By: Tashie Bhuiyan
I’d heard a lot of good things about this books. So (obviously) I read it. And guys, this book literally ripped every emotion out of me. If you don’t like books with, like, a lot of emotions in it. Don’t read this book. This book made me swoon, cry, and laugh. Not necessarily in that order.
“Why am I selfish if I want to do what I love? It’s my life and my future. Not my parents’. Mine. They gave me the tools to be here, but that shouldn’t mean that they get to make every choice for me.I’m not a bad person for wanting a life different than what’s expected of me. I’m not a bad person for wanting to pursue something I love.I’m not a bad person for wanting. But I feel like I am.”
― Tashie Bhuiyan, Counting Down with You”
“Writing is what helped me gain confidence in myself. There’s something really special about being able to express yourself with words. I love stories and I love poems and I love learning more and more with each word. I think it’s amazing.”
― Tashie Bhuiyan, Counting Down with You”
Karina Ahmed has a plan. Keep her head down, get through high school without a fuss, and follow her parents’ rules—even if it means sacrificing her dreams. When her parents go abroad to Bangladesh for four weeks, Karina expects some peace and quiet. Instead, one simple lie unravels everything.
Tutoring the school’s resident bad boy was already crossing a line. Pretending to date him? Out of the question. But Ace Clyde does everything right—he brings her coffee in the mornings, impresses her friends without trying, and even promises to buy her a dozen books (a week) if she goes along with his fake-dating facade. Though Karina agrees, she can’t help but start counting down the days until her parents come back.
T-minus twenty-eight days until everything returns to normal—but what if Karina no longer wants it to?
My thoughts:
I loved Dadu so much. She’s so sweet but at the same time practically yells at her son (Karina’s dad) when Karina’s parents shut her down. There are a few anxiety attacks but I like how Karina handled them. Sure, maybe, I don’t like the fact that Ace is a white boy. Because why does a white boy have to be the one who helps Karina. I have nothing against white people. I’m just saying. I’ve read a lot of reviews that hate the book just because Ace is white. But he’s a good person. Like, he buys Karina a dozen books a week. What can get better than that? he also makes Karina see that she should do what she wants to do.
I also liked the swoony fake-dating scenes. But why does Ace not want his family to know he has a tutor? What’s so bad about a tutor?! I also love Karina’s besties! Cora and Nandini are the bestest friends ever! (I don’t think bestest is a word, but whatever.) I’m also glad that Karina takes a stand for herself. If she wants to study literature, she should go for it! If she loves literature she will surely do amazing. She shouldn’t spend her life as a doctor if she’s miserable doing that! I’m happy that her parents listened to her. Even if Dadu had to yell at them and make them see things Karina’s way. (Did I mention I love Dadu?) I adored Karina’s poems. They’re about Ace (obviously) but maybe she should have written some about how her best friends supported her? Maybe? But, seriously, the poems were really good. Ace’s poem was really good. My favorite poems were “Lionheart” and “Unshakeable”.
I absolutely loved Karina’s story and journey, and I found Ace’s character development to be truly wonderful. “Counting Down with You” is a beautiful tale about discovering the true essence of people. It delves into the hidden truths within their hearts, their budding dreams, and secret aspirations. It’s a lovely exploration of the pieces of ourselves that we conceal behind toughness and wit. Embracing ourselves and risking what we love and hold dear can be challenging, but Bhuiyan’s debut beautifully delivers an emotional story about love, second chances, and the strength to choose ourselves.
XOXO
Aaradhyaa
#ChooseYourself
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