mrs. Robinson is finally out of the picture and Christian finally recognized how crazy she is. And also that his mother now knows the truth (some of it anyway). That was driving me crazy. More accurately, Mrs. Robinson was crazy.

There was definitely still a few parts I didn’t understand or like. For example, when Christian gave his ex-submissive, Leila, a bath. I didn’t get that nor understand why that needed to happen and it just seemed like E L James was trying to make Christian more messed up than he needed to be. Or the fact that he brought Ana to the hair dresser Mrs. Robinson owned. It seemed like a huge misstep in character development. Shouldn’t Mr. Cray be smarter than that by then?

Even so, I really enjoyed this novel which is very hard for me to admit because I thoroughly wanted to hate it. But now I’m hooked up so I might as well go pick up the third book now because I won’t be able to resist for long.

Favorite Line:

‘I love you, Anastasia. I will do everything in my power to protect you. I cannot imagine my life without you.’

Stars: 4 out of 5. I enjoyed it but there were still a lot of things I didn’t like and a few parts that I just skimmed.

Borrow or Buy: Buy. This is a tough call but I could see myself rereading this book. Maybe not the whole book but definitely certain parts are worth a second read. For example the house or the “hearts and flowers” scene. Totally worth a second glance.

Other Reviews

Lara’s Book Club

The Romance Bookie

Feeling Fictional

Book Review: A Hard’s Day Night

Posted on October 11, 2014May 21, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Penny Lane Bloom, founder of The Lonely Hearts Club, has never loved Halloween. Her dad’s a dentist, so she’s never been allowed much in the way of candy. And forget being a witch or a ghost or a superhero–Penny is always one of the Beatles, along with the rest of her family.

But this year, she’s got the Club, and the support of an amazing group of girls who all have each other’s backs. So when someone tries to ruin Halloween for one member, the Club sets out to prove revenge is a dish best served en masse.

It pains me to write this review because I love Elizabeth Eulberg but honestly I did not enjoy this short story.

I’m not sure if it’s because I read The Lonely Hearts Club so long ago but to me this book just seemed very childish to me which I found strange because I love young adult fiction and believe I always will. This book just didn’t do it for me though.

If worried about spoilers stop here but honestly if you’ve read The Lonely Hearts Club I don’t think you’ll really be upset by any of these spoilers. Nothing that happens in this story really changes anything for the future because it happens during the first novel.

The story is very centered around the club getting back at these boys who pranked one of the members. That’s about it. Ryan makes an appearance but he and Penny don’t speak so nothing exciting there.

Really the most exciting part of this book was the sneak peak of the sequel, We Can Work It Out. Otherwise this story was just really annoying to me. I was annoyed by Penny and the club because the whole revenge scheme just seemed very childish to me. First of all it seems the ringleader of the group of bandits was one of the members little brother so it could’ve easily been handled by a call to her parents but then there really wouldn’t be much of a story.

I think it was well written I just did not enjoy this short story as much as I thought I would.

Stars: 1 out of 5. Well written but the characters drove me crazy.

Borrow or Buy: Buy. It’s free so you wouldn’t be wasting anything if you don’t like it.

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey

Posted on October 4, 2014May 21, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon:

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

First, if you haven’t read this book and don’t want to be spoiled don’t read this review.

Overall, I kind of hated this book. Actually hated it. Or rather I hated the characters (except Kate who’s the real MVP). Let’s begin with Mr. Christian Grey who likes to be referred to as sir and if you don’t comply you may get punished. Wait, what?

Going into this novel I knew it was for “mature audiences” and there was going to be some freaky stuff going on. What I wasn’t prepared for was an absolute control freak who is for all intent and purposes is abusive. I’ll allow it to be said that he’s not physically abusive since Ana voluntarily signs up to be abused but he’s verbally abusive. First of all, if Ana doesn’t want to eat he makes her and he tracks down her address, her work address, and her mother’s address because he can. He also likes to know where she is at all times and gets angry when she doesn’t inform him of her whereabouts.

Of course we do get some insight into where his controlling tendencies and weird sex fetishes come from but sorry that’s not enough for me. First of all he neglects to see that this Mrs. Robinson person sexually abused him (at the age of 15) and what she did was wrong. I personally would like to have a chat with his psychologist, Dr. Flynn who has yet to make it evident to Christian that this was unacceptable.

Instead Christian is still friends with this woman and more than that they’re apparently business partners. Huh?

Yeah. Also he honestly doesn’t get why Ana’s so hesitant about his “playroom” and spankings. Sorry, Christian but this isn’t really a normal lifestyle. Like at all. Instead Mr. Fifty Shades wishes Ana would enjoy in the fun he feels of causing her pain. Yeah, no.

But our very innocent protagonist goes along with this all the way to the end of the book. She willing goes along with his BDSM and let’s him speak to her any which way and does make sure she keeps in contact with him on a regular and feels both fearful and very apologetic when she doesn’t. The whole book I wanted to knock Ana upside her head and ask her what’s wrong with you? Thankfully, her best friend Kate was there to do that. Though I’ll admit Kate crossed the line sometimes she was looking out for her friend, as she should.

However, despite all this, what kept me going in this book was Christian and Ana’s emails to each other which were actually cute. They had funny, witty banter that made me smile and laugh and think:

If the book focused more on that relationship and didn’t make Christian so messed up I definitely would’ve enjoyed it more. I understand that Christian has a messed up past and Ana’s here to change all that and blah blah blah they’re in love, etc but I don’t believe in the idea of changing someone. Both Christian and Ana are attempting to change the other to become what they desire in a relationship which causing friction and absurdity.

I constantly found myself angry at both characters: Christian for his behavior and Ana for putting up with it. Overall I don’t recommend this book. It’s not well-written (although the author does use big words so congrats on that) at all. For example, this whole thing that Ana does with her subconscious versus her “inner goddess” was so stupid. Anytime she referred to them I started skimming. It added nothing to the story. And the rolling of the eyes bit was so annoying. If you know Mr. Cray is going to spank you every time you roll your eyes and you don’t want to get spanked stop rolling your eyes and especially stop talking about it. It was like every five pages someone was rolling their eyes. I’m surprised they didn’t get stuck up there.

Also, it seems like E. L. James is trying to make it seem like Ana isn’t actually all that submissive but that’s crap. First of all if she wasn’t that submissive she wouldn’t have ended up in the situation she was in with Christian in the first place. Ana stands her ground occasionally in the most minuscule ways. For example, maybe twice in the book she said no to sex and it isn’t until the end of the book that she resists a spanking but even then she gives the Christian the go ahead to do his worst to her. I had trouble believing Ana was anything but a weak woman who saw a hot guy, immediately thought he was the love of her life, and was too chicken to stand up to his crazy ways and too wrapped in her first sexual relationship to leave him.

And the idea that Christian is some kind of loving guy with a tortured soul? Yeah, okay. It was so far fetched and it seemed like there was two different Christian Greys. There was no need for fifty shades, there’s only two: nice, sweet emails Christian and Christian in real life. When he was nice in real life he quickly switched it off and refused to let himself really love Ana in any healthy kind of way. I found it very hard to sympathize with him and his bad childhood wasn’t enough to convince me he needed saving.

Even so, and I hate myself for it, I’m so curious to find out what happens next I’ll probably read the next book because that’s what makes E.L. James such a successful author. She writes terrible books that hooks you in and you can’t help but wonder what happens next. She literally ended the book with Ana in a car going back to her place. The ending is just so abrupt I feel like it’s missing a last chapter. Therefore I’ll probably read the next one because it’s at the library so why not?

Don’t let yourself fall into this trap however. It’s not worth it. Believe me.

Favorite Line:

“You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince.”

Stars: 1 out of 5. I only give this a one because it’s just good enough to make me keep reading. E. L. James does a good job of making me want to know what happens next even though both of the main characters infuriated me.

Borrow or Buy: BORROW! Do not pay for this book. Just don’t.

Other Reviews

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Dear Author

Blog Critics

Also in case you haven’t already heard there’s going to be a movie. Check out the trailer below.

Book Review: Cursed

Posted on October 3, 2014May 21, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon:

Dying sucks–and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things–including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden’s adopted father, a man she’s sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister’s hand again. And hell, she’d also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn’t? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not’ve been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

I got this book for two reasons: one, it’s written by the same author of the Lux series that I’m obsessed with and two, it was free.

That being said I didn’t love this as much as I loved Armentrout’s other books. It was okay but it wasn’t exactly thrilling and the main character, Emma, annoyed me a little bit.

The story centers around Emma and her sister Olivia who has the ability to bring the dead back to life which comes in handy when their family gets in a car accident and Emma dies. However, bringing Emma back from the dead has it’s consequences. Everything Emma touches dies. Talk about a superpower.

This of course makes life especially difficult for Emma who’s treated as an outcast by her classmates and is only left with her one best friend, Adam, and her little sister, Olivia. She can’t even talk to her mother because ever since the accident her mother believes Emma is dead and has gone into a comatose like state only leaving her room for food and to use the restroom occasionally. Emma is thereby left to take care of herself and her little sister.

Emma’s life is thrown into even more upheaval when she meets Hayden Cromwell who tells her she’s gifted and so is her little sister. Emma has trouble believing her “death curse” is a gift but is thrown into a new world where she’s offered the chance to learn how to control her ability and have a chance a relatively normal life while also living amongst other gifted kids and people she doesn’t trust.

Unfortunately for Emma nothing comes easy and while learning to control her abilities she also has to deal with dead animals popping up in her locker and someone trying to kill her. Again.

This book had a lot of mystery going on although I was very suspicious of the culprit from the beginning and wasn’t exactly surprised by the ending. Of course there’s romance between Emma and Hayden that’s forbidden as all romances are. It found it interesting the twists and turns the book took including the mystery of what really caused the car accident that killed Emma’s father and herself and also what exactly Cromwell (Hayden’s adoptive father) wants with all these kids with special gifts.

Additionally, there’s a lot of typical drama and teenage angst as Emma, Olivia, and their mother (mainly Emma) adjust to their new life.

Overall I didn’t think this novel was fantastic but the love story between Emma and Hayden is cute. I found myself constantly frustrated with Emma however but in her defense she’s definitely goes through a lot and I can understand why she has trouble trusting anyone.

Although the novel seems to have some finality to it I think there could also be a sequel as the novel does leave us with a few unanswered questions. Even so this book came out years ago and is listed as an individual book on Armentrout’s website so a sequel probably won’t be coming, at least not anytime soon. We shall see.

Favorite Line:

“You quoted Oscar Wilde.” I smiled.

Hayden laughed. “Yeah, that was, like, the height of geekdom.”

“No. It was kind of cool.”

Stars: 3 out of 5. It was good but not spectacular.

Borrow or Buy: Borrow. It’s not worth a second read.

Other Reviews

Katie’s Book Blog

Book Passion For Life

Book Loving Mommy

Book Review: Love, Rosie

Posted on September 25, 2014May 21, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon:

What happens when two people who are meant to be together just can’t seem to get it right.

Rosie and Alex are destined for each other, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, the are separated as teenagers when Alex and his family relocate from Dublin to Boston. Like two ships always passing in the night, Rosie and Alex stay friends, and though years pass, the two remain firmly attached via emails and letters. Heartbroken, they learn to live without each other. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel o f several missed opportunities, Rosie and Alex learn that fate isn’t quite done with them yet.

I’ll admit I’m a hopeless romantic so I’m a sucker for a good love story and this one is great. I first heard about this book because it’s now a movie and of course I had to read the book before I saw the film (although of course the movie will disappoint me now).

The story follows Rosie and Alex, best friends since the age of seven, who go through multiple up and downs but always find there way back to each other. As friends of course. It was like watching a dance reading this book. They would come together and I would think finally they’re going to be together but then something/someone always got in the way.

The book is written entirely written in emails, letter, and instant messages sent not only between Alex and Rosie but also between their siblings, parents, other friends, and significant others. It expands over 40 years of time and it’s great watching Alex and Rosie grow up and grow together but also apart.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was really frustrating sometimes because I just wanted Alex and Rosie to be honest about feelings for each other but they act so stupid sometimes that I was annoyed. However it was also so funny to read all the things they would say to each other and all the things they wouldn’t.

Definitely a book to check out before you see the movie. Which stars Lily Collins so it’ll definitely be pretty good at least.

Favorite Line:

Then the laughing stopped and there was this silence. What the hell was it? It was like the world stopped turning in that instant. Like everyone around us had disappeared. Like everything at home was forgotten about. It was as if those few minutes on this world were created just for us and all we could do was look at each other. It was like he was seeing my face for the first time.

Stars: 4 out of 5. I loved this book a lot but I wanted more from the ending. I was satisfied with it but after everything that happened in the novel I expected something bigger than what I got.

Borrow or Buy: Buy!!! I loved this book. Definitely one you’ll want to read. And so many good quotes. It was hard to pick just one.

Other Reviews

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Also if you’re not afraid of spoilers check out the trailer for the movie below.

Book Review: Rumble

Posted on September 23, 2014May 21, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

Synopsis from Amazon:

Does it get better? The New York Times bestselling author of Crank and Tricks explores the highly charged landscapes of bullying and forgiveness with brilliant sensitivity and emotional resonance.

Matthew Turner knows it doesn’t get better.

His younger brother Luke was bullied mercilessly after one of Matt’s friends outed Luke to the whole school, and when Luke called Matt—on the brink of suicide—Matt was too wrapped up in his new girlfriend to answer the phone. Now Luke is gone, and Matt’s family is falling apart.

No matter what his girlfriend Hayden says about forgiveness, there’s no way Matt’s letting those he blames off the hook—including himself. As Matt spirals further into bitterness, he risks losing Hayden, the love of his life. But when her father begins to pressure the school board into banning books because of their homosexual content, he begins to wonder if he and Hayden ever had anything in common.

With brilliant sensitivity and emotional resonance, bestselling author Ellen Hopkins’s Rumble explores bullying and suicide in a story that explores the worth of forgiveness and reconciliation.

I love Ellen Hopkins and have read almost all of her books (I’m just missing one). Therefore I was too ecstatic to see she had a new book coming out.

This novel centers around a guy named Matt who lives in a town filled with people who believe in a God he can’t get behind. Matt has a lot of issues with the idea of religion but the main one would have to be his younger brother, Luke’s, suicide due to bullying from his classmates.

After the loss of his brother Matt struggles to keep it together and holds onto his girlfriend, who does believe in God and (in my opinion) is really annoying, for dear life. He’s also dealing with his hot mess of a family which is falling apart in the wake of Luke’s death. Matt also has to face his own guilt and anger over his brother’s suicide and all in all this guy is going through the struggle right now.

As a Christian myself I felt myself at odds with Matt sometimes during the novel. What’s great about Hopkins writing, however, is I still found myself on Matt’s side. I was rooting for Matt. I wanted him to find the happiness he so desperately craved and more than that I related to him.

Hopkins wrote this novel in the same way she writes all her novels: poetry style. Though it’s a novel she writes it in poems which makes the novel a pretty quick read. I definitely enjoyed this book and recommend it. The character development of Matt is flawless and watching him grow and learn and realize what/who’s really right for him is fantastic.

If you think this novel is just going to be about religion you’re mistaken. Obviously it does play a big role in the novel but the book is also centered about family, love, redemption, forgiveness, and censorship.

I really liked this book and went back to reread parts of it because I thought it was so good. I know I’ll reread the whole thing at some point. If you’ve never read an Ellen Hopkins novel before this would be a good first try (although my favorite is still Identical).

Favorite Line:

There are young people who need books to speak for them. And there are others who need books to speak to them.

Stars: 5 out of 5. I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure I’d like Matt but there’s more to him than just his disbelief in God. Matt has a lot going on in his life and Hopkins made me really sympathize with him and understand where he’s coming from.

Borrow or Buy: Definitely buy. This is one you’ll want on your book shelf for sure.

Other Reviews

Good Books and Good Wine

San Francisco Book Review

Mission Viejo Library: Teen Voice

Shows I Watch: The Complete List

Posted on September 16, 2014September 18, 2014 by Zakiya N. Jamal in TV

When I tell people I watch about 20 shows the first reaction is, “How do you have time?” followed by, “Which ones?” Therefore I’ve decided to write out the complete list of shows that I watch so next time someone asks I can just look at this list and make sure I’m not missing any. These are all shows that I am completely caught up on and still air. These are in no particular order.

*Updated Sept. 18*

Once Upon a Time

At first I thought this show sounded lame. Fairytale characters in the real world? Yeah, okay. But then I actually started watching it and I got sucked in. There’s drama with a touch of fantasy that brings you back to all those fairytales you read as a kid while still giving you a bunch of couples to ship.

Teen Wolf

This is another show I didn’t think I could get into. Loosely based on the ’80s film of the same name this show originally started as your typical supernatural boy meets girl situation. The main character, Scott, is bitten by a werewolf thereby turning him into a werewolf changing him from an average high school teen to a supernatural being. Of course he then falls in love with a girl who’s family is the werewolf hunting business. Talk about awkward. The show has since developed into more of thriller, scaring the pants off of me with almost every episode.

Game of Thrones

This show is one of my all time favorites mainly because I never know what could happen next. Of course I could read the books but I’d rather not ruin it for myself. Based in a fantasy world the show is basically about what you think it is. Everyone’s trying to get the crown and rule Westeros and there’s a lot of murder, war, and political treachery that comes along with that. In summary, it’s fantastic.

Scandal

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve definitely heard of this show. Scandal has quickly become a cultural phenomenon that takes over all social media every Thursday night. The show centers around political fixer, Olivia Pope who (SPOILER ALERT) is having an affair with the president. Talk about crazy. What makes this show great though is there’s really no one character that I could say is definitely good or evil. Every character has a questioning morality and I never really know who can be trusted. Almost everyone has some ulterior motive and the backstabbing (both literally and figuratively) can be shocking.

Grey’s Anatomy

Another product of Shondaland (actually the first Shonda show I think), I got caught up on Grey’s between the eighth and ninth season I believe. It took me about a week and half to go through all those episodes and it was probably the best binge watching experience I’ve ever heard. People sometimes say they don’t understand how the show is now going into the eleventh season but I for one can’t stop watching. There’s so much drama, love triangles, and medical awesomeness that I’m hooked.

The Mindy Project

Mindy Kaling is hilarious and this show just confirms it. Centered around Dr. Mindy Lahiri, the show takes all the romantic cliches that we love from old school movies like When Harry Met Sally and turn them on their head. We get to follow Mindy through all her up and down dating woes and it’s hilarious. Besides Mindy this cast is great and will keep you doubled over in giggles throughout the whole show.

New Girl

I’ve had some up and down feelings about this show. Last season didn’t impress me that much but I’m going to give this next season another try. The show started with the main character, Jess, moving into an apartment she found on Craigslist with three guys after she and her boyfriend broke up. This situation alone provided for a lot of comedy. Each character has their own quirks that make it hilarious to watch. From Winston’s very strange habits to Nick’s words of wisdom, the cast is great.

The Vampire Diaries

Of course this show is constantly compared to Twilight and any other vampire show/movie but I have to admit The Vampire Diaries kind of stands on it’s own in that category. Between the witches, the werewolf’s, the dopplegangers, and the ghosts there’s a lot of supernatural creatures in this show. Of course there is a love triangle but this triangle has become so convoluted I’m not even sure it’s a shape anymore. I’ve been obsessed since season one and can’t wait to see what happens next.

The Originals

I know I just said The Vampire Diaries is great but The Originals is even better. The spin-off to TVD, this show is much darker than it’s predecessor. At first I was hesitant to watch it because the premise sounded ridiculous. Somehow an original vampire got a werewolf pregnant? Yeah, okay. But then my friend kept saying, “No you need to watch it!” And because I obviously don’t watch enough television I said okay. I sat down to watch the first episode and next thing I knew I was hooked. This show has the same kind of supernaturals as TVD but what’s interesting here is the dynamic between all these groups. There’s a clear divide between the witches, vampires, and werewolves and the show is focused on who’s really in control. Honestly, I have no idea who really has the power here but I’m super excited for what’s about to go down in season two.

Arrow

I’ll be completely honest here and say I totally got sucked into this show because of the Olicity ship. As often happens I went on Tumblr and just kept seeing all these GIFs and memes about this guy named Oliver Queen and this girl named Felicity Smoak and I just thought they were the cutest couple I’ve ever seen! But then I found out they weren’t even a couple and I was really confused. Anyway I started to watch the show and as much as I love Olicity there’s also plenty of other things I love about the show. The action scenes, the family drama, the Robin Hood aspect of it all. Plus I love comic book based pop culture. I don’t think enough people know about this show but they definitely should because it’s great.

Modern Family

This show has won so many Emmy’s and rightfully so. It’s hilarious. I could list all the reasons why it’s hilarious but that would be a long list. Basically it shows a family that goes through real issues and just funny situations. It’s great because it’s comical but it also deals with some real stuff. I remember last season I actually teared up when Claire went to Alex’s high school for parent’s day and realized just how stressed her daughter really was. Alex can be very annoying but I also empathize with her and seeing one of her family members really see where she was coming from was great. I’m excited to see what happens next.

The Fosters

I have so much love this show. People give ABC Family shows too much crap. ABC Family has some really great shows and this is one of them. I just love the characters so much. All the kids have some really serious issues that kids actually go through but don’t get talked about enough. These kids go through things like being in foster care, ADHD, rape and just a lot of stuff. Besides all the drama though at the core of the show there’s this loving family that’s beautiful to watch. As Lena always says, “Blood doesn’t make a family. Love does.” Beautiful.

Switched at Birth

People are often turned off by this show just because it’s about two girls who were switched at birth and obviously that concept is a little ridiculous but I mean it’s television, all shows are a little ridiculous. What really pulled me into the show is the sign language/deaf appreciation aspect. This show has shown a culture I’ve never really thought about because it has never come into my life before. Now I want to go learn sign language. Besides that though this show deals with a lot of different issues such as race, social class, and just regular family issues. It’s a great family drama that doesn’t get the love it deserves.

Orphan Black

I don’t understand how Tatiana Maslany still hasn’t been Emmy nominated. I just don’t get it. She’s amazing. Playing a variety of characters she pulls of each one so well that I forget it’s only one actress. The show is about a woman named Sarah who is returning back to her home to be with her daughter when she sees a woman who looks just like her commit suicide. Turns out Sarah’s a clone, one of many actually. This sci-fi drama takes a lot of twists and turns and the season two finale was crazy. I don’t even know what’s going to happen next.

Rookie Blue

This is another show I feel doesn’t get enough love. To be fair it’s a Canadian show and I don’t think a lot of people know about it. It does air in the US on ABC however but only in the summer. The show begins with a group of rookie cops heading into the force and learning the ropes of being a cop. It kind of seems like the police version of Grey’s Anatomy. They all have a favorite bar they always frequent, the rookies tend to sleep with their superiors, and they’re out saving lives. Also bonus I love Missy Peregrym and she’s what sucked me into the show in the first place.

The Legend of Korra

The spin off to Avatar: The Last Airbender, this new show, though it doesn’t compare to the original, is still pretty good. The last season has definitely been the best thus far. There’s still the same kind of bending fighting that I loved in the original show but there’s also a lot of new bending techniques in the show. Also the characters are great. It’s a great show that has actually gotten very mature for something they show on Nickelodeon.

House of Cards

This show is so crazy. Of all the political dramas I’ve ever seen this has got to be my favorite. The manipulation that the main character, Congressman Underwood, and his wife do is so calculated and brilliant that I can’t help but be impressed and horrified at the same time. There’s a lot of depth to almost all the characters on the show, providing for an interesting dynamic on the show. The fact that it’s a Netflix show makes it the perfect binge worthy show.

Suits

I’m not sure when I first got invested in Suits but I’m completely hooked now. The show focuses on a guy named Mike Ross who lands himself an associate position at one of the top law firms in New York City despite never going to law school or passing the BAR. In other words he’s kind of a boss. So is his boss, Harvey, Harvey’s secretary, Donna, and everyone’s boss, Jessica. It’s really just a show full of BAMFs and I love it.

Awkward

I don’t care what any says, this show is hilarious. Between Jenna always finding herself in trouble, Tamara’s constant abbreviations, and Sadie’s “You’re welcomes” this show brings the humor. Definitely one of MTV’s hits and worth watching.

Reign

I don’t know how I forgot about Reign. I love this show. Mary, Queen of Scots, starts out all innocent and then she becomes a BAMF. I can’t wait to see her in all her Queen glory next season. She’s playing no games. YES!