Is 'Tell Me Again How A Crush Should Feel' Worth Reading?

2026-03-07 23:04:02
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3 Answers

Xanthe
Xanthe
Responder Lawyer
I’d say 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' is solid but not groundbreaking. The premise is engaging: a closeted Iranian-American girl grappling with her sexuality amid family expectations. Sara Farizan’s writing is breezy and accessible, perfect for younger readers or those new to queer lit. Leila’s voice is endearing, though at times her naivety made me groan—realistic for a teen, but I craved a bit more complexity. The romance is sweet, if predictable, and the cultural backdrop adds meaningful stakes.

Where the book shines is in its quieter moments—Leila’s strained relationship with her sister, or her tentative bond with her crush, Saskia. The humor lands well, too, especially in Leila’s inner monologue. But compared to recent YA like 'You Should See Me in a Crown' or 'The Henna Wars,' it feels a tad dated (it came out in 2014, after all). Still, it’s a heartfelt entry in the genre, and if you’re looking for a lighter, coming-of-age story with cultural specificity, it’s worth your time.
2026-03-08 06:26:15
14
Hannah
Hannah
Bookworm Police Officer
I picked up 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' on a whim after seeing it recommended in a queer book club, and wow, it stuck with me. The story follows Leila, an Iranian-American girl navigating her first real crush—on another girl—while balancing cultural expectations and family pressures. What I loved most was how authentic her voice felt; the awkwardness, the fear, and the tiny bursts of joy were so relatable. It’s not just a romance—it’s about self-discovery, and the way Sara Farizan writes makes every emotion hit home. The supporting characters, like Leila’s friends and her strict but layered parents, add depth without feeling like stereotypes.

If you’re into YA that tackles identity with warmth and humor, this is a gem. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of coming out or first love, but it never feels heavy-handed. Plus, the cultural nuances added a fresh perspective I hadn’t seen much in other queer YA books. It’s a quick read, but one that lingers—I found myself thinking about Leila’s story days later, especially how it captures that universal teen feeling of wanting to belong while also being true to yourself.
2026-03-11 10:23:06
19
Evelyn
Evelyn
Book Scout Chef
Let’s cut to the chase: 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' is a cozy, heartfelt read. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it nails the bittersweet chaos of teenage crushes. Leila’s Iranian heritage isn’t just a backdrop—it shapes her fears and desires in ways that feel organic, not tacked on. The romance is tender and awkward in the best way, and Saskia is a love interest with enough quirks to avoid being a manic pixie dream girl. Farizan’s strength is in her empathy; even the less likable characters (hi, Leila’s dad) get moments of humanity. Perfect for a lazy afternoon read.
2026-03-12 08:39:06
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Where can I read 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' for free?

3 Answers2026-03-07 02:12:39
I totally get the urge to find free reads—budgets can be tight, and books like 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' are just too good to miss. While I’m all for supporting authors, I’ve stumbled upon a few legit ways to access it without breaking the bank. Public libraries often have digital copies through apps like Libby or OverDrive; all you need is a library card. Some libraries even let you sign up online! Alternatively, keep an eye out for promotional periods where publishers offer free downloads—I snagged a copy of another Sara Farizan title this way once. Just avoid sketchy sites; they’re not worth the malware risk. The book’s so heartfelt, it deserves a proper read anyway—maybe even a future purchase if it hooks you!

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What books are similar to 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel'?

3 Answers2026-03-07 23:36:29
If you loved 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' for its heartfelt exploration of queer identity and the messy, exhilarating rollercoaster of first love, you’ll probably adore 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli. It’s got that same blend of humor and tenderness, with a protagonist who’s navigating coming out and falling for someone mysterious online. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the side characters feel like real friends you’d want to text at 2 AM. Another gem is 'Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me' by Mariko Tamaki—a graphic novel that dives into toxic relationships and self-worth with stunning artwork. It’s raw and real, much like Sara Farizan’s book, but with a visual punch that makes the emotions hit even harder. For something quieter but equally poignant, 'The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue' by Mackenzie Lee mixes historical adventure with a slow-burn queer romance, perfect if you crave wit and swashbuckling alongside the pining.

Is 'Tell Me I’m Yours' worth reading?

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I picked up 'Tell Me I’m Yours' on a whim because the cover caught my eye—sometimes you just gotta judge a book by its aesthetic, right? And wow, I’m so glad I did. The emotional depth in this story is chef’s kiss. It’s one of those slow burns where the tension between the characters feels so real, you’ll catch yourself holding your breath during their conversations. The author has this way of weaving vulnerability into every interaction, making the romance feel earned rather than rushed. That said, if you’re not into angst or morally gray protagonists, this might not be your cup of tea. The male lead especially toes the line between flawed and frustrating, but that’s part of what made him fascinating to me. The writing style is lush and immersive, almost poetic in places, which balances out the heavier themes. By the end, I was dog-earing pages just to revisit certain lines—it’s that kind of book.

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Who are the main characters in 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel'?

3 Answers2026-03-07 14:05:32
Reading 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' felt like revisiting my own high school days—awkward, exhilarating, and full of messy emotions. The protagonist, Leila Azadi, is this Iranian-American girl who’s just trying to navigate her closeted crush on the new girl, Saskia. Leila’s voice is so relatable; she’s witty, self-deprecating, and constantly second-guessing herself. Then there’s Saskia, the glamorous, enigmatic transfer student who shakes up Leila’s world. She’s got this magnetic charm, but you can’t quite tell if she’s genuinely into Leila or just playing games. The supporting cast adds so much depth too. Tomas, Leila’s best friend, is the kind of loyal, sarcastic buddy everyone wishes they had. And Greg, the sweet but oblivious guy who likes Leila, adds another layer of tension. What I love is how the book doesn’t just focus on romance—it digs into family dynamics, cultural expectations, and the fear of coming out. Leila’s parents, especially her traditional mother, are these looming figures in her life, making her journey even more poignant. It’s a story that sticks with you because it’s about more than just a crush; it’s about figuring out who you are.

What happens at the end of 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel'?

3 Answers2026-03-07 17:06:35
The ending of 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' is such a satisfying wrap-up to Leila's journey. After all the confusion and heartache she goes through, she finally embraces her feelings for Saskia, the new girl at school who’s confident, artistic, and totally different from anyone Leila’s ever liked before. The book does a great job of showing her internal struggle—balancing her Iranian family’s expectations with her own desires—but by the end, she finds the courage to be honest with herself and others. There’s this sweet scene where she and Saskia share a moment at the school’s art show, and it feels like everything clicks into place. Not everything is perfectly resolved—her family’s acceptance is still a work in progress—but the story leaves you hopeful. It’s one of those endings where you close the book and just sit there smiling, because Leila’s happiness feels earned. What I love about this ending is how it avoids being too neat. Real life isn’t like that, especially when it comes to coming out and first love. The author, Sara Farizan, keeps it messy in the best way. Leila’s parents aren’t instantly supportive, and her friendship with Lisa, who had a crush on her, stays complicated. But the focus is on Leila’s growth—how she learns to trust herself. The last few chapters have this quiet power, especially when she stands up to her manipulative 'friend' Greg. It’s not a dramatic, fireworks-filled finale, but that’s what makes it feel real. I’ve reread those final scenes so many times, and they still give me that warm, fuzzy feeling.
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