More Than Just a Pretty Face

June 1, 2020
California teen Danyal Jilani knows he is good looking, but is that enough to win over fashionable and vivacious Kaval Sabsvari, the girl he's long had a crush on? The Pakistani American high school senior's looks and charming personality don't impress his father, who is disappointed by his poor academic performance and desire to attend culinary school. But when he meets smart college freshman Bisma Akram through his parents for potential future marriage purposes, Danyal learns of her scandalous secret--one that has made other families decide she isn't a suitable marriage prospect. Danyal is surprisingly picked as a candidate for the prestigious Renaissance Man competition by his private school's history teacher, and he finally has a chance to prove he is worthy of Kaval's affection. But after Bisma offers to help him with his essay entry on Winston Churchill, Danyal has to decide whose opinions he values and whether or not to speak up about the hard truths he learns. An entertaining mix of humor, teen drama, cultural references, and serious themes around colonialism, nationalism, and religious identity, Masood's debut novel is a broadly relatable story that offers plenty of food for thought. Readers will root for Danyal as he evolves and proves he is more than meets the eye. A charming teen romance with real substance. (Romantic comedy. 14-18)

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June 22, 2020
Masood’s debut spotlights the ever-optimistic 19-year-old Danyal Jilani, a confident Pakistani American aspiring chef who has long harbored a crush on classmate Kaval Sabsvari, his best friend Sohrab’s twin sister. When he is nominated for his school’s Renaissance Man competition, a cutthroat academic championship with a $5,000 prize, Danyal seizes the opportunity to boost his subpar grades and spend more time with Kaval, who offers to help. Danyal’s topic of Winston Churchill leads him to enlist the assistance of Bisma Akram, 19, originally introduced to him as a potential prospect for an arranged marriage. Her complicated relationship with her own family forges a growing bond between them; Danyal’s realization that Kaval disdains his atypical career aspirations, while Bisma supports them, strengthens their connection. The novel features a humorous exploration of its characters’ desi backgrounds, touching upon familial and religious expectations. Though supporting characters lack nuance—Sohrab’s growing devotion to Islam, for example, correlates with an increasingly limited viewpoint—Danyal develops into a more mature and endearing protagonist as he researches colonialism’s horrors. Throughout, his vivid narration remains charmingly relatable. Ages 14–up. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong. (Aug.)■

July 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-Danyal Jilani gets by in high school by putting in as little effort as possible, and he dreams of a future where he can pursue his true passions. In his case, this means culinary arts and wooing the most beautiful (and unattainable) girl in school. His carefree world comes to an abrupt halt when Danyal is forced to participate in an exclusive school-wide academic competition. Concurrently, he is also introduced to Bisma, an intriguing bridal candidate with a deeply painful past. Although there are some clunky moments of dialogue in this debut novel, Masood finds his groove in this high-stakes coming-of-age story. He places Danyal at an intersection between South Asia and America, and it is a pleasure to watch Danyal's growth and development as he grapples with both historical prejudices against India and contemporary prejudices within his own community. This is also one of the first YA novels that prominently features the atrocities of the 1943 Bengal Famine. It is refreshing to read an #OwnVoices novel that portrays Islam as it is for many Muslim American teenagers: a belief and culture that can be beautiful, complex, occasionally long-winded, and often sagacious. VERDICT This delightful debut will make a fine addition to any YA collection, and includes a much-needed historical and contemporary perspective of Western culture through a South Asian lens.-Maria Paz Alegre, Allen-Stevenson Sch., New York

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July 1, 2020
Grades 9-12 There isn't much Danyal Jilani wants. He's gorgeous, hilarious, likable, and cooks like a beast. If only he could make the sexy Kaval Sabsvari his, everything would be peachy. Sadly, it's no secret Danyal isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, his classmates and dad remind him of that often enough. So when he's selected to participate in a reputable academic competition, winning could convince Kaval's parents he's worthy of her hand. When he asks his former marriage prospect Bisma for help, he realizes his dream girl might be closer than he thinks. Masood's debut is seriously funny, with all of the trappings of a truly good rom-com. Danyal's voice is the star in this dialogue-heavy novel, which helps keep up the smooth pace. The less-traditional Muslim characters might be a point of consternation for some (especially as depicted through the stereotyping of Sohrab's character as he becomes more involved in Islam); nonetheless, Danyal's seismic character arc, Bisma and his and evolving love, and fascinating historical insights make for an entertaining read.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)