But jewellery and heels are so uncomfortable .

Then a suicide bomber who shares her last name strikes in a city hundreds of miles away and everything changes .

This smart, heartbreaking, honest debut novel is as timely as it is hopeful. Ahmed tackles weighty issues with thoughtfulness and flair. I was completely swept away.

Warm, romantic and relevant, Ahmed explores both timeless teenage concerns and the reality of being an Indian-American Muslim teenage girl in this engaging US YA debut

As heart-breaking as it is uplifting, Love, Hate and Other Filters examines both what it is like to be on the receiving end of extreme Islamophobia, and how the support of open-minded loved ones can help relieve the pain. This is a coming-of-age novel with a twist, as Maya must deal with the specific problem of the abuse she faces, as well as the more general problem of convincing her parents to allow her to pursue the career of her choosing. A must read for teens who are interested in learning about how politics and current affairs can have an impact on certain minorities' everyday lives

Maya deals with bullying and Islamophobia, I can't talk for marginalised people, as a white woman, but as someone who's an avid social media user I've come across people harassing POC on the internet and it's great to see these topics talked about in the story. This book was adorable, a great depiction of young love, with a hard-hitting plot twist. This book is perfect for fans of When Dimple Met Rishi

It was engaging, powerful and realistic all at the same time and with a dash of flawless writing and amazing characters, you will not regret this read

A striking first novel by Samira Ahmed

A cinematic YA tale

This book is a brilliant insight into one experience of growing up Muslim in modern-day America, which translates very easily for readers in the UK. Themes of identity, racism and politics are very much one part of the story; more than anything, this book is about falling in love and finding your own path, whatever your background. Maya is a funny, intelligent protagonist that teenagers will really enjoy getting to know

In this thoughtful debut, Ahmed examines the experience of Muslim teenagers with an equally sweet and sharp perspective.

The book has a compelling empathetic voice which will touch your heart as it copes with themes of diversity; prejudice and multiculturalism

Insightful and witty, this fiction debut explores the truth of being an Islamic teenager in the US

This book is perfect for fans of When Dimple Met Rishi who want a grittier look at the realities of being a Muslim teenager in America. Samira Ahmed skilfully blends a cute romance with a harrowing exploration of Islamophobia and bigotry. The ability to blend a warm, romantic storyline with some weighty issues shouldn't be under-appreciated. It is through this approach that more readers will be eager to read about a wider, more challenging, range of topics and it should be celebrated

Love, Hate & Other Filters is such an incredible book - and not only incredible, but so very important. It's powerful, and it's needed. I absolutely loved it, and I look forward to reading what Ahmed writes in the future - whether sweet, cute stories, or hard-hitting, powerful stories, or more of both

This is such an important and timely book - we need more 'own voices' in publishing and we need to encourage everyone to read more widely to appreciate the world from other points of view

Ahmed authentically and expertly tells a story relevant to today's climate. More than that, it's a meaningful #OwnVoices book about identity and inner strength that everyone should absolutely read

It's refreshing to see a romance book about a Muslim teen that doesn't centre on Islamophobia or even being Muslim

It was incredibly powerful at points and heart-breaking at times

There were a lot of things to love about Love, Hate, and Other Filters. I loved the protagonist, Maya, and her passion for filming. I also loved her strength throughout the book, and how much she grew from the beginning to the end

Ahmed created really engaging characters, many of whom transcended stereotypes, and she did throw a very unexpected twist in as well...a worthwhile, enjoyable read

I love that we have books dealing with these kinds of issues in YA. It's so important and so valuable... interesting and involving

In an astute debut, Ahmed intertwines a multicultural teen's story with a spare, dark depiction of a young terrorist's act...Alternately entertaining and thoughtful, the novel is eminently readable, intelligent, and timely

What could easily be a run-of-the-mill light-hearted romance is strengthened by its engagement with Islamophobia in America...Ahmed succeeds in offering up much food for thought while keeping the story and its endearing protagonist to the fore

I don't know if I've ever felt so fully immersed in a culture in a YA contemporary. Samira had all five of my senses engaged constantly... This is a book that will spark an important dialogue the YA community needs to have. This is a book that will make a change

Ahmed provides the reader with a rare and valuable insight into the life and problems of a young person living at the confluence of three traditions. She also compels non-Muslim readers to scrutinise their own prejudices towards those of the Muslim faith, a most valuable service

Sidesteps cliche with its resonant detail and astute characterisation... intensely readable

a great YA book, with a mixture of both serious and life changing issues covered, as well as general teen worries, relationships, friendships and family life

The writing style was beautiful with the author often using cinematographic language to set the scene and the chapters at the pool were lyrically described

It is really enlightening and eye-opening and like I said, a very important read and it shows how quickly people's attitude can change towards you

Samira Ahmed truly deserves praise for writing this own-voices novel. Not only was it moving but it was incredibly eye opening and I encourage anyone of any religion to delve into this book

I loved this honest and realistic YA novel about a young Indian-American, Maya Aziz, negotiating her life and her future against the pulls of her family's Muslim world and its expectations and the desires of her own life, to go to film school, and to love whomever she chooses all of this against a backdrop of Islamophobia.

This book is an encouraging and inspiring message to break out of the boundaries handed to you with these things and to paint your picture.

Both a fluffy rom-com and an important discussion about racism at the same time!

A relatable and moving first novel, part of a welcome new wave of diverse YA novels (from, crucially, a diverse range of authors), it's well worth checking out

A really meaningful book, and one you'd be hard pushed not to get a little emotional by

Gut-wrenching at times, sweet at others, funny in some moments, this was a really enjoyable book. Believable concluded as well. Definitely worth reading and an author I would like to read more from

such an adorable and well-written story ? It's an #ownvoice novel which has accurate depiction of the Indian culture, addresses issues of Islamophobia and has a wonderful set of characters

This topical story kept me engaged and guessing until the end... This is both an important and truly enjoyable debut YA novel and I can't wait for more from Samira

This novel celebrates the power of making personal choices in a world that is determined to put tags on you and stereotype you. This novel is of hope and perseverance, and not letting anyone decide where you belong

It's the story of an independent, creative girl determined to live life her own way, despite expectations and customs to the contrary, and it's a look at how all of her brashness is powerless in the face of love she doesn't feel entitled to. In that way, it feels like a typical YA book, and Samira Ahmed really lets you into Maya's heart and mind

This book is sweet and heart-warming, whilst also tackling a difficult subject with honesty and care

Samira Ahmed was born in Bombay, India, and grew up in a small town in Illinois in a house that smelled like fried onions, cardamom, and potpourri. A graduate of the University of Chicago, she taught high school English, helped create dozens of small high schools, and fought to secure billions of additional dollars to fairly fund public schools. She's lived in Vermont, Chicago, New York City, and Kauai, where she spent a year searching for the perfect mango.