Yes No Maybe So

As much as this book masquerades as a YA romance (which, don't get me wrong, it has plenty of) its themes about politics and race in America make it so much more. We live in interesting times, as they say, and even a pair od rather hapless teeangers is bougn to get caught up in it - we can only hide in the mall for so long before the realities of the world come crashing in, unless we're able to complete blind ourselves in ignorance. Both of our protagonists, Maya and Jamie, begin the summer as relatively naive eleventh graders, caught up in friendship drama, family obligations, and personal worries, but through a random series of events they are both drawn into the events around a local election. Neight Maya nor Jamie is particularly show more interesting in canvasing, even though they boht passively support the candidate, but the election becomes personal for them both as racism in their community ramps up and they realize that if they want to make a difference in their community they have to start now. Wrapped around the political narrative is their growing friendship (and eventual romance), which provides handy and entertaining plot points to drive the story. I might not have fallen for this book as much as I did for Albertalli's Creekwood series, but it was well-written throughout, the characters are easy to engage with, and the social themes are very well done. show less

I approached this novel with some trepidation thinking it might become bogged down in US politics but, thankfully, it turned out to be a delightful read. I loved both Maya and Jamie, especially Jamie who was painfully awkward and totally endearing. He was a wonderful friend to Maya and their relationship developed gradually making it feel authentic. There were some very cute, clumsy moments between the two of them which had me giggling. The fact that Jamie was Jewish and Maya Muslim made the story more interesting. I also adored the relationship Jamie had with his younger sister, Sophie. His grandmother was also a high-energy, engaging character as well.

Not only was "Yes No Maybe So" a cute, contemporary read, it also dealt with some show more weighty issues including racism, politics, family dynamics, religious freedom and finding your voice. Overall, this was a funny, moving and entertaining story. show less

My husband and I applied, and were accepted, to be delegates for Kamala Harris in our congressional district last fall. Our state requires a certain number of signatures just to make it onto the primary ballot, so we knocked on friendly doors on so many weekends. I went on weekdays off and talked to many stay-at-home mom's and retirees. It was exhausting but also strangely exhilarating, to be stumping for a candidate I truly believed in. In early December, Senator Harris ended her campaign, and my heart was crushed into powder.

This darling book captures the joy and heartbreak of civic engagement in our current political climate. It is unashamedly liberal, written in the wake of the 2016 election. Reading about teens who learn to care show more about the issues and speak up against bigotry warmed my bones to the very core. There is also a lovely slow burn of a romance, but the politics is the wonderful surprise here. I needed very badly to read this book in an election year. show less

What a timely book. This is one of the best realistic fiction books that I've read this year. The genuine friendship between Jamie and Maya is cute, realistic, and still difficult. The experiences they had made me question some of the culture of social media and what is appropriate verses not appropriate. I also enjoyed what I was taught about political tradition and why informed voting is so important. Not to mention that this book also accurately displays religious differences and the need for global solidarity. Did I expect to get any of that from this cute cover and clever premise? No. But I am so glad I read it.

Once I started reading this book and realised it was about American politics, I was a bit put off. Not being American, I find the subject confusing and therefore boring, however it is set in a world still reeling from 2016 and the rise of bigotry being more socially acceptable, and that is just as recognisable to a British reader as an American one so even if I didn't understand all the details, the bigger picture was rightly affecting.

On top of this backdrop we have Jamie and Maya, Jewish and Muslim teenagers, who become best friends and maybe more while canvassing for their local Democratic candidate. I went in expecting the book to be mostly about the difficulties of a cross-cultural romance and that is barely touched on, which was show more actually really refreshing. Both characters' religions are really important to them and the story, but there is no strife about it. The only negativity is coming from the occasional bigot or troll, not the good guys. Mostly anyway. I really enjoyed reading about American Jewish and Muslim culture.

Every other chapter switches between Jamie's and Maya's perspectives and I did repeatedly get confused whose head I was supposed to be in. It's really readable but their voices are not that different. Weird since this book is written by two authors. Jamie and Maya are a little annoying at times because this is YA so they have to overreact to things and then learn life lessons, and it does get a bit tropey right towards the end - I'm not much of a romance reader. The bubbling background of racism made me very nervous something bad was going to happen for drama's sake although there isn't really anything triggering in the book. This is an upbeat story about trying to change the world for the better, even when it feels like you're not making much difference. Turns out the political backdrop to the story is all based on a true story, with the teen romance sprinkled on top and I think sometimes the balance between the two themes is maybe a little off, but ultimately if this book can get teenagers interested in politics and fighting against bigotry then that's awesome. show less

Two teenagers, one Jewish and one Muslim, end up going door-to-door together, campaigning for a state senate candidate. This has less about the actual experience of canvassing than I was expecting but it is nevertheless an interesting look at being seventeen and politically aware during an election -- moreover, aware of policies designed to discriminate against people like you.

The dual POV brings breadth to this story and puts Jamie and Maya’s (cute) relationship front and centre, but means there’s perhaps less development in their respective relationships with friends and family than if the story just focused on one of them; there’s potential for some of those relationships to pack more of an emotional punch. But that’s what I show more want, not what this story is intending to do. show less

Jamie is glad to help out behind the scenes at the Jordan Rossum campaign for state senate, but he's not crazy about going door to door and actually talking to people. Maya doesn't really want to canvass either, but her parents might be willing to buy her a car if she does. Thrown together in reluctant political activism, Jamie and Maya get more and more invested in the campaign -- and in each other -- as the weeks go by.

This was a cute YA romance, sweet but a little slow paced for me (maybe because I was listening to the audiobook). It switches between Jamie's and Maya's narration, so you get both sides of the story. YA romance fans should take a look, especially if you like a dash of politics with your romance.