Review of If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal
When I first laid eyes on If We Were a Movie, the cover alone brought me back to my own high school days filled with theater dreams and friendship dramas. It was comforting to think this book could encapsulate so many youthful experiences in a sapphic romance format, penned by a debut author. Zakiya N. Jamal’s voice captured my attention, and I dove in with anticipation. Spoiler alert: I finished it in one sitting, despite my lingering mixed feelings that led to a 2.5/5 rating.
At the heart of this story are Rochelle and Amira, beautifully crafted characters who embody various teenage tropes but manage to vibrate with authenticity. Rochelle is determined and driven, her sights set on Wharton, representing the intense focus many of us had in our youth. Her complexity shines through as she navigates her feelings, evolving from an introverted girl into someone who confronts her emotions head-on. On the flip side, Amira is bursting with sass and dedication, a friend who challenges Rochelle to embrace life beyond textbooks.
The banter between these two is delightful, fostering a natural progression from friendship to romance—something I truly appreciated. Their dialogue felt fresh and relatable, encapsulating the frenemy trope in a way that mirrored authentic teenage exchanges. As I followed their blossoming relationship, the nostalgia of my own friendships washed over me, a sweet reminder of how love sometimes develops in unexpected ways.
Yet, I must admit I found myself wishing for deeper character development. While the diverse cast around them, filled with typified traits like the goth kid and the supportive theater group, brought vibrancy to the narrative, they felt a bit one-dimensional at times. It was genuinely fun to read about the antics and quirks of the secondary characters; however, I longed for them to break out of their molds and surprise me. The thought of watching these friends evolve alongside Rochelle and Amira sparked my curiosity, yet it was an opportunity unrealized in this light read.
The plot pacing had its moments of drag, especially when the resolution became predictable relatively early on. A hint of mystery or an unexpected twist could have further elevated the tension and made for a more riveting read. And oh, Glory, can we talk about her? While intended to add a layer of complexity, my patience wore thin waiting for her character to contribute meaningfully to the story.
What stood out to me most was Jamal’s ability to infuse life into everyday situations. The slice-of-life theme brought relatable angst and laughter, giving readers a glimpse of dramatic teenage moments entwined with the amalgamation of growing feelings. I couldn’t get enough of characters like Jennie, Lisa, and the vibrant Kerry, whose energy left me wanting more page time and friendship adventures.
In conclusion, If We Were a Movie may not have ticked every box for me, but it certainly champions representation and youthful exploration in a charming way. It’s a fun, cute read that will resonate with those who appreciate light-hearted romance and the complexities of young friendships. I’d recommend it to anyone searching for a heartwarming story that captures a moment of summer youth, ideal for fans of the slice-of-life genre.
So, if you’ve got a spot in your TBR for a story that wraps up love, laughter, and life lessons all in one, give this debut a chance when it hits shelves on April 22, 2025. I’ll be keeping an eye out for Zakiya N. Jamal’s future works, eager to see how her narrative voice evolves.