Book Review: If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal
When I first stumbled upon If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal, I was instantly drawn to its vibrant cover that perfectly encapsulated the essence of youthful exuberance and heartwarming romance. As a book blogger who thrives on discovering new voices in young adult fiction, I was eager to dive into a story that promised a fun, sapphic coming-of-age adventure. Although I found myself rating it a 2.5 out of 5, my enthusiasm for Jamal’s storytelling left me looking forward to her future works.
If We Were a Movie revolves around the dynamic between our two female leads: Rochelle and Amira. Rochelle, with her determined ambition to gain acceptance into Wharton, perfectly embodies the intelligent, introverted protagonist. Watching her navigate her hot-headedness while grappling with her feelings was genuinely relatable. On the other hand, Amira, with her snarky and sassy demeanor, provided a wonderful contrast. Their banter and evolving relationship brought a delightful spark to the narrative, making the friendship-turned-romance an entertaining aspect of the read.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the overall vibe of the book, I felt it occasionally fell prey to familiar tropes without adding layers for development. The side characters, each representing a distinct personality trope—be it the goth kid or the overachiever—were vibrant and engaging. They brought Horizon, the theater setting, to life, and I found myself more attached to their stories than I expected. However, I could not shake the feeling that their development sometimes felt one-dimensional; I really wished for deeper explorations of their backstories given how much fun they were to read about.
Jamal’s writing style, while light and snappy, felt a bit draggy in moments where tension could have been heightened. Early on, Rochelle deduces certain aspects of her journey, and knowing the near-future implications detracted from the thrill. I found myself wishing for more mystery or twists to keep me guessing. Still, the writing had a certain charm that made it easy to read in one sitting, enveloping me in a world of light-hearted drama and relatable teenage dilemmas.
One aspect that truly resonated with me was the authentic representation of the characters’ experiences in a slice-of-life format. I loved the moments of genuine connection, especially the playful interactions between the girls. Highlights like Rochelle’s realizations and the fun-filled hijinks that ensued made for memorable passages. Also, the vibrant personalities of characters like Jennie, Lisa, and Kerry shone brightly—Kerry, in particular, was someone I would love to have as a friend!
Ultimately, my rating of 2.75 out of 5 doesn’t diminish my enjoyment of If We Were a Movie. It’s a sweet, light read that perfectly targets young adults navigating their own identities—whether they’re exploring their first loves or their future aspirations. For those who cherish a blend of fun friendships, relatable moments, and sweet romance, I highly recommend picking it up when it officially releases on April 22, 2025.
While it didn’t quite meet my heightened expectations, the heartfelt themes and playful narrative made for an enjoyable ride. If you relish a slice-of-life tale laced with tender moments, Jamal’s debut is worth adding to your TBR pile!