Original Review Posted to Goodreads

I was really excited about a coming-of-age novel starring a woman of color and it left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. DNF-Did Not Finish at 67%. Zainab, the main character, had a one-track mind revolving around her virginity. I can understand the how virginity is important but yikes. The comment from another character basically calling her pathetic for being a 20-year-old virgin didn't sit right with me either. Sexual peer pressure has always been a societal issue when it surrounds the construct of virginity and the way it's used to control a woman's body and even the way they perceive their own bodies. This book was just not my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Accent for the access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*3.5

I really liked how Zainab's ancestors were a major part of the story and how they were incorporated. I would like to know more of what happens after the story is over but I feel like it ended in a good spot.

I received an arc through netgalley.