Shamim Sarif

Tala, a London-based Palestinian, is preparing for her elaborate Middle Eastern wedding when she meets Leyla, a young British Indian woman who is dating her best friend. Spirited Christian Tala and shy Muslim Leyla could not be more different from each other, but the attraction is immediate and goes deeper than friendship. As Tala’s wedding day approaches, simmering tensions come to boiling point and the pressure mounts for Tala to be true to herself. Moving between the vast enclaves of Middle Eastern high society and the stunning backdrop of London’s West End, I Can’t Think Straight explores the clashes between East and West, love and marriage, conventions and individuality, creating a humorous and tender story of unexpected love and unusual freedoms.

I Can't Think Straight

4.5 stars

This was such a fluffy and pleasant read, with some unexpected depth at times! I loved most of the characters and I especially enjoyed Tala, as well as felt sorry for her. I didn't feel that Leyla was as developed, but I still liked her! Their sisters Zina and Yasmin were super enjoyable as well (Lamia...well, I feel sad for her but she also frustrated me a lot). I really liked that we got to know their families, because it added depth to the story. I also liked how the book had some discussions about the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and religion, but they did not overpower the story. I do wish we'd gotten more on the religion aspect wrt Tala and Leyla, as they don't discuss it again after their first meeting.

Overall, very enjoyable, quick read!

There were also some amusing lines in the book that I appreciated. I'll put them under a cut, and unfortunately I don't have page numbers because I read it on Hoopla which SUCKS:

(view spoiler)[As her husband strode in, Maya became aware that she was standing like a statue...she watched Sam's anxious gaze go from his wife to his daughter. "What did I miss?" he asked. Leyla looked at him, tears in her eyes. "I'm gay," she whispered." Sam stared in disbelief. "But I've only been gone two hours." (chapter 12)

Maya reached to turn off the radio, with a disapproving flick of the wrist. "How can you think straight with all that noise?" she demanded. "Apparently, Leyla can't think straight at all," Yasmin snorted. (chapter 13)

"I have to say," said one of the women, in a tone that carried. "I don't see what all the fuss is. About Tala." Hani breathed. This was promising. Could he allow a smile? "I mean," she continued. "Some of my best friends are Lebanese." (chapter 17) (hide spoiler)]

Spirited Christian Tala and shy Muslim Leyla could not be more different from each other, but the attraction is immediate and goes deeper than friendship. Moving between Middle Eastern high society and London’s West End, this story explores the clashes between East and West, love and marriage, and convention and individuality creating a humorous and tender tale of unexpected love.

I Can't Think Straight

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