Yes No Maybe So

Yes No Maybe So
Written by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
Contemporary, Political, Diverse
448 Pages
Published February 4th 2020
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia
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★★★★
Jamie Goldberg is cool with volunteering for his local state candidate, as long as he’s behind the scenes. There’s no way he’d ever knock on doors to ask people for their votes. Until he meets Maya.

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

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.
It isn't that Jamie Goldberg is painfully shy, he's awkward and isn't a fan of social interactions after once vomiting during a conversation. Volunteering for the Jordan Rossum campaign suits Jamie just fine, he's happy to work behind the scenes, relishing his role as the official provider of snacks along with younger sister Sophie. Sophie is preoccupied by her upcoming bar mitzvah, his mother either working long hours or party planning for the event of the season, while Jamie finds solace wandering through his favourite store Target, contemplating life in the patio department.

Maya Rehman just can't catch a break. Her best friend Sara is preparing for college with her roommate, her parents are on a trial separation and all during the month of Ramadan. Two homes, no friends and no car. When Jamie and the Rossum campaign visits Maya's iftar feast to celebrate the holy month, Maya and Jamie are volunteered by their mothers to canvas for the campaign, knocking door to door to ensure democratic votes in the local election to fill a vacant seat.

What begins as two teens and former childhood friends reconnecting during the campaign, turns out to be a passion for change, to represent marginalised communities and push back against racist ideals of the conservative party. Such a timely read. With many conservative governments holding power within the western world, now more than ever we need books that emphasise the blatant racism and discrimination by our governments and how the smallest of actions can inspire change.

Jamie comes across as quite sullen, he's socially awkward and although he dreams of one day representing his community and becoming a senator, he can't imagine speaking in public without his lunch making a reappearance first. Although Jamie's parents are separated, his father rarely seeing Jamie and his sister Sophie now he's living in the Netherlands, his mother is a force to be reckoned with. She too works long hours for the local senator and involved in every aspect of her children's lives. Jamie is awestruck by Maya's beauty and her tenacity to fight for equality and although he's reluctant to meet new people by canvassing for the campaign, relishes the opportunity to spend time with Maya.

Maya is the more likeable character of the two. Although she's having a terrible time of it lately, she still tries to remain upbeat and positive. Hopeful that her parents trial separation is only a temporary measure. Maya's parents have one rule, no dating, her education is first and foremost. Being Muslim, Maya is also a character of faith and shares her experiences of racism and discrimination, more so of her mother who wears a hijab. In the local election, a racist conservative plans to introduce a new bill which would see head and face coverings banned and deemed as a security risk, the bill targeting Muslim women in particular who choose to wear the hijab. Maya's anger is palpable and with Jamie's support, the two teens petition the local office of the conservative senator to oppose the blatantly racist bill.

Yes No Maybe So isn't about the end result, it's about the journey we take to get there. Both Jamie and Maya are from marginalised backgrounds, essentially fighting against the conservative vote who encourage discrimination against marginalised communities, often hiding hate speech behind their Christianity. For many diverse communities in western countries, this is their reality. Even though both Jamie and Maya's concerns are dismissed by the local conservative candidate, it was interesting to see how tolerable both teens were of those with strong conservative beliefs. I'm not sure I could have extended such kindness. This is such a wonderful introduction to political activism for teens, start small and don't be afraid to set boundaries, it also reiterates the importance of how even the smallest of victories are still a positive step towards change.

14 comments

  1. I have enjoyed Albertalli's books in the past, but I am exhausted by all the politics this day. Though, I passed on this book, I am glad to hear you enjoyed it, and found the journey you took with these characters worthwhile.

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    1. It becomes tiring doesn't it. Yes No Maybe So is more than just a political storyline though, it's about friendship and confidence and social justice. I hope eventually you can pick this one up, I think you would really enjoy it and would love to see what you think of it!

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  2. I am Jamie lol And I'm interesting in reading this now.

    Karen @ For What It's worth

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    1. We're all Jamie, he speaks to the introvert in me. It's such a great read Karen, looking forward to reading your thoughts.

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  3. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Kelly.

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    1. I did! I thought it was a great introduction to political activism and has a wonderful message of grassroots campaigning for change.

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  4. Sounds like this one is definitely worth reading. I love that it focuses so much on diversity. It's horrible that so much in politics is about hating on people who are different from you, so it's good that these books are coming out. It should be addressed, especially for those who feel like their government doesn't support them (and I know for some, their government really DOES NOT support them).

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. It was a great balance and it was wonderful to see conversations between characters about policy and political bias. When we start abusing those who voted for a particular person or party for being a monster, we miss the opportunity to hold open discussions and allow others to see how policy effects others, like the current conservative governments in western countries at the moment. We eradicate ignorance through education. It's such a great read Lauren, I think you'll really enjoy this one!

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  5. It's notable I think that the teens show more tolerance than anything of the people who are against them. That isn't easy to do in real life, so I am curious as to how the author pulls this off effectively.

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    1. I think social media inflates emotions as well, which is where we see most online activism these days. Even though they can't vote, teens are much more aware of social issues and injustice. The next generation of voters will become leaders one day and I have no doubt will change the world.

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  6. Lovely review Kelly :) I'm looking forward to reading this - I picked up a copy yesterday :)

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    1. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see what you think of it!

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  7. I like what you said about this one not being about the end result but about the journey. I’ve loved almost everything by Albertalli (though Leah on the Offbeat was a miss for me), and I’m so excited to try this one!

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  8. This book was one of my February Book of the Month picks and I can't wait to read it.I always have such good luck with Albertalli's books.

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