Book: Yes, No, Maybe So

Authors: Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

Summary:

“YES

Jamie Goldberg is cool with volunteering for his local state senate candidate—as long as he’s behind the scenes. When it comes to speaking to strangers (or, let’s face it, speaking at all to almost anyone) Jamie’s a choke artist. There’s no way he’d ever knock on doors to ask people for their votes…until he meets Maya.

NO

Maya Rehman’s having the worst Ramadan ever. Her best friend is too busy to hang out, her summer trip is canceled, and now her parents are separating. Why her mother thinks the solution to her problems is political canvassing—with some awkward dude she hardly knows—is beyond her.

MAYBE SO

Going door to door isn’t exactly glamorous, but maybe it’s not the worst thing in the world. After all, the polls are getting closer—and so are Maya and Jamie. Mastering local activism is one thing. Navigating the cross-cultural crush of the century is another thing entirely.” (Amazon)

Review: In general, the novel is good. I’m not someone who is particularly interested in government, however, I found that Albertalli and Saeed blended romance and politics well, highlighting how government affects everyday life. I thought the relationship between Jaime and Maya was well-developed. It was interesting how Albertalli brought her own personal touch to the story, including the mention of the office, chocolate cake at intermezzo, and the love of goldfish.

Book Club Starter Questions:

1. How do the circumstances surrounding Fifed and the Hijab law relate to the government today?

2. How does the story apply to the Coronavirus situation?

Yes, No, Maybe So is available as an eBook (in both Print and Audio versions) through the Northport-East Northport Public Library. It is also available for purchase wherever you can buy eBooks (Apple Books, Google Play Books, Barnes and Noble, etc).