Yes No Maybe So Book Review

*I know the post is too long, but please read it through- don’t skim read it!*

Hello everybody! It has been three weeks since I have written a book review and you might wonder why so? This is because I have been rereading books all the time since 27th December. I reread The Upside of Falling, the entire series of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, all Kasie West books except her duology and the first part of Girl Online. Yeah that’s a lot. I have reviewed all of those books on my blog, so obviously I cannot review them again. I also ended up DNF-ing two books, one of them I have read already, one I haven’t. I am willing to give the one I haven’t another chance because I might have gotten into a mini slump.

Also, I have been in the mood for cutesy YAs and I even read my own YA novel because I couldn’t find one! I have also flunked my second read-a-thon already, because there is no way I will be able to read all those brain-requiring books right now. With Grandma’s funeral and exams hovering over my head, I really am in the mood for no-brainers, so I will be reading books that are YA. Which reminds me, I need you to give me some YA recs, I am in desperate need of them.

So, finally let’s get on to the thing you are all here to read about- the review of the book Yes, No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed. I have read one book by Becky Albertalli- The Upside of Unrequited and I didn’t quite enjoy it. So, naturally I was apprehensive about trying out another book by her. But then on the persistent insistence of a friend of mine (who by the way, runs two blogs, let me know in the comments if you wanna know about them) I decided to give it a shot. And I don’t regret it. Let’s get on to the blurb!

Synopsis:
YES
Jamie Goldberg is cool with volunteering for his local state senate candidate—as long as he’s behind the scenes. When it comes to speaking to strangers (or, let’s face it, speaking at all to almost anyone), Jamie’s a choke artist. There’s no way he’d ever knock on doors to ask people for their votes…until he meets Maya.

NO
Maya Rehman’s having the worst Ramadan ever. Her best friend is too busy to hang out, her summer trip is canceled, and now her parents are separating. Why her mother thinks the solution to her problems is political canvassing—with some awkward dude she hardly knows—is beyond her.

MAYBE SO
Going door to door isn’t exactly glamorous, but may be it’s not the worst thing in the world. After all, the polls are getting closer—and so are Maya and Jamie. Mastering local activism is one thing. Navigating the cross-cultural romance of the century is another thing entirely.

Okay, so I gotta be honest- the first thought I had about this book was that it was another meh book. But as it progressed and converged the serious problem of racism with contemporary romance, I began loving it. It didn’t strike me as memorable at first- as in I thought that I would like remember I read it, but I didn’t think I would remember the plot. But now I am sure I will remember the plot too.

The plot as aforesaid, is unique. Converging YA, racism and politics is no easy feat, but it was shown really well in this book. At first I couldn’t feel any chemistry between Jamie and Maya- the book felt like it was just about politics. But then it all changed.

Jamie and Maya were portrayed well in the latter half of the book and the latter half is actually the one I like more. I also loved how the authors explored all the side characters well too. That is really appreciable as it is difficult to do that.

Also, I love how the book not-so-subtly throws light on racism (Okay, Riddhi, you have said that enough times already! Please elaborate on it.) Like it shows that people often confuse Islam with terrorism. I will admit that majority of the terrorist groups are Islamic, but that does not mean that you ill-treat the entire Islam community!

Also, I was kinda astonished by the author’s note, I have to admit. It is basically about how Trump is an evil racist asshole (pardon the language). I knew he was racist and sexist, but I didn’t know so much! I have to say, at times American politics intrigues me. Well, I think all politics intrigue me. I read a book about the death of India’s second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri recently and I enjoyed it so much. I am so eager to delve deeper into the Indian politics of that era!
P.S.-1 All my Indian readers, do check the book out- it is titled Who Killed Shastri by Vivek Agnihotri. It is non-fiction, but trust me, it is nothing short of a crime mystery thriller.
P.S.-2 You might think now that I am interested in a career in politics- there is nothing of this sort because A. I like to know tidbits of everything and B. I would make a terrible politician. I mean my fatal flaw is that I am too good!

So, I think that’s it for this book! I recommend it to all YA lovers who want something out of the blue. It is unique and will make you smile at times and make you sad too. You gotta sign the emotional rollercoaster ride deal if you wanna read this!

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Have you read this book? Have you read others by the authors? Also, hit me up with cutesy no-brainer YA recs as I need them, people!

P.S.- Just in case you are looking for new music to listen to, check out Why Don’t We’s latest album- The Good Times and The Bad Ones. Every single track is amazing, though my personal favourite is Love Song. Anywho, listen to it!!!!!
Also, have anyone of you heard Zayn’s new album- Nobody is Listening? I have listened to a couple of songs and it sounds cool. But I am currently listening to The Good Times and the Bad Ones, so I will listen to Nobody is Listening after it. *sighs* So many songs, so little time.