If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan + GIVEAWAY!

If You Could be Mine
Author: Sara Farizan
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 247

In this stunning debut, a young Iranian American writer pulls back the curtain on one of the most hidden corners of a much-talked-about culture.

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. They’ve shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love—Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light.

So they carry on in secret—until Nasrin’s parents announce that they’ve arranged for her marriage. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they have been, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusively—and openly.

Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution. In Iran, homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a woman’s body is seen as nature’s mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. As a man, Sahar could be the one to marry Nasrin. Sahar will never be able to love the one she wants, in the body she wants to be loved in, without risking her life. Is saving her love worth sacrificing her true self?~Goodreads

If You Could Be Mine was unlike anything I’ve ever read. Not only was it culturally different from what I’m used to reading it was also thematically different. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down until I finished. 

The realism of all the feelings and struggles portrayed throughout the story were just so spot on to me. 

I really liked the main character Sahar, for me, she was easy to relate to. The intensity, the worry and the insecurity that comes from loving someone so incredibly much but feeling as though you’re not worthy or good enough for them to love you the same, pulses out from every page. At times I wanted to  reach through the page, shake her, and tell her that she IS worthy and the people she cares for are not. One of the things I liked most about Sahar was that even though she feels less than exceptional as times, she never comes across as self-deprecating. She is smart and selfless and kind and giving and brave. And I enjoyed that she used humor during her turmoil, because honestly, I tend to be the same way :P 

(I still can’t get over the fact that she was willing to give up her entire identity in order to be with the girl she loves, that just blows my mind. The only slightly negative thing I could say about Sahar is that she reads as desperate at times, but it's easy to understand why.)

As for the love of Sahar’s life, Nasrin, she tends to come off as  selfish, spoiled and bratty. There were times where I just…couldn't even. She started out fine, but the more I read the more I started to disliked her. Unfortunately, for her, she has to deal with the consequences of her actions. And that’s all I’ll say about that.

Some of the secondary characters were really great as well, like Sahar’s cousin Ali and his friend Parveen. Both were wonderful support to Sahar and unique and amazing in their own rights. I would totally read a book about each of them.

I think Sara Farizan laid out the LGBT world respectfully and compellingly. The detail of the changes in which transsexuals have to go though and the struggles they face added such a huge realism factor to this book. I applaud her so much for the way she described and approached it. Then again, I’ve never read a book that touches on the topic of transexuality before (feel free to recommend some in the comments!) so I could be way off base, but I personally think she did a good job.

To me this book read as really fast paced, which I enjoyed but some may see it as rushing through the storyline. Some of the dialect was hard for me to understand so I had to make an educated guess as to what it meant or look it up but I think it added another needed element to the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I literally did not stop reading until I finished. If You Could Be Mine was captivating and heart-rendering and I would definitely recommend it. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~Character Interview~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After finishing the book, I really wanted to get to know Nasrin some more. Even though she wasn't my favorite, maybe I was missing something and she was kind a enough to answer a few questions for us!

Hi Nasrin! Thank you so much for stopping by!

So, Sahar and you have been best friends for a long time, what is one of your favorite memories of the two of you together?

Nasrin: We have so many wonderful memories. You're going to make me cry thinking about some of them! She probably wouldn't want me to share our moments to the public. Honestly, I think some of our best times together when we were little kids, playing together on the playground or in my house, when things weren't so complicated.

What do you admire most about Sahar?

Nasrin: How much time do we have? :) One thing that I really adore about her is how smart she is and she never makes me feel like I'm not as smart as she is. Most people think I'm not so bright, and maybe they're not wrong considering some of the choices I make, but Sahar always treats me like her equal.

What would you say is your biggest fear or insecurity?

Nasrin: I'm worried about what happens to me when my looks fade. I also worry about being lonely sometimes. I am usually surrounded by lots of people, but still feel a kind of loneliness I can't describe. It's like something is always missing.

QUICK ROUND!

Early Bird or Night Owl?

Nasrin: Night Owl!

Favorite Food?

Nasrin: I love anything sweet.

Celebrity Crush?

Nasrin: I think Daniel Davari is so cute. He's the goaltender for the Iranian soccer team, but he grew up in Germany. I can't understand a word he says, but who cares 
with a face like that!

Who cares, indeed ;)

If you want to learn more about Nasrin, enter below for a chance to win a copy of the book!

Authors Are Our ROCK STARS Tour: Tahereh Mafi

Today I have the fantastic honor of hosting the brilliant mastermind behind two of the most sex-tastic and incredible fictional boys to ever exist...ever. Oh! And she also created a pretty kick-ass heroine too!

I’m talking about the one and only TAHEREH MAFI!! *CLAPS WILDLY* *CROWD ROARS* *twirls*

Tahereh Mafi is a girl

She’s 24. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Orange County, CA, where she drinks too much caffeine and finds the weather to be just a little too perfect for her taste. When unable to find a book, she can be found reading candy wrappers, coupons, and old receipts. SHATTER ME is her first novel.

* Author Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Tumblr *
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Tahereh is one of THE FUNNIEST and NICEST authors I have ever had the privilege of talking to via the twit! Many a times she has entertained my ideas of writing more naked Adam scenes and one time...one time she said she wanted to...wait for it....SQUISH HUG ME INTO A MARSHMALLOW!! Like how freakin’ adorable is she?! Yep, pretty much I'm kinda sorta absolutely in love with her and her brain. Not ashamed. :P

Shatter Me is an absolute favorite book of mine and Unravel Me still has me at a loss for words after finishing it over 3 weeks ago. YEP. THEY ARE THAT GOOD.

Why are Tahereh’s books so bomb, you ask? Well, because she is! And because of her ability to create a plot-line that twists and bends like gnarled tree branches— stunning dialogue that splashes  you in the face with its sadness and humor— passionate scenes that spark a heat between your fingers and her scary way of writing EMOTIONAL EMOTIONS that rattle your soul. Oh and of course, there’s Adam and Warner and Juliette and Kenji—AMAZING characters you can’t help but fall madly and deeply for!

And it just so happens....one of those very, very fine characters has decided to grace us with his undeniably charismatic and striking self this fine day...

That’s right, I’m talking about the ever confusing, totally arrogant, INSANELY attractive...Warner! Check out out interview below! 
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B: Let’s start this thing off with the most burning question on every
one’s mind: boxers or briefs?

W: I don’t see how this is any of your business.

B: Ooookay, then. *Clears throat* Um...I can’t help but notice the ring you’ve got on there. It’s very lovely; does it mean something special to you? Hold any kind of significance?

W: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

B: Riiiight. Okay, so Warner, surely you know you’re very attractive. And you could quite possibly have any girl in the world. (ME! ME! ME! PICK MEE! Or Jena! :P) So why are you so intent on Juliette?

W: Pass.

B: Huh...touched a nerve there me thinks. Speaking of which, do you feel as though Adam Kent is any type of threat to you? Whether that be physically, mentally or I don’t know, like, love triangle-y?

W: Adam Kent is an idiot.

B: I have to disagree. Adam is smart and sensitive and sexy but alright, you’re obviously not a fan. I know you’re not all bad though, I’ve heard through a very reliable source that you once helped a stray animal. Have you ever considered having a pet, Warner? I hear they make great companions.

W: Who have you been talking to? Where are you getting this information?

B: I know people, who know people. So how do you feel about having your story shared with the entire world?

W: What story?

B: Umm...nothing...never mind. Ooh! What’s it like to get shot?

W: It’s wildly inconvenient.

B: I bet. Ouch. Okay, so what was your reaction when you touched Juliette for the first time and you realized she couldn’t hurt you?

W: Do you make it a habit of asking such horribly invasive questions?

B: *Flushes* Sorry, Warner...Ok, last question, so your dad…how is it working for him?

W: Pass.

Ah, very talkative, that one. :P

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Wanna learn more about Warner? Be sure to check out this novella coming out this October! 

In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.~Goodreads

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tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

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Day and June PART II and GIVEAWAY

Welcome to the Day and June interview Part II, the This or That round! 

Dust bomb or Electrobomb?

June: Electrobomb.

Day: Dust bomb! My favorite.

Rain or Snow?

Day: Definitely rain. Snow makes tracks obvious, but rain covers them up.

June: Well, it depends on whether I’m the predator or the prey.

Dogs or Cats?

June: Dogs, of course!

Day: Can’t afford to have a pet on the streets.

Nectar Wine or Water?

Day: Are you kidding? Nectar wine. Delicious.

June: Water. Nectar wine dehydrates you.

Fall or Spring?

Day: Spring, I guess.

June: It doesn’t make a big difference here in Los Angeles, though.

Hot Dogs or Goose Eggs?

Day: Hot dogs. Gotta love street food.

June: I’m not that accustomed to eating hot dogs or goose eggs.

Early Bird or Night Owl?

Day: Night owl. The most exciting stuff always happens at night.

June: Night owl. I seem to stay up late quite often.

Lake Sector or Alta Sector? 

Day: Lake Sector. I mean, it’s home base, yeah? It’s my beautiful, shabby little sector.

June: Honestly? Ruby sector.

The Book or The Movie?

Day: Poor folks don’t watch a lot of movies. We don’t get to read much either—but yeah, I’d pick books.

June: Books, clearly.

Day, boxers or briefs?

Day: You’re not getting that one outta me, sweetheart.
Brooke: Dang it! :P

Thanks for checking out my interview with Day and June! Aren't they AWESOME!? Want to read their story? Leave your name and e-mail in the comments for a chance to win a copy of LEGEND!

Day and Junebug Interview: PART I

Guys! Guys. Guys. I have an EXtremely special treat for you today! I had the HONOR and privilege of interviewing two of the most kick-ass characters to ever exist: DAY AND EFFIN' JUNE FROM LEGEND! After they agreed to an interview i proceed to pee myself and then pass out. And after talking to them i decided that i'm officially in love with them. *sighs* They are just...so cool. Ehem...anywho, let's get on with the interview shall we?

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! EEEEEP! Holy snap. Day & June! I LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH! SQUEEEE! Ehem...I mean...thanks for stopping by.

Day: Thanks for having us, sweetheart.

Brooke: *melts* 

June: The pleasure is all ours!

How do you guys feel about having your story out in the world?

Day: Kinda uncomfortable, to be honest. Don’t want everyone knowing my identity now, do I?

June: Oh, come now. You know you like it.

Day, I’ve heard some people referring to you as a “Legend.” How do you feel about that? (Aaaand what if I told you that one of those people just so happened to be our very own Junebug?)

Day: Really? She said that? (turns to June) You said that?

June: I said no such thing.

Brooke: *coughs* I have it in print.... *coughs*

Serious question Day, would you ever let June braid your hair? Or, like, put beads in it or something?

Day: She can do whatever the hell she likes to my hair. Maybe no beads, though. They make too much noise.

June! Wouldn’t you totally want to braid Day’s hair!? *sighs* He’s got nice hair...

June: I don’t see how this relates to anything. It seems irrelevant.

Day: You got to admit, I do have pretty nice hair.

All-right, all-right, I'll braid his hair then! But let's get back to the really important stuff...

So, June. Day’s a pretty good kisser, yeah? ;)

June: Again, irrelevant.

Day: If you look closely at her, you can see her blushing.

While you're already blushing, do you have any fictional crushes Junebug?

June: Well, if I could choose amongst the fiction in your world, I would be attracted to Sherlock Holmes. Such an eye for detail!

Day: I don’t see what’s so great about him. He’s old, and has a weird hat.

How about you, Day? Any lucky ladies you’re dying to flirt with from another book?

Day: I’d love to try my luck with Karou, from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Too bad her boyfriend can probably kill me with his freaky eyes.

Okay, okay, enough of the mushy stuff! Weapon of Choice?

Day: Knives! Silent and easy to carry. Plus, the Republic can’t track them like they track guns. Pretty sweet, yeah?

Brooke: *sighs dreamily* yeah....

June: I can be a fairly good shot with a gun, although I prefer not to use it.

June, what’s it like to be in a Skiz fight?!

June: The fight itself wasn’t terribly difficult, but it’s the crowd you have to be careful with. I was a little reckless that day, although I don’t regret it.

Day, why don’t you fight in Skiz yourself?

Day: Too dangerous for both Tess and me—if the street police break up a Skiz fight and I get fingerprinted, they’ll know who I am. Besides, I’m a runner. Not a fighter.

Guys, what exactly is Kivaball? Either of you ever play it?

June: Kivaball is played between two people who are each against a wall, and each suspended in midair with harnesses. Both have rackets. You hit a ball back and forth in an attempt to get it past your opponent. It’s a fairly common game at my university.

Brooke: O_O Oh my gosh. That sounds intense. But totally fun!

Day: Rich folks’ sport. I prefer street hockey.

Or what do you guys like to do for fun?  Draw? Sing? Dance like Michael Jackson? Do you even have time for fun?

Day: I could spend all day running buildings. I’m also a pretty good dancer, darling, now that you bring it up.

June: I enjoy puzzle games. The Republic has some great simulation engines—I like going into virtual puzzles and then finding my way back out.

Brooke: Day dancing?! *SWOON*

GUYS. Aren't they fricken awesome?! Be sure to come back ON THURSDAY for part II with Day and June and a GIVEAWAY!!