Okay so let me start this off by saying I am a true sucker for cartoon covers. I was totally drawn to this story by the cover and I have absolutely no shame admitting that :)
How It All Blew Up was a quick and entertaining read. I really enjoyed a little journey into Italy with Amir, sure it was full of cliche's and a little far fetched, but taking it with a pinch of salt it was a fun book that I couldn't put down. I'd give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because it was on the higher side of the 3.5.
Amir was one of those strange characters, I feel that I still don't know much about him outside of his sexuality, yet he was immediately likeable. The unique little friendship group he finds himself in was something I've not really seen in a YA book before, and I think that's probably what really had me hooked. Surrounded by adults who are all much more settled in their own skin, Amir gradually discovers it's ok to be yourself and if your own family won't accept that, then there's a new kind of family out there waiting to be discovered.
The setting was what made the novel for me, taking me on probably the best holiday I can hope for this year. Little cafes and piazza's, the architecture of a city that is steeped in history. Cold wine, hot pizza and picnics in the park. Sign me up for it all. Ahmadi's writing was super easy to read, and definitely made me feel as though I was in Italy. 100% recommend reading this one on a hot, sunny day in a park, garden or at the beach!
I quite liked the way Amir's family had their own voices interjected into the story, via the passages at the airport. I felt for him of course, feeling as though he wouldn't be accepted, but I also sympathised with them, given that he never really gave them chance. I was pretty satisfied by the end of the book and was left with that glowy feeling that any good contemporary leaves you with.
All in all the only confusing moment was that nipple story. I still don't know if it was supposed to be tongue in cheek, but it was pretty odd! Otherwise, a lovely little summery read!
How It All Blew Up was a quick and entertaining read. I really enjoyed a little journey into Italy with Amir, sure it was full of cliche's and a little far fetched, but taking it with a pinch of salt it was a fun book that I couldn't put down. I'd give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because it was on the higher side of the 3.5.
Amir was one of those strange characters, I feel that I still don't know much about him outside of his sexuality, yet he was immediately likeable. The unique little friendship group he finds himself in was something I've not really seen in a YA book before, and I think that's probably what really had me hooked. Surrounded by adults who are all much more settled in their own skin, Amir gradually discovers it's ok to be yourself and if your own family won't accept that, then there's a new kind of family out there waiting to be discovered.
The setting was what made the novel for me, taking me on probably the best holiday I can hope for this year. Little cafes and piazza's, the architecture of a city that is steeped in history. Cold wine, hot pizza and picnics in the park. Sign me up for it all. Ahmadi's writing was super easy to read, and definitely made me feel as though I was in Italy. 100% recommend reading this one on a hot, sunny day in a park, garden or at the beach!
I quite liked the way Amir's family had their own voices interjected into the story, via the passages at the airport. I felt for him of course, feeling as though he wouldn't be accepted, but I also sympathised with them, given that he never really gave them chance. I was pretty satisfied by the end of the book and was left with that glowy feeling that any good contemporary leaves you with.
All in all the only confusing moment was that nipple story. I still don't know if it was supposed to be tongue in cheek, but it was pretty odd! Otherwise, a lovely little summery read!