Bhuiyan’s sophomore novel is an utter success. I had high hopes, but A Show for Two totally smashes through them. It’s a story about family, friendship, and our hopes for the future. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Mina Rahman has a plan for her future:
• Finally win the Golden Ivy student film competition
• Get into her dream school across the country
• Leave New York City behind once and for all
Mina’s ticket to winning the competition falls into her lap when indie film star—and known heartbreaker—Emmitt Ramos enrolls in her high school under a secret identity to research his next role. When Mina sets out to persuade Emmitt to join her cause, he offers her a deal instead: he’ll be in her short film…if she acts as a tour guide to help him with a photography contest.
As Mina ventures across the five boroughs with Emmitt by her side, the city she grew up in starts to look different and more like home than it ever has before. With the competition deadline looming, Mina’s dreams—which once seemed impenetrable—begin to crumble, and she’s forced to ask herself: Is winning worth losing everything?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: depression
I fell in love with Mina instantly. With an unfiltered honesty, a close sister relationship, and a snarky sense of wit, she enchanted me. And her quick comebacks and not afraid of insults? Mina was going to be my favorite element of A Show for Two from the beginning. Focused on an escape, Mina just wants to escape her parents. The ways they don’t believe in her, support her, and make their love conditional? That broke my heart utterly. Her life is full of wanting.
And what I love about A Show for Two is that Bhuiyan explores these different paths. These teens who are at crossroads. Who want a different life than what is envisioned for them. And how they manage to fight for and dream of their future. Sometimes we can be so focused on leaving, that we don’t stop to consider the how or why. We can live behind these screens, these comfortable lies, and these dreams. All these shows we put on for people. And the feeling of not having to pretend, to put up a front.
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A Show for Two is an emotional and swoony triumph. Bhuiyan is able to masterfully navigate the highs and lows. Together it creates a book I could not put down and finished in two days. If you’re a fan of Counting Down to You this is a must read. And if you love character rich stories about falling in love and dealing with un-supportive families, this is for you. Find A Show for Two on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.
I love snarky characters, because I tend to be pretty snarky myself. Glad to hear this was another one I should make sure to get for my school library.
haha yes we love a good snarky MC!