Book Review: If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal
When I first stumbled upon If We Were a Movie, the vibrant cover and the promise of a sapphic coming-of-age story immediately captured my attention. I’ve come to appreciate young adult novels that blend romance with the nuances of adolescence, and with Zakiya N. Jamal at the helm, I felt a wave of excitement. Although my final rating lands at 2.5/5 stars, I’m genuinely glad I took the journey with Rochelle and Amira, as flawed as it might have been.
This tale unfolds in the lively setting of a theater, a backdrop that serves as a thoughtful metaphor for the characters’ real-life dramas. Rochelle, our intelligent but introverted female lead, is fiercely determined to secure a spot at Wharton. Her evolution throughout the book is admirable—navigating a world of high school pressures while wrestling with her emotions is a relatable theme. Meanwhile, Amira’s snarky, sassy persona adds a beautiful contrast. Their dynamic slowly shifts from childhood friends, marked by playful bickering, to something deeper. I particularly enjoyed their witty banter, which felt refreshingly organic and charming.
The supporting cast really invigorated this story, too. From the dedicated theater kids to the quintessential jocks, each character embraced their unique trope. The diversity among them truly brought the environment of Horizon to life. Yet, while I appreciated their quirks, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that many of them remained one-dimensional. I found myself craving more depth, wishing they could develop beyond their initial archetypes. Still, the side characters like Jennie, Lisa, and the effervescent Kerry, particularly stood out to me. Kerry, with her infectious spirit, could have easily been my best friend!
Now, onto the pacing. While parts of the book flared with excitement, some scenes dragged—particularly when Rochelle’s astute observations seemed to give away key plot points earlier than I would have liked. I found myself wishing for a bit more suspense or surprises to elevate the emotional stakes. The story had its fun moments, yet a lack of mystery left me yearning for an adrenaline rush that never arrived.
If I had to pinpoint a critique, Glory’s character felt somewhat burdensome. Her emotional fragility became a narrative weight, overshadowing what could’ve otherwise been electrifying moments. Perhaps this was intentional, but it made it harder to engage fully during these scenes.
In conclusion, If We Were a Movie is undeniably fun and filled with delightful moments, making it well-suited for readers who enjoy lighthearted, slice-of-life romances. It’s an excellent pick for those seeking an easy read that captures the wit and charm of young love. While it didn’t completely resonate with my expectations, I couldn’t help but smile as I turned each page. I wholeheartedly recommend it for its heartwarming essence, compelling enough for anyone looking to savor a sweet story on April 22, 2025.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc, and to all fellow readers out there—if you’ve added this to your TBR, I say go for it! Your next favorite could be just a page away.