TELL ME AGAIN HOW A CRUSH SHOULD FEEL

 

Leila has made it most of the way through Armstead Academy without having a crush on anyone, which is something of a relief.

As an Iranian American, she’s different enough; if word got out that she liked girls, life would be twice as hard. But when beautiful new girl Saskia shows up, Leila starts to take risks she never thought she would, especially when it looks as if the attraction between them is mutual.

Struggling to sort out her growing feelings and Saskia’s confusing signals, Leila confides in her old friend, Lisa, and grows closer to her fellow drama tech-crew members, especially Tomas, whose comments about his own sexuality are frank, funny, wise, and sometimes painful. Gradually, Leila begins to see that almost all her classmates are more complicated than they first appear to be, and many are keeping fascinating secrets of their own.

 

What the reviews say…

  • “Both personal and universal, this is a compelling story about high school, family and owning up to who you really are. Farizan is just the voice YA needs right now. Trust me, you'll be glad you listened.”

    —Sarah Dessen

  • “Deftly balancing Leila’s unique cultural background and experience with more universal coming-of-age struggles, Farizan fashions an empowering romance featuring a lovable, awkward protagonist who just needs a little nudge of confidence to totally claim her multifaceted identity.”

    —Booklist, starred review

  • “Farizan exceeds the high expectations she set with her debut, If You Could Be Mine, in this fresh, humorous, and poignant exploration of friendship and love, a welcome addition to the coming-out/coming-of-age genre.”

    —Publishers Weekly, starred review

  • “A warm and uplifting coming-out story . . . An appealing cast of well-drawn characters makes the story shine. Lessons abound . . . but skilful character development keeps Leila's discoveries from ever feeling didactic. Funny, heartwarming and wise.”

    —Kirkus Reviews

  • “With a plot that unfolds naturally, good writing, and vivid character development that leaves readers alternately cringing and aching for the protagonist, teens will find a satisfying coming-of-age novel. Books featuring gay and lesbian teens of Middle Eastern descent are rare, and this engaging high school drama fills that need. Leila’s coming out to her friends and family, and her fear of disappointing her parents will resonate with all young adults.”

    —School Library Journal

  • "Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel expertly captures the impulsive passion and dwindling security that accompany young love. Boundaries are wrecked. Lies circulate as rumors. Feelings are hurt. Farizan’s characters are on a knife’s edge. Some scenes are familiar and warm-and-fuzzy; some scenes are frightful and faint-worthy. Crush reads like young love feels."

    —Lambda Literary

Also by Sara Farizan