Hana Khan Carries On
One of Amazon's Best Romances of the Month! For fans of "You've Got Mail," a young woman juggles pursuing her dream job in radio while helping her family compete with the new halal restaurant across the street, in this sparkling new rom-com by the author of Ayesha at Last. Sales are slow at Three Sisters Biryani Poutine, the only halal restaurant in the close-knit Golden Crescent neighborhood of Toronto. Hana waitresses there part time, but what she really wants is to tell stories on the radio. If she can just outshine her fellow intern at the city radio station, she may have a chance at landing a job. In the meantime, Hana pours her thoughts and dreams into a podcast, where she forms a lively relationship with one of her listeners. But soon she'll need all the support she can get: a new competing restaurant, a more upscale halal place, is about to open in the Golden Crescent, threatening her mother's restaurant. When her mysterious aunt and her teenage cousin arrive from India for a surprise visit, they draw Hana into a long-buried family secret. A hate-motivated attack on their neighborhood complicates the situation further, as does Hana's growing attraction for Aydin, the young owner of the rival restaurant--who might not be a complete stranger after all. As life on the Golden Crescent unravels, Hana must learn to use her voice, draw on the strength of her community and decide what her future should be.
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Community Reviews
A modern retelling of âYouâve Got Mailâ only it's set in Canada instead of Seattle.
We have a young Muslim girl who was born in Toronto to parents who left India to follow their dream. Hana and her sister both work in their parents' halal restaurant, named Sisters Biryani Poutine. As their restaurant is slowly losing more and more customers, in comes a father and son come to eat at their restaurant. The young man adores the freshness and homemade food and tells Hana how it greatly reminded him of his mother's cooking back in India. However, he coldly then tells Hana her place will be closed in a few more months because of the sad-looking atmosphere and lack of sprucing things up. She later finds out her new mortal enemy's name: Aydin.
Hana Khan instantly dislikes this pompous young man and complains to her virtual BFF from her podcast, StanleyP. SHe trusts StanleyP but doesn't reveal personal things about herself. They both are like that.
Her cousin, Rashid, and her mysterious aunt, Kawkab Khala. Her reputation from India and amongst the family proceeds her. Her directness, spunky "ahead of her time" persona comes to irritate Hana at first but later proves to be the most valued aunt as her stories give Hana the courage to capture her own dream.
What I adore about this retelling are the relationships that build and are sturdy like bricks being laid down to build a house. It's not frivolous nor are they just "love-struck puppy lovers" who can't think for themselves and there is not much growth as individuals. You can't let someone else love you until you accept and love yourself. I also love the close-knit community within. Neighbors help each other.
What I felt was lacking was the end chapters. What happened to the reconciliation? What about Grumpy Dad? I need to know these little tidbits. Ugh. Hence 4 out of 5 stars.
We have a young Muslim girl who was born in Toronto to parents who left India to follow their dream. Hana and her sister both work in their parents' halal restaurant, named Sisters Biryani Poutine. As their restaurant is slowly losing more and more customers, in comes a father and son come to eat at their restaurant. The young man adores the freshness and homemade food and tells Hana how it greatly reminded him of his mother's cooking back in India. However, he coldly then tells Hana her place will be closed in a few more months because of the sad-looking atmosphere and lack of sprucing things up. She later finds out her new mortal enemy's name: Aydin.
Hana Khan instantly dislikes this pompous young man and complains to her virtual BFF from her podcast, StanleyP. SHe trusts StanleyP but doesn't reveal personal things about herself. They both are like that.
Her cousin, Rashid, and her mysterious aunt, Kawkab Khala. Her reputation from India and amongst the family proceeds her. Her directness, spunky "ahead of her time" persona comes to irritate Hana at first but later proves to be the most valued aunt as her stories give Hana the courage to capture her own dream.
What I adore about this retelling are the relationships that build and are sturdy like bricks being laid down to build a house. It's not frivolous nor are they just "love-struck puppy lovers" who can't think for themselves and there is not much growth as individuals. You can't let someone else love you until you accept and love yourself. I also love the close-knit community within. Neighbors help each other.
What I felt was lacking was the end chapters. What happened to the reconciliation? What about Grumpy Dad? I need to know these little tidbits. Ugh. Hence 4 out of 5 stars.
Such a great read.
I love books with deep family ties, with characters still wanting to honor their parents. Books with hard working drives and reasons to fight everyday.
Hana Khan is just that and more.
I have a full review over at Lit Buzz
https://thelitbuzz.com/2021/04/hana-khan-carries-uzma-jalaluddin
I love books with deep family ties, with characters still wanting to honor their parents. Books with hard working drives and reasons to fight everyday.
Hana Khan is just that and more.
I have a full review over at Lit Buzz
https://thelitbuzz.com/2021/04/hana-khan-carries-uzma-jalaluddin
This story just kept going.
Literally EVERYTHING you could think of, happened.
It was like a soap opera.
And it's super Canadian and I love it.
Literally EVERYTHING you could think of, happened.
It was like a soap opera.
And it's super Canadian and I love it.
Hana Khan Carries On was the heartwarming roller coaster I was looking for! I love all the characters in this story! I love a book with well-developed side characters. I love Hana’s cousin Rashid and her Aunt Billi! I want to read their book! Most of the story was predictable but still a very enjoyable experience.
The books seemed to have well representation of the Muslim community, racism, family dynamics, and just daily life.
This needs to be made into a movie!
The books seemed to have well representation of the Muslim community, racism, family dynamics, and just daily life.
This needs to be made into a movie!
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